The fast and easy half-half-half drawer construction method

Why don't more people do this? You can batch out a pile of drawers in minutes!
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[@mychalevenson7710]

Quick reminder of fraction math. To divide a fraction by 2, double the bottom number (denominator). For example to calculate one-half of 1/2, multiply the 2 at the bottom to get 1/4. One half of 9/16, multiply the 16 at the bottom to get 9/32.

[@cyberjohn44]

3 years later and still a excellent video.

[@ericrackley3218]

Running boards on end through the table saw can be a dangerous process...especially without a really good zero clearance plate. For the ends and bottoms (rabbets), I use a sacrificial fence right up to the blade. As long as the sacrificial fence is HALF the width of your work piece you don't even have to measure. With this method you can run pieces through on their face to create the rabbet instead of on end. That will help keep you fingers from becoming Stumpy Nubs.

[@BeholderThe1st]

I've found that if you do multiple drawers of similar width and depth, you can run larger pieces of wood through the saw to cut the dado and rabbet for multiple drawers at once. Then, you can just cut off the heights you need and run the groove in for the bottom in the individual drawer faces after. This allows you to manipulate larger pieces on the table saw for better support. This is also useful when the bottom has to be set at a specific distance, i.e. for undermount slides that might not respect the 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 of this method.

[@Rossco242424]

dang great tip!

[@y2kroxy]

I’m embarking installing kitchen cabinet pullout drawers/shelves with under mount slides. This will definitely be a time saver.

[@TheBlueMuzzy]

The best part of this video is when you explain the dangers of using the tablesaw with vertical boards. Showing options for how to get the job done while minimizing the dangers is key. Thanks for this!

[@roofermarc1]

I use my radial arm saw for this other than the grooved bottom, I don't rip with it. I use a spacer against the stop to cut the drawer front. You don't have to stand these up on edge even on a table saw using a removable spacer! Great video all the same.

[@bobholt9246]

Stumpy - I seldom comment, however this video deserves a thumbs up. That is by far the best explanation / tutorial I've ever seen regarding this process! WELL DONE!!

[@felixreali7101]

agree

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

*Every* video of Stumpy Nubs deserves a thumbs up.

[@Bob_H]

Thanks! I have now used this method for 3 shop cabinets and it works great. Please note plywood, even from the same stack is not always the same thickness. So I always cut all the sides of a drawer from the same sheet of ply.

[@markmcmullen7402]

WOW!!! How many vids & PBS shows have I seen this process shown but never retained the knowledge? OK, maybe part is the failing memory of an old man but your explanation of half-half-half will be embedded in my brain now Thanks, James!!!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Exactly! 1/2-1/2-1/2 makes much more sense to my mind as well. I mean, who always works with 1/2 inch material? That's a lot of extra thickness-planing and wasted wood if you're using real wood, and a better chance of warping if you're using modern poorly made plywood products.

[@Tito1984]

Wonderful one setup process. As a home repair mechanic, I see lots of factory drawer box failures in kitchen drawers. The design of this method if glued up correctly would be bomber. However, the forces of opening a heavy and or sticky drawer pull in the same direction line as the glue slot. Also a 1/4" or half the thickness of plywood remaining at the end may delaminate with repeated forces. Seems that a couple of brad nails on the sides of the front would help reinforce the setup. Copious glue on the front joints might help too. Thanks for another terrific video.

[@tomgerman1484]

Thanks for demonstrating this. I’ll never do it differently after how easy I found this to do. One critique that threw me for a second: your animation show the assembly finishing by sliding down a front/back piece, which had me questioning the dimensions of the drawer bottom for clearance. In reality, I figured out that you put a side on last and it presses into place.

[@ShaneBrogan]

Perfect timing, I was just going start a project needing a bunch of drawers.

[@TonyBullard]

Conversely, I just struggled with a few drawers LAST week...

[@JoshuaKuntz57]

I know I'm really late to the party here, but I just made my first set of this style of drawer this weekend. One thing I ran into that may help other people (and that I have not seen on any of the explanation videos) is... You really need to be precise when cutting your pieces to length before cutting the rabbets and dados, especially your bottom panels. If you can use all the same stops on a cross cut sled or something like that, you will probably get the best results. I don't have a cross cut setup, so I cut my sides to length on the miter saw, and bottom panels on the table saw. My drawers would not go together, because the bottom panels were almost an 1/8th too long. So I had to reset my table saw up to rip them down, reset the the dado blade up, and recut 1 dado on each of my 4 drawer bottoms. Not the end of the world, but it was enough to make me walk away from the project for the day!

[@RockyTopSplash]

I've probably commented this exact comment 10 times on your channel, so what's one more? I cant tell you how much I love these videos. So well put together. Unbelievably informative. Just a great way to spend spare time watching something useful. BTW.. I hardly do any wood working projects... but if I was going to, man your teachings would be GOLD. Keep up the awesome work

[@AB-nu5we]

Timing couldn't be better. Just getting ready to batch out a bunch of 1/2 inch and 3/4 drawers. Can't wait to try it.

