Homemade Wood Desk Drawer Dividers

Measure the length, width and depth of your drawer. You will use these dimensions to make the divider pieces to fit securely inside the drawer. For the purpose of illustration, we'll use a drawer with the dimensions of 18 inches long, 12 inches wide and 3 inches deep.

Adjust the rip fence on a table saw to the depth of the dividers. Using the example dimensions above, you could make the dividers up to 3 inches deep. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to remove objects from deep, narrow compartments.

Remove the rip fence from the table saw. Cut 3-inch strips to the proper length. To make a divider with nine compartments using the example measurements, cut two 18-inch strips and two 12-inch strips.

Place the strips flat on a level work surface. Use a pencil to mark 6 inches and 12 inches from one end of each of the two 18 inch strips. Measure and mark the two 12 inch strips at 4 and 8 inches. These marks are used to locate the notches that will allow the divider sections to lock in position.

Use a table saw to notch the strips where you have marked them. Your notches should extend slightly more than halfway through the depth of the strip. For 3-inch strips, the notch should be slightly more than 1 1/2 inches. A standard table saw blade leaves a kerf (amount of material removed by the blade) of 1/8 an inch. A single cut should leave a notch that will provide a secure fit in 8-inch material.

Smooth the edges of all the strips with sandpaper.

Place the two 18-inch strips into your drawer lengthwise, with the notches up. Place the two 12-inch strips in the drawer, notch-down, perpendicular to the longer strips. Line up the strips so the notches on the top and bottom strips meet. Lock the four strips together by pressing them together until they are fully seated.