Thread: Imperial size dowels

If yo only want metric dowels just re-drill the guides

Unfortunately you will have to make your own dowels. Heaps of threads on that subject.

Bunnings has 9.5 mm round moulding which is close enough to 3/8". I think they also have 6mm. Failing that you can make your own with a jig, a chisel and a drill. Since 1/4" is slightly bigger than 6mm, you can use a 6mm bit with your dowel jig.

Woodbits.com.au supply 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2” dowel in 12” lengths, not the most economical way to buy but may solve your problem

I have a length of 1/2 inch dowel, clearly marked as such , hw, acquired at a very good price thanks to the demise of masters.

However by some inexplicable mystery, it is a tight fit in a 13mm hole...[emoji848]

So I'd check any you find to be sure it is 1/2. If masters couldn't get it right I'm not sure anyone would...



-russ

He's not looking for 1/2", but I have used probably 100's of metres of bunnings 1/2" dowel and it's an excellent fit, but you do have to sand a flat along the length so there's somewhere for the air/glue squeezeout to go. Same for 16 and 19mm, so I'd be confident that their 9.5 is 9.5.

Originally Posted by mickgallagher

Afternoon all. Desperately seeking a supplier of imperial size dowels. I have a Jesse Dowel Jig and, unfortunately, metric size dowels don’t fit. Need 3/8” and 1/4” dowels. Cheers all.

Make your own. Here's the LN version: Dowel Plate - Metric

Making a Dowel Plate : 4 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by mickgallagher

Afternoon all. Desperately seeking a supplier of imperial size dowels. I have a Jesse Dowel Jig
metric size dowels don’t fit. Need 3/8” and 1/4” dowels.

Carbatech should have the Veritas dowel former in 1/4" and 3/8" sizes -- though you may need to buy the 5 piece imperial kit.

To use, just pound a roughly shaped piece of wood through the former

I agree with using a dowel plate,
I have metric and imperial sizing holes and use on all dowels because they seem to swell over time.

Originally Posted by mickgallagher

Desperately seeking a supplier of imperial size dowels. I have a Jesse Dowel Jig ... metric size dowels don’t fit.
Need 3/8” and 1/4” dowels.

OK Mick
Carbatec have 9.5 mm dowels Haron 9.5mm x 50mm Fluted Dowels 100 Pk | Carbatec so that's your 3/8" dowel covered -- I'm sure you won't notice that 9.5 mm is 0.025 mm (fractionally) smaller than 3/8"

1/4" dowels will be a little more tricky. 6 mm dowels are 0.35 mm undersize compatred to 1/4". 0.35 mm is just under 0.014"
Are your drilling tolerances good enough to notice the difference in dowel size? You may need to stabilise the joint while the glue sets.

another way to make dowels.

I haven't done it before, but I'm thinking about making some custom sizes.

Originally Posted by ian

1/4" dowels will be a little more tricky. 6 mm dowels are 0.35 mm undersize compatred to 1/4". 0.35 mm is just under 0.014"
Are your drilling tolerances good enough to notice the difference in dowel size? You may need to stabilise the joint while the glue sets.

If they're not good enough with a jig, it's time to call it a day.

That difference will also be approaching the gap bridging ability of most glues aside from epoxy and the joint will be weaker.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

That difference [0.35 mm] will also be approaching the gap bridging ability of most glues aside from epoxy and the joint will be weaker.

The actual gap might be as low as half of 0.35 mm -- 0.175 mm

It might be worthwhile packing out the undersize (6 mm) dowel with slivers of match stick.


Alternatively standardize as much as possible on 3/8" dowel

Yeah, it might...but it also might not. Allow for the worst case and there's generally fewer surprises down the track.