[woodnthings]

Just wondering if anybody has any experience building drawers without slides, that can point out pitfalls, and maybe limits of the concept. Adequately thick plywood I think would be plenty strong, but I imagine much weight in the drawers and they would become hard to move.

Yes, this cabinet top with two large drawers, used no drawer slides.
I simply used Formica strips glued to the drawer edges as friction "free" slides and wax makes them slide more freely.

 

[woodnthings]

The difficulty and functionality depends on if you make full extension slides or not. I've made numerous sets of full extension slides for use in the shop using a design I got from Wood or Fine Woodworking (don't remember which) some years ago. They have worked great for many years. Just keep them waxed. They are mostly made from oak, but can be any species. Plywood will work it it is good quality. I watched a video yesterday about a different method using good quality plywood, but could use hard wood. This method requires making some slots that would be best done using a router.

I wouldn't trust plywood to last a "lifetime" like a hardwood may.
The inner layers aren't made from the hardest wood.
The hardwood veneer is so thin, it won't wear well either.
I used MDF and used the HPL or Formica scraps from the top as wear runners.
I waxed them and add new wax occasionally.
They slide well with considerable weight.

 

[woodnthings]

Great idea.

Whether you add UHMV or Formica depends on how wide the drawers are and how much weight they will carry.
For shop and tool situations, add the plastic runners.
For dressers and most furniture, they're probably not necessary, but they won't show and will last forever.