The 2nd Best Joinery Method That Can Do It All!
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2024
- I've been on a quest to find an alternative loose tenon joinery option I can recommend to my viewers who don't want to spend the money on a Festool Domino. The Dowelmax Classic 3/8 is the closest thing I can find that can do everything the Festool Domino can do plus more!
Get the jig here (affiliate link): bit.ly/3tIzByz
Most people will want the "Dowelmax Classic 3/8 Only"
Here's a playlist I've made on my journey to find a good loose tenon joinery system:
• Woodworking Joinery Me... 
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I’ve used the dowelmax for years and love it. I have a tip you might like. When dry fitting if using many dowels like you did on the table, espically double rows it can be extremely hard to disassemble. I take some test dowels and lightly sand them and lightly spray paint them a bright color so dryfitting is very easy.
Why the spray paint?
So you know which ones are the test ones 👍 @@DocXango
And store bought Domino tenons are the same way. I have about 20 or so of each thickness sanded down for dry fit. I just mark them with a Sharpie. But really you can tell because they are smooth and don't have the glue crinkles.
I have 3/8” Teflon rod I cut into test dowels. Easy peasy folks.
@@DocXango to indicate test fit dowells
I have a 2x4 that I’ve drilled different depth holes in to get my collar depth. I just put the bit in the hole and push the collar down until it hits the 2x4 and then tighten the collar.
Yes, I want to see a video on the Grizzley Domino machine. Thanks for reviewing this dowel jig, I'll be getting one. Looking forward to your upcoming video's on a less expensive shop setup.
Yes also @MakeSomething! Triton also makes some of the dowlling machines and, for reference, Peter Millard @10MinuteWorkshop is on his fourth I think...not all of them the cat's meow it seems and I would say more polarization than the Domino according to RUclips videos!
@@jeffbaker8808 On his fourth and it's still sending him nuts 🤣
Yeah I was looking at those on Amazon
Nice video showcasing everything that can be done with the dowelmax. I have had mine for 3 years and I love it. One pro tip that they don’t mention in the instructions is to use the pin to align the jig to the edge of the workpiece instead of by touch. So use the first hole for the pin and then drill into the second hole. Takes some of the uncertainty out of the hole locations.
Interesting! I like this idea.
I also prefer this method.
Thanks for the tip
David, one of the best things I did for my DowelMax is taking a set of calipers and scribing centerlines on some of the reference faces. That way you can use it like a typical dowel jig as well.
Yep. I did the same thing. makes it much easier to do depth centering without a lot of measuring/trial and error.
I've said it in all the videos comparing the domino to the other joinery systems: I love the dowelmax. It's literally the only thing keeping me from buying a domino. Amazing jig. Worth investing in extra drill bits so you don't need to adjust depths as often, and also the 1/4" guide and block set, and the 1/2" guide and block set if you'll be doing bigger or heavier duty projects. I like 1/2" for big boi seating and things like doors. I can't say enough good things about this jig.
Have had the Dowellmax for years. Expensive but worth every penny. Joint comes out perfect every time. I love this tool!!!
Excellent video showing the Dowelmax. Very quick demos, very well edited and comprehensive. I never had to skip forward once.
You only just convinced me to buy pocket hole jig 6 years ago. Now I have to go buy this too?... Of course I do :) Love your work as always.
I too have used the DowelMax for several years, and love it as well. It’s my go to tool for joinery if I’m not using dados and grooves. For the ‘casual’ user, I suggest keeping the instructions handy. I find that unless I use it regularly I need to remind myself how to set up and align the jig properly to assure good results.
As someone who has drilled thousands of holes using a dowelling jig (not the DowelMax), the key is a sharp drill bit. For a very long time I didn't realize this and I still have drilling nightmares. I'm sure the DowelMax is a fine product, but trust me: make sure your drill bit is sharp, otherwise drilling gets to be awfully fatiguing.
yes of course we want a video about that. really cool jig
Honestly, watching you get excited about the ease of assembly when testing this was more convincing than anything else. I've had issues with other dowel jigs and it always seems like they're slightly off or slightly wonky.
Can't wait to start building with my new Dowelmax!
I’m actually super impressed with this - thanks for making this video!
