About this Project

A dowel joint is not impressive-looking like a half-lap or dado joint, but it is strong. You can purchase special jigs and marking devices to create hidden dowel joints easily. You can also make dowel joints without special tools, but there are two difficulties: You must hold the boards square as you work and you must hold the drill as straight as possible to keep from poking a hole through the edge or side of a board. Work on a flat surface to keep the face of the boards even. If possible, clamp the boards together before adding the dowels.