This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s a clever, low-cost solution for keeping pencils within reach by turning the unused space inside a table saw fence rail into hidden storage.
Whether you’re sketching layout lines, marking cut depths, or just jotting down notes, a pencil is one of the most-used tools in any woodshop. And yet, it always seems to disappear when you need it most. David’s creative fix puts that problem to rest with a smart drawer system tucked neatly into the hollow rails of a common table saw.
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Rethinking Wasted Space
Most modern table saws come with rectangular tubing as part of the fence rail system. While these tubes provide structure and support, the space inside them is usually ignored.
David looked at this unused void and saw opportunity. By building two small drawers that fit snugly into either end of the rail, he created hidden compartments that are practical, discreet, and fun to build.
Sizing the Drawers
The drawers are made from scrap half-inch plywood. The first step is ripping the plywood to match the interior height of the tube, creating the side panels.
David takes measurements directly from the inside of the rail, ensuring a snug but functional fit. The drawers need to slide in smoothly without binding but still sit firmly enough to avoid rattling or shifting during use.
Simple Construction with a Magnetic Lock
Magnets are used to hold the drawers in place when closed. David glues them to the bottom of the drawer, positioned so they align with the inside wall of the metal tubing.
To recess the magnets slightly, he cuts a shallow groove using the table saw. This makes the drawers sit flush and prevents the magnets from dragging or catching.
Adjusting for the Rail Shape
The inner edges of the metal tubing are slightly rounded, which could interfere with clean drawer movement. To solve this, David cuts a 45-degree chamfer on two bottom edges of each drawer.
This little adjustment ensures the drawer clears the rounded corners and fits more naturally into the rectangular cavity. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in function.
Cutting and Joining the Parts
The sides of the drawers are crosscut using a sled, which ensures clean, square cuts and consistent sizing. David sticks with basic butt joints for the drawer boxes, relying on glue and brad nails to hold everything together.
These joints are fast to make and plenty strong for a small drawer that’s just holding pencils and other light items.
Handling the Unexpected
While test-fitting the drawers, David discovers that bolts inside the rail are in the way. Instead of scrapping the plan, he routes out a small groove in the drawer bottoms to accommodate the bolts.
This fix not only preserves the drawer concept but also adds a helpful tip for others: raise the drawer bottom slightly if your fence rail has internal hardware that might interfere.
Adding Character with a Custom Front
The fronts of the drawers are made from leftover zebra wood, which adds visual interest and a contrasting touch. These pieces are cut slightly larger than the drawer box to form a lip that rests against the end of the tubing.
To make sure the drawer front sits flush, David glues the magnets to the underside of the front face rather than the drawer base. This balances both form and function, keeping the drawer secure while showing off the exotic wood grain.
Easy and Accurate Alignment
Positioning drawer fronts can be tricky, but David uses a reliable method involving painter’s tape and CA glue. The drawer is placed inside the rail, and the front is aligned and tacked on temporarily with the glue.
Once the alignment looks perfect, he pulls it back out, reinforces it from behind, and secures it fully. This ensures the face is centered and fits the contour of the tubing cleanly.
Smooth Operation, Secure Hold
The finished drawers slide in and out with just the right amount of resistance. The magnets provide enough grip to keep them closed but release easily when pulled.
The rounded edge on the zebra wood also plays a practical role—it prevents the drawer from catching or popping open when the fence rail slides across the table saw.
A Small Fix That Solves a Big Problem
This hidden drawer hack may be a small project, but it solves a persistent workshop annoyance. You’ll always have a pencil nearby, and no one would guess where it’s hiding.
Better yet, this drawer system could be adapted for other small tools—Allen wrenches, push sticks, or spare blades. It’s a clever use of space and a great reminder that even the most common shop setups hold untapped potential.
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