Dowel Jig Basics [video 441]
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video I take a closer look at #cheap #dowel #jig and see what we need to do to get the best out of it. Enjoy!
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Wherever possible links are to actual products used, but this is not always possible e.g. some products are not available in the US, so something [similar] has been linked to instead.
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Used/featured in this video:-
Dowel jig kit - amzn.to/36FLdnx (US:[similar] amzn.to/3a0HKjX)
Dowel jig (no extras)- amzn.to/2MgiBdl (US:[similar] amzn.to/3a0HKjX)
Dowel jig bare (similar) - amzn.to/3bS5Oqu
8 x 30mm dowels - amzn.to/38yb16J (US:[3/8th] amzn.to/2KJAKQ5)
Wolfcraft dowel master jig - amzn.to/3dt7d9i (US: [similar] amzn.to/37tKqXb)
Wolfcraft depth stops - amzn.to/3ufYxJp (US: nope, sorry)
Strawbyte waste side jigs - thanks Karl! - bit.ly/Strawbyt...
Hinge drilling guide - amzn.to/2oYBHqk
Festool MFT - amzn.to/2x49HHE (US: amzn.to/2J25aKy)
Festool Midi extractor - amzn.to/2tCIN3Q (US: amzn.to/2rKNIOx)
Moldex 6810 in-ear defenders - amzn.to/2P2c5nP (US:amzn.to/2LgIsye)
Bessey Duo Klamp - amzn.to/2tsSWQs (US:amzn.to/2sVaRBH)
Hultafors Talmeter tape measure - amzn.to/2pHwnbH (US: amzn.to/2oqLQc9)
Moldex 6810 in-ear defenders - amzn.to/2P2c5nP (US:amzn.to/2LgIsye)
Mirock square - etsy.me/2MC0RT
Mirock 500mm T-ruler - etsy.me/365P0KE
Festool PDC 18/4 - amzn.to/2s3J0eq (US: amzn.to/2tWUHEL)
Festool T18 drill/driver - amzn.to/2QAHpK1 (US: amzn.to/2RPuOCR)
Spax screws - amzn.to/2oYWydc (US: amzn.to/2oOjkDT)
Bahco 6” combi square - amzn.to/2oumhX4 (US: amzn.to/2ouSg9k)
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![Cabinetry Basics Part 1 [video 435]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3N_T-YpkBCg/mqdefault.jpg)
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I have watched all of your videos and learned so much. Not a second of my time was ever wasted. A genuine thank you!
Thank you! 🙌👍
Haven't watched all of them, still working my way through, but couldn't agree with you more when you say '' Not a second of my time was ever wasted '' A great bit of luck finding this channel for me. Cheers
i couldn't agree anymore to your message
Finally Mr M shows us weekend woodworkers how to produce domino style accurate joints at beer money prices 😀 ... This is why I subscribed to the channel
Thanks Kevin! 👍
Unless you can reference of the edge of your panel or bit of wood it is impossible to use those little jigs accurately.
droping the drill bit is such an easy tip i cant believe i never thought of it. Thanks!
With years of using dowels in the past I never knew that about using the notch on the dowel guide when doing a T joint. Every day is a learning day. Nice work Peter!
Thanks Ian! 👍👍
I had the exact same "ahhhhhhhhhh ok" moment.
Same, fantastic!
Me too! Feeling very stupid now!!
At the moment you have a 99.7% approval rate of this video. You've earned it. Thank you.
Thank you! 👍👍
Great video, some new ideas and techniques. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this video, I think I now know how to use a dowel jig! The using the point of the drill bit to mark is especially useful.
A link for this video should come with every dowel jig, great job PM.
Now *that* would get the viewing numbers up! Thanks! 👍👍
I bought one of those about 20 years ago at a flea market for a dollar. I never did figure out how to use it properly - now I know. Thanks!
Thanks! 🙌👍
I just bought this exact same jig, and of course it came with no instructions. This video is clear concise and most importantly- informative! Thank you. Subscribed!!
Thanks, and welcome! 👍
The "quick tip" at the end was super excellent!
Glad it helped! 👍
Thanks Peter . I bought the Wolfcraft jig and was having no luck with its use, despite a TH-cam demo video. Now I can see why. Thanks.
