Woodworking: How to make your own dowel centers

Dowel centers are used to transfer dowel locations to joining boards so that you know where to drill your holes. There's not much to them, but they're crucial when it comes to using dowel joinery!

There's a nifty trick demonstrated in this video that shows how to drill in exactly the center of a dowel. This technique can be used for a variety of thing like making wooden washers, bushings, spacers, etc.

Thanks for watching!

[DNHandcrafted]

I was totally wondering how you were going to center the pins… but the idea you had about the drill press was so smart! I don't think that would ever have crossed my mind, but it was such a great idea.

[fmrana]

Excellent and effective solution to a common problem.

[hopeless]

It cracked me up how you said you don't care if I don't like your video!

I did though, by the way. Thanks for sharing your awesome skills and knowledge. 🙂

[matthewpisarchick]

Gave you a thumbs up. "If you like it, I dont really care." Love your videos! Thanks for sharing what you have learned.

[bassbull]

great idea, couldn't find my dowel centers this morning so I made them from your idea. Saved me a few bucks and a trip to the store. Thank you for sharing

[UrraSergio]

Loved the inverted bit idea. I did it differently for an old project (in the 80s). I drilled a 10 mm hole in the wood anchored to the base of the drill. I put the 10 mm dowel pieces in that hole and used a small bit to make the centered hole. It worked perfectly. The prototype won a third place in a furniture design contest. The prize was a fine watch that I gave to the only woman for whom I cried in my life, but that's another story. Perhaps, if I had used the idea of the inverted drill, I would have won the contest. lol

[ericburres]

Good idea. I haven't started making my own dowels yet but will definitely keep both this and your dowel making jig in mind when I do. Keep up the good work!

[humancattoy]

I've seen the drill press trick. It's a great idea.
These dowel centers are another great idea, and a whole lot less expensive than the ones from Lowe's and Home Depot.

[melissaderisi-spilka]

Thanks for taking the time to share this!

[uvxecqy]

"....I don't really Love that comment! Thanks for a well done video.

[belindamanning]

Brilliant! I really needed this tip since I can’t afford expensive designated tools

[woodworksbygrampies]

Hola! 🖐This video is proof that there's more than one way to "skin a cat", or a piece of wood in this case 😂Thanks for sharing your method and making this video. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊

[vallejokid]

I didn’t care till 8:17 two thumbs up for that. You’re hilarious dude. Been binge watching.

[sergeymagel]

*Interesting Work. Happy Weekend.*

[bhboyle]

Fisher. Love your work man. Great stuff and great sense of humor. Cheers. Oh ya, love the outtakes as well...

[GNU_Linux_for_good]

08:19 Don't worry, chief - *I* like it and you solved my problem. Thanks.

[robmckennie]

if you wanted to avoid chuck marks on the dowel you could drill a hole the size of the dowel and leave the drill bit in the chuck. if you're able to put the hole clear through the table you could also choke up on the dowel to avoid stickout, if you're working with a longer workpiece

[BridgeWalley]

Really clever!! Thank you very much. I will absolutely make my own.

[TheFishinDad]

You're a damn genius. That press trick was my missing link. Thank you sir. Also, just the tip.

[neversaynever]

Great video that’s something that’s been on my mind for many months thanks for your help awesome 👍