What tools do I need to build a dresser?

[m6z]

My wife could use a new dresser. We've looked off and on, but never purchased one. Around here, a decent 'mid grade' dresser is around $1,000-$1,400.

'mid grade'

"Featuring maple and birch solid wood construction, Centennial Solids represents the best value in American made solid wood furniture available today. All drawers are constructed with an ultra-smooth acrylic finish with piston activated whisper soft close guide system backed with a lifetime warranty."

examples

https://www.laurelmercantile.com/products/lmco-home-chest

What kind of tool and material costs would I be looking at to build something like that? My current tool set is automotive/DIY focused. I don't have any woodworking tools.

Is building something like this doable with a Dewalt job saw and a hand sander?

Edit: looks like I'd need a router of some sort too.

 

[fourbyford]

I'll begin by saying I've been butchering wood for more years than I care to think. I have a shop FULL of woodworking tools and machinery. Building furniture is a rewarding experience but, if you want to build a "high end" piece to save money, you may be on the wrong track.

First, quality hardwood, in most places, is expensive... unless you happen to live next door to someone with a mill. But, that creates the second problem... most hardwood is rough sawn. Now, you need a jointer and a planer... unless you're willing to spend countless hours hand planing. If you're handling wide boards, a table saw is a valuable addition to your shop. Depending on the joinery you plan to use, you'd need some sort of jig... ie: dovetails... or, plan to spend even more hours learning the process and hand cutting them. Then, you'll need clamps, abrasives, finishes and hardware... and quality hardware is very expensive.

Dont get me wrong... I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I've built countless projects throughout my life and I find it to be very rewarding. But, I learned long ago... I don't usually save a lot of money building things myself but i do get exactly what I want and the satisfaction of creating something with my own hands.

Watch a few you tube vids and judge for yourself. Look for vids from Frank Howarth. He is an awesome builder and explains things very well. Watching his vids, you'll get an idea of what YOU would need to do the job.

Best of luck to you... be sure to post up pics if you do build it!

...D

 

[nieuport17]

I would recommend you build something smaller to start.
First time building with expensive wood is going to be costly as you will make mistakes.

Look into Kreg jigs and circular saw to start with and build on that.

 

[Shiftless]

I would recommend you build something smaller to start.
First time building with expensive wood is going to be costly as you will make mistakes.

Look into Kreg jigs and circular saw to start with and build on that.

Excellent advice!
I have built a couple of cabinets some with drawers. I couldn’t have done it without a table saw.
I too would strongly suggest building something less complicated to start with. My first project was a bookcase. I don’t have many woodworking tools.
If I were you, I would just buy a dresser.

 

[rlitman]

I think this sums it up nicely.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

I'm going out on a limb here, and I could be way off base, but it doesn't sound like you have the skills to tackle this project quite yet. Buy the dresser and start with smaller projects to get your skills honed in. A jobsite saw is NOT where you want to start with this if at all possible. I do alright with my DW7491 jobsite saw, but the work arounds/sacrifices made to get to that point frankly aren't worth it. I don't save any space either, it's the same size as the Ridgid contractor saw.

That would still take me about a week to build assuming I had the stock on hand, acclimated, and wasn't doing anything else. Probably 4 rounds of glue ups since I'm limited on space and clamps.

 

[m6z]

Thanks for the feedback.

Ultimately, I'd like to build a couple of nightstands, a bookcase and a coffee table as well. I'll probably start with the bookcase.

I've done exterior trim work and other small stuff accomplished with a Dewalt chop saw. Nothing precision or interior quality though.

Decent stuff is pricey. Amish bookcase made out of pine was around $800 and I could easily spend that again on a nightstands.

 

[Shiftless]

Don’t ignore used furniture. At least around here, quality older pieces sell for less than the cost of the wood to build them. It isn’t hard to clean up existing finishes so that they look great! I’m not talking about completely stripping and refinishing. That is a skilled process as well.

Here’s an example from your home state. Solid mahogany. $125. Depending on your personal taste, you could easily change the handles to something more contemporary.

 

[Simplytodd]

Don’t ignore used furniture. At least around here, quality older pieces sell for less than the cost of the wood to build them.

This. I see used furniture all the time on Craigslist made of solid wood from the 70’s 80’s that is out of style. I have often thought of buying some of these pieces just to repurpose the lumber. I don’t know what your style is but I see MCM style furniture on Craigslist for the prices you would pay at a rooms to go style furniture. Same price just way better quality from a time when particle board was a rarity.

 

[SGKent]

Lots of mid century maple furniture available at very reasonable prices. Find a nice one you like, and refinish it. The first cabinet you build is not going to be the one you want - and the equipment to build it will cost you more than commissioning someone to build one for you. I took a whole household of maple furniture my parents had, commissioned a museum quality restoration and have about $10K in the whole set including shipping. You would think it is 1950 again when you see the items. We matched everything from the color to the finishes used. The guy who did it for me restores things for well known US museums. Think of how much skill went into building those items 70 years ago. You can't just go buy tools and instantly have journeyman skills at furniture building. Just reading the grain of the wood and how much it will warp with humidity is an art in itself.

