In today’s episode, I’m making wooden drawer pulls for a custom writing desk in a James Krenov style. They are made from ambrosia maple and attached to the walnut posts and then to the drawer fronts. The main desk is made from cherry.
This writing desk was built for a Denver, Colorado, client.
More about Custom Desks
Crafting Custom Wooden Drawer Pulls for a Writing Desk
In today’s episode, I’m working on a set of handmade wooden drawer pulls for a custom writing desk. Inspired by the James Krenov style, these drawer pulls combine functionality with elegant craftsmanship.
Materials & Design
The wooden drawer pulls are made from ambrosia maple, a beautiful wood known for its unique streaks and warm tones. I’m using walnut posts to attach them to the drawer fronts, which will create a contrast against the maple.
Turning the Maple Pulls on the Lathe
The first step was shaping the ambrosia maple on the lathe. I used a simple but effective trick to ensure consistency: a wrench as a sizing gauge. By sliding the wrench over the workpiece, I knew exactly when to stop turning—once the wrench fit snugly, the diameter was perfect for fitting into the walnut posts. After establishing the correct size for the ends, I shaped the middle section, adding a subtle bulge for both visual appeal and a better grip. This extra curve makes the pulls more comfortable to use while adding a refined touch. Once satisfied with the shape, I did some final sanding to smooth out the surface before moving on to the next step.
Creating a Longer Pull for the Pencil Drawer
The center drawer—a larger pencil drawer—required a longer pull for better functionality. I repeated the same turning process, ensuring the proportions matched the rest of the set.
Finishing the Ends
After turning, I cut off the excess material that was attached to the lathe. Then, I rounded over the decorative buttons at the ends of each pull by hand, giving them a polished, finished look.
Drilling Precision Holes in the Walnut Posts
To attach the maple pulls securely, I needed perfectly centered holes in the walnut posts. To achieve this, I set up a simple jig at the drill press, ensuring every hole was drilled precisely. After drilling, I refined the posts further by hand-shaping and rounding the edges at the spindle sander. This step not only made them more comfortable to handle but also gave them a slightly worn, organic feel. Since the spindle sander left some rough marks, I did a bit of final hand-sanding before assembly.
Coming Up Next: The Finished Desk
With all the components ready, the next step is assembling and installing the drawer pulls on the writing desk. Stay tuned for the next episode, where I’ll reveal the fully finished piece! This custom furniture project was a great exercise in blending precision woodworking with handcrafted details, resulting in drawer pulls that are both beautiful and functional.
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