"How thick would case sides typically be for this type furniture (cockbeaded four drawer chest)?
How wide would cockbeading typically be?
How much would cockbead project?"
JD -
Hmm - I suspect you'd find existing pieces that are all over the map within a fairly narrowly defined range for those questions. For example, the case side thickness would vary between an absolute minimum of 1/2" to perhaps an absolute maximum of 1", with all sizes in between. The thickness would, of course, be somewhat dependent on the size of the piece. Most often, I see case sides on "normal sized" furniture in the 5/8" to 7/8" range.
As to the size of cockbeading, again, it varies with the size of the piece and the original cabinetmaker's training and preferences. I've seen cockbeading on originals that was a very diminutive 3/32nds, to as much as 5/16", so I would size it based on what looks right to you. I'd start with 1/8" to 3/16" and go from there (as Jeff suggests). Generally speaking, the cockbeading projects about the same as the overall width, so a 3/16" cockbead might project about 3/16" above the surface.