In principle, creating dowel joints is straightforward. Once users have clamped the jig or held it onto the workpiece, they’ll drill the dowel hole into the wood. Ease of use becomes simply about how quickly the jig can be set up and ready for drilling. The detail that makes a dowel jig more accurate, and therefore easier to use, is the method in which it helps transfer the holes from one board to the other. Most jigs do this without users having to get out a tape measure. A series of fingers nestle around an existing hole fitted with its dowel and then help users align its corresponding hole. This ensures accuracy so there are no surprises when gluing.

These woodworking tools can not only help you fix broken items, but they can also assist your foray into woodworking projects as they smartly align boards for things like cabinets, boxes, and tabletops. Here are the best dowel jigs, based on our hands-on experience, for a variety of projects.

Other modifications include special slotting designs that seal around the cutting tool shank and force coolant through channels in coolant-through tooling, as well as modifications to include coolant ports in the collet that direct coolant to the cutting area.

If you are from the manufacturing or construction industries, the term “collets” is probably familiar to you. There are many types of collets used in many different industries and applications. For this article, we shall focus on collets used in rotary tool holders typically found in CNC machining (milling) centers.

We also liked the JessEm’s three quick-change sleeves; we didn’t have to change individual bushings to switch between dowel sizes. Seven ¼-inch bushings occupy one; five ⅜-inch bushings are on another; and three ½-inch bushings fill the last. The dowels can be set anywhere from ¼ inch to 3½ inches from the board edge, which is a unique attribute that provides fast, consistent spacing. The oddly shaped but useful U-shaped slot in the front of the jig can, with the indexing pin or a dowel, transfer a hole’s location from one board to another to ensure accurate alignment across edge-to-edge joints, 90-degree corners, or T joints.

While we were impressed with the heft, quality, and precision milling of the Dowelmax, it’s a bit too complex for a DIYer. Setting the Dowelmax up takes a bit of time, more than any other tools in the test. While most dowel jigs might need a read or two of the manual, before shoving it into a drawer, a user will likely need to keep the booklet that comes with the Dowelmax (along with an instructional DVD) on hand.

Dowel jigs are sometimes described as basic, intermediate, and advanced, but this terminology can be misleading. An inexperienced woodworker shouldn’t necessarily opt for a simpler device. While the dowel jig may look easier to use initially, it might actually be more difficult to set up and lack the precision of a more advanced model.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.

Dowels make it easy to align surfaces and prevent them from slipping while the glue dries, which can dramatically reduce the need for corrective work later.

This is not rust but rather an indication that there is a vibration between the collet and the collet pocket connection. The vibration causing the fretting is also reducing cutting tool life. If you see signs of fretting on the collet, it is advised to replace the collet. You should also ensure that collet nuts are tightened to the correct torque specifications during setup.

One of the primary issues with DA collets is that they essentially clamp on the cutting tool shank with only two opposing faces in the I.D. bore. DA collets have four slots in the front of the collet and four slots in the back of the collet creating four clamping faces. However, when DA collets are tightened towards the lower end of their collapse range, two of the faces tend to be pushed out of the way so only two of the faces are clamping on the cutting tool shank. This may cause some runout at the nose when the tool is inspected in a presetter.

DO NOT tighten the collet nut if the collet appears seated below the face of the nut as this will create galling on the 30° face of the collet. Galling appear as grooves or lines in the lead face of the collet.

Like a lot of jigs, the JointMaster has indexing fingers to help transfer the location of dowels to make any standard joint. We appreciated the clear cast markings to help center the dowels in stock from ½ inch to 3 inches thick. Users won’t have to worry about those rubbing off with heavy use.

The jig is simple to set up out of the box with easy-to-read markings for adjusting the fence based on the thickness of the stock. During testing, the plastic and metal bushings were easy to swap in and out without a tool. Although the kit does not come with drill bits or a clamp, we liked the clear center line on the jig’s alignment window, which makes it easy to put the dowel right where users want it. This is a nice jig to have for more experienced DIYers who dabble in case work.

Here is an overview of the wear pattern of a collet-based tool-holding system. The machine spindle is harder than the tool holder (a.k.a. collet chuck) that fits into the spindle, so any wear between these two components will mostly occur to the collet chuck. That’s good, as it protects the spindle from expensive maintenance. Collets are softer than both the collet chuck body and the cutting tool, so any wear forces between these items will mostly occur to the collet. Since collets are generally the least expensive component in a collet chuck tool holding system, it is preferred that the collets wear out before the other components.