Dave is one of the few people I can actually trust when they are sent something for free to review it
I have this jig and believe me, it is a load of crap, it is just another dowel jig; No better or worse than any other jig on the market, and much too much expensive. Don't waste your money. If you want to do dowel joinery, you can make your own simple jig that works as good as this one and it will cost you nothing. Don't get conned guys. This is my honest opinion of the jig and I paid for mine; Not a freebie so I didn't feel obligated to give a good report on it. These guys are paid influencers and their aim is to promote an item and brainwash you into buying it. If you buy this jig on an influencer's advice, you are a sucker.
I ve had a dowel max kit I bought on eBay and absolutely love it. It’s not a Festool Domino but it’s solid !!! Great video. And I think we need a video on the grizzly double banger!!!
video on the Grizzly doweling tool? yes, please!
Heck yes, I want to see a video on this
This is so awesome! I love all of your videos. Keep going your own way!
I have a DowelMax-love it! I stopped using pocket holes and don’t miss them at all. One important point to note-IMHO it is most suited to a home shop user. It’s too fiddly and slow for a professional environment-I believe that’s where a Domino is better suited. As for the cost-worth every penny! And as Dave pointed out, it’s way cheaper than a Domino!
Do you find dowels stronger than pocket holes?
@@Tigerratcat Sorry to chuckle at your question. Without question dowels are much stronger than pocket holes. There have been countless tests here on YT that show this. Pocket holes can be quicker, depending on what pocket hole equipment you have.
@@weldabar Chuckle away. I’m a complete newbie. To me it seems there’s a limitation to dowels where the whole project has to be assembled out in the open, where as you can assemble pocket hole pieces in place.
I tried pocket holes for the first few time. I’m definitely not impressed with the strength. You can strip the thread so easily with an impact driver when it bottoms out
@@TigerratcatI use the dowelmax because I HATE the look of pocket holes. If they are completely hidden then so be it, but usually they aren’t.. or they are used on objects like chairs that need the extra strength of the glue joint and even a beautifully hidden pocket hole isn’t a replacement for a dowel or good jointery. They are fantastic for cabinet frames in particular because it is all hidden and none of those connections should ever experience much shear or any wracking force(s)
I have the DowelMax and love it. Great system that yields strong and precise flush joints. I purchased after a lot research into domino and biscuit joints.
I have been using the Dowelmax for a few years now, I’ve used it in many of my project build videos and it always gets good comments. I love it, it’s my favourite tool in the shop, high quality and very acccurate every time 👍🏼
But it cant self center, right? Feels like you will never drill the holes exactly in the center... since the thickness of a board is never exactly a round number even if its supposed to. So flipping one board and then joining them together would result in the surfaces not aligning exactly anymore in my mind...
@@martinsvensson6884 crazy how it lined up every time in this video
@@martinsvensson6884 I think the point is the dowelmax references off the same face, no need for self centering.
I think the benefit/advantage is that the check marks remind one of the two reference surfaces so the offset of the holes is consistent for mating pieces. It doesn't matter if they are 100% on the centreline. I bet a doughnut that no Domino mortise is ever 100% centred...and it doesn't matter. What matters is the consistent offset to the reference surface of mating pieces for either a tool, (say even biscuit joiner), or a jig, (Dowelmax or home grown). Having used a Domino, and put several mortises where they don't belong, I can see how this jig can work effectively and better in some ways to ensure alignment and placement. The Domino wiggles as every user will tell you and that is where some error will come in. Do I want both? Yes. Will I buy the Dowelmax and all its accessories before I buy a Domino? Yup.
@@martinsvensson6884 Correct, that's why you need to keep track of the orientation in which you're drilling the pieces.
I did my research like 5 years ago and got convinced that the Dowelmax was the best. Bought it for half the price like new from eBay and bought the rest of the accessories new. Once you learn to use it, it becomes second nature. And the thought that your builds have no metal in them is amazing.
For when you want to drill lots of super accurate holes to pound some pegs into. $200 doesn't actually sound all that bad for as good as it seems to work. Cheaper than any Woodpeckers measuring tool at least and twice as functional. I'll have to think about adding one to my arsenal. Thanks for sharing!
I used a similar tool from Lee Valley and for my home projects, I am more than happy.
This is just a well thought out tool clearly made for pretty much all woodworkers who don't want to buy the domino. Thanks for posting this!
i bought my dowelmax back around 2003-2004, in toronto (iam a yank) and i have used it on just about every project since (hobby work) and have never had a failure or disappointment----great company great people great product thanx rick
I feel this is a great option for someone who makes just ok furniture from time to time and doesn't want to spend the money on the Domino. That being it looks amazing. Well done again with the video and yes i definitely want to see the grizzly video.
