Reducing the diameter of a dowel

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Dave Bagwill
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Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Dave Bagwill » Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:19 pm

I need to take a 1" diameter hardwood dowel down to 7/8". I tried a couple of different ways without perfect results.
Found this on the Net - think it's worth a try?
Using a drill press and a router bit.
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Herman
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Herman » Sun Aug 01, 2021 8:14 am

Could work. Be careful that it does not grab and break fingers or wrist.
Or find someone around with a lathe.
Herman

John Parchem
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by John Parchem » Sun Aug 01, 2021 10:03 am

Looks like a cool idea for a short dowel segment. I might try it next time.

Hans Mattes
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Hans Mattes » Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:41 pm

To go from 1" dia. to ⅞" dia. you only need to remove 1/16" of material from the dowel's surface. That might be done with less drama by a sanding drum, e.g., than by a router bit (that, while turning slower than it was designed for, may well catch and chip the dowel). Just sayin'.

Dave Bagwill
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Dave Bagwill » Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:00 pm

Thanks fellas.
Less drama is always a good thing. :-)

I'll let you know what I come up with.
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Carl Dickinson
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Carl Dickinson » Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:55 pm

Maybe get the guide block closer to the cutter. More support of the length of the dowel.

Dave Bagwill
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Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Post by Dave Bagwill » Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:35 pm

That's a good point, Carl.
And I'm thinking, since I only need 2 pieces, each 1 1/4" x 7/8", I can maybe chuck the pieces into the DP in some manner, and hold a sanding block against them as they spin. A little 80 grit should take down that 1/16" pdq.
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