Brilliant videos, love your channel Peter.
Cheers Danny! 🙌👍
I learnt more of this video than i have the last 10 videos. I can actually make a straight dowl line up. Thank you for this video. I have had that tool for a long time and could never make it line up straight. A++++++++
I totally agree as a carpenter of 40 years I just purchased one of these handheld jigs.
They're not bad for their purpose and not bad for the price for what you get.
But all the references and videos that I seen said just to hang on to it which is incorrect you should always clamp down your jig so it does not move because on a 3/4-in piece of plywood or half inch the handle can rock just enough to put your dowel at an angle.
Always take the time to clamp down your wood piece and your jigs for accurate craftsmanship.
Other words slow down do the prep work first get set up so your finished product comes out flawless That's true craftsmanship even with a simple cheap little jig such as this.
Good video.
@@dansmith8912 Good points. But how would you clamp down the jog with the centre hole with the T joint?
@@hagechin , of course I use whatever clamps I have including C clamps with some deep throats.
Play hits really really far in and you don't have a clamp available of course you always make a jig out of wood normally what I do is I align it up along the side of the jig with long strips running from end to end of the material and then clamp down accordingly.
Sometimes you spend more time making a jig to complete the project than you do just working on the project alone lol.
Patience is a thing in carpentry especially in cabinet building and fine woodworking such as furniture.
Great tips. Such a clever little tool!
Exactly what I was looking for today! Thank you for putting this video together two years ago Peter, it's still providing value!!!
You, are a great teacher, cause you seem to enjoy what you do.... many thanks from Malta
Just bought the jig. Presumed I'd be able to work it out as I am a D&T teacher but having just watched the video I would have missed half the benefits and such clever simple tips that will make it so much more useful. Thanks very much, I'll pass them on to my pupils.
Thank you! 👍
You have a clear gift for offering up clear and easy to understand directions. Thanks for this video.
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching! 👍
I'm not sure I've ever done any woodwork (other than a few weeks at school) yet I've watched countless hours of your videos and enjoyed them all.
Glad to hear it, thanks! 👍
I had my dowel jig on order, then found your film, brilliant thank you.
When the jig arrives I now had a good idea how to use it, a fantastic film, much appreciated.
I’m now also a new subscriber to your channel, perfect, kind regards.
Yes, I really enjoyed your explanation. It'll make my life a lot easier when it comes to drilling for those pieces to match...
I have been using dowels for jointing for a lifetime, but I still got something out of this Peter. Thanks.
Thanks Norman! 👍
Really one of my favourite video about the Dowelling Jig, you covered everything
Thank you so much. I have the same tool and I am gonna use today to make bunk bed for my 2 sons.
Really helpful tips, not all of what you have shown are in the instructions, very very helpful, many thanks
Peter, I live in the north west of England. I watch all your videos and find them inspirational and inspiring. But this is a first. The other night I was in bed watching one of your videos on an iPad. My wife was trying to get to sleep at my side. At the end of the video she asked “who was that?” I told her and she said the description and information and the way it was presented was excellent! That’s something she never says to me, so thought I’d pass it on. She is right of course. Please keep it up.
Thanks Ralph! And Mrs Ralph! 🙌👍
Peter, thank you. The clamping tips addressed my concern with trying to handhold the jig and drill the hole at the same time.
I have been meaning to buy a dowel jig , just a hobbyist, this is a great alternative to the festool .
That brad-point bit trick to align the jig to your mark is fantastic. Worth the view.
Thanks! 👍
The very last bit is exactly the one I’ve been searching for for ages. Thanks a million. :-D
You're welcome! 👍
Great presentation and ideas
Just bought a dowel jig and it didn’t come with instructions so, so glad to stumble over this vid. Very clear and helpful guidance. Thank You so much for your honest presentation :)
I used the link above and bought one of these jigs. There are no instructions with it, but none were needed as your video is so well explained. Thank you.
Thanks! 👍
Thanks for a great tutorial!
I spent all evening yesterday trying to come up with a jig/way to do this reliably myself. Going to pick one of these up tomorrow as it seems to make it a much easier and more pleasant experience!
Thanks so much for this video! I recently picked up one of these at an estate sale, & only had a slight notion of how to use it.
