doweling jig

[dZign Tank]

is a doweling jig worth it or can i get by with just a basic doweling set and forstner bit?

when drilling holes for dowels, how do you accurately control the depth of the dowel hole? does a doweling jig assist with that or does it basically just make centering easy?

thanks

[deathwish2]

To control depth, even with the jig you need either a stop collar, or a piece of tape on your bit . . . the collar works better if you are the heavy-handed type. ;)

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11384

http://www.hartvilletool.com/shared/.../93361_bg.JPEG


http://www.cyberstation.net/~dwpaul/...les/dt_033.jpg

Images shamelessely ripped. ;)

[brownkm52]

The jig is for centering... and pretty useful, in my book. I've used dowels in many places in place of tennons (sort of like a double loose tenon), and had good sucess with it. Let me build a number of things and get started until I learn to do real tennons properly...

- Kevin

[slaphitter]

In my humble opinion, you should look into the Beadlock system. It's as easy as drilling dowel holes, but a superior joint. And when you do want to drill single dowels, the jig works for that too.

Search on Amazon tools section for Beadlock. It really does work great. If you're going to build a ton of stuff with it, you can even buy a special router bit to make your own tenon stock.

[ASLNROX]

Dzuy,

I have one of these, self-centering jigs. I do no use it a lot, but when I need hole that is dead-on in the center and straight, I reach for this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=782

Coupled with a stop collar that Mark suggests, you can't go wrong.

Blessings,
--Mark

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[dZign Tank]

yeah i figured that i could get by without a doweling jig. just wanted to be sure...

but a beakLOCK system huh.... now theres something i havent seen..

good stuff.

thanks!

[dZign Tank]

woops, meant to say that i thought it would be convenient to have something like the link you posted.

[JCCLARK]

I still dowel my frames together with 3/8" dowels.
Trust me, strength isn't an issue. The wood will break
before the joint will.
The trick to doweling is having a good jig, most are worthless.
There's a really good one out there but it's over $150.00.
The next best thing is the Stanley 59, that's what I use.
They aren't made anymore but are always on Ebay for sale.
Usually you can get one for about $30.00. They work good.




Jim C.

[rhull]

I use the Stanley 59 as well. I think I got mine for under $30 on eBay.

[TDHofstetter]

One thing about that tape technique...

Don't wrap the tape around like a bandage. Wrap it around like a flag instead - once around, stick it back to itself so it sticks out like a little banner.

Two reasons.

First, it's a LOT EASIER to remove.

Second, don't watch the tape at all; watch the shavings that get ejected from the hole. When the flag brushes them away, you're to depth.

-- Tim --

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