Dowel Pin Technique
Dowel pin technique, or dowel joints, are constructed by using lengths of rounded wood--called dowels--to strengthen an otherwise weak wood joint. Holes are drilled into the two pieces of wood to be joined. Dowels are inserted into the holes so they span both pieces of wood and the joint is glued together.
Other People Are Reading
-
Accuracy
-
The holes must line up precisely for the wood to match up correctly. Jigs that make this alignment quick and accurate can be made or purchased. Dowel centers are an alternative to jigs. When inserted into the first series of holes, they mark the spot to drill the second series.
Dowels
-
Dowels meant for joint construction are usually made of beechwood, which expands when wet with glue. Fluted and spiraled dowels are usually preferred over straight dowels because air and excess glue can escape the joint.
-
Applications
-
Butt joints, where the end of one board is joined to the face or edge of another board, are one of the weakest in woodworking. Dowel pins help reinforce the joint to add strength. Dowel pins are also an alternative when fasteners, like nails or screws, are not desired to help hold the joint together.
-
References
- Photo Credit dowel image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
