1. 2. 3.
weaken it somewhat.) If they’re not a press
fit at all and simply slide in, apply a little super
glue around the rim before pushing the
magnets quickly into place.
CAUTION: These magnets are very powerful and
potentially dangerous. Keep them away from children.
They can break with rough handling. Please read the
instructions that come with the magnets.
B
K
L
J
4. 5. 6.
5. Make a backing board.
The backing board is made from ¼" plywood
— the width should be the same as your holder
and the length should be at least ¼" longer
than your knives.
To determine the mounting location of
the holder, place one knife in the holder with
the top of the knife handle just touching the
bottom of the holder. Adjust the holder so
that the bottom of its handle rests about ¼"
above the bottom edge of the backing board.
Remove the knife and mark the location of the
holder, then repeat this process on the back
side (Figures K and L).
To mount the holder, start by marking
the backside of the backing board along the
holder’s centerline, approximately 1" from each
end of the holder (for a 3" holder, this can be
adjusted to ½" from each end — the main idea
is to stay clear of where the magnets and
knife slots will be). Drill the holes using a #6
countersink.
Alternately, drill through-holes to clear the
body of the screws, then countersink just
enough to ensure the tops of the screw heads
are flush (or barely sub-flush) with the back
of the backing board.
Next, set the holder in position on the front
of the backing board, and hold it in place
securely using painter’s tape or a couple dabs
of hot glue. From the back, use the holes you
just drilled as a guide, and drill through into
the holder (make sure the holes are shallow
and small enough for the #6×½" wood screws
to grab well and still countersink). Screw the
pieces together.
Sand the assembly and finish it with wax
or stain. The holder is done.
To mount the assembly to the inside of
a cabinet door, mark the front of the backing
board an inch or two down from the center
of each end, and pre-drill using a #8 countersink. Figure out where you want the assembly
1. Ready to begin.
2. Put a magnet into the
top hole.
3. Put a knife in slot B. Push
the first magnet to the knife.
4. Put the knife in slot A. Push
another magnet to the knife.
5. Flip holder and repeat for
slot C.
6. Repeat for slot D.
AC D
mounted, mark and drill the mounting location,
and attach the assembly using #8×¾" wood
screws. You’re done! ;
Larry Cotton is a semi-retired power-tool designer and part-time community college math instructor. He loves music and
musical instruments, computers, birds, electronics, furniture
design, and his wife, not necessarily in that order.
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