January 16, 2022
I wanted to write and let you know that I finally got around to installing my butcher block counter tops using DowelMax. You helped me pick the right spacing for centering on 1.75” and sent an additional spacer with no charge. The system worked great for aligning the larger pieces without much of a learning curve. I used the dowels as alignment pins on the 45 angles and gluing on the straight pieces.
Barry
December 21st, 2021
Hi Jim,
I have been using my Dowelmax for several years, and just wanted to let you know how much I like it. Accuracy is so important when using dowels, and your jig is dead-on accurate. It has become my go-to joinery method for most projects. I frequently mention it when posting on woodworking forums, such as Lumberjocks.
Since a nice tool deserves a nice home, a built a box to hold the kit. I have since added other accessories like the 1/4” guides, but everything still fits.
I really like the way the DM can be adapted to solve problems with a little thought. I recently built a table for my wife’s orchids with small vertical rails, and wanted a dowel in the center of each end of the rails. I built a simple jig using off-cuts from the rails as spacers, placed it in my Moxon vise and was able to drill accurate holes for perfect alignment:
My latest project was building some display tables with the legs made from stock that was a bit too narrow for the normal spacing of the DM. I solved the problem by using a reference block made from one of the offcuts which was clamped into the DM and held in perfect alignment (from both sides) by drilling a hole for the metal DM centering pin inserted in the #3 guide. The leg stock was then referenced off of this block for drilling the first hole, not the edge of the DM as usual. The distance from the reference block to the #1 guide was adjusted so the first dowel hole in the leg stock was properly placed. I then added a spacer block to drill the second hole, still using the #1 drill guide. The photos might explain things better:
Thanks for making such a great product. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tim
September 15, 2021
Jim Lindsay, Inventor of Dowelmax
August 26, 2021
I purchased the Dowelmax Classic about 2 months ago but could not get to my project until this past weekend. I was going to use the jig for joining three 5″ x 36″ white oak boards for a table top. Since this was the first time I had ever made a top and the first time I used dowels to join, I practiced with the jig a couple of times to ensure that I knew what to do, One of my 3 boards had a slight bow and I was not sure what that would mean to the glue up. I put a couple extra dowels in the bow. The first 2 boards (which did not have the bow) went together with ease and perfectly. Then the bowed piece. After applying the glue and starting the dowels into bowed board I moved it to the clamps to help draw it together. Success! The boards aligned perfectly. I was thrilled with the outcome. This jig is well worth the price. The precision is truly remarkable. The craftsmanship is superb. Great jobs guys. Thanks.
C. Nordhielm
July 13, 2021
This is by far THE most used tool in my shop. I first purchased the DowelMax about 5 or 6 years ago and have since purchased several units. I do a lot of repetitive work building custom bed frames. Having multiple units allows me to switch between configurations quickly, without having to reassemble the unit for each drilling function. The precision between the units is so exact, that I confidently switch between them with ZERO problems in spacing, and perfect accuracy every time. I LOVE this tool.
B. Gonzalez
June 3, 2021
The Dowelmax Jig is one of the best tools in my shop for joinery! Frankly I wish I would have learned of it years ago!
I received my Dowelmax a few weeks ago after watching a YouTube Channel “DownUnderWoodWorks”. Vic, Down Under, had a great Dowelmax demonstration and I ordered my Dowelmax the same day especially for a complex project I had just received. Today I used Dowelmax for the 1st time on this complicated project which is a combination of Veneer plywood to solid wood with 42 dowel joints. Dowelmax has worked perfectly! I am confident that using dowelmax for this use was the right long-term choice instead of just edge gluing or worse yet trying to use biscuit joints!
I have been a professional woodworker for many years and have my own shop called “Landis River Woodcraft” for high end custom projects. As a spin off from my shop, I opened an “Etsy.com/shop/LandisRiverWoodraft” which has been very successful. My primary joinery will be Dowelmax and Dovetail Joinery.
In a shop like mine I simply do not have time for Mortise and Tennon joinery and now that I have Dowelmax it the joinery is faster, and stronger anyway. In my Etsy shop I make High End Keepsake boxes and there is edge to edge joinery that I will be using the dowelmax for in combination with the dovetail joinery primarily for its decorative feature. I never did like to use Biscuit joinery so I will be getting rid of my biscuit joinery tools in fact today. They’re not very accurate and NEAR as strong as Dowelmax anyway. And I’m sure the skeptics who think dowel joinery is not as good as Mortise & Tennon, biscuits, or other joinery methods will not be moved until they see what they’re missing.