 

[m6z]

I'm not opposed to buying used tables or bookcases. I'd rather buy new or build if it's going to have drawers though. You're only going to find quality drawer slides on modern production.

I'll do some more hunting for quality used stuff before I spend $1k or more on something new though. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places, but the vintage hardwood stuff around here is frequently priced higher than good quality new stuff.

 

[shelteredV]

Having been in the biz for a long time, I might be a little jaded because I have around a small fortune in machinery to build stuff. You sound like you want to do it right, so like others have said, start small and work your way into bigger stuff. Buy quality tools, and read some quality material on each subject. Good Luck.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

Having been in the biz for a long time, I might be a little jaded because I have around a small fortune in machinery to build stuff. You sound like you want to do it right, so like others have said, start small and work your way into bigger stuff. Buy quality tools, and read some quality material on each subject. Good Luck.

This is a good book on cabinets/furniture

 

[Dumber than lumber]

My wife could use a new dresser. We've looked off and on, but never purchased one. Around here, a decent 'mid grade' dresser is around $1,000-$1,400.

'mid grade'

"Featuring maple and birch solid wood construction, Centennial Solids represents the best value in American made solid wood furniture available today. All drawers are constructed with an ultra-smooth acrylic finish with piston activated whisper soft close guide system backed with a lifetime warranty."

examples

https://www.laurelmercantile.com/products/lmco-home-chest

What kind of tool and material costs would I be looking at to build something like that? My current tool set is automotive/DIY focused. I don't have any woodworking tools.

Is building something like this doable with a Dewalt job saw and a hand sander?

Edit: looks like I'd need a router of some sort too.

Here is an interesting fact. At least where we live you can't get a decent price for old furniture. it seems like Ikea and the "boards-in-a-box" products are what a lot of people buy.
Our kids have said that is how things are.
You can often find a few nice pieces for not very much money at "antique" stores, etc. And if you would be willing to restore or re-make some of those things you might surprised.
On the other hand, you could do what you propose with some basic tools. But remember, a poor craftsman blames his tools.

 

[lilredex]

You can do a lot with a handsaw, hand plane, some chisels and some sand paper.

But if this is a one time thing, just buy something used. There are lots of bargains at estate/garage sales etc. Or a consignment store like we have here, this is a high end store.

https://themillionairesdaughter.com...&amount2=&itemsortby=DESC&submit_range=Submit

 

[PFSard]

If I were in the market for quality furniture, I would hit estate sales (once the current environment changes more favorably). At least in this area, quality furniture goes for relatively cheap money.

 

[Kevin54]

If you don't know what tools you need to build a dresser, you sure as **** don't need to build a dresser. Just sayin'

 

[ford33]

Used furniture is cheap. Buy quality used from Craigslist or FBM and be done with it. People have estate sales and sell mom's stuff for nickles on the dollar. Be patient and you will find quality furniture posted.

Building furniture requires skills and practice you don't have yet. You will not be happy with your results if comparing your work to $1500 dressers. The cost in material, tools, time will far exceed $1500.

I encourage you to start woodworking with simple projects using Kreg fasteners to start with then develop your skills with simple wood items and book shelves or cabinets for the garage or basement.

Good luck and send us a picture of something you built.

 

[glentre]

Besides not having furniture building experience, have you thought about how to apply a quality finish to your project? Even if you end up with a nicely built dresser, you're not going to brush on a quality finish. That requires even more equipment besides what you would need to build it. I agree with others.........buy a quality used piece.

If you are really determined to do the build, search for a plan with materials, cut lists and instructions for a dresser you like so you can follow step by step on how to do it but also what tools you will need to complete the project.

Glen

 

[Bab029]

I have done a lot with a simple table saw and a Kreg jig. If you want to build it you’ll figure it out, and waste a lot of material along the way. But it may not be as ornate as something you can buy. Luckily, my wife is into the “modern farmhouse” thing, which lends itself to strong lines and simple joinery.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Don’t ignore used furniture. At least around here, quality older pieces sell for less than the cost of the wood to build them. It isn’t hard to clean up existing finishes so that they look great! I’m not talking about completely stripping and refinishing. That is a skilled process as well.

Here’s an example from your home state. Solid mahogany. $125. Depending on your personal taste, you could easily change the handles to something more contemporary.

Ditto. Look for some good quality older pieces. And practice your finishing skills on them first.

New finish, some quality knobs and handles will put you way ahead money wise.

 

[mc4life27]

My wife could use a new dresser. We've looked off and on, but never purchased one. Around here, a decent 'mid grade' dresser is around $1,000-$1,400.