Milescraft’s entry-level dowel jig is about as basic as a dowel jig gets. The tough ABS plastic body has hardened steel bushings for ¼-inch, 5/16-inch, and ⅜-inch drilling holes in material from ½ inch to 1½ inches thick. Clear groves in the body of the tool indicate the center line of the dowels.

Additionally, when the tool begins cutting and side forces are applied to the cutting tool, the cutting tool tends to deflect into the area where the faces are not clamping on the tool shank. This results in excessive chatter that dramatically reduces tool life and results in rough surface finishes. You will be hard-pressed to find a quality end mill holder manufacturer endorsing the performance of their tooling in DA collets.

Galling on the lead face of the collet can result in reduced clamping pressure on the cutting tool shank that may lead to the cutting tool slipping while cutting, or even tool breakage.

Every so often there might be a situation where the alignment fingers won’t work, and in that case, a few dowel center transfer markers can help. Offered in common dowel diameters, these pins fit into the holes in one half of the project. Then press the board into the mating one, and the pins on the markers identify the center of the correlating dowel holes.

Dowels are used to secure several types of joints: T joints, 90-degree corner joints, mitered corner joints, edge-to-edge joints, and lapped joints.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

The tapered collet base is made to fit into the collet pocket of the collet chuck body. The tapered design of the collet base and collet pocket allows the collet to be centered in the pocket as it is pushed in by the collet nut during setup. This centering effect enables the collet to achieve a high degree of accuracy (concentricity); much more than drill chucks and side-lock style holders.

Forming Techniks Tool Group with our partnership with Parlec has enabled us to deliver the most responsive customer service, and provide a one-stop-shop for cost-effective as well as high-precision, customizable CNC tool holding solutions for the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, and Mold & Die industries.

We found the clamp worked on most of our testing, but the Milescraft has a bunch of flat surfaces on its 90-degree body, so if extra clamping is needed, it wouldn’t be difficult to get a secure bite. The kit includes a series of spacers that help center the holes for common board thicknesses like ½ inch, ⅝ inch, ¾ inch, or 1½ inches.

While most dowel jigs offer a degree of versatility, they may not be suitable for all joint types. Learn the full range of functions provided by a particular model before purchasing one. Buying a basic dowel jig can save money initially, but experienced woodworkers may want to invest in a more versatile model.

Features like self-centering are a bonus for some woodworkers, as is a choice of six different bushes. However, those who usually work with similar-size lumber may not need to change bushes or accommodate different widths, so they don’t need a high-end model. While precise clamping is vital for some tasks, a low-cost handheld dowel jig is the right tool for others. The right jig for you is the right jig for your tasks.

Dowel jigs vary widely in shape, design, and complexity. The plethora of options can make choosing the right one difficult. The following section looks at several important considerations when shopping for the best dowel jig for a range of workshop tasks.

Milescraft included a detail a lot of other jigs leave out: a pair of positive stops that hook onto the end of a board to help with consistent alignment. During testing we flipped either end down to hold the work, enabling this relatively inexpressive jig to deliver accurate results. The jig is assembled in a 90-degree corner, but with a screwdriver, users can take it apart for instances where they need to drill a hole without the fence—say when clamping the jig onto a stair baluster or chair spindle. Users can attach the removable clamp to either half of the jig.

Entry-level dowel jigs might require clamping, but the clamps often aren’t included. Some of the better dowel jigs clamp to both sides of the workpiece. Not only are these jigs easy to operate, but their drill bush frequently will center itself, which improves accuracy and also can improve efficiency.

Handheld dowel jigs may be easy to position, but the possibility of movement always exists when drilling, which can cause inaccuracies and ruin the job. Many dowel jigs can be clamped securely in place to prevent movement from occurring. The clamping method, along with capacity, varies among different types of jigs.

The only downsides to this product that we noticed were having to supply our own clamp and keeping track of the ⅛-inch hex key required to switch between bushing sizes. Overall, however, we found that this well-designed product was a joy to use.

The JessEm dowel jig is aimed at professionals, not because the jig is particularly complex—inexperienced woodworkers can handle it—but because of the variety and accuracy of holes it creates. With steel bushings and screws, this capable anodized aluminum jig works on a wide range of projects. Though it’s on the pricey side, the JessEm was the only one in our testing that came with drill bits and stop collars.

We tested the tools for 3 hours over the course of a few days by drilling holes in commonly sized stock, making edge-to-edge joints that simulate a tabletop, 90-degree corners, T joints, and corner joints all in softwood using commercially available dowels. We evaluated ease of use, accuracy, and utility when judging which dowel jigs to recommend.