I am grateful to Vic on his YouTube Channel “Down Under Woodworks” because I would probably not have heard of this incredible, accurate, simple, and fast tool that is engineered so marvelously!
I also purchased the 1/4-inch kit, the drill depth guide, and at some point, would also like to purchase the 45-degree Miter kit.
Thank you, Jim Lindsay, for inventing this excellent tool and all your staff support.
Rich Ragan
Landis River Woodcraft, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
etsy.com/shop/LandisRiverWoodcraft
March 6, 2021
I have made a number of projects using your amazing machine--the Dowel Max I just love it. here is my latest an Adirondack chair using nothing but dowels--and of course the Dowel Max to assemble.
Thanks again for your quality products I will continue to spread the word to all woodworkers I know that a Dowelmax is an essential tool for any serious woodshop/woodworker.
February 8, 2021
DEAR JIM,
February 1, 2021
Just received my dowelmax a couple weeks ago. Typically i dont do reviews but this unit warrants one. I searched and searched for a dowel jig for a project im doing (sofa table with waterfall sides). So needed something that install dowels on a 45 degree angle. Dowelmax kept popping up on every search with their miter accessory. And no other jig i could find could do what i needed. So after extensive research i decided. That even though a little expensive, this could be an investment into a tool that i could use for years and years. So far ive used it on 2 different projects (just a couple edge to edge joints for couple projects. 45 degree is next). Well so far….. is the investment worth it? 120% YES! So very well built jig. Machined to perfection and made to last. Following the check mark system, makes making next to perfect joints easier than ever! Not only stronger joints, but line up is amazing. If i could give more than 5 stars outta 5 i would.
Dont let price scare you away, think of it as an investment into your woodworking future.
Wil @ doitallrenos
January 7, 2021
November 1, 2020
Still using the Dowelmax classic and loving it!
Still using your Classic Dowelmax jig and it is certainly a pleasure to use!
Link to my latest little project using the Dowelmax:
http://portercalls.com/ceramic_and_wood_pot_holder.htm
http://portercalls.com/links.htm
Have a blessed evening.
Later,
Bill
October 26, 2020
First use!
Today I tried the Dowelmax jig for the first time. I was apprehensive as many tools on their maiden voyage don't preform well. Not so with Dowelmax! First try was dead on!!!
Top quality, precise manufacturing, and attention to detail make this jig a premier tool in my shop and one I will proudly pass on the the next owner of my tools.
Congratulations on a superior product!
One highly satisfied customer.
James Gonyea
Trinity, Florida
October 12, 2020
Just thought I would share my dMax box with you. Love the jig and all it can do, one of the most utilized tools in my arsenal. Thank you for a quality tool.
https://www.lumberjocks.com/projects/6822
Douglas Krueger
May 8, 2020
Just finishing up a dining room sideboard with frame and panel sides and doors, all done with dowelmax. I am just blown away at how well this little jig works…All the parts went together nicely aligned, needing just a few taps to seat…the offset feature is great, as well. I also found your demo videos helpful.
all gone pocket hole jigs now, the slippage when screwing them together was maddening. and biscuits are a pain as well…dowels for me from now on….
so kudos and thanks for a great product
M. Nelson
May 7, 2020
Table turned out great, I was able to use dowelmax to align the extending leaflets and extending breadboards. Thanks for creating an awesome joinery system.
S. Gadlin
April 10th, 2020
Hi Mike, Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. You know of course the Dowelmax is just the cat’s meow, makes things real easy.
Here’s a link to the Dowelmax box on Lumberjocks.com
https://www.lumberjocks.com/projects/414349#comment-4946040
Thanks Again,
Dick B.
April 8th, 2020
I recently bought DowelMax as well as a lot of accessories and I am extremely impressed with the quality and the design of this product. It really is quite an incredible tool. I’m a beginning woodworker and my very first project with DowelMax was the potting bench you see here. For the leg assemblies there are 8 2-inch dowels per joint, for a total of 128 dowels. I also used dowels for the 45 degree shelf supports on top. I took my time to make sure to keep my reference surfaces in line with the check marks at all times and I managed to get this bench built with not a single miss-drilling. I’m very happy with the results. Kudos on a fine product.
Frank
April 5th, 2020
Dear Sir,
I'm writing to let you know that I received my Dowelmax Classic kit this past week.
This is truly one of the best cost/value items I've ever purchased; the design, fit and finish exceeded my expectations. Set up is simple and after less than a half hour practice on scrap lumber I was able to complete a small project with accuracy and precision.
Thank you for supplying an outstanding product at such a reasonable price.
