Are you ready to install that new kitchen cabinet but are terrified of working with dowels? Luckily for you, today’s topic is all about dowel jigs.
We’re going to teach you what they’re for, how to use them, and how to pick the best one based on factors such as price, durability, and what you need it for.
What Is a Dowel Jig?
A dowel jig is a specially designed piece of equipment that guides a drill through the process of making different holes. With the help of a competent jig, the issue of layout and accurate alignment becomes much more manageable.
Various dowel jigs are available from tool manufacturers. Making your own doweling jigs may not deliver the correct results you seek since the hole centers must be properly aligned and cuts need to be made at a 90-degree angle to the edge of the stock.
Doweling jigs that are used as drill guides feature metal bushings that the drill bits are put into after they have been dowelled. The bushing ensures that the bit is held in the proper position, both in the center of the workpiece and square to the edge of the workpiece that is being drilled. The majority of doweling jigs are supplied with a variety of sleeves to accommodate various drill bit sizes
How Do I Use a Dowel Jig?
Using a dowel jig is amazingly easy, so here are the steps to follow:
- With a pencil, mark the places of the dowels where the parts should be placed. The techniques are the same for all joints.
- The center lines on the jig block should line up with the pencil lines you’ve drawn.
- After you’ve secured the jig in place with the screw, drill the dowel holes with a drill bit.
- Add dowels and glue to create a joint that is fast, sturdy, and properly aligned.
Naturally, the exact instructions depend on the type of joint you’re looking to make, which can be an offset joint, an L-joint, an edge joint, or a T-joint.
How to Buy a New Dowel Jig
When shopping for a dowel jig, here are the most important considerations to look into so you’ll always end up spending money on a product that you’re actually going to use.
Price
Dowel jigs are available in a variety of designs, with a range of prices to suit your budget. However, they are frequently fragile or simply difficult to use. If we were to classify dowel jigs based on their price, the common categories would be:
- Basic models, with prices that range from $25 to $40. The most fundamental jigs feature holes that are sized to accommodate various drill bits. The jig must be moved if you want to utilize more than one dowel in a single joint. Consequently, this type should only be used in emergencies or if you have a limited budget to work with.
- Bushings that cost between $40 and $60. Some jigs are supplied with bushings of varying sizes, which are screwed into threaded holes in the frame.
- Models with more bushing holes, priced between $50 and $75. There are four threaded holes of this type. You’ll have more flexibility in terms of spacing between holes, and you’ll be able to drill four holes without having to move the jig.
- Extra-capacity models, priced at more than $60. Jigs with a large capacity can handle stock up to 6 inches in diameter or more.
Brand Quality
As always, brands with a reputation don’t usually need an introduction because they’re really good at what they do, especially when it comes to tools. Even when you’re looking for something as simple as a dowel jig, you should know that some brands will more likely have better products compared to names nobody has ever heard of.
Warranty
Believe it or not, a dowel jig can have warranty coverage of up to a decade. Good products (the ones that manufacturers swear by) usually have warranty periods of around five years, which is still pretty impressive. Make sure you carefully read the small print in the warranty claims before making a purchase.
What You Intend to Use It For
The majority of dowel jigs are highly adaptable. However, they may not be ideal for all forms of joint construction. Before you acquire a certain model, make sure you are aware of the complete set of features it offers.
Purchasing a basic dowel jig may turn out to be more cost-effective in the short term, but people with experience in woodworking may want to consider investing in a more adaptable one to maximize their productivity.
As mentioned before, a dowel jig is commonly used to create joints, so it sometimes depends on the exact joints you’re looking to make in order to narrow down your product search. You will need to figure out if your future dowel joint will be put to use to make drawers, kitchen cabinets, or chairs.
Bushing Size
Manufacturers generally include a variety of different bushes (the official term for the drill guide) as you buy the product you want, in order to provide the necessary adaptability.
Basic dowel jigs typically include one or two bushes, but some more expensive models may have as many as six bushes or more. The common bush sizes that range from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch correspond to the commonly available dowels, which can be purchased in bulk quantities at a reasonable price.
Bushing Material
You are likely to discover that low-end dowel jigs are made with aluminum, but this is an option that should be avoided if you’re interested in durability, as the hard steel that drill bits are made from will cause it to wear out.
Aluminum is a material to consider if you use a dowel jig now and then, but for those of you that need this tool for regular projects, you want to choose jigs made from quality materials and equipped with bushes made from hardened steel.