After considering several products, we picked six to test and found five worth recommending to cover the needs of a wide range of users, from entry-level budget-minded buyers to experienced woodworkers.

As the collet is pushed into the pocket by the collet nut, the slots in the collet allow the I.D. bore to collapse and apply clamping pressure to the cutting tool shank. The result is a very strong and rigid clamping force on the cutting tool. Since the collet base is tapered to match the collet pocket, tool runout (T.I.R.) is reduced.

To provide the necessary versatility, manufacturers typically offer a number of different bushes (or the drill guide) with the purchase. Basic dowel jigs usually include one or two bushes; more advanced models may provide up to six. Common bush sizes (3/16 inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch, ⅜ inch, 7/16 inch, and ½ inch) match the widely available dowels that come in economical packs of 100 or more.

As the collet experiences bell-mouthing, the cutting tool is allowed to deflect more and more during milling operations. Unfortunately, the collet may still indicate good accuracy on a presetter where there are no side-load forces. However, once the tool is put into service and begins experiencing side-load forces, the cutting tool is allowed more room to deflect, resulting in increased chatter and reduced tool life.

The purpose of a dowel jig is to drill accurate holes in a piece of wood. Users then fit dowels into these holes and glue the project together. While exceptions exist, the hole for the dowel should be between one third and one half the thickness of the workpiece—any larger and the hole can weaken the joint. It’s also good practice, when drilling dowel holes, to leave some extra room in the pocket to accept any glue that will pool. Plan to leave about ⅛ inch of extra space on each end of the wood peg by drilling a hole that’s about ¼ inch deeper than the dowel is long.

Before we get into the nuances of collets, it is vital to understand how collets work, what impacts their performance, how to maintain collets for long service life, and how to recognize when to replace them.

Techniks Inc. prides itself on delivering the industry’s best service & support, and providing a wide array of cost effective, high production cnc toolholding solutions.

In deciding which dowel jigs to test, we carefully evaluated the market and looked for reliable products with the most sought-after features. To suit beginner DIYers, we looked at price-friendly options that are capable of the three most common doweling sizes (¼ inch, 5/16 inch, and ⅜ inch). With pros in mind, we researched high-end models that include features such as laser engraving for durability and ease of use as well as precision-engineered joining systems that can help more experienced users produce better results.

Collets are the critical connection between the cutting tool and the tool holder (also called a collet chuck). Most collets are round, cone-shaped, and slotted. Collets encircle the cutting tool shank to evenly distribute holding power around its center bore.

Image

As we continue to explain more about collets, it will first be helpful to understand the basic anatomy of collets and of a collet chuck system. The illustrations below will help provide a general understanding of the parts of a collet and collet chuck system.

Worn-out collets will not achieve the same level of accuracy and rigidity that newer collets can provide. The result is more chatter when cutting workpieces, less accuracy, and shorter cutting tool life. A good rule of thumb is to replace collets every 4-6 months to maximize the performance of your tooling. Again, collets are designed to wear out and are generally the least expensive component in the system. It is much less expensive to replace the collets as opposed to prematurely wearing out cutting tools.

First, angle the collet so the extraction groove seats with the eccentric extraction ring in the collet nut as shown below.

Next, while holding the collet and nut together, place the assembly in the tool holder and begin tightening the nut. If the collet extraction groove is not properly seated to the collet nut extraction ring, the collet will appear seated below the face of the nut. This typically occurs when the collet is placed in the collet pocket of the tool holder and then the nut is threaded on the tool holder. In a correct assembly, the collet will seat at the face of the collet nut. The image below shows a correct assembly on the left and an incorrect assembly on the right.

While there are jigs that offer a greater range of dowel size options, the JointMaster is hard to beat when it comes to utility. The boxed kit includes three sleeves to drill ¼-inch, 5/16-inch, and ⅜-inch dowels, which can cover most bases for DIYers. Plus, its smart design makes this jig our favorite. The aluminum body is stiff and won’t bend even when users crank down on the included clamp.

When it comes to wood joinery, creating dowel joints is one of the easiest, most accessible options for DIYers to start with and an essential skill in a woodshop—but the right dowel jig can make this task even easier. That’s why we researched more than a dozen dowel jigs and tested six that should suit just about any level of woodworker, from a novice DIYer to a furniture maker.

Collets are designed to wear out as they lose accuracy and rigidity with use. High side-load forces during milling operations cause cutting tool deflection as illustrated below.

