Center Yourself with a Best Way Dowel Center Set

Best Way Tools 25860 Dowel Center Set

Every woodworker learns pithy adages from whoever teaches him (or her) the basics. “Measure twice, cut once” is probably the best-known, but another one my dad taught me is, “It’s all about the joints.” There are many ways to join two pieces of wood, and the most elegant ones don’t involve nails or screws. Doweled joints are an excellent method for making a strong joint without visible fasteners: you simply drill a hole in each piece, stick in a short piece of dowel, and glue the two halves of the joint together.

He said “Simply”: Ha!

Lining up the holes for a doweled joint is no “simple” task: doing it well is an art. There are ways to make lining up holes a little easier, though. One is to use a doweling jig such as the Wolfcraft Dowel Quick or the Dowel-It Model 1000. The other is to use a set of dowel centers like the Best Way 25860. This set includes two each of four sizes (1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2") of centering pins. Each is a stubby, precision-machined cylinder the same diameter as its corresponding dowel, ending in a thin disk that acts as a collar to prevent the pin from sliding completely into the hole. A sharp conic projection is located in the center of the disk. The pins are steel with brass-colored plating; hard enough that they won’t dull easily.

To use dowel centers, drill holes in one half of the joint and slip in the centers. Line up the other half of the joint and press it against the dowel centers; the pointed projections will transfer the locations from one piece to the other. Drill matching holes in the other side with a drill press.

Dowel centers can be used where jigs won’t work well, such as for joints falling in the center of a large workpiece, or for performing repairs like replacing a chair rail. The only problem I’ve had is that they are small and easily disappear.

The set contains two of each size; I’d suggest that you pick up two sets, since two centering pins aren’t always sufficient. Best Way also offers the dowel centers in single-size sets of four. Summary PLUS: simple solution to a complex problem MINUS: really should be four of each size WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Dowel centers are a simple way to accurately line up the two halves of a doweled joint.

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