Get the Milescraft Dowel Jig Kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, Grizzly, or Woodcraft. To test it, we clamped the mating workpieces back-to-back in the jig, and drilled matching 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" dowel holes in both pieces. At first glance, this handheld dowel jig from AUTOTOOLHOME looks much like other inexpensive versions of this tool; however, it includes a vertical fence to clamp to the workpiece to provide greater precision. The jig can accommodate stock from 1/2 inch to 1-1/4 inches thick. However, the market is crowded with products, and choosing the best dowel jig for a particular task can pose a challenge. In principle, dowel joints function in a straightforward manner. We researched high-end models built from top-quality materials that are made to last a lifetime. Its competitively priced and includes a starter pack of 60 fluted dowel pins. Theyre used in all kinds of wood joinery, from cabinet frames to cupboard drawers to tabletops. Its two small holes between bushings allow the user to insert a pencil to accurately mark the centerline of any piece of lumber within its size range. However, those who usually work with similar-size lumber may not need to change bushes or accommodate different widths, so they dont need a high-end model. They create 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8-inch dowel holes on lumber from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches thick. It can accommodate lumber from 7/16 inch to 2-1/2 inches thick. The tough, heavy-duty plastic body, which has hardened steel inserts for 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8-inch drilling, can create common dowel joints in material from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches thick. However, with the ability to place dowels a mere 1/8 inch apart, the Jessem jig tackles the job relatively easily with a level of precision that few other jigs can match. Submitted by toolreviews@woo on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 15:30, * Compact design coupled with durable construction When used as a handheld jig, the workpiece must be secure, and the user must be patient. The answers to some of the most frequently asked queries follow. The plethora of options can make choosing the right one difficult. This guide provides an overview of many of the factors to consider when choosing the best dowel jig for your workshop tasks. The jig is also capable of edge-to-face or end-to-face joints in the middle of a board, as when doweling shelves into a bookcase or shadow box. We also made sure to include options with self centering capabilities, as well as a pick suitable for cylindrical shapes. Using the spacer bar, the user can set them anywhere from 1/4 inch to 3-1/2 inches from the board edge. Users then fit dowels into these holes and glue the project together. Three appropriate-size brad-point drill bits are included. Dowel jigs are often used on edge-jointing boards when making tabletops, benches, chair seats, and more. Additionally, multiple configuration options allow the user to add dowels in almost any position. When gathering our top recommendations for dowel jigs, we made sure to include a range of options depending on both intended use and price. Dowel joints are more common than you might think. These top picks represent highly focused choices to make it easy for woodworkers to find the right combination of performance and value. Get the JessEm Dowelling Jig Master Kit at Amazon, Woodcraft, Lee Valley, or Infinity Tools. On 1- to 2-foot boards, place a dowel approximately 1 inch from each end and 4 to 6 inches apart in between. 2022 Meredith Corporation. * Hardened steel bushings in 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" sizes make precision drilling quick and easy Get the Wolfcraft Dowel Pro at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ace Hardware. Entry-level dowel jigs might require clamping, but the clamps often arent included. AUTOTOOLHOME Dowel Jig 1/4 5/16 3/8 Drill Guide, Milescraft 1333 Dowel Jig Kit Handheld Dowel Jig, Jessem Model 08350 Dowelling Jig Master Kit, AUTOTOOLHOME Self Centering Doweling Jig Step Drill, AUTOTOOLHOME Self Centering Doweling Jig Kit Punch, Taytools Drill Guide Dowel Kit Jig with 6 Bushings, Big Horn 19695 1/4 Dowel Drilling Jig Kit, Milescraft 1333 Dowel Jig Kit - Handheld Dowel Jig, Big Horn 19695 1/4" Dowel Drilling Jig Kit, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, Using Your Wood Router: A Brief Intro for Beginning Woodworkers, 15 Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners, 6 Beginner Ways to Use a Woodworking Router, Corrosion resistant aluminum construction. Yes. At first glance, the Taytools dowel jigs clear plastic body is unimpressive, but looks can be deceiving. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. The top face is clear acrylic, and the drill bushes are hardened steel, although 1/4 inch is the only size the manufacturer offers. To provide the necessary versatility, manufacturers typically offer a number of different bushes (the correct name for the drill guide) with the purchase. Features like self-centering are a bonus for some woodworkers, as is a choice of six different bushes. Read on for a review of some of todays top options available. For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! With a quality dowel jig, even relatively inexperienced woodworkers can produce precise joints quickly and easily. The Dowelmax jig is not designed for DIY users, and a slight learning curve is required to use it successfully. On end-grain material, dowels can be as close as practical to provide maximum support. Ease of use becomes simply about how quickly the