Dowel

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Hand cut house construction dowel c1840

Dowel is a cylindrical rod, usually made from wood, plastic, or metal. In its various forms, it is used to reinforce joints and support shelves and other structures in cabinetry and furniture making. Dowels are also employed in numerous applications outside of woodworking, including in the manufacturing of toys, as axles in wheels, and in various engineering contexts.

Types of Dowels

Dowels come in several types, each suited to specific applications:

• Wooden Dowels: The most common type, used in carpentry and furniture-making. They are often made from hardwoods like oak, birch, or maple for added strength.
• Metal Dowels: These are used in applications requiring more strength and durability than wood can provide. Common materials include steel, brass, and aluminum.
• Plastic Dowels: Often used in applications where moisture resistance is needed. They can be made from materials like nylon or PVC.

Applications

Dowels are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Furniture Making: Dowels are used to join pieces of wood together, providing a hidden joint that is stronger than glue alone.
• Shelving: In cabinetry, dowels can be used to support shelves, either as a hidden support inside the shelf itself or as visible support pegs.
• Toys and Games: Wooden dowels serve as axles in toy cars, components in board games, and parts of puzzles.
• Construction: Metal dowels are used in construction to reinforce joints in concrete and masonry.

Installation

The installation of a dowel typically involves drilling a hole that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the dowel into the pieces of material to be joined. The dowel is then inserted into the hole, sometimes with adhesive. In woodworking, dowel joints are often clamped until the adhesive dries to ensure a tight fit.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Dowels offer several advantages in construction and manufacturing, including:

• Strength: Dowel joints can be stronger than nails or screws, distributing stress over a larger area.
• Aesthetics: Dowels can be hidden within joints, allowing for a cleaner look without visible hardware.
• Versatility: Available in various materials, dowels can be used in a wide range of applications.

However, there are also some disadvantages:

• Alignment: Properly aligning dowel holes can be challenging, requiring precise measurements and drilling.
• Glue Reliance: Dowel joints often rely on glue, which can fail over time if not properly applied or if the joint is subjected to excessive stress.

See Also

• Woodworking
• Carpentry
• Furniture Making
• Engineering

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