Got my dowelmax several years ago. Works great.
That's a pretty fantastic jig indeed, Dave! 😃
Thanks for the review!!!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
I've owned and used the dowelmax for years and love it. Not only is the tool great but the customer service, in my experience, was great. I bought it years ago and before buying, I contacted the website to ask questions. Not only did they respond BUT they called me on the phone so I could get instant feedback and he answered all of my questions. Great company/product and great video Dave! Happy New Year and stay healthy and safe!
I had the jessem dowel kit with 1/4 , 3/8 , 1/2 doweling blocks and it's simular to this jig and very precise, but over the years I got spoiled with the domino and haven't touched the dowel jig in years , yes they are good for pro and homeowners but in real world furniture making the domino wins speed and accuracy wise , thank you for your amazing videos
I have a Dowelmax. It's probably one of the most well made and well thought out tools that I own.
Thanks for the review. I believe in your unbiased opinion. I checked the price and for us in Canada and it starts around $300 for the basic jig and nothing else. There’s a sale right now but for how long. Regardless it is impressive and still cheaper than the domino with seemingly more usefulness. Looking forward to seeing your Wen collection and how the budget shop turns out. Cheers David and Daniel keep up the good stuff!
Great alternative for us budget limited woodworkers. YES I want a video on the Grizzly tool!
Looks handy--dowel joints are surprisingly strong. Thanks for showing that to us!
I have been using my dowelmax for about 4yrs. and I love it. I could not justify a domino jointer to my boss ,AKA my wife. FYI, you can also purchase a 5/16 dowel adapter which I use primarily for 3/4 inch material. And yes, I have two drill bits with stop collars set to different depths. I was able to justify that to my boss.
Had one for years… definitely get the second (3rd, 4th…) drill bits!
the domino comes standard with an extra support to put it upright on a board. But this looks like a pretty good cheaper alternative. You''l loose a bit more time, but it seems reasonable with this one. And for a hobbyist time is not a big issue.
It's actually a very fast jig/tool, and there is an optional L-bracket you can get to put it upright on a board.
TBH I'm super excited about this wen video! I've been trying to kit out my garage shop and those prices are super appealing compared to other brands... the concern is always quality.
Really good video showing all the different joint configurations. I just received my Dowelmax a week ago. I am 100% just a hobbyist woodwork and I definitely consider myself to be on the lower end of the skill curve. That being said, within 15 minutes of unboxing the jig, I was joining scraps of wood together with absolute professional results. I honestly can't stress enough how easy this thing is to use. I'm in Canada, so I paid just over $300 cdn for mine. And yes, that is a chunk of change for a tool that you don't plug in, but once you get it in your hands and feel the build quality, the price will make a lot more sense.
My friend and mentor talked me into getting the domino. He was right when he said I’d spend a bunch of money and still always want the domino. Hasn’t got used much lately but it’s amazing when I do need it. However there are times where dowels would make a bit more sense. This looks like an amazing option
I have both. Both work well. One is faster, easier, and more consistent. The other is much cheaper. One has a power chord and is blue with Green buttons. The other has brass knobs. One of them is on the top shelf in my workshop. The other is consistently on my workbench when doing joinery. Pretty sure you can figure it out. Yes the Dowelmax works but for productivity, consistency, repeatability, and quality of work if you can afford the Domino, you will not be disappointed.
How is the domino accurate when your are just holding it to a pencil line? The dowel max at least clamps and it has pins to guarantee perfect accuracy
@@researchandbuild1751 It is just a personal preference for me. I have used the Domino more and more and it works well for me, but know others that swear by the Dowelmax. I just found it a bit fiddly and not as versatile and much slower. But, there are places you cannot get the Domino and have resorted back to my Dowelmax for them.
I have the much older version of the Dowelmax and it's never let me down. Great video David & yes I would like to see a video about that Grizzly tool. 👍👍🔨🔨
I have one, like it, have used it just for one project, but works very well as one takes the time to ensure the spots are correct, it is a win. Budget friendly compared to the Domino, won't replace it, but it will be my tool when I do furniture and need this type of joint.
I knew you through the Bandsaw Box book you wrote (great book!). Then I discovered your two channels and such a wealth of incredible resources about woodworking! Actually it's a bit depressing matching my lab and my tools with what you have (looks like a five star thing your one) but I try to not let myself too down because of this! Thank you!
