Integrated Drawer / Door Pulls

[Denis Kenzior]

I'd like to duplicate this design:

http://photo.foter.com/photos/pi/256/beautiful-joinery-detail-oak-finger-pull-cupboard-cut-out-groove.jpg

What kind of cutters (preferably shaper cutters) do I need? Any recommendations?

[Andrew Pitonyak]

Do you just need something like the Freud 99-007 Door Pull Router Bit or similar

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-99-007-Router-2-Inch-Shank/dp/B00004T7LM
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-71212-router-made-drawer-and-door-pulls
http://www.amazon.com/Amana-53806-FINGER-GRIP-SHANK/dp/B000P4OF5C
http://www.amazon.com/Amana-53808-FINGER-GRIP-DIA/dp/B000P4OF5W

The popular woodworking article has an example that looks similar to what you show using a dovetail bit.

[Denis Kenzior]

Don't think any of those would work. Most door pull bits are used with the wood at 15-30 degree angle to the fence. Maybe I'm wrong, but the cutting height also seems to be too large for 3/4 stock.

Looks like the profiles in the photo have been plunge cut.

[Jamie Buxton]

Before you get too exercised about making these pulls in 3/4" wood, try mocking them up. I've tried building pulls somewhat like that in 3/4" wood, and it is just not thick enough. You need some wood to get your fingertips behind -- say 1/8". And you need the part that closes off the back of the cut -- call that another eighth. That leaves only 1/2" for your fingertips to fit in. To my taste, that's just not enough. My fingernails scratch the back, and my fingertips feel cramped. 7/8" thick is a lot better, and 1" thick really works. The upshot of this comment is that the cutter you think you're looking for might not be the one you want to use.

[Denis Kenzior]

I have a pair of nightstands that use a similar pull. The cutter geometry is quite similar, but with a more rounded tip, not sharp like in the picture. There is about 1/8" of the thickness left after the plunge cut as you mentioned. The drawers on these are 3/4", and work quite well. I never felt my fingers were cramped, but my hands are not on the large side. I do like the clean look of an integrated pull for certain applications.