Are you talking about Knobs?
I tried making a bunch, a while back, you are right, Unless you are used to making bottle stopper and such you send more to knob heaven than you make, but after a while they catch on. I use a small faceplate with a piece of sacrifice wood attached . Through it I center a screw similar to the one I will attach the knob. Using the correct pilot hole I screw a small chunk and using smaller tools and high speeds, you can turn out a few good matches. The sacrifice piece allows you to come in close to the back side w/o damage to the tool.
I have a couple of similar period pieces and the knobs are attached through Dowels these need a small chuck to complete or turn as the screw on knobs but drill out for a dowel. One of my Chests has a split dowel with a wedge to secure to the drawer (don't know if it was original or "Repaired" along it life.)
Both are Shaker Originals (Shaker made Shaker style furniture, I was raised within 3 miles of a Shaker Village)
Also, as Frank mentioned, I have always been satisfied with VanDykes Restorers, they will send you a great catalog if you order on line, Buy something and they will fill your mailbox with great wish books and ideas. ( I also buy from Vandykes Taxidermy and am a satisfied customer.)
No connection here, just satisfied...