Help with Dresser Design

[snichols]

I’m soliciting help on a design I already know to be less than ideal. Let’s not hash out the past as this is the first time I’ve ever attempted a chest of drawers. If, and when, I build another one I’ll do it completely differently.  But for now I’m ready to glue up the carcase and I have one problem: the dust frames are sagging. I think I know why (1/2” plywood) but I can’t really handle a huge design change at this point.

I attached a is a diagram (sorry for the poor quality) along with some descriptions of the construction.

Questions:
1. Should I install ½ plywood “drawer dividers  from the front stiles to the back panel? Or do you think using the pocket holes and glue to the back panel will suffice?

2.   Should I try to install a bottom web frame now or wait until I have the carcase glued up? I was going to make another web and just use glue and pocket screws to attach it from the bottom.

Now that I have these thoughts down I think this will help me to with the glue up. I can glue up the interior of the carcase and get everything square. Then I can take off the sides and glue into the dados and mortise and tenon joints.

Please let me know your thoughts or if you have any clarifying questions.

Thanks in advance for the help.

-Shawn