On the flip side, TG collets tend to have a bit more holding power than ER collets due to the collet base having a 4° taper as opposed to the 8° taper found in ER collets. This can make TG collets a good choice when machining with longer-length cutting tools.

While many variables impact the amount, some experts in the field note that a 1-inch dowel can hold 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.

Joining end grain is always difficult, and most dowel jigs are not well suited for the task. However, with the ability to space dowels a mere ⅛ inch apart and a stainless steel indexing pin, the JessEm jig easily tackles the job. Users drop into the first hole, so any subsequent holes are accurately spaced no matter the size of the board. Proper clamping also helps achieve that kind of accurate repeatability, and we found that the flat surfaces of this jig provide ample clamping room.

When creating edge and corner joints, ideally, the dowel should be one third the thickness of the board you’re joining. While up to half the thickness of the board is permissible, don’t go any further. For large overlapping joints, size is rarely important.

This is exactly where Techniks Tool Group can help! Offering a wide range of collets and collet chucks, our experts will help guide you to the best solution for your needs. Our collets are trusted by some of the largest manufacturers in the world. Check out our collets and get started on your journey!

The ER collet system has become very popular due to the flexibility of the system to hold a variety of cutting tool shank types including drills, end mills, and taps. Also, ER collets provide several solutions for increasingly popular coolant-through cutting tools.

It also takes way more attention to align the parts of the jig up to correlating parts of the wood, based on a check embossed on the aluminum. And also for the higher price, it can only drill ⅜-inch dowels. Other dowel guides are sold a la carte. For an experienced woodworker looking for a viable option to a biscuit jointer or floating tenon power tool, this might be a viable option, but for most DIYers, the Dowelmax would be overkill.

During testing, the lightweight plastic felt durable and comfortable in hand. While it helps drill three common dowel diameters, it can take a bit of fussy measuring to evenly space those holes across the width of very long boards, like a tabletop. But for smaller work, where users might only need four or five dowels to line up, this is a great entry-level solution.

Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.

It depends on the job. On end-grain material, dowels can be as close as practical to provide maximum support. On 1- to 2-foot boards, place a dowel approximately 1 inch from each end and 4 to 6 inches apart in between. On long boards, position dowels up to 10 inches apart.

The overall design is very user-friendly. Out of the box, we used the four posts sticking up from the face to help center the dowel holes on the edge or end of a board—any time measuring isn’t required is a good thing. We were able to hold the JointMate in one hand and drill a centered hole for the dowel with the other. It would probably be easier if the work was held in a vice, but for quick work, the setup is very fast. The adjustable fence, in conjunction with fingers molded in the front of the tool, allowed us to index the Milescraft on a dowel pin and then transfer the hole’s location to a mating board, so while this is an inexpensive tool, if users take their time with it, they can get accurate results.

While joinery has come a long way, with the popularity of pocket hole screws and glues that are stronger than ever, there is still a place in your garage or workshop for an easy-to-use dowel jig.

These top picks represent highly focused choices to make it easy for woodworkers to find the right combination of performance and value.

Yes. Any signs of fretting on the collet indicate the collet is vibrating in the tool holder. Fretting appears as rust-colored spots typically at the highest point where the collet sits in the collet pocket of the collet chuck.

It is recommended to change collets out every 4-6 months, depending on usage, to ensure the most rigid and accurate collet chuck assembly.

It is critical to properly assemble the collet and collet nut to avoid damage to the collet and make the most accurate and rigid assembly possible. The extraction groove of the collet must be properly seated to the extraction ring of the collet nut.

Given the wide range of benefits offered by collets, they are one of the most indispensable tools in the manufacturing industry. To get the most from your collet-based tooling system, it is important to use best-in-class products to produce top-notch quality.

If your goal is to put holes in the center of stock, this is the jig for you because it does exactly what it says and with few moving parts. While using the jig, we noticed the hefty feel of anodized aluminum construction, which should last for years thanks to the rust-resistant coating. We also found it easy to attach the Task to wood pieces as thin as ⅜ inch thick, and the precise bushings were accurate through the range of sizes.

TG collets have about the same accuracy as DA collets, but because there are more slots, and therefore more faces clamping on the cutting tool shank, they tend to deliver greater holding power. TG can be a good solution for larger shank diameter cutting tools, but they generally limit how far down into a pocket you can reach due to interference with the collet nut, as TG collet nuts tend to be quite large.

Sal Vaglica has covered tools and DIY projects since 2006 for such sites as Better Homes & Gardens, Wired, This Old House, and Fine Homebuilding. A former hardwood flooring contractor, he prefers to test tools hands-on whenever possible by replicating the scenario readers might face at their own homes.

