lowell holmes
08-27-2010, 9:03 PM
Jim Koepke drilled holes with an auger bit and then inserted dowels in the holes leaving them proud on the saw bench he made. (See the current string Jim posted about making the saw bench)
As a matter of discussion, I’m making the observations below. This is not to question Jim's work. I’ve had discussions with woodworkers about this before, but I have found no common knowledge. I've never found any one that was aware of this.
I have an Irwin set of auger bits that was my Dad’s. It is a 13 bit set in an oak case. The booklet that was in the case has a 1971 copyright date. On page 5 of the booklet, it states:
“All auger bits, except those made especially for doweling work, are ground approximately 1/64” oversize. This is done so that holes bored for bolts, pipe, cable, etc. can be bored with the same size bit (8/16” hole for a ½” bolt) and a snug fit will result. Dowel bits are made close to actual size so dowels will fit snug.”
I have a doweling jig, and the auger bits will not fit in the jig, so I tend to believe the Irwin information. My auger bits are in fact 1/64" oversize. I’ve also experienced that dowels bought to use are oversize so they will not be loose in an auger bored hole.
Jim’s dowels don’t look loose in the pictures.
Does anyone have a comment to make about this (even if it really doesn't matter.) :)
As a matter of discussion, I’m making the observations below. This is not to question Jim's work. I’ve had discussions with woodworkers about this before, but I have found no common knowledge. I've never found any one that was aware of this.
I have an Irwin set of auger bits that was my Dad’s. It is a 13 bit set in an oak case. The booklet that was in the case has a 1971 copyright date. On page 5 of the booklet, it states:
“All auger bits, except those made especially for doweling work, are ground approximately 1/64” oversize. This is done so that holes bored for bolts, pipe, cable, etc. can be bored with the same size bit (8/16” hole for a ½” bolt) and a snug fit will result. Dowel bits are made close to actual size so dowels will fit snug.”
I have a doweling jig, and the auger bits will not fit in the jig, so I tend to believe the Irwin information. My auger bits are in fact 1/64" oversize. I’ve also experienced that dowels bought to use are oversize so they will not be loose in an auger bored hole.
Jim’s dowels don’t look loose in the pictures.
Does anyone have a comment to make about this (even if it really doesn't matter.) :)