Clamping Ability
Handheld dowel jigs are quite productive. Even so, when drilling, there is always the danger of movement, which can result in mistakes and perhaps damage the operation completely.
A lot of different dowel jigs are securely secured in place to prevent them from moving around while you’re working with them. The clamping method, as well as the capacity, varies depending on the jig in question.
Certain low-cost jigs will require clamping, which means you’ll have to spend some extra money to acquire the clamps. More expensive jigs have clamping abilities on both sides, making them easier to operate.
Ease of Use
Some woodworkers appreciate the inclusion of features such as self-centering and the option to choose from six different bushes. Some people, however, who operate with similar-sized lumber regularly may not need to replace bushes or handle variable widths, and so do not require a high-end one.
If you’re not a professional but rather someone who is passionate about DIY woodworking projects, you want to choose a jig that’s easy to operate and gives you the possibility to clamp the jig to the wood piece for better drilling accuracy.
The 7 Best Dowel Jigs
With everything you now know about dowel jigs, let’s take a look at some of the best and most competitive products in the category.
wolfcraft 3751405 Dowel Pro Doweling Jig Kit
Specs:
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price range: less than $50
- Best overall
Using Wolfcraft’s unique alignment jig, it’s never been easier to accurately align and drill dowel holes. The jig is constructed of sturdy cast aluminum and has nine pre-aligned hole guides, which eliminate the need for measuring and marking the hole after it has been cut.
Each hole guide is made of hardened steel bushings, which ensures that the jig will last for a long time. The revolutionary clamp method allows for the drilling of boards that are being linked at the same time. In the box, you get the jig, two clamps, 60 dowel pins of various sizes, and three depth stops.
Pros:
- Includes 60 dowels.
- Works with multiple joint connections.
- Doweling guide included.
Cons:
- Complaints about accuracy.
Dowelmax Classic 3/8 Precision Engineered Joining System
Specs:
- Warranty: N/A
- Price range: $200 – $300
- Best for professionals
When it comes to versatility, this Dowelmax kit is one of the best choices out there. The Dowelmax jig is not intended for do-it-yourselfers, and there is a little learning curve involved in using it successfully.
Individual Dowelmax joint types and sizes include single-row, double-row, and triple-row joints as well as flush, offset, miter-cut, face-cut, and “T” joint configurations. It is intended to be used for a lifetime, as the Dowelmax Kit is of professional-grade construction and is perfectly engineered for longevity.
Pros:
- Long-lasting.
- Includes hardened steel drill guides.
- High versatility.
Cons:
- Learning curve, not for beginners.
Milescraft 1309 DowelJigKit
Specs:
- Warranty: 90 days
- Price range: less than $50
- Best for limited budgets
Whether you need to make a kitchen cabinet or you’re looking to put together a new outdoor wooden bench, the Milescraft 1309 DowelJigKit comes with everything needed to see your dowel work through.
Drill bits are included, as well as dowels in each of the three sizes specified in the instructions. As an added bonus, it includes steel centers that let you move hole positions from one piece of timber to another in seconds. All of the components are kept together in a durable casing.
Pros:
- Convenient carrying/storage case.
- Easy to use.
- Included glue.
Cons:
- Difficult to achieve precision.
Woodworking Dowel Jig
Specs:
- Warranty: N/A
- Price range: less than $50
- Best for beginners
Although this handheld dowel jig appears to be quite similar to other low-cost products from the same category, it incorporates a vertical fence that clamps to the workpiece, allowing for more precision. It is a self-centered jig made from plastic and features a metal sleeve.
It is the kind of tool that you need as a beginner or a DIY enthusiast because it doesn’t cost much, so you can learn your way around working with dowels and wood without spending a fortune on a high-end product. The package also includes three wood drill bits.
Pros:
- Very easy to use.
- Self-centered tool.
- Include three wood drill bits.
Cons:
- Questionable long-term durability.
AUTOTOOLHOME Self Centering Doweling Jig
Specs:
- Warranty: N/A
- Price range: less than $50
- Best self-centering
This is one of the most interesting dowel jigs we’ve seen so far because it uses a parallelogram design that is always trustworthy and never fails to find dead center when used. The second alignment option allows you to drill a series of holes around the edge of a board that is evenly spaced apart.