Sincerely yours,
David R.
Mercer Island, Washington
March 20, 2020
Hi team,
A word of thanks from sunny Western Australia and some feedback on your marvelous and superbly designed, machined and manufactured product.
I looked into your units last year when pricing was higher as I recall. I hesitated at the time.
But since your pricing has come down and I feel this unit is truly unbeatable and the design and manufacturing is world class.
And free international shipping!!!!
My very good carpentry mate Steve Delic (also from Western Australia) put me onto the product recently and I have loved using his. Hence the decision to buy my own.
Well done and please keep up the fabulous work over there in Canada.
“Made in Canada” is a big deal and a differentiator in a world of cheap Chinese crap....you should be hugely proud.
Will share the love over here in Western Australia.
Thanks team
Graham Wheeler
Perth, Western Australia
June 6, 2019
I actually run a small non-monetized YouTube channel with a bit under 1000 subscribers. It’s called A-Z’s Tiny Woodshop. A humble little maker space geared toward sharing my woodworking journey with other like-minded woodworkers with similar work spaces, budgets, and experience. I’m not a pro. Just one of the masses. I don’t have a single tool made by festool or sawstop. But I do believe in buying quality tools and have many with names like Lie Nielsen, Veritas, Blue Spruce, etc. I believe in buying “good” tools, not just “nice” tools, because they’re worth it!
Today, my 11 year old son and I began a project and the recording of footage for a video that I plan on posting, wherein, we are collectively making a small 11x”6x”24” floating shelf with a sliding front door, all made from solid 3/4” red oak. Basically, an open backed box with a sliding door that will be mounted on the wall under the TV in his room (also on a wall mount) to house his cable box and gaming console. A lot like a floating shelf, but with storage. The boards we were edge joining to make the 11” wide panel were 3-1/2” wide by 48” long. As you can imagine, we plan on using the Dowelmax for 100% of the joinery. Not just the edge jointing for the main panel, but after cutting 45° miters and wrapping the grain, we’re going to use through dowels to secure the miters.
Right now, you’re probably thinking, “What is this guy blabbing about? Where’s he going with this? Well, just bear with me...
My son has very bad attention deficit disorder and is easily distracted at the slightest thing. I pulled out the dowelmax, set it up, and showed him how to use it drilling the dowel holes in only the first board. Mind you, my son often struggles remembering just a single step instruction, and this totally new concept had many different points. I was completely expecting to have to walk him through the entire process every step of the way.
I turned over the project to him handing him the dowelmax and the drill as I got some footage from various angles. I was astounded that this little 11 year old boy with such difficulties following simple instructions took over and used the dowelmax to drill EVERY SINGLE DOWEL HOLE THEREAFTER, with 100% PERFECT PRECISION!!! I mean it! Every hole in every board thereafter lined up like they were meant to be! And not just drilling the holes after Dad set the Dowelmax in place... I didn’t touch the system after I handed it over to him. He was able to drill the holes to start, then use the guide rod to maintain the distance between the holes, move the system along the board, secure it, drill it, and repeat over and over. So simple an 11 year old can do it!
Now, I love my son dearly and he’s the reason my feet hit the floor in the morning, so I don’t want to discount the great job he did. But I’m certainly not going to ignore that the brilliant design, ease of use, and insane accuracy of the doweling system that heavily contributed to his success.
It’s reasons like this, and the versatility of this system that blow me away and are why I can see it being used anywhere I can in my woodworking.
I’ve attached a picture of my son going to town with the Dowelmax.
That’s the good stuff right there!
Thanks again, Mike!
Adam A.
RI, United States
March 22, 2019
Dear Marie,
It is more than 40 years ago, I learned english in school. I hope you will be able to understand, what I want to say...
Everything arrived very well in Wendlingen at Friday morning. Thank you very much.
By the way, now I am proud to be the owner of two dowelmax classic sets. I have parkinson and my fingers sometimes have difficulties to change the setting of the tool. But now, it‘s no need to change the settings of the dowelmax, what a comfortable progress.
I am sure you heard it often but not from me: To me, the dowelmax is a exellent and accurate working tool, produced in high quality and really easy to use. In combination with the check-mark system this tool allows me to realize my woodworker-dreams fast, accurate and with a lot of pleasure.
With respect and sending big compliments to the creator of this perfect tool.
Meinrad Dusba
March 8, 2019
Hello,
Just wanted to say thank you again for such a wonderful product. I have sent you my pictures before of the box that I made out of Cherry wood to carry all of my Dowelmax products in one cool box.
