CPU-Base Bookshelf with Drawer

Attach the sides to the bottom footer pieces with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, hidden on the inside faces.

Set the bottom shelf on the footer pieces and attach — pocket holes work well, and reinforcing with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue into the footers adds extra hold.

Build the divider panel separately with pocket holes, position it inside the cabinet, then attach to the side with glue and finish nails.

Attach the 1x2 top rails across the upper portion of the cabinet with pocket holes — these tie the case together and give a shared desk countertop something to screw into later.

Measure the actual interior opening for the drawer, and build the drawer box about 1" narrower than that measurement. Install it into the base with the drawer slides, keeping a 3/4" gap at the front to allow room for the drawer face.

Attach the drawer face with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue, then add a couple of screws from inside the drawer box for extra hold — a face that's grabbed daily benefits from more than nails alone. If you're installing hardware, it's easier to attach the knob or handle before mounting the face to the drawer.