This specialty plastic jig comes in two pieces and is designed to put a dowel through a 90-degree corner, resulting in a decorative finish and strong connection on boxes and cabinets. Woodworkers often use a wood dowel that contrasts with the box material so the connection pops and adds a decorative touch. Other materials, like metal rods or leather laces (to tie the joints together), can also be used.

TG collets are not as popular as ER collets for several reasons. Most notably, the larger diameter collet nuts can require the use of extended end mills to avoid interference from the collet nut when milling pockets. Also, since TG collets have a very small collapse range, they are intended for use with one size cutting tool shank. ER collets, by contrast, offer a large collapse range that can be helpful when clamping odd-shank diameter tools.

The JointMate is a good buy at around $10, but it doesn’t include additional building pieces, such as clamps, drill bits, and stop collars. Milescraft offers a kit version of this tool, which includes drill bits and stop collars, starter dowels, glue, and dowel center pins. That might be a better value for those who need to start building immediately.

Collets come in many different types and sizes. Here is an overview of three of the more popular types of collets, along with the pros and cons of each system.

Image

On low-cost dowel jigs, the bushes may be made of low-cost, easy-to-produce aluminum; however, the hard steel of a drill bit will wear it out eventually. For those who use a dowel jig only occasionally, this isn’t a problem, but regular users will get more value from a jig with longer-lasting hardened steel bushes.

The popularity of the ER collet system has led to several variations to hold a wide assortment of cutting tool shanks. Some ER collets have been modified with squares at the bottom to hold taps. Others have been modified to provide quick-change capabilities or compensation (also called “float”) for rigid tapping cycles as shown in the images below.

Greg has been with Techniks Tool Group for over 23 years serving in many roles from VP of Sales to President & CEO during which he has gained a deep understanding of CNC manufacturing processes and how to optimize tooling and workholding solutions for specific applications. He has written several articles, white papers, and blogs on various tooling, deburring, and workholding-related topics. As a recognized subject matter expert on CNC tooling, Greg is often approached to provide opinions and content for technical articles.

The Task Tools jig is a two-in-one for what can be tough doweling. Not only can it handle timbers and posts up to 6 inches wide, but it also centers the dowel holes automatically, enabling users to find the middle of round stock, too. The chunky screw-style vise makes this just about the easiest jig to use because it securely hugs any stock that fits within its jaws. The Task also has five fixed bushings, so it can handle a wide range of wood stock.

Double-Angle (DA) collets have been around for a long time and continue to be used in the market. There are, however, many issues associated with DA collets of which users should be aware.

Image

Most standard ER collets have between a 0.020” and 0.040” holding range, making them a good choice when needing to hold odd-sized cutting tool shanks. This holding range also means fewer ER collets are required to hold a range of cutting tool shank diameters as opposed to other collet systems like TG.

“There are tons of things around the house a homeowner can use dowel jigs to fix,” says John Mazzuca of Gambrick Construction, a Point Pleasant, New Jersey–based custom home builder with 25 years of experience. “Over time wood chairs can become wobbly … and a dowel jig can [help you] drill new holes into the chair’s legs and back supports for dowels that will reinforce the joints and make the chair sturdy again.” Mazzuca says he also uses dowels to fix the shelving on bookcases or when the case itself starts to pull apart.

Yes. Dowel joints are intended to be permanent, so apply a small amount of glue. If you think you will want to disassemble your project at some point, consider using a pocket hole jig, which uses removable screws rather than dowels.

Aside from the bits and stop collars buyers have to provide, the screws are a pain point. Users will need to loosen and tighten two Philips-head screws to swap out bushing guides, adjust the fence position, or break apart the jig. Over time, torquing down on the screws might strip the heads. Still, that’s a small bit of concern to pay for a well-designed and well-built jig that can handle a wide range of doweling projects.

Collets are a high-precision wear component of a tool holding system and require maintenance to ensure accuracy. First, it’s important to remember that collets are the softest component in a collet-based tool-holding system assembly and are designed to wear out.

On the downside, this jig is not designed to help users transfer dowel locations from one board to the next. That means it falls on the user to make more accurate layout marks and a bit more patience to nail the location of mating holes. Plus, at well over 2 pounds, the jig can overwhelm smaller pieces of wood, which users might want to clamp into a vice to keep secure. During testing, we had to clamp a 2×4 to the work surface while drilling through the narrow end of the stock, which helped increase stability.