Making a Dowel Drilling Jig

[@macdaddy5802]

Great I’ll make one pliers leave marks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There will be no marks left from this jig Mac. Good luck with your build and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@frkevinmccabe2070]

I need to drill a 5/16 hole 2 inches deep into the end of a 3/4 inch dowel that’s 36 or 48 inches long (depending on which version of a project I’m making). I’m thinking up a jig I can put on the floor to hold the dowel vertical. I have a countertop drill press. I can turn the head so I have a long space available. I have some spirit levels. Any thoughts, please share. Thanks.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I would suggest making a jig for a handheld drill instead of your drill press. You can make it out of a short length of 2X4. Using your drill press to make sure that your holes are square, drill a 3/4" diameter hole that is 2" deep in one end of the 2X4. Then drill a 5/16" hole, centred in the middle of the 3/4" and have the 5/16" hole exit the 2x4. Now all you have to do is slide the 3/4" hole, over your dowel and use the 5/16" hole as a guide bushing for your bit. If the 5/16" hole is deep enough, it will support the sides of the bit and keep the hand drill square to your dowel. I hope this made sense. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@alanrichardson7244]

Where did you find the locking dog?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I am assuming that you mean the Veritas Quick Release Wonder Dog. You can find them at Lee Valley Tools. Here's a link. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches/benchtop-accessories/74622-veritas-quick-release-wonder-dog?item=05G1030 I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in Alan.

[@ssword7571]

Kenny, I don’t do Facebook or Instagram. Is there a way I can contact you regarding some questions I have on building the breadbox and tambour you did videos on? I bought the bits and plans from Amana, but could use your help. Thanks,😊

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You can reach me at [e-mail] Feel free to ask whatever questions you like and I will do my best to help out as much as I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@dalemoskalyk1227]

I am so gonna make this and kiss them unsteady vise grips with foam tape on the jaws GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD-BYE!!! lol. Good thing with this is you can make custom ones if you make multiple models at a time with weird dia dowels. Nice one bud, and thank Steve for me. Peace.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree with your more Dale. Definitely a jig that is easily customizable for anyone's needs. I love it and since I added the rubber cement on the inside of the holes, the grip is fantastic and doesn't mar my wood. (that just sounded wrong). LOL. thanks for tuning in sir. Great to hear from you.

[@rrabbit1960]

Nice! Thank you for the project-I know it will help others to safely drill dowels. I've needed to drill the ends of dowels a few times. My usual solution is to just drill a hole in a scrap piece, split it on a saw then clamp the 2 halves and the dowel in one of my drill press vices. I've used all kinds of scrap from 2x4 off cuts (a favorite) down to scrap from other projects. I can see where this jig comes in handy for someone like you who builds models and definitely drills more dowels than I do. (I think I drill about 2 a year and they are usually larger sizes- 3/4" to 2".) I may not comment on all of your videos but I watch every one and really appreciate them even if I don't need the projects you present. (By the way I like to go back and view your older videos as well.) And a thank you to Steve DeVries for sharing the pattern with you!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words on the show and the project Woody. I appreciate your dedication to the program and I'm glad to hear that you watch the show on a regular basis. It's always very flattering when I hear of someone who loves what I do when honestly, all I am doing is having fun and sharing what I am working on. Thanks for all your support and for your continued devotion to the program.

[@paulsmessyworkshop]

Kenny, love that jig, so simple yet effective. Adding the rubber cement to the inside is a great idea. While you were burning in the dowel sizes you should have added your name to the other side. Nice build.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I agree with the adding the name to the other side. I wish I would have thought about that at the time. I normally have a brand that I use to mark my projects but it is too big for this piece. I have since added the rubber cement and it adds an incredible amount of extra grip. I love this design. Thanks for tuning in sir.

[@s.g.devries8557]

Thanks for highlighting my jig Kenny! You did a great job explaining how to build it. I like that you glued your 1/4 hinge pins into the jig base rather than into the small maple pieces. I will be doing that to mine. Keep up the nice work!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It is I that should be thanking you Steve. I appreciate you sharing this jig with me and I hope that viewers here on the channel will consider purchasing your books so that they can build models of their own. I love the models that you have designed and one day, I hope to make one. Thanks again for tuning in and for sharing your design with me. I have to give credit, where credit is due.

[@marcb2120]

Now I have to find a project that needs a drilled dowel to rationalize building this. Gonna be fun!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Do you really need to rationalize build it? Just build it and the uses will come. LOL. Thanks for tuning in.

[@raymondbradford1642]

Great show thank you Kenny, looking forward to next week show.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you enjoyed it Raymond. Thanks for tuning in sir.