If you’re looking to add some stylish organization to your kitchen, these magnetic knife holders are a fantastic project! Created by Mark from Gunflint Designs, these holders are not only practical but also a fun way to showcase your woodworking skills.
Materials and Tools
- Materials:
- Black walnut or any hardwood of your choice
- Bar magnets (neodymium recommended)
- Epoxy glue
- Tung oil or finish of your choice
- Wood screws (for mounting)
- Tools:
- X-Carve CNC machine (or router, drill press, and table saw for alternative methods)
- Belt sander
- Drill and drill bits (including Forstner bits)
- Router table
- Chisel
- Clamps
Step 1: Cutting the Workpiece
The first step in all three methods is to cut your workpiece to size and ensure that it’s square. Mark cut lines on your piece of black walnut, which is leftover from a previous project. Clamp the workpiece to the waist board of your CNC machine or your workbench, depending on the method you’re using.
Step 2: CNC Method
For the CNC method, set up your machine by adjusting the X and Y positions. Use a Z probe to detect the surface of the workpiece accurately. Once everything is set, turn on the spindle and let the machine cut the pockets for the magnets. Ensure enough tabs are left to hold the piece in place during cutting.
After the cut, remove the board and clean up any tabs using a belt sander. Use a chisel to square off the rounded corners of the magnet pockets so that the bar magnets fit snugly. Apply a small amount of epoxy in each pocket and insert the magnets using a dowel. Set the board facedown on a metal surface to let the magnets clamp themselves while the epoxy cures.
Step 3: Router Table Method
The second method involves using a router table to cut a groove for the magnets. Start by drilling starting and ending holes in the back of the workpiece to mark where you will cut the groove. Use an eighth-inch spacer to set the depth on your drill press.
With the holes drilled, set up your router table. Adjust the fence and carefully lower the workpiece over the bit, making sure to take shallow passes to avoid overloading the router. Once you have cut the groove, mix epoxy along the length of the channel and carefully insert the magnets, ensuring they do not snap together.
Step 4: Drill Press Method
For the drill press method, start with a workpiece that is slightly wider. Cut an eighth-inch thick piece off the front and clean up the edges. Drill holes for the magnets on the front side, ensuring they sit just below the surface. Then, flip the piece over and drill a channel to house the magnets on the back.
After drilling, insert the magnets into the holes and apply wood glue to secure them. Place the strip you cut off earlier on top of the magnets and clamp it down to hide the seam. After everything is dry, sand the edges and apply your finish of choice.
Step 5: Mounting the Knife Holder
To mount the knife holder, create a mounting strip that fits inside the channel on the back. Use drywall anchors and screws to secure the strip to the wall. The knife holder can then slide onto the strip, just like hanging a floating shelf.
Final Thoughts
These magnetic knife holders can be customized in various ways. You can experiment with different types of wood or lengths based on your needs. Whether you want to hold knives in the kitchen or tools in the workshop, this project is versatile and rewarding.