In my recent chair build, which was a relatively quick build, although it was built on the fly, and I changed things around a few times, it was quick enough.

The two things that slowed me down the most, was the seat weaving which I was expecting, and making the dowels.

Ever since i started woodworking seriously, making dowels has been something that hasn't been consistent, and usually time consuming.

Even with speciality tools, the consistency of the dowel is never on point. Usually slight to medium discrepancies in diameter, tear out, trouble fixing the wood to the drill, and time removing corners for a better result.

The two ways I get the best results is first with a hand plane, which can give good consistent results, if i take my time, and i really dont mind, but when you're making 8-10 I kinda do mind 😂

I must admit since making the dowel holding jig, making dowels/legs with a hand plane has gotten easier, and somewhat quicker.

The second way is to use a Veritas conical tenon cutter, which has its own problems as mentioned above, as well as needing support at the other end, and sanding afterwards.

Im also currently stuck with two sizes (3/8" & 5/8") unless I buy another, or buy a more expensive set up.

I bought a cheap cutter with multiple sizes, but it wasn't great. I am considering to give up half a day to experiment with the jig, to get better results.

As with the veritas jig, tear out it present on the cheaper jig, although it is slightly worse on the cheaper jig.

With both, they need stabilization at the other side of the cutter, they both also drain the cordless drill quickly, and I have trouble attaching the wood to the drill, in a good quick manner.

Two of these problems can be looked at, which I intend to do, before I make a further three chairs, with the goal of making these quickly, while still making a strong, attractive chair.

With all this being said, I do ask myself, how much accuracy does one need in a dowel, when making a traditional chair?

The mentioned tools are available here

How do you make dowels?

Wood porn

This weeks little beauty was built by mountain top joiners shop, and was traded for some electric work.

I think the electrician got a good deal!

What impressed me

elevate.jardin

View more on Instagram

This a simple boot remover (I guess), and while the build is simple, and could be improved, even the idea itself is so simple, yet I was extremely impressed, maybe i need to get out more 🙄

Woodwork ponder

What does it take to be a successful furniture maker, with people queuing for your work?

I'd certainly like to find out one day!

Podcast

In case you missed it, the podcast is available to those who are interested.

You can listen on Spotify here, and Apple Podcasts  here.

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Thats it for this one guys, see you next week!

Regards 

David