Where can I find a dowel connector??

[Jeff Monson]

I'm using 1 1/4" oak dowel for a cross project and need a brass dowel connector that is about 6 to 8" long that will connect a 36" and a 48" section of oak dowel. I did some seaches and havent come up with anything so far.

[Jim Chilenski]

Jeff,

Would a 1 1/4" I.D. brass tube do what you need? You can usually find brass tubing stock at hobby stores that sell to model airplane builders.

Jim

[Frank Fusco]

1 1/4" is a pretty substantial hunk of wood. Unless you want a visible brass thingy on the outside, you could dowel the dowels with just about anything (steel rod, etc.) internally.

[Jeff Monson]

It is visual but also functional, the project is a processional cross, the 36" section of dowel attaches to a base and the 48" section attaches to the cross, when the cross is carried the dowel is seperated at the connector, so it needs to come apart at times. I've seen this type of connector used on patio umbrellas alot also.

[Rennie Heuer]

I'm using 1 1/4" oak dowel for a cross project and need a brass dowel connector that is about 6 to 8" long that will connect a 36" and a 48" section of oak dowel. I did some seaches and havent come up with anything so far.

Jeff,

This would require reducing the OD of the dowel at the connection, but the brass would then be flush with the OD of the dowel - might be a better look and should certainly be strong enough.
http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1559&step=4&showunits=inches

[Frank Fusco]

It is visual but also functional, the project is a processional cross, the 36" section of dowel attaches to a base and the 48" section attaches to the cross, when the cross is carried the dowel is seperated at the connector, so it needs to come apart at times. I've seen this type of connector used on patio umbrellas alot also.

OK, a 'cross' as in a Christian cross. I had visualized you trying to cross (or span) a seven foot whatever.
As suggested, ordering the tubing on-line shouldn't be hard. Then you would have to find someone local to braze it together for you. An alternative would be to use steel tubing and paint it with metallic paint.

[Rennie Heuer]

It is visual but also functional, the project is a processional cross, the 36" section of dowel attaches to a base and the 48" section attaches to the cross, when the cross is carried the dowel is seperated at the connector, so it needs to come apart at times. I've seen this type of connector used on patio umbrellas alot also.

Jeff,

Usiing the tube from the post I sent earlier you could do something like this.
47631

[CPeter James]

You might try a source of brass bar rails like a place called "Renovator's Supply".

http://www.rensup.com/Brass-Rail/23054.htm


http://www.rensup.com/t/Brass_Rail_Dtl23054.jpg

CPeter