Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/doweling boards

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Expert: - 5/16/2011


Question
Making shutters..using three 5" wide boards 57" long..plan to dowel the three boards together. Should I be concerned about cupping?  What would be the best way to line up the three boards before I dowel them?

Answer
Charlie,

I wouldn't be that concerned about cupping, especially if you apply a good finish on the slats to seal them from absorbing moisture. Make sure you coat them entirely - all sides and especially the ends.

To drill a perfectly centered hole, I always use a self-centering doweling jig. There isn't any better of a method. Here is the one I use:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/dowl-it2500jig.aspx

Any decent woodworking supply shop will sell a jig similar to this. Once you get the hole centered on slat, you can use dowel centers to mark the point you need to drill on the shutter frame. Here are the centers:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/dowelcenterset.aspx

With the use of a doweling jig, you may not need the centers.

Hope this helps, write back if you have more questions.

Jamie in Vegas


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Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com

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Jamie Yocono

Expertise

Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.

Experience

Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980) Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639 Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years. Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!

Organizations
Furniture Society

Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University) College of Hard Knocks!

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