[@davidmcmichael8113]

To all who have watched various demonstrations of draw assembly. This is by far the best video out there. This method is easy, it’s strong, and the most efficient method to a mechanical wood joint. Thank You James.

[@LauraKelsh]

Stumpy, every time I ned to make drawers and can't quite put my finger on how to do it, this is the video I come looking for. EVERY TIME.

[@coreymatheson4132]

I use that joint almost exclusively for drawers. Strong, quick, and easy. You did an awesome job explaining the process! The same set up can be done on the router table too, but then there is the noise and mess.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Dust collection is imperative if doing this on a router table. Try a relief cut down the middle of the grooves on the table saw first, it really does save time and wear on router bits, and improves accuracy on the router table as well.

[@Aaron-P]

I love this method!! It ruins the "one set-up" advantage, but if one is *at all* squeamish about rabbeting the bottoms on edge, you can also dado all the sides first, then move your fence & add a sacrificial edge to allow you to rabbet the bottoms flat. Still get the excellent, simple, and strong joinery with one blade set-up and two fence set-ups, plus it's much safer for the novices. 😎👍

[@dagrynch]

I prefer doing it this way. Extra steps but if you're making a shallow drawer the sides are narrow and cutting them on edge is sketchy. More so if you don't have a zero clearance insert for that setup

[@asuhayda1]

So glad I found this video! I just watched Bob Katz demonstrate the quarter-quarter-quarter method but then got discouraged when I found out it would only work for plywood (or any material) that is actually 3/4" thick. Thank you for breaking this down so that I can still use this easy method of building drawers!

[@paulblair260]

Besides being a master craftsman, you are a master teacher. Well done video!

[@ikust007]

I agree : he is a born teacher .

[@ceciliaohman185]

I'm agree! Excellent

[@troybayham5723]

I have been waiting for a better explanation on this process. Thank you. Going to give it a shot on my next set of drawer. Dovetails are too much work for me....

[@Idahoanghost]

Great video. Thank you, James!

[@featherboards1565]

I've heard tell of this one-setup method but hadn't seen it demonstrated so crystal clearly. Your timing is perfect since I'm planning to make drawers using this method very soon. 👍🏼

[@zaqmko0]

Yeah, what @Featherboards said.

[@porthose2002]

This is video is definitely one to save for me. Very helpful!

[@richragan4810]

James you're MORE AMAZING than the Ridge Carbide blades!!!! This video BEATS ALL THE OTHERS BY FAR on lock joint drawers!!!! But that is the way ALL your videos are!!! You are an INVALUABLE resource for intermediate woodworkers like me!!! I wish I culd pay you for all the woodworking ways you've taught me!! Guess I can just say THANK YOU JAMES!!!!

[@ericrickert3045]

As usual, your videos are well done and have value. Thanks!

[@AM-ll4vd]

Excellent vid, as always clear, concise, and entertaining.

[@trcmf]

This has to be the absolute most useful cabinet video I have ever seen. One to save to later and to share now.

[@OriginalMomo]

Amazingly simple once explained. Thank you.

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

That looks simple enough that I can try myself! Thanks a lot!

[@PBS-nm1uu]

you make it all so simple, love all your videos.

[@pattyofurniture100]

I always love these videos where I learn a quick and easy way to make a great joint that speeds up production!!

[@cuervo28208]

Whoa, half half half. That makes so much sense! Thanks for making this video!

[@richardkunicki5684]

Great, love the 1 set up. You are a very knowledgeable guy!

[@kl5090]

Excellent explanation! Concise and thorough!

[@JustinMorrison]

I love this sooooo much-thank you Stumpy!!

[@jodymontez693]

Thanks for your knowledge. Great video!🌳🌲

[@alanreynolds2287]

I just constructed 4 drawers for an antique dresser in about 1.5 hours! AWESOME! Thanks so much!

[@edwardhappe802]

Thank you so much for the descriptions and visuals to the half-half-half. You just made things so much easier for me. :-)

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Good job! Easy to understand. I will be referring to this video when I get around to making drawers

[@nobuckle40]

Your method makes sense. Thanks for the thorough explanation.

[@Randidly1]

One of your best videos imo

[@duane20]

Excellent video. Makes sense in so many ways. Thank you for the safety discussion as well, too often overlooked.

[@thesheneman]

Thank you for this quick tip on box joinery. Just used it today on some drawer boxes!

[@muhammadaamir9047]

Love the way you explain the things. Simple, straight forward

[@myownspiritlevel]

Got my wood planed down to 5/8” (for blumotion glides). Now to review half and half drawers. I don’t want to be here all day. Ah, very nice explanation. Thanks! Back to the shop.

[@danieldewit7809]

So patient and well demonstrated! Thanks for putting your knowledge on the internet

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great video. Great description. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrissimonton9939]

This may be the coolest thing I've seen when it comes to making drawers! Thank you!