This time I would like to show you how Dowelmax turned a 2 week project into a 2-1/2 day project using the 8 mm system with the standard offset of ninety degrees and the optional 45 degree plate.
I needed to install some round 1-1/2” maple hand railing onto glass vertical risers while helping to stabilize the glass with the railing including the corner sections and between each panel on three flights of stairs.
Using my brain and a little patience, I came up with a way of keeping all the joints perfect with two dowels in each joint. Here are some of the pictures.
As you can see I made easy work of 15, 30, 90 and 45 degree joints by clamping the jig to my table and lining up the railing into the jig flat on the face indexing every joint perfectly.
Some of the joints where even done off the table being hand held on the railing while on the stair. The strength of all the joints is very impressive and there are literally no fastener marks of any kind on this pre-finished railing.
Thank you again for such an amazing product and excellent craftsmanship in the product.
Chris Reed
JCS Marketing LLC
Feb 28, 2019
Hi Jim,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy using your doweling jig. I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I purchased the 3/8 classic a couple of months ago, specifically for building cabinets using Melamine. I have previously assembled the cases using a number of techniques: biscuits, Confirmat screws, and milling dados and rabbets.
No technique that I have used before comes close to the accuracy of your jig for perfectly aligned, strong, tight fitting joints. I’m able to dry assemble my cases to test for fit, and they stay in place perfectly without glue, using only half the dowels for the test fit. There are no screw heads to cover with ugly caps, and the look is cleaner than rabbets…and I’m sure stronger. And after doing some research on the strength of biscuits, or lack thereof, I’m not sure I’ll use my biscuit joiner again.
I’m sure your engineering background has a lot to do with how precise the jig, and resulting dowel holes are. Using the referencing pin to span the length of the cabinet pieces works perfectly.
My next project is a rolling kitchen cart with a butcher block top. I’ve decided that instead of using mortise and tenon joints like I have done in the past, I’m using your jig for all the joints in the frame. I have no doubt it will save me a lot of time and produce a great result.
It’s nice to support a small company like yours that makes great products.
Cheers,Tim
Tim Andrews Photography
www.timandrews.com
November 28th, 2018
Yesterday I received the parcel from Dowelmax which is including the metric version of the jig plus all the extra accessories.
I ve read lots of reviews before make up my mind going this route.
The other option that I had was Festool’s Domino. You might think that the price range of Dowelmax is not comparable with Festool’s Domino.
Well, actually in my case it is. You see I live in Greece so my parcel had some custom fees and the total amount I ve paid(buy+shipping+custom fees) is $680.00!
Im an amateur & not a professional woodworker. I dont do woodworking for living. The actual word for “amateur” in my language means “lover of art” and thats exactly how I feel about woodworking.
Because of that and because I didnt want one more power tool in my arsenal I preferred going Dowelmax.
As far as I ve used it, that tool is fantastic! Is rock solid and dead acurate. Theres no words to describe it. A pleasure to work with. When I was joining the pieces having that snug and accurate fit I caught my self smiling like a rookie.
Is it expesive? You get what you pay for.
Does it worth the money? Hell, yeah…worths any penny.
Thanks a lot Dowelmax for a great product.
Nikolaos S.
November 24th, 2018
Just want to let you know that this is one really nice tool. The quality is just outstanding. I have bought to many tools that don't work as advertised. This is not one of them. This is going to bring the quality of my work up to where I want it. Thank you for building such a nice tool that works as it is supposed to. I will tell all of my woodworking friends about it. Thanks, Scott M.
July 11, 2018
July 6, 2018
Jim,
It was nice talking with you this afternoon about my new dowelmax.
I want to thank you for your speedy response to my order, and let you know that I believe it is one of the best values of any purchase I have ever made for my shop.
It is incredibly well made, very complete, and perfectly accurate. I made a little hall table for my wife this afternoon as a learning exercise. It is a simple table, but the idea is that what would have been 24 mortise and tenon joints requiring a day or so to cut was finished in about 5 hours from wood pile to table including sanding, sizing, cutting and joining. I did some things in the construction that I would not ordinarily do in order to check the jig for accuracy and precision; I re-drilled three of the members for longer dowels after I had removed them from the jig and moved on with the project. The 18 holes that were re-drilled to double their original depth were in no way sloppy or misaligned.
I made this table after reading the general guidelines for using the jig and only one page of instructions. The use of the jig is straightforward and intuitive so that even an offset situation like the table skirt is simple.
I have seen some discussions lately regarding the price of the jig to which I can only reply, "Give the man the money!" I thought that I would not discover a new essential woodworking tool now that I am in my 70's, but if one has doweling applications, this is an essential purchase.