When attaching the bar end-stop, you can drill two or three end grain holes that are properly spaced apart. This feature enables for precise alignment of the face frame stiles, as well as the top and bottom rails of the frame. The convenient inch scale allows you to place the stop with pinpoint accuracy.
Pros:
- Versatile tool.
- Self-centered.
- Works with different thickness levels.
Cons:
- Could be more accurate.
Drill Guide Dowel Kit Jig with 6 Bushings
Specs:
- Warranty: N/A
- Price range: less than $50
- Best for cylindrical lumber
Probably one of the most underrated dowel jigs we found while doing our research was the one by Taytools. This is a set that doesn’t cost very much but somehow manages to deliver more than you’d expect considering the price.
It comes with the following bush sizes: 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16, and 1/2″, plus centering pins. It’s also probably one of the easiest tools to use, making it another great choice for beginners that don’t want to spend too much money on a fancier product from the get-go.
Pros:
- Comes with centering pins.
- Good for multiple hole types.
- Convenient see-through base.
Cons:
- Requires practice for accuracy.
BIG HOR Dowel Drilling Jig Kit
Specs:
- Warranty: N/A
- Price range: less than $50
- Easiest to use
Designed to be compact and portable, the BIG HORN dowel jig is one of the best items for beginners too because it’s very simple to use. Because it’s lightweight, you can manipulate it with ease, which is super-important for someone who has never used a jig before.
Its top surface is made of clear acrylic and is combined with the long-lasting hardened steel drill bushes, albeit the manufacturer only offers a single size: 1/4 inch. This method is straightforward and requires no transfer markings from the face to the edge, nor does it necessitate the use of a tape measure.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Easy to use.
- Quality construction.
Cons:
- Requires a little adjusting before use.
Woodworking Projects Using a Dowel Jig
DIY Modern Wooden Toy Box
A toy box is an essential storage solution and one that’s pretty versatile considering that it can be used to store more than just toys. This tutorial teaches you how to make a toy box with a lid, and you can definitely make use of a dowel jig to drill pocket holes in your plywood pieces.
DIY Retro Rainbow Wooden Dresser
Who knew that making a wooden dresser can be so easy (rainbow or not, since you can paint it in the colors of your choice)? For this particular project, you’re going to need multiple lumber pieces, some clamps, pocket screws, nails, and wood glue. With a dowel jig, you can drill precise holes without too much trouble, ending up with a drawer that seems store-bought instead of handmade.
Copper Wood Planter
This copper wood planter would make a gorgeous addition to just about any home style, and making one is particularly easy if you follow this tutorial. As you’ll learn from the article, there are two different ways to make this, so you’ll also learn how to see this project through even if you don’t have power tools. Naturally, it will be easier and faster with a dowel jig.
Related: Wood Moisture Meter – One Of The Essential Tool For Woodworking
DIY Stair Handrail
Although it may appear to be a difficult process, replacing a simple stair railing can be accomplished with only a few simple tools. This tutorial is here to show you how to remove your old stair railing, build a new one, and then install and secure it. The dowel jig will go a long way in helping you create the frame for your new handrail, so make sure you have one before starting this project.
Related: The Best Battery Powered Chainsaw For Small Woodworking Jobs
How To Build A Table Using Industrial Galvanized Pipes
If you want an industrial-style table that doesn’t cost a fortune, Homedit will teach you how to make your own. Since it uses a wooden tabletop, this project is so much easier to see through with the help of a dowel jig. You’ll also need pipes of different sizes, floor mounts, and end caps.
FAQ
Question: How do you make a dowel without a jig?
You can build your own jig or you can work your way around the need for such a tool if you make the right measurements, align everything properly, and take your time with dowel drilling.
Question: Do I need a jig for dowels?
There are multiple ways to make a dowel without a jig, but having one is recommended because it makes the job faster and more accurate.
Question: Are dowels stronger than screws?
Yes. Dowels are stronger than screws because they have extra holding power given by the glue that reinforces their strength.
The Wrap Up on Dowel Jigs
Wolfcraft’s doweling jig offers a great product for a competitive price, delivering accuracy for those with patience to learn how to use it. It works with multiple joint types and includes a handy user guide. Also, if you’d like to see more cool woodworking projects or learn about the appropriate tools, make sure to check out the other sections of our website!
The post Complete Your Workshop with the Best Dowel Jig for Woodworking Projects appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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