Best Overall
Milescraft JointMaster
Best Bang for the Buck
Milescraft JointMate
Upgrade Pick
JessEm Dowelling Jig Master Kit
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When it comes to wood joinery , creating dowel spliff is one of the easiest , most approachable selection for DIYers to begin with and an essential skill in a woodshop — but the right dowel jig can make this task even easier . That ’s why we research more than a 12 dowel jig and tested six that should suit just about any story of woodworker , from a novice DIYer to a furniture maker .
While joinery has hail a long way , with the popularity of pocket hole screws and mucilage that are stronger than ever , there is still a position in your service department or workshop for an gentle - to - use dowel gigue .
“ There are tons of things around the house a homeowner can use dowel jig to furbish up , ” says John Mazzuca ofGambrick Construction , a Point Pleasant , New Jersey – found custom home builder with 25 years of experience . “ Over time wood chairs can become wobbly … and a dowel gigue can [ aid you ] drill new holes into the chair ’s legs and back financial backing for dowels that will reinforce the joint and make the chair sturdy again . ” Mazzuca says he also expend joggle to fix the shelving on bookcases or when the case itself starts to pull apart .
Thesewoodworking toolscan not only help you fix broken items , but they can also help your raid into carpentry projects as they vigorously align boards for things like cabinet , boxes , and tabletops . Here are the best dowel pin jigs , base on our hands - on experience , for a variety of project .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
These top choice represent highly focussed choices to make it easy for woodworkers to find the ripe combination of operation and economic value .
Our rating : Ease of use4.5/5 ; Stability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
While there are jigs that offer a greater reach of joggle sizing option , the JointMaster is grueling to beat when it comes to public utility . The boxed kit includes three arm to exercise ¼-inch , 5/16 - in , and ⅜-inch joggle , which can get across most base for DIYers . Plus , its overbold design makes this jig our favorite . The atomic number 13 body is stiff and wo n’t bow even when exploiter crank down on the included clamp .
Like a spate of jig , the JointMaster has indexing fingers to assist transfer the location of dowel pin to make any stock joint . We appreciated the vindicated throw markings to help center the dowels in stock from ½ column inch to 3 inches dense . Users wo n’t have to occupy about those rubbing off with heavy usance .
Milescraft included a particular a lot of other jigs leave out : a couple of positive stoppage that sneak onto the final stage of a board to help with consistent alignment . During examination we flipped either end down to hold the work , enable this comparatively inexpressive jig to have exact results . The gigue is assembled in a 90 - degree corner , but with a screwdriver , users can take it apart for instances where they need to drill a muddle without the fence — say when clamping the gigue onto a step baluster or chair spindle . Users can attach the removable clamp to either one-half of the jig .
We find the clamp form on most of our testing , but the Milescraft has a bunch of flat surfaces on its 90 - degree body , so if extra clamping is needed , it would n’t be difficult to get a secure collation . The outfit include a serial of spacers that help center the holes for vulgar board thickness like ½ inch , ⅝ in , ¾ inch , or 1½ inches .
by from the scrap and block collars purchaser have to offer , the screws are a pain stage . user will need to loosen and tighten two Philips - head piece of ass to swap out cylindrical lining pathfinder , set the fence position , or reveal apart the jig . Over time , torquing down on the screws might denudate the heads . Still , that ’s a minor bit of concern to pay for a well - design and well - built gigue that can handle a wide cooking stove of doweling projects .
Get the Milescraft JointMaster dowel jig atAmazonorWoodcraft .
Our paygrade : Ease of use3.5/5 ; Stability3/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Sal Vaglica for Bob Vila
Milescraft ’s accounting entry - level joggle jig is about as basic as a dowel jig gets . The tough Ab plastic consistency has harden sword bushings for ¼-inch , 5/16 - in , and ⅜-inch drilling maw in material from ½ inch to 1½ inches thick . light orchard in the body of the tool designate the center line of the dowels .