Thank you so much for that. For those of us who do "woodworking" (I say that loosely) as a hobby using dowels would be the way to go, well for me anyway. These are just the sort of videos I really enjoy.
Thanks! 👍
Just got this jig, Watched a few videos and this video was the best. I've learned more from this video than all the others together .
Thanks! 👍
Thank you for revisiting this and giving some pointers. Those of us that have limited budget for the big tools use these all the time. I do admit though the Domino would be much faster, less aggravation, and better immediate results. Not mentioning needing 3 hands... How about a hand to the homeowner builders, makers etc that create product with the simplest of tools.
Absolutely! 🙌🙌👍
There also a lot of satisfaction to be had using the simple tools.
Thank you being new to woodwork and a complete novice I have fought with this jig in the past, now look at it with fresh eyes- now what to build!!!
Ah - what to build is the easy part! 😆 👍
Just stumbled on this one and I'm now going to see the others. Very pleasant and very complete. Thanks.
Thanks Peter for all of your great videos, I struggled with this one even with clamps as I kept getting sideways movement out by a mm or so. I came across a video by Mardak workshop (how to use a doweling jig step by step). He does not mark the piece up at all instead using a dowel in a prior hole to line up the hole on the adjoining piece with the slots at the back of the jig. It worked a treat as locked everything into place so felt more stable.
I can't believe how useful that jig is. Especially the t junction method.
Yes, very! Mighty impressive for a pocket-money jig. 👍
Blummin' brilliant Peter ... thank you so much. Just bought the jig, using your link.
That final tip is awsome! Thanks a lot for the video!
By the way, I just bought that same jig in a popular (cheap) store called Action, here in The Netherlands, including a couple of drill bits + stops, a bunch of dowels and a case for storage/transport. I paid around 10 Euros, which is a great deal if you ask me.
Thanks for this video. I bought this jig and did not know how to use it effectively, but I can make great use of it thanks to your teaching.
👍👍
Another no nonsense video, thanks Peter.
Thanks Jer! 👍👍
Brilliant! Video. Had one for years but never understood it until now? Well done.
Just the instructional video I needed. Thanks again for adding to your library of how to videos. Brilliant
Thank you! 👍
That was really well done, Peter! Every time I watch a video like this one I feel that I'm picking up ideas that will help me increase precision beyond the task at hand - like the brad point bit for alignment.
Thank you! 👍
Howdy, Brother! Excellent demonstration. Your tips concerning the clamping of the jig and using the brad point drill bit for alignment were priceless. Thanks!
Howdy, Brother! Needed to view your demo again for a refresher. Thanks again and Drive-On, Cowboy!! 🤠
Oh my god....... Life changing! I've been watching woodworking tutorials on TH-cam since 2 years ago, and I am so surprised that I've only encountered your videos recently.. Thank you SO very much for the amazing explanations! I actually have the dowel tools but never dared to use them. Time to put those dusty tools to good use!
Lots of love from Malaysia!
Thank you! And best wishes from London! 👍
Thank you Peter I bought this jig two years ago and never quite figured out how to use it, I have certainly learned a lot today
Thanks Kevin, glad to hear it! 👍
Thanks Peter for these tips. Just what I needed, everytime!
I have to say, again, what a great vid this is. I am using it as a reference video for dowel usage.
It also really interesting to see what a simple tool in the hands of an experienced woodworker can result in. IMHO this kills the whole «if I had - I could» debate in one fell swoop.
Thanks Goran! 👍👍
Just gone and ordered the dowel jig kit, Peter. I needed a cheaper jointing option and you've convinced me, thanks.
Cheers Keith! 👍
Hi Peter, the more the merrier! Every time I watch your videos I learn something new. Keep up the good work thank you
Steve
Thanks Steve! 👍
Thanks sir it's really helpful
Just yesterday I bought this dowel but don't know the way of use you explain in a very nice way its helps not only perfect joints also faster then ever
From across the pond and this is a Brilliant use of a dowel guide.... I'm a biscuit joiner always good to learn new technics.... excellent video!
Thanks, and welcome! 🙌👍
Thanks Peter. I too gave up on my cheap dowel jig 20+ years ago, it never gave good results - but I didn't throw it away. I was intrigued, my original jig had instructions that were little more than an advertising slogan "Place jig, drill holes, strong joint". Now that I understand HOW the jig was to be used it actually works!