I have the used other dowel jigs with mixed results, I got the Dowel Max and its by far the best most precise dowel jig, well worth the money
I have used a Dowelmax for many years. One project I made about 6 years ago comes to mind. My gym wanted new benches. Some customers weighed over 300 lbs and kept breaking their benches and chairs in the locker room. I made new benches 5 ft long with a shelf and center devider out of 3/4 inch birch plywood jointed using the dowelmax. No dowel ends were visible. I used rattle can paint to add some color. When they were finished I had used no screws and 69 dowels in each bench, all perfectly aligned. I recently checked out the benches and I could find no cracks or loose joints. A Dowelmax is well worth the price.
A great jig for the hobby woodworker who wants to make fast and accurate joints but cannot afford/justify splashing out on the Festool Domino. I agree though that it will never replace the Festool Domino, which is still the best there is for quick and easy but perfectly accurate joints.
I’m not even a woodworker in any way shape or form. The Dowelmax would be completely useless for me, but this video made me NEED it! That thing looks magical. 😂😂😂
I use the Jessem dowel jig and love it.
Great Video, thanks for reviewing this!
I definitely like these Dowelmax tools shown in the video. Just looked at their website and they are expensive in Australian Dollars, but they are also worth the prices. It would help greatly in some woodworking furniture.
Good video this week, thanks for the info David.
Great video! Appreciate the quick showcase.
I love the Wen tools. I have the spindle sander, disc and belt sander and track saw. My next will be the 4214 variable speed drill press. This dowel jig is awesome. So glad you did this video
If you buy the drill press, be sure to check it for square. The problem is that the press bed flexes out of square from the post when you tighten it. I went through two of them before I finally decided to just make a drill press table and shim it square.
I have the Wen trim router, spindle sander and the VS drill press. The later two came up on Amazon as one day deals...$85 spindle sander and $195 drill press. Don't hate me 😢
Haven't run across the problem GD had with the drill press table, but am now aware of the potential. Thanks, GD 😊. Otherwise, all three have given me yoman's service and I am well satisfied.
Dowelmax...hmmm. Don't really use dowels other than cheap shelf pegs. I did when I first started (Reagan was Pres then...) but had heinous difficulty lining joints up after drilling. So...I made my own pocket hole jig that fit my auxiliary drill press table and used that for years until Kreg came along. But ..I am intrigued by the Dowelmax and would certainly consider it if I should choose to use dowels again. I can see where functionality outweighs cost...as long as I don't tell Momma😂
Can't wait for my kit and accessories to come in, thank you!
I've got one of these things and I LOVE it!!
Thanks!!! Good video as always! Very informative
To hold the domino just clamp a board over where the domino should lean on. Frank Klaus use that system when using a biscuit jointer. Very simple
LOVE my DowelMax! Especially the precision.
Yes I do wanna see a video on that!
I've seen a few people on RUclips mention how nice the dowelmax is and I've always been a little sceptical due to my past experience with doweling jigs. I therefore haven't considered purchasing the dowelmax until this video. Thanks for always being honest and trustworthy, Dave.
Also, I'd love to see that Grisly in action.
Doweling jigs in general are junk from my experience, just like you said. The only exception is dowelmax which I own and maybe Jessem which I don't have.
The more I see videos of domino alternatives It makes me want one more and more lol it’s so much faster than any other method. Non the less great video and I just might pick up one of these
Pretty cool. I think I’ll make one. Thanks for showing it.
Nice demo, thanks
Just picked this up and I've been liking it a lot good investment
Definitely would benefit and enjoy getting your take on the Grizzly Dowel machine! Have been eyeing it for a while wondering if it'd be worth stepping up from a jig to be just a bit more efficient. Appreciate the content!
You sold me!! Great video
Thanks for showing us how awesome the Dowelmax is, and heck yes, let's see a video about the Grizzley Domino machine.
Thanks for the video, as much as I want the domino, I use the Jess’em doweling jig, which is amazing
It was fun watching the video and the thumbs up count go up over 100 more while I was watching the video. Thumbs up David! Great demonstration.
Yeah I want to see a video on that!
Ty. I think this is what I was looking for.
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
So glad you ended with the grizzly dual dowelimg machine. Only $160 full price and is very similar to the Festool domino. Want to know how it works before I get one though and trust your reviews over pretty much anyone else. Thanks for the great alternative.
Would love to see the Grizzly dowel tool reviewed! Great vid showing what the Dowelmax is capable of doing!
I've always said use it once and you'll be a believer. Welcome to team Dowelmax!