The overall design is very user - friendly . Out of the box , we used the four Charles William Post wedge up from the face to aid pore the dowel holes on the edge or end of a panel — any time measure is n’t take is a estimable thing . We were able-bodied to obligate the JointMate in one bridge player and drill a centered cakehole for the dowel pin with the other . It would probably be well-off if the work was held in a vice , but for immediate work , the setup is very debauched . The adjustable fence , in coincidence with fingers shape in the front of the tool , allowed us to index the Milescraft on a joggle pin and then transfer the hole ’s positioning to a mating board , so while this is an cheap shaft , if drug user take their time with it , they can get accurate results .
During examination , the lightweight plastic felt durable and well-situated in hand . While it aid drill three common dowel pin diameter , it can take a bit of picky measuring to evenly space those hole across the width of very long boards , like a tabletop . But for smaller work , where users might only need four or five dowels to line up , this is a great entry - level solution .
Photo: Sal Vaglica for Bob Vila
The JointMate is a good buy at around $ 10 , but it does n’t include additional construction pieces , such as clamps , practice bits , and stop collars . Milescraft offers akit version of this tool , which includes exercise spot and stop neckband , starter dowels , glue , and dowel center pins . That might be a better value for those who involve to start build up immediately .
Get the Milescraft JointMate dowel jig atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Ease of use4.5/5 ; Stability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: amazon.com
The JessEm dowel jig is purport at master , not because the gigue is particularly complex — inexperienced woodworkers can palm it — but because of the sort and truth of holes it make . With brand bushing and screws , this capable anodized Al jig works on a spacious range of projects . Though it ’s on the pricey side , the JessEm was the only one in our testing that came with drill bit and stop collars .
join end grain is always hard , and most dowel jigs are not well suited for the task . However , with the ability to blank dowel pin a bare ⅛ inch aside and a untarnished steel indexing pin tumbler , the JessEm jig easily tackles the job . Users drop into the first maw , so any subsequent hole are accurately spaced no matter the sizing of the board . Proper clamping also helps achieve that sort of accurate repeatability , and we found that the flat surface of this gigue provide ample clamping room .
We also liked the JessEm ’s three quick - variety sleeves ; we did n’t have to change individual cylindrical lining to change between dowel pin sizes . Seven ¼-inch bushings worry one ; five ⅜-inch bushings are on another ; and three ½-inch bushings fill the last . The dowels can be set anywhere from ¼ inch to 3½ inch from the board boundary , which is a unique dimension that provides tight , consistent spatial arrangement . The curiously shaped but useful U - shaped one-armed bandit in the front of the jig can , with the indexing pin or a dowel , channelise a pickle ’s location from one board to another to ensure precise conjunction across edge - to - edge joints , 90 - degree corner , or T joints .
Photo: amazon.com
The only downsides to this merchandise that we noticed were having to provide our own clamp and keep track of the ⅛-inch hex key required to switch between bushing sizes . Overall , however , we found that this well - design product was a joy to use .
Get the JessEm dowel jig atAcme Tools , Lee Valley , orInfinity Tools .
Best Self-Centering
Task Tools Wide Capacity Economy Jig
Our rating : Ease of use5/5 ; Stability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value:4/5
The Task Tools gigue is a two - in - one for what can be tough doweling . Not only can it plow timbers and post up to 6 inch wide , but it also centers the dowel holes mechanically , enable user to receive the eye of round stock , too . The chunky screw - fashion vise makes this just about the light jig to use because it firmly hug any pedigree that fits within its jaws . The Task also has five fixed cylindrical lining , so it can treat a wide range of wood stock .
If your destination is to put holes in the centre of stock , this is the jig for you because it does exactly what it enunciate and with few moving part . While using the gigue , we notice the powerful feel of anodized aluminum construction , which should last for years thanks to the rust - immune coating . We also found it easy to attach the Task to wood spell as tenuous as ⅜ column inch boneheaded , and the accurate bushing were exact through the range of size .
Photo: amazon.com
On the downside , this gigue is not design to aid users shift joggle locations from one control panel to the next . That means it falls on the user to make more precise layout marks and a bit more patience to peg the location of mating muddle . Plus , at well over 2 pounds , the gigue can overcome smaller pieces of wood , which users might need to clamp into a frailty to keep secure . During testing , we had to clamp a 2×4 to the employment control surface while drill through the narrow end of the parentage , which helped increase stability .
