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Carpentry Pro Framer

Building Wooden Drawer Pulls

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by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Designing Handles

To start crafting wooden drawer pulls, sketch out your ideas. Consider the intended use – large kitchen drawers or small bathroom cabinets – to determine appropriate sizes. Once you have your designs, use a Forstner bit to drill pilot holes for the pull's feet. Cut the shapes from your wood block using a bandsaw, maintaining precision.

Route the insides before cutting individual handle parts for safety. Trim exterior edges to match your design, using relief cuts for curves if needed. Finally, route the outer edges and drill mounting points. Ensure screw holes are deep enough for secure attachment.

When varnishing, do it separately from the cabinetry. Use a board with screws as a holder to avoid smudging. The result should be a comfortable, sturdy handle that looks unique and suits your needs.

Preparing Materials

Gather your materials and tools before starting. Choose hardwoods like oak, cherry, or maple for durability and visual appeal. Essential tools include:

  • Bandsaw for precise cuts
  • Drill press for accurate pilot holes
  • Sanders for smooth finishes

Collect smaller items like screws, glue, and various grits of sandpaper. Keep your sketches handy as a reference. Set up clamps to hold pieces firmly during work. Organize your workspace with designated areas for each step of the process, laying out tools and supplies in a logical order.

An organized workbench with essential woodworking tools and hardwood pieces for making drawer pulls

Shaping and Attaching

Use the bandsaw to cut out each pull along your sketched lines. Refine the shapes with hand tools like chisels and files. Sand progressively from rough to fine grits to achieve a smooth finish. Check for symmetry as you work to ensure a balanced, professional look.

For attachment, you can either screw from the back or install threaded inserts. Screwing directly involves aligning pre-drilled holes carefully. Threaded inserts provide a more refined finish and are ideal for heavier pulls. Whichever method you choose, test the alignment before final installation to avoid misalignment issues.

A series of wooden drawer pulls in various stages of completion, from rough cut to final sanded form

Finishing Touches

  1. Sand the pulls with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until smooth.
  2. Use ScotchBrite pads to burnish the wood, paying extra attention to curves and intricate areas.
  3. Apply Danish oil with a lint-free cloth, working it into the wood in circular motions.
  4. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before lightly buffing with a fresh ScotchBrite pad.
  5. Apply two to three coats, or until you achieve the desired depth and richness of finish.

These final steps transform your drawer pulls into striking design elements that are both elegant and durable, ready to withstand daily use while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your furniture.

A collection of beautifully finished wooden drawer pulls with varying designs and wood types

Crafting wooden drawer pulls combines functionality with artistry. Each step contributes to creating handles that are both practical and visually appealing. The true beauty of your project lies in the attention to detail throughout the process.

  1. Gilpin H, Giossi M, Kuhn R. Designing and making wooden handles. Fine Woodworking. 2022;297:64-69.
  2. Karasawa M. Kitchen cabinet hardware styles. Architectural Digest. 2021;78:112-115.