Thanks Allan! 👍
Thank you for an amazing video. I will be giving the a try in order to make a few basic cabinets
A pleasure to find & learn great tips to complete accurate joints Thank You
Excellent - no nonsense and informative. Cheers.
A very timely video. I picked up a load of PAR oak from AJ Ferguson to make a couple of bedside tables this morning and this video has conformed to me that using dowel joints is the way to proceed. Thank you.
Excellent! I was just in there this afternoon - they said someone had been in, thanks! 🙌👍👍
I just bought one of this little jig. I didn’t know I could do such a lot of things with It. Thank you for your clear and nice explanation. Very calm, no loud music, it’s a pleasure watching the video. Best regards from Transilvania-România!
Thank you! Best wishes from London! 🙌👍👍
This video made this process effortless! I love learning how to join wood without using fasteners. Gonna get one of these jigs and start practicing this.
Brilliant video, just got a metal dowel jig, cannot wait to try after watching this. You are the best❤️❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Excellent as always Peter.
Love your work Peter, very well explained techniques, great for DIY’ers confidence building.
Thank you so much! 👍
Well done, I rediscovered the joy of dowels after realizing that the Domino was not in the near future for my use, and biscuits alone were not getting me the alignment I wanted.
Tip, I created a depth setting jig with a set of depth setting dowels so all I had to do was slip the drill over the top off the bit, down to the depth dowel, tighten the collet, and I had with the depth for the dowel, perfectly set. Made one depth dowel for each of the common dowel sizes I use. Takes most of the fiddling work out of dong dowels. BTW - I use two Milescraft Doweling Pro's to align and drill two sets of holes all at once. This avoids most the alignment issues some people have with dowels, and makes doing dowels quick and accurate.
Great info, thanks! 👍
A depth jig is a great idea. Perfect use for that bit of oak off cut I have lying around.
This is a good tip. I’m surprised the jigs don’t come with a depth setting line on the fence for each of the dowel sizes. Would be super simple for them to add it. I may just scratch that on myself now. Also that’s a great idea having 2. They are super cheap and keeping one with the fence and one without would keep the work more consistent if you can’t get all of each type of holes done at the same time.
Hi Peter, great tips but you missed one - once you have set up the removable fence like you did in the bonus tip, you can use this on the L joint to drill the face holes by clamping the pieces flat together and sliding the fence over the dowel in the end holes, they will then be aligned in the same way they are for the T joint, and you don't need to mark the position for the holes in the face either, eliminating the problem you mentioned 👍
I really dont understand this.. would anybody rephrase it?
@@igna924You might figure it out for now, but I will try to explain for those who may watch it in the future.
1) Setup the jig as shown in bonus clip.
2) Drill remaining holes on the face and insert dowels.
3) Take the part out the vice and lay on a table.
4) Take the other part of the joint and place it on the top.
5) Align edges of both parts to make them flush.
6) Now, at the fence part of the jig you should see three slots corresponding with dowel sizes. Slide correct size one on the dowel and press the jig against top and the faces.
7) Your jig should be perfectly aligned and ready to drill a hole.
My kit was delivered this week. Thank you for doing this video. Certainly has helped for when i start making my shelving unit
Fantastic - glad it was helpful! Let me know how you get on 👍
I just already purchased. Must have in the workshop. Thanks 👍
After watching this video I got an identical jig off wish for €3,arrived today,must say it's surprisingly accurate,no festool domino but would be able to but enough of these for every student in my woodwork class for a fraction of the cost of a domino jointer.thanks Peter, excellent detail and demonstration.👍
Thanks! 👍👍
Peter again so much to learn I too have had one of those jigs in my garage and never really got to grips with it in and out of the drawer never could really fathom it out so complex in its simplicity but your little ideas are so beneficial I can see that little jig will be one of my most used tools thanks to you again oh mine is yellow not that makes a difference but I will be getting some practice with it now I know the secrets thanks again
Thanks! It was a yellow one I threw out years ago, lol! The problem was definitely me though, but the jig! 👍
Haha.snap.i though I was really gonna change things when I bought my yellow one.but couldn't fathom it out.thank you for clearing this up for me.good man.👍
Really enjoyed this video. I am just about to buy my first dowel jig and found the content perfect for me.