Get the Task Tools dowel jig atAmazonorRockler .
Best Decorative
Rockler Corner Key Doweling Jig
Our paygrade : Ease of use5/5 ; Stability4/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value4/5
This specialty plastic jig comes in two firearm and is designed to put a joggle through a 90 - degree nook , result in a decorative finish and strong joining on boxes and cabinet . woodman often practice a wood joggle that contrasts with the box textile so the connexion start and adds a decorative touch . Other material , like alloy rods or leather lace ( to tie the joints together ) , can also be used .
The gigue is simple to specify up out of the box with comfortable - to - read marking for adjusting the fencing based on the heaviness of the Malcolm stock . During testing , the plastic and metal bushings were well-off to swop in and out without a putz . Although the kit does not come with Mandrillus leucophaeus bits or a clinch , we liked the clear center bank line on the jig ’s alignment window , which makes it gentle to put the dowel decently where user want it . This is a nice jig to have for more experient DIYers who dabble in case work .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Rockler dowel jig atAmazonorRockler .
ALSO TESTED
Dowelmax Classic ⅜ Joining System
While we were impressed with the heft , timbre , and precision milling of the Dowelmax , it ’s a mo too complex for a DIYer . Setting the Dowelmax up takes a second of metre , more than any other peter in the trial . While most dowel jigs might need a read or two of the manual , before stuff it into a drawer , a user will likely need to keep the booklet that come with the Dowelmax ( along with an instructional DVD ) on hand .
It also takes way more care to align the function of the gigue up to correlating theatrical role of the wood , based on a check embossed on the aluminum . And also for the high price , it can only drill ⅜-inch dowels . Other dowel guides are sell a la carte du jour . For an experient woodman looking for a viable option to a biscuit long plane or floating tenon power tool , this might be a viable option , but for most DIYers , the Dowelmax would be overkill .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Dowel Jigs
In resolve which dowel jig to quiz , we cautiously evaluated the market and look for dependable products with the most seek - after features . To suit beginner DIYers , we look at cost - favorable selection that are capable of the three most common doweling sizes ( ¼ inch , 5/16 inch , and ⅜ inch ) . With professional in mind , we explore mellow - end models that include feature such as laser etch for durability and ease of employment as well as preciseness - engineered joining system that can help more experient users produce better results .
After considering several product , we pick six to test and found five worth recommending to enshroud the indigence of a wide reach of user , from ingress - level budget - minded buyer to experienced woodman .
We quiz the creature for 3 hour over the course of a few mean solar day by drill holes in commonly sized stock , making boundary - to - sharpness joint that simulate a tabletop , 90 - degree corners , T join , and street corner joints all in softwood using commercially available dowels . We judge ease of use , truth , and utility when pronounce which dowel jigs to recommend .
What to Consider When Choosing a Dowel Jig
Dowel jigsvary wide in form , design , and complexity . The plethora of option can make choosing the right one difficult . The keep an eye on section look at several important considerations when shopping for the best joggle jig for a mountain range of workshop tasks .
Intended Use
dowel are used to secure severaltypes of joints : T joints , 90 - stage corner roast , mitered nook joints , edge - to - boundary stick , and wash joints .
While most dowel jig offer a degree of versatility , they may not be suitable for all joint types . Learn the full range of functions provided by a particular model before purchasing one . buy a introductory dowel jig can save money initially , but experienced woodworkers may want to invest in a more versatile simulation .
Dowel jig are sometimes key out as basic , intermediate , and advanced , but this language can be misleading . An inexperienced woodworker should n’t necessarily opt for a simpler twist . While the dowel jig may look easier to expend initially , it might in reality be more difficult to set up and lack the precision of a more advanced model .
Bushing Size and Material
The design of a dowel jig is to drill precise holes in a piece of wood . Users then fit dowels into these holes and glue the project together . While exclusion exist , the muddle for the dowel pin should be between one third and one half the thickness of the workpiece — any larger and the hole can weaken the junction . It ’s also right exercise , when drilling dowel holes , to impart some extra room in the pocket to accept any gum that will pool . program to give about ⅛ in of extra blank space on each goal of the wood pin by practise a golf hole that ’s about ¼ column inch deeper than the joggle is long .
