Jessem 8350 Dowels

[Bill Sutherland]

Just got the Jessem 8350 and now I'm off to a bunch of little projects that I can use the new jig with. Only problem is I have a small supply of dowels and wondered where you fellas get the best deal on dowels?

[Prashun Patel]

I bought 1000 from McFeely's a few years ago. Gave away 1/2, and still have too many to count. They've worked fine for me.

If you wish for the most precision and versatility in size, then consider a dowel plate system.

[Bill Huber]

I get all of mine from Lee Valley, they are the expansible dowels.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32732&cat=1,250,43217,43228

[Matt Day]

Lee Valley sells good ones, the same as the ones Jessem sells.

[Mike Goetzke]

I'm to receive a new Jessem jig today. The jig will cut 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" holes. I will be looking for dowels too.

Is there a rule of thumb (like length equals so many diameters) on the length of the 3 dowels I will be needing?



Thanks

Mike

[Bill Huber]

I'm to receive a new Jessem jig today. The jig will cut 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" holes. I will be looking for dowels too.

Is there a rule of thumb (like length equals so many diameters) on the length of the 3 dowels I will be needing?



Thanks

Mike

I really don't know the answer to the question but for me I use 3/8" x 1 1/2" dowels the most. I will use 2" if I am making a panel of some type but for most of the work I do it is 3/4" stock to 3/4" stock and that is where the 3/8" x 1 1/2",

I would get another bit and collar, that way when you are drilling the holes you can set one for one depth and the other for a different depth, like when you are doing end grain to long grain.

I made a jig to set the bits with, it is fast and easy to set the collar for what I need. So if you are drilling in the long grain of a 3/4" board you only want to go like 5/8". But the mating hole in the end grain has to be deeper so the jig sets that depth.

I have 3 holes for the one pin so I can set it for 1", 1 1/2" or 2" dowels.

309259

[Prashun Patel]

Bill, Seems like you've been through every situation and then jigged about it.

Will you publish a book, already? Throw in the photo taking tips with a point-shoot camera as an appendix, and I'll be the first in line.

[Steve Wurster]

Bill, Seems like you've been through every situation and then jigged about it.

Will you publish a book, already? Throw in the photo taking tips with a point-shoot camera as an appendix, and I'll be the first in line.

Right behind you, Prashun! Mr. Huber and Mr. Thien have some of the best and most practical jigs I've ever seen.

[Bill Sutherland]

Bill...throw me into that list of those wanting information on your jigs/experience. What a great resource. Thank you.

[ken masoumi]

I get all of mine from Lee Valley, they are the expansible dowels.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32732&cat=1,250,43217,43228
+1,like them for quality and consistency in size,I use their dowels with my Dowelmax jig and their(LV) 3/8" brad point bit.