Dowels for bench dogs?

[Phil Stone]

Any tips for finding dowels that are actually 3/4" in diameter? Even at the local hardwood supplier, they seem to be 18mm.

[Maurice Ungaro]

Phil, what you may consider (I'm thinking about this myself) is to try the 18mm dowel and install the ball portion of a small bullet catch. Might make all the difference.

[Garrett Ellis]

Or a couple wraps of tape.

[Maurice Ungaro]

Or a bit of veneer!

[Prashun Patel]

Or a square head on the top.

[Ron Patrick]

You might try something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_02a_Rbe3E

[george wilson]

Might just be easier to get a metric drill that fits the dowels,unless the holes are already drilled. The dowels are probably made in a metric country.

[Steve Voigt]

Any tips for finding dowels that are actually 3/4" in diameter? Even at the local hardwood supplier, they seem to be 18mm.

Oak dowels sold at my local ace hardware are typically .750-.755. I buy a 3-footer and a package of 3/8 bullet catches to make bench dogs, and I generally need to shave the dowel down to get it to fit in my dog holes, which are a true 3/4.

[Phil Stone]

You might try something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_02a_Rbe3E

Yeah, that would probably work nicely. Thanks, Ron.

[Phil Stone]

Oak dowels sold at my local ace hardware are typically .750-.755. I buy a 3-footer and a package of 3/8 bullet catches to make bench dogs, and I generally need to shave the dowel down to get it to fit in my dog holes, which are a true 3/4.

I guess I'd better bring my calipers when I go dowel shopping.

[Phil Thien]

I guess I'd better bring my calipers when I go dowel shopping.

Or a block of wood drilled w/ your 3/4" bit.

[Steve Voigt]

I guess I'd better bring my calipers when I go dowel shopping.

I bring a 0-1" micrometer -- fits in the pocket, less conspicuous.

[Judson Green]

Or this might work. I made my own dowels and use some wire from a wire whisk.


IMAG2248.jpgIMAG2244.jpg

[Al Launier]

I use a 3/4" dowel with (3) narrow adhesive-backed velcro strips attached lengthwise to the OD of the dogs. The Velcro provides for a slightly snug fit & the dogs are easily removed. I normally keep them inserted in the dog holes below the bench top & when needed the dogs are pushed up from below. Easy & the dogs are well stored!

[ian maybury]

There's perhaps an argument to push up to the 20mm size used by the various Festool work holding solutions - it might open another sourcing option. I'd personally be reluctant to reduce the size of a dog below the 3/4in which to my mind is already on the light side. The Lee Valley stuff i think is also available in the larger size.