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  1. #1
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    Default Dowel Connecting Suggestions Needed

    In building some of the models, there are many that need very small dowels glued together at 90° and some 45° (each dowel cut 22.5°). This proves difficult with dowels 3/32” (.238mm).

    I can really use some good to great suggestions on the whole process, maybe. I’ve been trying to cut with Exact-O knives or even razor blades, but seldom get the angles right. Then holding them so I can glue them together at proper angle is difficult.

    How do others do it?

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  3. #2
    crowie's Avatar
    crowie is offline Life's Good, Enjoy each new day & try to encourage
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    G'Day Bill, I used bamboo skewers for my toymaking even use them as a detailing feature adding after I've glued the joint to strengthen it. Cheers, crowie

  4. #3
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    Crowie,

    Thanks for a great idea! Can bamboo skewers be purchased in an assortment of diameters like dowel pins?

    I was discussing cutting and gluing small dowel pins with a local friend that builds HO train models. He suggested modifying spring loaded clothes pins. He suggested that I make a jig with clothes pins glued down and arranged for the appropriate angles. He suggested that I cut grooves in the jaws of the pins so the dowel pins do not roll in the jaws. Small project in its self but sounds like can be rewarding.

  5. #4
    crowie's Avatar
    crowie is offline Life's Good, Enjoy each new day & try to encourage
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    Quote Originally Posted by bill z View Post
    Crowie,

    Thanks for a great idea! Can bamboo skewers be purchased in an assortment of diameters like dowel pins?

    .
    I have bought 2mm, 3mm, 5mm and 6mm bamboo skewers Bill, though actually I think they are really imperial measurements rebranded. Cheers crowie

  6. #5
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    yep I'm with Crowie I use skewers for a lot of applications just have to get good ones that are reasonably straight, for toys just what you need.

  7. #6
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    toothpicks from coles are exactly 3/32" ... and cheap ... i use them extensively for feature, as in wheel nuts on model wheels, and strength, as in dowelling things (including larger dowels) together


    as for joining i am not sure what your need is ... i have joined larger "dowels" for exhaust pipes etc and just use a razor saw and cut them at the apprpriate angle but they may come out at 42 or 48 degrees, i just figure no-one is going to put an accurate measure over them

    i am interested in what you are doing ... why do you need 3/32inch dowels to be so precise?


    regards david

  8. #7
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    Using a disc sander with fairly fine paper on it and clamping a flat piece of MDF etc. on the sander table with a couple of shallow grooves to suit the skewer or dowel. Several grooves could be cut in the one piece of MDF, 90 degrees, 45 degrees etc. and gently push the end of the dowel into the paper should give you a very clean end.

    Alan...

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by robbygard View Post

    i am interested in what you are doing ... why do you need 3/32inch dowels to be so precise?


    regards david
    Thanks for the tooth pick idea David.

    I built a model of an Abrams M1 tank that required 3/32 dowel to assemble the supply rack on the rear of the turret (there are pictures on this forum). Now I'm building a model of a John Deere Model B tractor. I actually own a full size and running Model B and there are a few features on my full size tractor that are not quite accurate on the model, like the accelerator and the radiator dampener arms. They require 3/32 dowels and I wanted to try the best I can at authenticity. I won't get everything but I hope to fix as many as I can. Most folks won't even notice.

    Most of the wood working tools I have are BIG. Makes it difficult in cutting these very small parts. For the 3/32 dowels, I do use a razor knife and sand down the ends.

  10. #9
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    I use a razor saw from my model boat days to cut small diameter doweling angle cuts are best as they give a larger glue surface

  11. #10
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    Hi,

    I use my dremel with a cutting disc to cut the skewers. Get the skewers from $2 shop

    Regards

    Keith

  12. #11
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    Gorham N.H.
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    I have a small miter box only 3 inches long with a tiny hand saw that i use to cut my different miters with for small projects

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