Introduction: Make Space With a Magnetic Knife Holder
This was a spur of the moment project that took less than 2 hours and cost less than 10$.
Many of us have those drawers or knife blocks that dull our blades or take up space. With a new and expensive knife on the way i wanted to build a holder that would protect the blade from unnecessary damage as well as keeping it out of the way and easily accessible
Materials:
• 0.7 in. Neodymium Rare-Earth Magnet Discs (3 per Pack) http://www.homedepot.com
• 1/2 in. x 3 in. x 3 ft. S4S Oak Hobby Board http://www.homedepot.com
• wood glue
• Wood stain (optional)
• Food grade mineral oil
• sandpaper 150 grit
Tools:
• Table saw (what i used) OR router OR plainer
• 3/4 inch drill bit and drill (if your not using a router)
Step 1: The Wooden Half
the theory is simple, make the wood thin enough that a magnet can hold a knife through it.
I'll outline three different methods to do this.
Method 1 (using a table saw)
This is the way I made mine as I did not have the proper router bits
this method is clearly illustrated in the pictures. essentially you create your own veneer
I cut mine about 1/16th thick using the excess of the wood i bought to test the cut thickness beforehand
Method 2 (using a router)
This is the recommend method as there will be no visible seams
If you have a router and a dado router bit you will simply make a plunge cut in the shape of the magnet you are using at a depth 1/16th of an inch short of the total depth of the wood.
Method 3 (wood veneer)
If you have access to wood veneer you can continue to the next step
Step 2: Safety First
** Make sure your magnet is Strong enough! **
Ensuring that the magnet can hold the knife securely through the wood will help prevent any future accidents.
Step 3: Drill Holes
Find a drill bit the size of the magnet you are using (it can be slightly larger) and space them appropriately.
I spaced them 1.5 inches from the edge and 3 inches apart on center. This will leave enough room between most knifes without wasting space.
Step 4: Consider How You Want to Hang or Mount It
I used drills and blades to carve a mounting hole for a standard wall screw however mounting plates can be bought as seprate mountable hardware. you may need to get creative depending on your mounting loction.
Step 5: Attaching the Veneer
Apply glue and clamp. you can get creative if you're like me and don't own clamps. I used 25lb weights to apply even pressure. try to clamp quickly as the veneer may want to warp once in contact with the glue.
Step 6: Finishing
finishing will ensure smooth and water resistant surface finish. I started by trimming excess glue with a razer blade and sanding from 80 to 150 grit by hand. I stained and treated it with a food grade mineral oil to protect it from moisture.
The concept is simple and I encourage you to get creative with your materials.
Enjoy your new magnetic knife holder and open counter space!