New subscriber, love to see your take on the Jessem doweling jig by comparison. I looked in your old videos and didn't find one.
Great video! Your videos always inspire me to build something. I’m about to build the picture frame jig and frame jig. Of course I plane to modify mine. Btw can you recommend what you take before your videos?? You are very hyper! lol. Thanks for your videos!!
Cool, I bought the dowel max about a year ago and love it. Still would like a domino when I grow up. BTW my wife is SLP also - I feel your pain!
Thanks for the review. Look forward for the Wen and Grizzly vids.
Great video going to have to save up my money and invest in the dowel max looks like a great tool. Thanks for sharing. Would also love to see a video on the Grizzly dowel tool
Well heck yea we want to see a video on it!!!
I see they have stock for 2024 and placed my order. Thanks for this amazing review!
We don't have to read the DowelMax manual now! Looks like a great piece of kit!
I have a Dowelmax, love it.
This looks like a great jig.
Thank you.
That was awesome.
Looking forward to the Grizzly video.
In addition to the grizzly dowel tool, I would love to see a comparison of the dowelmax to the JessEm. They both seem great and it's so hard to decide between the two. Maybe one for your nice shop and the other for your budget shop??
Avoid the Jessem. I own one. I bought the Domino to replace it. Unless you only use standard board sizes and never need angled joints.
After doing a lot of research a year ago, I ended up purchasing the original JessEm master kit and I have zero regrets. Both of these tools are great options and have their strengths and weaknesses. I opted for the Jessem for two reasons. 1. It can reference randomly placed dowels for edge joining. 2. Value. It's noticeably less expensive which is surprising considering the quality craftsmanship. I do wish JessEm had the stainless steel jigs when I purchased as they are even less expensive and can hit the angles the Dowelmax can.
I have the JessEm. The indexing features are really critical to making a dowel system work, and the JessEm jig works very similarly to the Domino in that regard (I do have a Domino, btw, and both have their place in my shop).
Came here looking for this comment. I wound up getting the Jessem because you can get the whole kit with all three sizes for less than the Dowelmax with one. Only thing I don't really like is that you have to clamp it yourself.
@@f.kieranfinney457 Smooth brain af. Comparing dowel jigs. Not dowel and domino jigs.
I always use dowels a handy tool to keep around is a multi tool for trimming dowels
Seems like a pretty amazing tool
Great video! Mahalo for sharing!❤
Very interesting video demo' of this dowel jig. Like many other woodworkers, I'd love to own a Domino, but just can't justify the cost for the amount of use I'd get from it. Honestly, I'd rather sink the money into a decent cabinet saw. Nowadays, though, with the cost of material - even 4by2 - going cheap on the tools can end up costing more. I've tried the cheap dowel jigs - Wolfcraft, absolutely rubbish, wanders all over the place and takes forever to set up for all but the most basic joints - but they just don't give consistent, repeatable results.
Anyway, thanks for sharing!
Hell yeah I want to see a video on that!!
Great video! Would love to see you make the same piece at the end with the domino to see a time comparison between the two
I'm just getting into dowel joinery. Bought a milescraft 30 dollar kit to get my feet wet and it does a decent job. Do I see myself upgrading to the dowelmax when I get better at it? You bet your a**! This thing looks amazing! 200+ dollars to make your projects be seemless us a small price to pay! Great review and love your content!
Dowelmax is the real deal, the level of precision on the machined parts is insane. The only cons I have comparing it to the Domino is speed, dust collection, and maybe ergonomics. Setup and prep is similar between the two, marking reference faces. Clamping and unclamping slows things down, and the brass knurled knobs and the threaded rods can bust your knuckles if you rush.
Most people convince themselves and believe what they want to believe. This jig is no more accurate than a $20 Dowel jig. I have this jig and it's crap for the money.
@@johnrobinson1020 I strongly disagree, I also have a harbor freight dowel jig and it blows.
I do agree that there are cheaper jigs that can also give acceptable results, but I've never had the dowelmax fail me.
Spoken like someone who's never used both options. I have a $25 dowelling jig gathering dust. I bought it before the dowelmax and was never able to get consistent, reliably accurate joints with it. If you actually have a DowelMax and you can't get better results, its a "you problem."@@johnrobinson1020
great video! and yes please review that Grizzly jawn! I've been trying to find a good review on them for ages!
I love this jib i got a cheap one that doesn't do half of what this one does, i wish i had that one good video