jig can be set up and ready for drilling. The user simply closes the jaws on the lumber, and the bushes are in the correct position. Milescrafts dowel jig kit is made to work with its handheld Joint Mate jig. Bushes for 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, and 5/8-inch holes are available for an extra cost. Some of the better dowel jigs clamp to both sides of the workpiece. wolfcraft 3751405 Dowel Pro Doweling Jig Kit, AUTOTOOLHOME Dowel Jig 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" Drill Guide, Dowelmax Classic Precision Engineered Joining System. The following section looks at several important considerations when shopping for the best dowel jig for a range of workshop tasks. Winco GN 251.6 Setting Bolts, Steel, w/ Retaining Magnet, Zinc Pltd, M16, 15/16" Mag, 1-3/16"L 251.6-M16-30-ND, WALTER Clamping or Assembly Parts General, measurement system - not applicabl FS2597, WALTER Insert Accessories: Bearing 5638 024-01 5638 024-01, Wolfcraft Milling and Drilling Accessories. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Shoppers should consider their intended use for the product when making their choice. Rather than changing individual bushes, the Jessem jig provides quick-change bush carriers in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch sizes. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. The locating pins allow users to position the jig on the center of boards up to 3 inches in width. The Dowel Pro Kit is no exception. All Rights Reserved. Basic dowel jigs usually include one or two bushes; more advanced models may provide up to six. Joining end grain is always difficult, and most dowel jigs are not well suited for the task. This AUTOTOOLHOME dowel jig uses a parallelogram design to ensure that, regardless of the width of the material being clamped, the drill bushes are always in the center. However, it may be worth the investment for demanding professionals because its likely to last a lifetime. Use it on 3/4-by-3/4-inch up to 4-by-4 inch material. While the dowel jig may look easier to use initially, it might actually be more difficult to set up and lack the precision of a more advanced model. Get the AUTOTOOLHOME Dowelling Jig on Amazon. Pros are not left out in this list either. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects, Makita 1/4" Tilt Base Laminate Trimmer 3708FC. Self-clamping, it comes with hardened steel bushes for 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8-inch dowels. Occasionally, a workpiece drilled with DowelPro slipped unintentionally - a little non-skid tape on the clamp jaws would help here. Privacy Policy A sturdy case keeps all the components organized. However, you may still have some questions about using dowels. This guide explains the important technical and practical aspects that woodworkers of all skill levels should consider before they buy a dowel jig. For those who use a dowel jig only occasionally, this isnt a problem, but regular users will get more value from a jig with longer-lasting hardened steel bushes. Additionally, it contains steel centers to quickly transfer hole positions from one piece of lumber to another and a tube of wood glue. Learn the full range of functions provided by a particular model before you purchase one. Not only are these jigs easy to operate, but their drill bush frequently will center itself, which improves accuracy and also can improve speed. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. While exceptions exist, the hole for the dowel should be between one-third and one-half the thickness of the workpieceany larger and the hole can weaken the joint. Get the Taytools Drill Guide Dowel Kit Jig on Amazon. Buying a basic dowel jig can save money initially, but experienced woodworkers may want to invest in a more versatile model. Get the Dowelmax Classic at Amazon, Rockler, or Grizzly. The jig includes six hardened steel bushes: 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, and 1/2 inch. In addition to the usual edge, corner, and T joints, the Dowelmax jig also can produce custom offsets and miter joints. While most dowel jigs offer a degree of versatility, they may not be suitable for all joint types. * Works with materials from 1/2" - 1.25" thick Users also can employ the jig for round stock within those size ranges. An inexperienced woodworker shouldnt necessarily opt for a simpler device. However, it has limits: It always finds the center and doesnt offer an easy way to drill off-center if required. The tool is designed for fast, repetitive production, so the five hardened steel bushes are all 3/8 inch in diameter. While many variables impact the amount, some experts in the field note that a 1-inch dowel can hold 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. 20112022 Zoro Tools, Inc. All rights reserved Leading jig maker Wolfcraft offers a solution that allows a new user to get to grips with dowel joints quickly while also providing the accuracy required by more experienced woodworkers. Common bush sizes, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, and 1/2 inch, match the widely available dowels that come in economical packs of 100 or more. Get the AUTOTOOLHOME Self Centering Doweling Jig on Amazon. On long boards, position dowels up to 10 inches apart. On low-cost dowel jigs, the bushes may be made of low-cost, easy-to-produce aluminum; however, the hard steel of a drill bit will wear it out eventually. If theyre the same distance from the face, the joint still works. It depends on the job. Get the Big Horn Dowel Drilling Kit Jig at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Monsecta. Since the Wolfcraft dowel jig offers wide-ranging functionality, the included user guide is helpful. Get