Need A Portable Dowel Setup

Doc2626

Hey, guys. I've got a production job coming into the shop, and I want to use wood dowels on it, but we're not set up for that...we do primarily cabinets and countertops, mostly plast. lam. Can anyone recommend a small, portable dowel drilling set-up, that will allow me to ensure precise spacing between my dowel holes? I'm hoping to get by with only spending a few hundred dollars. I'm going to have to install just four dowels in each of 5,000 assemblies, so I'm not looking for a heavy industrial machine. Thanks in advance, to anyone that can point me toward a manufacturer of something like this.

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BKFranks

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G1874-...9850353&sr=8-1






http://www.amazon.com/Professional-S...9850353&sr=8-2

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Doc2626

Thanks! I think that's something I could jig up pretty easily.
Appreciate the lead!

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I could have SWORN you said, "Measure once, cut TWICE, Boss!"

WarnerConstInc.

Mafell makes a duo dowel hand held tool, kinda like a biscut cutter but more so like the domino.

Tom R

Haven't used a self-centering doweling jig in years, - - seems like there's so many other options these days, - - and although these jigs are highly accurate, - - they're somewhat on the slow side, - - especially if you're discussing production-type jobs. But they do have their uses for certain applications. I should have at least 3 of them (old ones, at that) laying around in some cabinet in my shop somewhere. What kind of application are you using them for, Doc2626?? Maybe we can figure out a quicker method for you, - - or at least throw a few dumb ideas out there, - - just enough for you to come up with a better one off one of 'em . . .

Tom R

And just for your (even if it's for the future) info, - - there are also 'shelf-drilling jigs' available for slightly larger applications.

Here's one similar to mine (which I use more as an oversized doweling jig than a shelf jig) . . .


http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPR...Drilling%20Jig

mickeyco

Not sure where you are drilling the holes, how far apart, etc. Here's a pic of a jig, but it's for two holes (just add holes for four). If you are doing "four dowels in each of 5,000 assemblies", 20,000 holes, I'd make a jig similar to the picture out of steel or aluminum bar(flat) stock or hardwood with bushings, it won't cost a lot and will really increase speed and accuracy. You better have a lot of drill bits.


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Tom R

Yeah, - - actually, - - a drill press and stops seems the way to go, - - but I guess he doesn't have one?? Good time to spring for it.

Still like to hear his exact application, though . . .

neolitic

I've made two position stops for
drill press and miter saw fence by
just adding a second block to the
stop, attached with a hinge so that
you flip it up for position#1, down
for position #2.
That'll work if it's going to be 2 of
same spacing on either end of a piece.

Again assuming a drill press.
Don't think I'd want to drill 20,000
holes without one.

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