Osborne Builder's Studio: Jewelry Armoire

Mill the lumber, then glue the panels together. Be sure to keep track of glue line orientation.

While the panels are drying, begin working on skirt boards. Use dowels to attach the skirt boards to the Queen Anne feet. Make corresponding marks on each piece to line them up properly. Use a dowel jig and drill bit to create holes for the dowels. Transfer the same marks to the Queen Anne feet by using a straight edge.

Add pocket holes to the back side of the skirt board to strengthen the corners of the base. Add wood glue to the dowel holes and secure the corners using a wood screw.

Once the base is assembled, remove the panels from the clamps to bring them down to their final dimensions. Now attach the base to the bottom panel and make sure to measure for proper overhangs. 

Next, cut out the back panel using 1/2" plywood. This will be attached to the sides using a 1/2" rabbet. Measure out the rabbets and cut them using a router. Add wood glue to the rabbets and insert the back panel then secure with a nail/staple.

Start assembling the outer face frame and make sure the assembly is square before adding middle rails. To attach the frame, use a pocket hole along the back edge. Make sure to space out the middle rails evenly for the drawers. Once marked, clamp them into place and attach using the same pocket hole method.

Install the face frame onto the front side using wood glue. Cut a plywood bottom for the cabinet to make it easier to attach the base. Now that the halves are assembled, attach them together using wood screws through the plywood base.

To assemble the drawers, use ½” plywood for the sides, and ¼” for the bottom. Add a ¼” groove along the bottom edge that will accept the bottom panel by making two passes for each board with the table saw depth of ¼”. To assemble, add wood glue to each notch and attach at the corners using a brad nailer.

Next, install the drawer slides. Be sure to sand these pieces to avoid friction. Install one rail in the middle of the drawer box that will fit between two rails on the inside of the cabinet. Place the drawer assembly into its space and use spacers at the bottom to keep the drawer centered. Make a mark where the rail meets the face frame to add the top and bottom rails to the interior. Once the bottom rails are installed and the drawer fits properly, install the top rail, leaving a gap of 1/16th of an inch.

Create the drawer faces by using the leftover wood. Cut them down to their final length and run them through a planer. The drawer boxes will install in the center of the drawer face, so be sure to measure for even overhangs on all sides. Next, install the knobs to the center of the drawer face.

After a test fit, center the top and install a 12" brass piano hinge. Mark the location for the hinge on the top and route a channel that is the same thickness as the hinge. Insert the piano hinge into the channel and install using the supplied screws.

For the last step, add some wooden drawer stops along the back edge of the face frame. Now that project is assembled, sand everything to 150 grit, and add a coat of finish. Your project is complete!