CNC Dovetail Drawers – Fully Customizable Design & Toolpaths with FreeCAD CAM
Want to mill professional dovetail drawers on your CNC — without expensive CAM software?
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to design, model, and generate precise G-code for fully parametric dovetail drawers using only FreeCAD CAM, a free and open-source CAD/CAM tool.
This step-by-step workflow shows how to create a fully adjustable drawer design — perfect for furniture, cabinetry, and custom storage projects — that automatically adapts to any dimension or variable you change.
What you’ll learn:
How to create and use VarSets (variable sets) in FreeCAD 1.0
Model parametric dovetail joints and panels that update automatically
Prepare CNC toolpaths for pocketing and dovetail operations
Export G-code ready for any CNC machine
Troubleshoot parametric updates and refine CAM workflows
Whether you’re a beginner hobby maker or experienced CNC professional, this project shows how to build smart, reusable models and generate reliable G-code — all using free software.
Master parametric modeling and automation with FreeCAD CAM. Learn how to create dynamic CNC designs that adapt automatically:
FreeCAD CAM Parametric CNC Projects & G-Code Workflows: • FreeCAD CAM Parametric CNC Projects & G-Co...
From design to production — follow complete real-world CNC projects that teach toolpath creation, feeds & speeds, and precise G-code generation:
CNC CAD to G-Code Workflow – Real Projects & CAM Tutorials: FreeCAD) • CNC CAD to G-Code Workflow – Real Projects...
Enhance your pocketing and adaptive milling skills — perfect preparation for dovetail and joinery projects like this one.
CNC Pockets – Cut Holes & Cavities in FreeCAD 1.0 CAM | Pocket, Helix & Adaptive Toolpaths Tutorial: • CNC Pockets – Cut Holes & Cavities in Free...
CNC Pocket Machining – FreeCAD Ep.4 | CAM Pocket Operation Tutorial: • CNC Pocket Machining – FreeCAD Ep.4 | CAM ...
00:00 Overview: Parametric modeling & G-code workflow (free file on Patreon)
01:07 Creating and using VarSets (variable sets) in FreeCAD 1.0
04:22 Modeling the front panel with parameters
06:08 Positioning the front panel with variables
07:10 Creating and positioning the left side panel with variables
09:21 Cloning and placing the right side panel
11:10 Modeling and positioning the back panel
12:30 Adding and placing the bottom panel
15:44 Sketching & pocketing the dovetail joints parametrically
21:43 Multiplying dovetail pockets with multitransform
24:40 Mirroring dovetails using datum planes
28:38 Matching panels with clones and Boolean operations
30:21 Creating matching bottom pockets
31:36 Solving parametric update issues
33:39 Creating a CNC job with multiple parametric positions
34:45 First pocket operation for the drawer channel
36:44 Testing origin stability with variable changes
37:43 Pocketing dovetails (second position)
39:59 Third position: generating final dovetail toolpaths
41:52 Extending toolpaths for clean open-edge cuts
43:33 Exporting separate G-code files
44:06 Adjusting datum plane to prevent chip-out
46:58 Setting up the cutting workflow for drawer sides
47:30 Parametric rotation and positioning of sides
48:46 Generating toolpaths for dovetails and channels
54:38 Milling the dovetail drawer on the CNC and assembling the parts (project file available on Patreon)
If you want to support me, you can become a member of my channel, buy a super thanks, or subscribe to my Patreon page. You can also buy a one time support through the following links:
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Thanks ($3):
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