How to Cut Handles in Wood

Cutting Handles for a Box or Crate Using a Drill Press and a Paddle Bit

Building a crate or box and need handles cut in the side but don’t know how? Well… I have created a step by step tutorial on how to cut handles in wood! The handles are cut using a 1-1/2″ paddle (or spade) bit  (<– affilite link!) and a drill press or regular drill. It is so easy you’ll be cutting handles like a pro in no time!

 

Start by cutting the pieces to build your crate or box. Great plans for boxes or crates can be found here, here, and here! Mark the position for the handle cutouts as indicated in the plan.

I used the paddle bit in my drill press but the same concept applies when using a regular drill. Insert the paddle bit in the chuck, and center the point of the bit on the mark.

Start drilling the hole but only go about halfway through…

Flip the piece over – there should be a hole created by the point of the bit which makes it easier to locate the hole. Continue drilling out the hole from the back side. This creates a clean hole with no tear-out! Repeat for the second hole.

I had several holes to drill for several handles so because I am ultimately lazy really into saving time, I positioned the piece with the holes already cut over one of the uncut pieces, and used the paddle bit to mark the location for the holes in the remaining pieces. I cut the holes in the same manner.

Use a carpenter’s square to draw lines connecting the holes…

Cut along these lines with a jigsaw to create the handles.

That’s it! My step-by-step tutorial on how to cut handles in wood is easy, right? If you have any questions about it, please leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2014-03-06 08:00:25.