To provide the necessary versatility , manufacturers typically offer a number of different George H.W. Bush ( or the practice usher ) with the purchase . Basic dowel jig usually let in one or two shrub ; more forward-looking models may cater up to six . mutual bush sizes ( 3/16 inch , ¼ inch , 5/16 inch , ⅜ inch , 7/16 inch , and ½ column inch ) match the wide usable joggle that fare in economical packs of 100 or more .
On humiliated - cost dowel jigs , the bushes may be made of small - monetary value , promiscuous - to - garden truck aluminum ; however , the arduous steel of a drill spot will wear it out eventually . For those who use a dowel jig only occasionally , this is n’t a job , but regular users will get more value from a jig with longer - hold out harden steel bushes .
Clamping Performance and Accuracy
Handheld dowel jigs may be comfortable to position , but the possibility of move always exists when boring , which can do inaccuracies and ruin the line . Many dowel pin jig can be clamped firmly in place to prevent movement from occurring . The clamping method , along with capability , vary among different eccentric of jigs .
entrance - level dowel jig might require clamp , but the clamps often are n’t included . Some of the safe dowel jigs clamp to both sides of the workpiece . Not only are these jig easy to operate , but their practice session bush ofttimes will center itself , which amend accuracy and also can improve efficiency .
Ease of Use
In principle , creating dowel joints is aboveboard . Once users have clamped the gigue or concord it onto the workpiece , they ’ll drill the dowel gob into the Sir Henry Wood . Ease of function becomes simply about how quickly the gigue can be set up and ready for drill . The particular that pull in a joggle gigue more exact , and therefore easier to use , is the method in which it helps transfer the holes from one board to the other . Most jigs do this without users having to get out a magnetic tape measure . A serial publication of fingers nestle around an existing golf hole fit with its dowel pin and then help users align its corresponding hole . This ensure accuracy so there are no surprises when gluing .
Every so often there might be a site where the alignment fingers wo n’t work , and in that case , a fewdowel center transfer markerscan help . Offered in common dowel diameter , these personal identification number fit into the holes in one one-half of the project . Then press the card into the mating one , and the pins on the markers describe the center of the correlating dowel holes .
Features like ego - centering are a bonus for some woodman , as is a choice of six different bushes . However , those who ordinarily work with similar - size of it timber may not postulate to change chaparral or accommodate dissimilar widths , so they do n’t need a high - oddment mannikin . While precise clamp is vital for some tasks , a humble - price handheld dowel jig is the proper puppet for others . The correct jig for you is the right gigue for your labor .
FAQs
Q. How do I choose a dowel size?
When creating edge and corner joints , ideally , the dowel pin should be one third the thickness of the board you ’re joining . While up to half the thickness of the board is permissible , do n’t go any further . For bombastic overlap joints , size of it is seldom authoritative .
Q. How far apart should dowels be placed?
It bet on the problem . On ending - metric grain material , dowels can be as close as practical to provide maximum support . On 1- to 2 - foot boards , place a joggle approximately 1 inch from each remnant and 4 to 6 inches aside in between . On long boards , position dowels up to 10 inches aside .
Q. Do dowels need glue?
Yes . Dowel joint are intended to be lasting , so apply a pocket-sized amount of glue . If you think you will desire to disassemble your project at some point , consider using apocket hole jig , which uses obliterable screws rather than dowels .
Q. How much weight can a dowel hold?
While many variables impact the amount , some experts in the discipline note that a 1 - inch dowel can hold 3,000 to 4,000 pounds .
Q. Why are dowels often used in making an edge joint?
Dowels make it easy to ordinate surfaces and prevent them from dislocate while the mucilage prohibitionist , which can dramatically reduce the motive for corrective oeuvre later .
Meet the Tester
Sal Vaglica has covered tools and DIY projects since 2006 for such sites as Better Homes & Gardens , Wired , This Old House , and Fine Homebuilding . A former hardwood flooring contractor , he prefer to prove tools hands - on whenever potential by repeat the scenario readers might confront at their own homes .
extra enquiry provided by Bob Beacham .
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