Before we discovered this simple steel guide for doweling the joints on cabinet fronts, we tried several other approaches, including an expensive two-spindle horizontal drill.

Make the guide out of a 1-3/4-in. square, 3/4-in.-thick steel block. Drill two 5/16-in. holes (for 5/16-in. dowels) through the block. The holes should be spaced 5/16 in. in from each side of the block. The usability of the guide depends on the accuracy of these holes, so drill them precisely with a drill press. Complete the guide by bolting a 3-1/2-in. length of steel plate flush to at least one face.

After your rails and stiles are cut, mark the joints as shown in the sketch. Clamp the guide to the side of the stile with one edge of the guide flush with the mark and drill the two holes. Then, use the guide to bore the two holes in the end of the rail.

Whatever marking system you decide to use, just make sure you’re consistent throughout. The drawing shows the crow’s foot mark. The advantage of this mark is that if you place the guide so you can’t see the crow’s foot, then you’re boring on the wrong side of the mark.

Tim Hanson, Indianapolis, Ind.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 1988 No. 68

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