Thanks again for an exceptionally well engineered product, and for your courteous and friendly help with my purchase.
Larry S. Cadle
Hillsboro, OH
July 5, 2018
December 7, 2017
Good Day,
I just wanted to share with you the box I made to store my Dowelmax jig and accessories. The box and dividers are soft maple while the dowels and lid are black walnut. I used 3/8 dowels on the miters and 1/4 dowels for joining the dividers. I ended up using nearly every accessory in the making of the box. I believe such a classy tool deserves a classy box to keep it in. Please feel free to share if you would like.
Dave C.
Sitka, AK
November 4, 2016
Jim, All I can say about the build quality is WOW! It's obvious one gets what one pays for with the Dowelmax, and that's precision and quality. On my first test, after reading the enclosed information, everything came out perfect. Frankly, I'm not very good at woodworking, but I do so enjoy it, the Dowelmax has made joinery a process now vs an obstacle for me to overcome. In fact, I plan to use dowel joinery for most every project so I have ordered the 1/4 inch setup and a few other accessories, I would highly recommend the Dowelmax to any woodworker. Thanks for making such a high quality precision product.
April 25, 2016
Sir,
April 19, 2016
Hi Jim,
I have just made up three test joints, as I mentioned in my email yesterday, all in 4” x 2” CLS – a face T joint, a mitre joint and a normal corner joint, all with 5No. 10mm dowels. This exercise was also a training exercise for me in the use of the system. It worked absolutely brilliantly, if anything it showed up the inadequacy of my mitre saw to cut squarely.
May I compliment you and your team for the production of a system which is not only accurate, precise and very well made, it is a complete joy to use – very tactile!
Thanks and best wishes.
David George, United Kingdom
April 5, 2016
Just wanted to let you'll know, I purchased the DowelMax and used it for the first time on the following table. I did quit a bit of research on what would be the best joint for all the curved connections and I decided to go with the DowelMax. I was Very nice pleased with the Jig and would recommend it to anybody that want a quick dead on joint. Below are some pictures of the Mesquite Dining Table and a video on YouTube of the table being made.
January 11, 2015
Greetings Mr. Jim Lindsay,
Just this past Friday, Jan. 2, I received my order of several bags of dowels and two new drill bits. I was really anxious to try the drill bits because you had told me that they were better than the original bits that I got with the Dowelmax jig which was purchased about three years ago.
It isn't often that I write a review or contact a company about their product, but because of your exceedingly superior quality tool, the Dowelmax Jig and your personal customer service I feel compelled to write this letter to you.
I have been a cabinet and furniture maker for about 45 years now. As you can imagine, in that period of time I have owned and tried many different tools. In choosing my tools I have always insisted on top quality being the first consideration, then price. Your Dowelmax Jig exceeds all of my expectations relative to quality and the price is more than fair for what we get. The Dowelmax Jig has made it possible for me to build a better quality piece of furniture, such as tables and sets of chairs as opposed to using the mortise and tenon joint. The way you have designed the five pin jig, offers a more accurate and stronger joint while taking much less time.
Just this weekend I used the new drill bit and drilled about 100 holes. This bit is absolutely the best I have ever used. Drilling into the end grain of Red Oak most of the time offers a lot of resistance, but with this bit, it was almost like drilling into a soft piece of pine. Thank you for informing me about this tool. Another great feature is that the flute of the bit does an excellent job of lifting the drill shavings and expelling them from the hole. I found that the bit doesn't get extremely hot like my previous bits have done and even after drilling about 100 holes the bit isn't showing any signs of dulling. I never thought I could ever get so excited over a drill bit.
As a business man who has owned and managed four businesses over the past 45 years I have a great appreciation for quality customer service. I have always believed the business owner should have direct contact with their customer, because this is what most consumers are more comfortable with and the business person should be getting direct input from their clientele, because after all, they are the life blood of any business. My preference is to deal with family run small businesses such as yours. I couldn't be more pleased with your product and your follow up customer service.
Another reason that a quality product and excellent customer service is very important to me, you may find quite surprising, I am totally blind. Many people find it hard to believe that I do what I do without seeing, but I do my work and it isn't really that hard especially when I have top quality tools to work with. I'm sending along a few pictures of some of the jobs that I have done thanks to the assistance of the Dowelmax Jig.
Once again, thanks to you and your family members that I have talked with who have made my work easier by offering to me good advice about getting the most out of the use of your Dowelmax Jig. It has been a great pleasure doing business with you.
Sincerely, John, The Old Blind Cabinetmaker
