I looked close at how the drawer backs were fastened – multiple small crown staples, well sunk, no glue. I could try prying out all the little staples. But that might damage the drawer sides more than I want. How about if I cut the whole thing off on the table saw? Lose ½” in length? That’s quite acceptable. Or is it?
I wandered into the house, drawer in hand. Hey Babe? What are the longest things you’ll be putting in here? She said, “spatula, tongs”. “Like these?” I started pulling cooking utensils out of her kitchen drawers and seeing how well they fit. “Probably the smaller ones”, she said. Bingo! Plenty of room.
Back in the garage I made a double pass cut on the table saw, leaving me with this.
Then I took new measurements and cut some drawer backs on the saw. Here’s how they fit.
I ran some wood glue along three sides of the new backs and stapled them in place.
While the drawers had been apart, I did a thorough sanding with 60 grit on all surfaces and edges. They’ll receive the standard stain and poly treatment. Of course they aren't “fine furniture” quality, but they’ll be showcase quality none-the-less. With everything else receiving finish it only makes sense to pull open a drawer and see it has finish too, especially inside. We want sanitary and easy to clean drawers without depending on contact paper and no-skid rubber sheeting. Okay so we may put no-skid in SOME places. :)
Then I positioned the galley sink back on the test counter boards and looked in to see where to make the drawer back cut-out.
Looks like the cut-out should extend just to the right of center. I made the marks with a square and added the curve using the bottom edge of a rounded object, as I like the round look better than the original 90 degree cut used from the factory. Okay so if you look close it was more of a 92 degree cut, but hey, it is the BACK of the drawer; never gets seen right? That’s no excuse for slop. Now working too fast because Onie’s looking over your shoulder - well that’s another matter. What time is it? 4:30? Hey Onie!
Oh yeah, that’s a nice fit.
Now looking from behind the drawers, the space available here for the galley sink drain pipe is just a little bit more space than what is available behind the range, but quite close. I expect I’ll be able to make the drain line run just below the upper drawer guide.
Now looking at the setup as a whole, I noticed the right sink drain connection is a little close to the drawer. I may have to shift the sink to the left somewhat. That would make my larger drawer cutout a little premature, but oh well, such is the life of a shade-tree engineer. And just think of all the time I've saved staying away from the drafts table!
You’ll also note, on the left is the city water hookup – to its right is the double connection of the exterior hot/cold spray port.
This next view is looking at the drain connection area at about a 45 degree angle, one connection design I’m considering. That would use a 45 degree elbow instead of a straight in shot or a 90 degree elbow. The vision is becoming clearer.
What I’m feeling here is a compact, well organized, extremely functional galley coming together. No surprises and everything easy to get to.
DW thinks it has more space and greater function than our 2013 Komfort TT with the rear kitchen layout. Most of its counter space is way back in the corner behind the sink! And the factory sealed counter top seam at the right rear of the range has already failed and the particle board is swelling. And we’re VERY careful with water on the countertop, but they’re supposed to get wet sometimes right? Of course it lasted the one year warranty period, like our expensive french-door fridge. Now don’t get me started on Kenmore! Buy a Kitchen Aid instead. It seems these days, manufacturer warranties on “durable goods” are much more important than the average buyer thinks. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