[@lazarjovic9948]

Great video, especially love the safety tips at the end! Usually tutorials don't have safety tips like that

[@aaronfurner8125]

Enjoyed this video. Simplifying what many would deem complicated. Thanks

[@volatilesky]

This and your finger joint videos are the most concise and clear I've been able to find, I'll be giving both these methods a try in the next few days for making fancy boxes and a bunch of road cases, thank you!

[@kristophermarsh9400]

Good video, good topic, entertaining and educational as usual. Thank you

[@xzytqweo3538]

Excellent tutorial! Will do my drawers like that!

[@gregj2647]

Great timing. I’m need to build a bunch of draws and will definitely use this method. 👍

[@MikeJowsey]

Thanks Stumpy! Makes it easy, even in metric.

[@cecilj9021]

Great idea - can't wait to try it out !

[@BizarroIsNo123]

As a beginner this is an awesome idea and thank you so much!

[@johnnyb95678]

Jim, thank you for another amazing clear and safety driven approach. Thank you!

[@jasonthomas1760]

Awesome tutorial as always my friend.

[@healthballnut]

Thanks, just the info I needed for my next project.

[@explorebc4x481]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@bitemyram]

God buddy! Your videos are so good and fantastically helpful 👍🏻👍🏻🏆

[@steveszabo7305]

Nicely done video. Clear simple explanation. Thank You.

[@TheSkiggly]

Simple and easy to understand explanations are always found in your videos.

[@suearmstrong3404]

That is fantastic! What a great easy way to make drawers! Thank you so much for this tip, I agree with Paul B., you are a great teacher!!

[@thomasbrown2650]

I enjoy your instruction- very intelligent yet simple 👍

[@lateralus411]

I've been experimenting with some different drawer methods and I love the simplicity and efficiency of this technique. Heading out to the shop now to try this out. Thanks!

[@jlh5995]

Hey James, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to produce this excellent tutorial on making drawers with a dado blade and the one-step setup. Also, many thanks for including SAFETY issues regarding this setup.

[@hizo64HH]

This was such an awesome video, thank you!

[@lincolndickerson1293]

As always you are clear, concise and complete. Keep up the great work!

[@giannisozo7928]

This is awesome! Never heard of this set up before.

[@mothman-jz8ug]

So clear even I can understand it. Well done!

[@edreusser4741]

I have watched this a couple of times. I will undoubtedly watch it again. Thanks.

[@quadsquadracingable]

Absolutely great information!! Thanks

[@harrykingsley2585]

What a great explanation of half-half-half. I HAVE to try this with my new dado set. Thank you.

[@bradsoulchin5334]

You have impeccable timing sir! The day you posted this video, I just measured for a project that is just 2 units of drawers for a desk. When I came home I saw the notification for your video and watched it.

[@lauramarshall6376]

This was an awesome video. Makes the process SO clear. Thanks for all the great videos. This here newbie is learning a lot from you.

[@tomgill6445]

This is one of the best WW tips I have ever seen! I just made a bunch of drawers and this tip worked great. Saves lots of time.

[@freddyreal2225]

Excellent video and explanation. Best I've ever watched.

[@onecarwood]

Love this video. For shop drawers I never use dados but this is so simple there is no reason not to!

[@romansone16radio39]

Truly great. This will be my method going forward

[@terristroh3965]

OMG! You simplified the process while providing enough detail for accuracy and safety! Amazing!

[@toonybrain]

Very clear, organized, and helpful information. Wonderful video.

[@rodjacksn]

Hey Stumpy 😀 !! I love your clearly explained, analytical and practical approach to things !!! Once again, an outstanding video ✌️!!!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video James! This is the best instruction on building drawers that I've ever seen. Thank you so much! 👍

[@DW-ph2xg]

Triple 1/2 is a perfect name for this method of making drawers. 👍🏻

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for such great video. I am new to woodworking and this was very clear. Thanks

[@craigtwet]

Thank you , very useful lesson and well presented

[@mikeromeo922]

I really appreciate the advice on working safely, greetings from Argentina

[@grahamrankin4725]

Definitely I will try this for my first drawer build.

[@laszlodesimon4768]

Wow! So grateful to find your channel on You Tube. What a well done video of explicitly explained steps! Thank you.

[@SethCorbinMusic]

This is incredibly helpful and efficient. Thank you nubs, your stumpiness has proven resourceful yet again.

[@williamellis8993]

Great info, James. Thanks!

[@thehazelnutspread]

Very well explained with diagrams too. Good job

[@jim7smith]

As always, Stumpy, you articulate the task so well, be it complicated or simple, or a combination of the two. Well done! Also, love the description, works for any thickness of stock.

[@kevinbowker2385]

Thank you, James!

[@br31woodlands69]

Pro at his best. Thank you.

[@stevesanford7524]

Thank you Stumpy for this video, I was looking for a method to make drawers that had some joinery for added strength. This is the method I will adapt! Keep up the great videos!