2 Woodworking Joints with the Jessem Dowelling Jig - Detailed Instructions

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Here's a tutorial on how to create a dowelled butt joint and a mitre joint (miter joint) with the Jessem Dowelling Jig. I also show how to use the indexing pin to add more holes in your work pieces. I am still learning how use the tool properly, but I tried to explain each step to the best of my understanding.

While this tool does require a bit more setup, it has the potential to replace much more expensive tools like the Domino Mortiser -- Especially in a small hobby shop where speed isn't as important. Cheers!

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Disclaimer: Working with wood and power tools is dangerous. Anyone using any of the tools or supplies used in these videos are personally responsible for learning the proper techniques involved, and he or she assumes all risks and accepts complete responsibility for any and all damages and injury of any kind.

Before using any hand or power tool with which you are unfamiliar, consult its operating instructions, and if necessary, seek instruction by a qualified person well versed in its operation and appropriate safety techniques.

Legacy Craftworks is intended for entertainment purposes only. There are no warranties implied and your results may differ from ours. You should NOT rely solely upon the information and techniques discussed and displayed in these videos. Rather, you should fully research each technique and decide for yourself what is the safest possible work method for you.

[pfmcdermott]

I appreciate that you went right into substance and didn’t have any intro animation or music. Thank you for the video!

[GeeDeeBird]

I strongly recommend anyone considering this jig look into the dowelmax. If you still decide to get the Jessem, consider using the dowelmax's "reference face" method instead of measuring and marking center lines. It will almost certainly give you better, more consistent alignment of your dowels.

[winstonramroop]

Great demonstration. Thanks for uploading your video !

[jasonbissonnette]

I just got my jig yesterday! Your other video helped me make up my mind and this video was timed perfectly lol! Merci!

[dribron]

I just received my jig in the mail yesterday. I found your video very helpful. in fact much more helpful than the Jessm videos that just go too fast. The jig itself is machined very well and is spot on accurate.

[RunningCordoroy]

3:56, i wish they put a mark going along the bottom so you didn't have to eye ball it. How much play do you have in the joints if you're off the mark?

[geraldl]

Nice video man, I appreciate your overview of this jig, keep it up, subscribed.

[stevesiefken]

How do you drill holes in two different sizes of workpieces? For example, can you leave a 1/4” reveal when joining a 4x4 leg of a table to a 3/4” apron?

[researchandbuild]

I'm curious how well this would work on a face frame that is only 1" wide stock. I find you can only fit 1 dowel in such a space. I've tried making an accurate jig of my own that is set up similar to the Jessem but when I put the mating piece on, its still not 100% correctly at 90 degrees, it is still slightly off. I feel like many dowel videos show using the dowel jig, and then they just show the joint - "look, it's flush!" but they never show measuring anything like the squareness.

[jesperweng]

Beautifull presentation ! Jesper in Roskilde

[Tilburger]

Does this jig also work with European size dowels? Example 6 or 8mm

[stevew]

I have both a Dowelmax and a Jessem. I won't get into a pissing match with anyone as to which is better. They are both excellent jigs but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The reference face method used by Dowelmax is far easier to use than the centerline method used by Jessem as shown in this video. The reference face method can also be used with the Jessem jig.

[معراجرینا-رل]

Beautiful
Sir is this available in or be shipped to India

[chriscroz]

This jig, like most dowling jigs, is not self-centering. This is not a problem, but extra care needs to be taken to mark those faces that you want, in the end, to be flush. This can be up to two faces. Since the holes for drilling holes in the jig are symmetrical from each edge (edges that are perpendicular to the row of 5 drilling guides), either edge can be used for reference. However, care needs to be taken to match the two surfaces that you want to be flush that corresponds to the distance from the adjustable fence, as it will never likely be centered, nor could it be "centered", on pieces that are being joined (e.g., dowels at the end of a board vs. dowels in the face of a board).

[brandonbevan]

I bought this jig and my center line is off I’ve gotten three replacements by the company the customer service is great but it takes forever to get replacements. I have about 1/64 off to the right when I flip the jig over to do an adjacent side I end up with a 1/32 error of wood alignment. If they placed a line in the center of the dowel guide(grey piece) there would be no need to transfer lines and no need for a peep hole either. The concept is good but they need more markings on the jig. Plain and simple I wouldn’t buy this jig again and make sure you buy from their website or when you run into problems they won’t refund your money only keep sending replacements parts

[mortyj]

Really hoped this would be the jig to end all jigs. Not convinced at all after viewing your video so thanks for posting. I own dowel max and a couple Wolfecraft which seem far superior to jessem. As a matter of fact dowel center punches or finishing nails driven into one side and cut off have achieved accurate and quality joinery results time and time again. Im so sad this didnt meet my

[earlteigrob]

Thanks for the Video. However, I strongly suggest you read the instructions and learn the tool before doing a video showing how to do it wrong. Even your the final way of doing this was not ideal.

[HBSuccess]

1) nobody wants to fumble with an Allen key and tiny parts. Figure out a "no tool" way to switch it over.
2) too fiddly.
3) Demo could not be worse.
Bottom line this needs a lot of work. Best of luck I sincerely wish you success.