the AUTOTOOLHOME Dowel Jig on Amazon. Dowels are used to create a number of different joints: to join boards at 90 degrees of each other (at the corners or a T joint), for edge-to-edge joints (for making seats or tabletops, for example), to make drawers and other carcasses, and to secure simple lapped joints on cabinet frames. Drilling an accurate series of holes requires carefully marking them out. DowelPro centers holes in 3/4" stock, making it great for face-frame work, but for thinner and thicker (up to 1-1/4") stock, weI had to make shims or leave the holes off-center. Dowels make it easy to align surfaces and prevent them from slipping while the glue dries, which can dramatically reduce the need for corrective work later. The purpose of a dowel jig is to drill accurate holes in a piece of wood. Many dowel jigs are clamped securely in place to prevent movement from occurring. The DowelPro kit is so intuitive, we made several edge-to-edge and edge-to-end joints in 3/4" stock before even cracking open the instruction manual. The Wolfcraft jig can create all the common types of dowel joints: edge-to-edge, corner, and T joints. WINCO, INC J.W. * Cast aluminum doweling jig ideal for creating edge-to-edge, edge-to-corner and T-joints It offers a quick way to make not only tabletops and other items but also simple butt-jointed frames for furniture. While precise clamping is vital for some tasks, a low-cost handheld dowel jig is the right tool for others. For a reliable doweling jig kit thats built to last, consider our top pick from wolfcraft, which even comes with 60 fluted dowel pins to get users started. Once the jig is securely clamped or held onto the workpiece, each dowel hole is created by drilling into the wood. * 5-year warranty, Many times when using an awl or a nail to mark a position for drilling a pilot hole, heavy grain in read more. If you think you will want to disassemble your project at some point, consider using a pocket hole jig, which uses removable screws rather than dowels. AUTOTOOLHOME provides a guide rail and pin system for accurate hole spacing along an edge, but its calibrated in millimeters. Features such as laser engraving for durability and ease of use, as well as precision engineered joining systems can help more experienced users produce better results. However, centering the dowels in the thickness of the board to join two edges isnt always necessary. Few dowel jigs are made with the precision of the Dowelmax jig. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Quality results require quality tools. Dowel jigs are sometimes described as basic, intermediate, and advanced, but this terminology can be misleading. No matter what type of dowel jig youre shopping for, our list of options offers the best the market has to offer in their respective categories. To suit beginner DIYers, we have a wide selection of price-friendly options to choose from that are capable of the three most common doweling sizes (1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, and 3/8 inch). The clamping method, along with capacity, varies among different types of jigs. The AUTOTOOLHOME self-centering jig offers five hardened steel bush sizes: 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, and 1/2 inch. For large overlapping joints, size is rarely important. The main body is aluminum with hardened steel bushes in the common 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 5/16-inch sizes. For long workpieces, the included clamping fixture supports the top workpiece while sliding the drilling jig down the line. Since 1949 wolfcraft has brought innovative woodworking solutions to professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. The plastic body may not have the long-term durability of its aluminum rivals, but the three drill bushes are steel. While up to half the thickness of the board is permissible, dont go any further. Alternatively, pros looking for an upgrade could take a look at the Dowelmax Classic, boasting a range of sizes and adjustability options in a top-quality machined aluminum housing. The Jessem dowel jig is another tool aimed at the professional, not because the jig is particularly complexinexperienced woodworkers can handle itbut because of the variety and accuracy of dowel joints the jig can create. The compact, lightweight Big Horn dowel jig takes a basic approach to joining board edges and end grain. By Bob Beacham | Updated May 9, 2022 10:05 AM. Terms & Conditions Dowel joints are intended to be permanent, so apply a small amount of glue. It's never been easier to properly align and drill dowel holes using wo, 20112022 Zoro Tools, Inc. All rights reserved, WOLFCRAFT Wolfcraft 3751 Dowel Pro Doweling Jig Aluminum 2001881, PALMGREN Heavy Duty Rotary Table, 6" 9634116, WALTER Walter Capto - Clamping Unit with Accessories 3212 010-364 3212 010-364, J.W. This simple device can create a wide variety of joints, including a dowel hole in cylindrical lumber of any diameter. Dowel jigs are available in many different shapes and sizes and varying degrees of complexity. The kit offers all the required accessories, including three matching brad-point drill bits with depth-stop collars, plus dowels in all three sizes. When creating edge and corner joints, ideally, the dowel should be one-third the thickness of the board youre joining. Each component is CNC machined to within 1/1,000 inch. A self-centering dowel jig offers rapid alignment without lots of measurement or setup. Handheld dowel jigs offer high productivity; however, the possibility of movement always exists when drilling, which can cause inaccuracies and ruin the job. The same principle applies to corner joints.
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