How to Build Desk Hutch Shelves

Rip 32 inches of 1/2-inch-thick pine to 6-5/8 inches wide. Cut one piece to 7-5/8 inches to make the drawer front (L), two pieces to 8-1/2 inches for the sides (M), and one piece to 6-5/8 inches for the back (N). Rip the back down to 6-1/8 inches.

Set your table saw blade height to 1/4 inch. Set the fence 1/4 inch from the blade and cut a groove along the bottom inside edges of the front and sides. Run the ends of the drawer fronts against the fence to cut a dado from top to bottom.

Reset the fence so the outside of the blade is 1/2 inch from the fence. Run the pieces through again to widen the grooves and dadoes to 1/4 inch.

Lay out a line on the top edge of each sidepiece 1/4 inch from the front end. Put a sidepiece against the miter gauge, align the blade to the line, and cut a groove. Move the piece and make another pass to remove the rest of the waste and create a 1/4-inch rabbet 1/4 inch deep.

Apply glue to the ends of the back and attach it between the sides with four 4d finishing nails into each side. Apply glue in the dadoes in the drawer-front ends and on the rabbets in the sides. Assemble these joints with clamps. Check for square.

Cut 1/4-inch plywood to 7-1/16 inches by 8-7/16 inches. Slide it into the grooves in the sides and front and nail it to the bottom with four 1-inch brads. It will be slightly loose to ease assembly and allow for wood movement. Don't use glue.

Add a knob to the front or drill a 1-inch diameter finger hole as shown. Sand all the edges of the shelf and the finger hole.

To set the height of your table saw blade, first set your combination square to the height you need -- in this case 1/4 inch. Then crouch down so the saw table is at eye level and raise the blade until the topmost tooth touches the body of the square. Make a test cut and use the square to check the groove depth.