Dowel plate requirements

[Woodwould]

Many years ago, I made a dowel plate from a section of anealed 9/16" thick leaf spring (subsequently re-hardened and tempered). I let the dowel plate into my bench above a slot and there it stayed. Occassionally I removed the plate from the bench and 'sharpened' it by rubbing the top surface on an old plate glass TV screen with some carborundrum paste. It worked well.

That dowel plate (and bench) never left Ireland with me and I now find myself wanting another dowel plate. Not having a shed full of useful bits of metal, nor a 1" capacity drill press any more, I've had a look on the net for dowel plates thinking I'd have no bother finding one and at a reasonable price to boot. The first surprise was that Lie Nielsen (http://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/catalog.php?sku=DP) appears to be the only current manufacturer of inch-sized dowel plates and the major surprise was the price - $95! :)(

Apart from the astonishing price, the Nielsen hole sizes don't suit my needs - I require 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8" and 3/4" holes. Maybe I should have posted this thread in the Wanted section, but could anyone help me out with either a chunk of steel with these holes drilled in it (I don't have a 3/4" twist bit), or just the chunk of steel on its own and I'll address the holes myself?

[DJ’s Timber]

I can do one for you, but without the 9/16" bit, pretty sure I've got a 5/8", have to check that one but have all other sizes.

Also have some leaf springs sitting here too in some various thicknesses.

[Woodwould]

I can do one for you, but without the 9/16" bit, pretty sure I've got a 5/8", have to check that one but have all other sizes.

Also have some leaf springs sitting here too in some various thicknesses.

Thanks DJ! If you can cut a chunk of 10mm or 12mm thick leaf spring and leave room for a 9/16" hole (and a 5/8" hole if you don't have a 5/8" bit), that would be very much appreciated. Let me know if you want money or beer or both in return. :2tsup:

[malb]

Woodwould,

I have metric and imperial 'Rotabroach' type bits that cover the sizes that you want. These will work with a small drill press or hand drill as they use a 1/8th in pilot hole and then interchangable mill bit style cutters on a mandrel. Actual cut is about about 2mm wide. Works well to about 8 mm thickness material. Willing to loan them if that will help. Also have a conventional 5/8th twist drill with 1/2 in shank (never resharpened, only drilled 3 holes for tow bar tongue)

Also have sets of 'no flute' countersinks to match if you wish to have tapered entry or exit.

PM if usefull for you.

Mal