JessEm Doweling Jig Master Kit

This is a top-tier tool that allows you to quickly and easily drill precise holes for dowels. That being said, the jig is only as *accurate* as you (and your wood) are. My first project with this is a workbench made out of pine, and I immediately noticed some issues with my processes after a few test joints:1. I marked out my center lines with a fine-point pen so I could see them. However, the ink diffused into the soft wood, so now my line is about 3x as thick as the line on the jig. A marking knife or pencil would have been a better choice.2. I laminated the boards using nails to help speed up the process, and I didn't think about where the dowel holes would go3. It turns out my boards, and some of my cuts aren't perfectly. Because this jig references one face, any error is magnified as you drill holes farther from the reference. As a result my test joint didn't have full contact between the piecesObviously, the Jessem jig isn't at fault. I bring this up only because if you're looking at this, you're probably a beginner like me who's looking for a way to get into more robust joinery. This jig undoubtedly speeds up the joint-making process, but you need to be ready to spend more time preparing your workpieces so those joints actually line up

At first it seemed intimidating but once I saw some video online by the manf and figured out how to use it (I'm making DIY shutters), it was clear as day and I got perfect results instantly.There is one offset adjustment, clamped down that goes at standard intervals I think of 1/8th inch, designed to align the center line of standard stock. I haven't tried putting it in a 'non-standard' non-detented position, so I'm not sure that would work... it might.But what was cool beyond belief was getting 5 dowel holes drilled in rails and stiles to join for shutters, perfectly positions, easy as pie (use good clamps though because it has to be held tight to workpiece or it will slip). Who joins plantation style shutters with 5 dowels at each rail/stile joint :-) Talk about strong. I'm going with 4 shutter panels in a large picture window such that the outer panels will have to hold the full weight of the center panels (connected to the outer panels with hinges), without sagging. With 5 dowels in place, it will probably be stronger than the original basswood and will not sag. The instructions called for only two dowels, but what the heck?Anyway, this product is easy to align, quick to use, and perfect results every time I used it. Really happy with it. Which is good, because it ain't cheap. Well built and *love* the Canadian leaf in the clamping knob. It's anodized copper *slightly* bass relief as a perfect little discreet design and logo.

Aligns dowels PERFECTLY!! Alignment of dowels is one of the biggest drawbacks to this joinery method. This tool removes this obstacle. Just make sure you clamp the jig to the piece with good clamps. I am building a bed for one of my sons all with dowels and glue- no screws at all. Joints fit perfectly. dowels and glue and much stronger than screws and glue.

This jig works as expected -- and I knew what to expect from watching the JessEm videos on YouTube. are a great introduction and better for me than any basic instruction sheet.I think the jig is very well made -- resulting in precise and accurate dowel positioning without a lot of fuss and fiddling.I like that it is easy to make both centered and off-center dowel holes on the face of boards with this jig. I was able to easily place off-center dowel holes that are used to attach the legs for a table to the table apron. Other jigs that I saw seem designed to help with centered holes.I had so much fun the first day with the jig, I probably put in more dowels than were necessary in a workbench I was making and then assembled two (construction lumber) table/bench laminations that I did not need in other projects for several weeks.

I have owned this jig for over a year now and used it for a variety of small shop projects. It has worked very well , once I figured out a plan for how to use it on each project. It competes with a self-centering dowel jig that I also own that is fantastic for joining two pieces of the same width (like two 3/4" boards). But, the JessEm is more versatile. For example you can accurately drill holes on the face of large board. With that versatility comes more contemplation and setup time for each use. It does a great job and I am happy with my purchase. However:The giant fence (if that is what you call it) that sets the distance from the board edge to the dowel holes gets in the way for many uses. The face of that fence protrudes 1-7/8" down from the underside of the jig when one would think 3/4" or even 1/2" would do just fine. It does give you clamping surface to hold the jig to the board. But, many times you have to find some way of setting the piece on which you are working up on another block to provide clearance for it. The C/L marking on that fence is useless on any board that isn't at least 2" tall. I dinged the jig one star for the fence.

I've made several one-off dowel jigs on the rare occasions that I've needed them but lately, I've been using more dowels and felt the needed for something adjustable. I started researching the various jigs out there and kept coming back to the JessEm, so when I decided to pin some tenons in a recent project, I decided it was time to try it out. This is an extremely well-made jig: satisfyingly hefty in the hand, precisely machined, with crisp markings. Exposed corners and edges are smoothly radiused to prevent marring your work...or you. The indexed edge guide makes setting the hole distance from the edge of the work piece quick, easy, and sure. All components lock down with no play. If I had to point out one shortcoming, I'd have to say that I wished for more clamping area in a couple of situations. Otherwise, I had little trouble clamping it securely. The instructions are pretty clear and comprehensive but YT videos by JessEm and others should fill any blanks you may find.