Pro-Level Wood Joinery: This Tool Changes Everything!

The Dowelmax joinery jig has been my "go to" woodworking jig for many years, it is easy to use and provides a quick way of making very strong joints that are extremely accurate and I have used for many different joints like edge grain to face grain cabinet making, very accurate board glue-ups and even for making furniture and cabinet doors, but one of my favorite uses is in table making for coffee tables, end tables, dinning tables and even bedside tables, the doweling jig provides a full range of uses and for me, replaced my biscuit joiner, and a mortising machine and gives me quicker end results and can I talk about how easy dry fits are now, this is easily the most versatile woodworking tool I have in my shop.

[RobertSababady]

Those sanded down dowels for dry fits are ingenious - thx for tip!

[psjw]

I love my DowelMax. It’s fast, accurate and makes strong joints. Thanks for the video.

[grahamwood]

I've had two of these jigs for a few years, one permanently configured for 3/8" and the other for 1/4" dowels. I thought that knew them backwards but I was wrong, I still learned something new from your excellent demonstration. Thank you.

[Bill]

I agree with all the positives said here. If nothing else it removes the craving for a domino. I smile every time I see someone building with the domino knowing that I can do the same with the dowelmax. If you think think the dowelmax is pricey just compare it to domino. As Colin says, the dowelmax will change your life as a woodworker.

[emm_arr]

The big thing for me here - thanks, Colin! - is adapting some dowels like that for dry fitting. That's brilliant. I'll do just that!

[chrisnash]

In the era of Dominoes, it great to see someone still rootin’ for the little guy.

[earlbishop]

I too have been using the dowelmax for years and love it. Your blue tape tip is great and I have now adapted it. Even though I’ve been using it for years when making many holes on several boards, you can become complacent and I believe the blue tape indicator will eliminate dumb mistakes. Thanks for sharing. Take care and stay healthy and safe.

[nevfilby]

Excellent presentation. Clear and concise and not trying to be a comedian like so many others.

[tall]

This tool is of the highest quality and would recommend it! I bought mine 3 years ago and have never regretted it.

[andrewbrown]

Colin, this is a great video~! I first saw this jig on John Parilla's website/channel, Parilla Works. After seeing him using it on several projects, I knew that I had to have one. I also have the 3/8" & 1/4" guides. My first dowling jig was the one most people get that has the hand-screw that self-centers the jig on the workpiece. It served me well, but it obviously doesn't have the versatility of the DowelMax. Love this jig~!

[gregghernandez]

What is it with you Canadians? For some reason you guys arguably make the best doweling jigs in the World. For those of us who can't afford or don't really need a Festool Domino, an investment in a great doweling jig is the way to go. I love my Dowelmax but also love my Jessum. Both have their pros and cons. Excellent tools that will last a lifetime.

[robd]

Best purchase I have made in 20 years. Absolutely a wonderful tool. I used mine 2 times today.

[jimbalz]

I bought one of these, based on what I saw in some of your other videos. It's not cheap, but you pay for what you get. It's precision machined and alignment far out weighs what a biscuit is capable of. If you use enough dowels, it really helps take the bow out for panel glueups.

[anwarrior]

"Life changing" I totally agree! Being a novice woodworker, this hobby can get so damn frustrating at times making it unpleasant sometimes. This jig helped bring back the joy in the shop. Definitely worth the price!!

[jonathanyoung]

Love the Dowel Max. One of the best woodworking tool purchases I have made.

[NoEggCraig]

Wow, this was one of the most useful woodworking videos I've seen in a while! Thanks Colin!

[emm_arr]

One of the best buys I ever made.
The naysayers are predictable enough, but they don't get to use one.

[BGladWoodworkings]

Well this pushed me over the edge, just purchased the 3/8th classic + the 1/4 drill guide and a few accessories. Been eyeing this for years and after a few bad experiences with the sub par dowel jigs, it's time to try something that seems to work with the precision i've been requiring. I have a few shaker style cabinet doors coming up and some larger picture frames so i'm really looking forward to putting this to good use! Thanks for taking the time and energy to make this video. I'll be using it as a reference I imagine for a while. I really appreciate you and all your content.

[greggordon]

I love my Dowelmax and use it pretty often. I also love that it's a small company and I like to support that. It is made strong as can be too!

[mal]

The Dowelmax is sensational. It really is an engineering marvel. It's soo satisfying to use - absolute precision.