Cherry Wardrobe

Completed December 1990. This cherry wardrobe is inspired by some pieces I saw featured in Fine Woodworking. Interior parts and drawer sides are of poplar. All drawers are half-blind dovetailed with a Leigh dovetail jig. The interior drawer frames are assembles with mortise and tenon joints. The frames attach to the case sides with glue at the leading quarter of the joint and then screws in elongated holes to allow wood expansion and contraction with humidity changes. I installed a simple drawer guide system that allows one to close a drawer by pushing only on the far edge.

Design Note: My late wife decided to have just one fixed shelf against my recommendation to build two adjustable shelves. I was right; sweaters only stack so high before tipping over.

Maintenance Note: I hadn’t looked a the drawers in a while. Note the rubbing on the left edge of the drawer that is removed. I found a build-up of finish on the leading edge of the drawer frame. Over the years that had eaten away at the bottom of the drawer. Poplar isn’t the strongest wood. Keep the tracks clean and wax them once in a while I guess.

Finishing Note: I used shellac for the interior portions of this wardrobe. That was a tremendous move. It dries quickly and the smell dissipates much quicker than an oil finish. I continue to use that method with great success. Not many people want their clothes (and therefore themselves) like boiled linseed oil!

-- Mark, Florida