'mid grade'

"Featuring maple and birch solid wood construction, Centennial Solids represents the best value in American made solid wood furniture available today. All drawers are constructed with an ultra-smooth acrylic finish with piston activated whisper soft close guide system backed with a lifetime warranty."

examples

https://www.laurelmercantile.com/products/lmco-home-chest

What kind of tool and material costs would I be looking at to build something like that? My current tool set is automotive/DIY focused. I don't have any woodworking tools.

Is building something like this doable with a Dewalt job saw and a hand sander?

Edit: looks like I'd need a router of some sort too.

Not trying to be the negative one and not trying to tell you to try and start a new hobby but the fact that your asking these questions and with the way you’re even asking I would have to say your most likely better off buying your wife what she wants and either start out with small items or just leave it to the professionals. You get what you pay for in this world and when it comes to high end wood work your paying for the craftsmanship. Most of the time the person selling the goods is just breaking even or just making a little for his knowledge. Plus most wood works don’t get into high end wood work to get rich they do it for the love of the hobby. It takes years to make good furniture and in the end they are art pieces. Just building a nice quality cabinet with nothing fancy but with a drawer and a swing door and having everything line up right and function nicely takes skill. Try making just a little side table out of say some birch wood and see how it turns out. Plus on top of just the fit and quality you also have just the finish to even worry about witch take another set of skills that takes years to even get a good knowledge of it. A lot of woodworms don’t even finish their items them selfs other than just basic strains. They have a master paint finish them. There’s a reason why good furniture cost a lot of money it’s not just because they feel it’s worth more it’s because people can see it’s worth more and people will never be able to under stand the amount of time that goes into until they build it them selves. So the just the quality has to show the value in it or people willing to pay for it. So unless you want to have a Pissed off wife because years go by an she still doesn’t have what she wants I say leave it to the professionals.


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[niget2002]

If you're looking for a new hobby, then I say start small and work your way up in both tools and projects.

If you think you're going to build a dresser like that starting with nothing for less than the cost of the dresser you posted, then I think you're nuts.

You typically don't start woodworking with a nice piece of furniture. You start by building a decent bookcase from cheap pine.

I have a full shop and we still bought our bedroom set. As much as I wanted to build it, the time and cost for me to do so just didn't add up.

I did build my kid's bassinet, and I do plan to build my son's next bed.

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

 

[wozz]

Lots of good staring points on this site that are beginner friendly.

https://ana-white.com/

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Join a wood working club. They generally have lots of plans and other resources. You might even find an individual who will take you under his wing and mentor you or at least give you some guidance on your projects.

 

[HotrodHR]

Like miss the pontiacs said join a woodworking club. Also, when the Covid-19 pandemic is behind look at taking a wood working class or two at your local community college. Some school districts that have high school shop classes may offer some classes, usually very cheap.

In the meantime, start reading book, surf the web and watch a bunch of videos. I'm not a woodworker but I have a friend that is... there's at lot to learn but it takes doing it at some point.

 

[Shiftless]

There is a great woodworking thread right here on GJ.

Over 6000 posts. Happy reading!

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344153&page=330

 

[jmarkwolf]

If you don't know what tools you need to build a dresser, you sure as **** don't need to build a dresser. Just sayin'

Well said.

And wood working forums would be better suited to such an inquiry besides one for gear heads.

 

[nutjob]

Check out Norm.

The New Yankee website has plans and videos you can get. The Chest of Drawers episode is online. Look under season 1

https://www.newyankee.com/product/chest-of-drawers/

Kevin

 

[m6z]

I would have to say your most likely better off buying your wife what she wants and either start out with small items or just leave it to the professionals. . So unless you want to have a Pissed off wife because years go by an she still doesn’t have what she wants I say leave it to the professionals.
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Well said. If I'm honest with myself, I don't have the time for such a project right now anyways, so I shouldn't spend a bunch of money on woodworking tools. Esp. when I could buy her what she wants now for less than the cost of the tools.

 

[Slednut]

I don't know what the OPs ability is but the first thing I ever built was an entertainment center years ago. I did it with a little direct drive table saw, router and a biscuit joiner.

I now have a lot more tools and a nice table saw.

I've built quit a few pieces of furniture that aren't fancy but they did save me not a lot but some money. You can't count labor.

 

[double-d]

If you don't know what tools you need to build a dresser, you sure as **** don't need to build a dresser. J

This ^

 

[ez-duzit]

...a decent 'mid grade' dresser is around $1,000-$1,400...
examples

https://www.laurelmercantile.com/products/lmco-home-chest

What kind of tool and material costs would I be looking at to build something like that?...

No amount of money spent on tools would allow an inexperienced woodworker to produce a $1400 dresser as a first project.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Suggestion about New Yankee Workshop is a good idea.
There used to be an outfit named The Bartley Collection. They sold kits of very lovely pieces of furniture. You could specify cherry or walnut for most items. You had to do the glueing, assembly and minor sanding, apply finish, etc. They had been on my radar for a long time.
I think they closed up over 10 years ago.

 

[Lassen Forge]

There's a company called BayneBox that does kits like Bartley used to make...

https://baynebox.com