With the base assembled, the next step is to fit the drawers of the stand-up desk. This is accomplished in at least three steps: 1- ensuring a perfectly flat surface of the sides on the dust cover; 2-adjust the width of each drawer such that they fit perfectly, without binding; 3-adjust the reveal around the perimeter of the drawer front.

It is sensible to start by ensuring that the drawers are perfectly flat on the dust cover; if the drawer rocks in any way, it means two corners are low. The trick is to define which sections of the drawer sides must be planed, to get to the sides perfectly flat on the dust cover. To do this I use a hand plane, checking for flatness every few strokes. The following photo shows the amount of shavings after adjusting the bottoms on three drawers:

Getting drawers flat.

Once a drawer is perfectly flat on the dust cover, and the sides fit the opening nicely, it is time to adjust the drawer front to get a perfect reveal around the perimeter. Again, a hand plane is key to accomplish this:

Adjusting reveal on the drawer front.

With all four drawers laying perfectly flat on the dust cover, this shot will remind me of the work required to get to this point. The drawer fronts still need a little flattening, but it is now a close fit:

Overhead shot of drawers.

At least two of the drawers still need a little work to leave a perfect reveal – can you tell which ones need this in the following photo?

Front view of desk.

This is a wonderful part of the project, as it is the little details that will make a great piece. Little by little I am getting there.

— Al Navas