Thank you.
Thanks! 👍👍
Thanks Peter, another wonderful basics video. I’m just about to L joint on a project. I’ve had a dowel jig for a good number of years but I thought I’d look up a ‘how to video’ just to make sure I wasn’t missing a trick. I naturally went to you video first and was not disappointed to find I’d missed a couple of tricks not just one. The notch on the side is new to me, also not using a Brad point drill bit was good to know about.
Please keep up your superb content they make every day a school day.
Ken Myerscough, Southport UK 👍
Thank you so much I’m very new to woodworking and ordered one and had no idea how to use it and thanks to your video I have no problem! Thanks again your video was very helpful and easy to follow along with
New subscriber. Thanks for the video. I always thought these jigs were simple but have not seen anyone illustrate how simple they are.
Thanks and welcome! 👍
Well done directions. Made it very easy to understand. Thanks
Just used the wolfkraft jig at the end of this video. That’s for the Brad point tip to centre the dowel. Worked a treat.
Thank you Peter, very simple & clear explanation.
Very useful tips Peter, thanks & great video as always.
Thanks! 👍
Wonderfully explained and demonstrated Peter, I've had one of those dowel jigs for some years and never got to use it, now i feel confident to try it. Thanks.
Hi Peter, just watched your video and I have now learnt how to use the jig I've just bought. Can you tell me what your bench is and where to get it?
My dowel kit included the pins that mark the adjacent dowel position. I used the drill point, like you, to locate the jig over that point.
I was also trying to use the diagonal pins close to an edge and ended up using another board as an extension to be able to engage the pin that was off the edge of the work piece. I should have used the fence!! Never thought about it at the time. That fence is more useful than I thought.
Great tips! Thx. 👍
Thanks! 👍
Just bought this jig, tried to use it today and failed miserably, A waste of £16 as I wound up measuring the old fashioned way. Now I have seen this, it all makes complete sense, I will have another go armed with the knowledge I have gained from this video. It shows you can teach old dogs new tricks I'm 74 . Thank you :)
I had that exact experience years back! These jigs aren’t great, but they’re not terrible! 😂👍
Thanks just bought one with no instructions this video is brilliant.
Good vid. Straight forward and easy to follow. I got one of these jigs a couple years ago but could not figure out how to use it! Now I'm gonna be jigging my heart out! Lol
Super helpful for me. Thanks for posting this video!!
Great vid, I’m glad I hung around till the end for the bonus tip
This is the video I needed. I think I am where you were 20 years ago and I wasn’t particularly impressed. This is the encouragement/ hand holding I needed. Thanks
Thank you! 👍
Peter thank you so much for this awesome explanation on how to use the dowel jig correctly , i bought a kit over 2 years ago , in frustration i put it away , the original video looked so easy , after seeing your instruction i think i might pull it out again and give it another go , again thank you so much for this great video series
Thanks, great to hear it helped! 👍
Dowel joinery is my primary joinery method for most projects. If you are feeling flush Peter, try the Joint Genie dowel jigs, they are not cheap but made to last, accurate and easy to use.
Enjoyed this. I have one in a drawer… it’s just reinforced that I do actually really want a Domino! 🤭
Excelent as always !!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent video Peter extremely helpful thanks for posting 👍
Thanks! 👍
Thanks once again, Peter!!! Funnily enough I was looking into dowel joints this week as I have never used them and watched a video on which stress tests were done and I was convinced. Time-consuming & cheaper in comparison to the Festool dominos but it's all a hobby for me.
Thanks! Yes, there’s a lot to be said for them! 👍
Have a look at the Wolfcraft's dowelling ruler jig (Wolfcraft 4650), it's a great jig for making furniture, easy to use and quicker than the cheap single-hole jigs whilst remaining quite cheap + it can be used for drilling system 32 holes (altough it's a bit cumbersome)
Great video, thanks, I've just purchased the Wolfcraft jig and I'm looking forward to using it!
I bought one last week, gave up and bought a £80 pocket hole jig 😂 Now I know how it works properly. Thanks Peter 👍
😂 Been there! 👍