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Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:19 pm
by Dave Bagwill
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.

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 8:14 am
by Herman
Could work. Be careful that it does not grab and break fingers or wrist.
Or find someone around with a lathe.
Herman

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 10:03 am
by John Parchem
Looks like a cool idea for a short dowel segment. I might try it next time.

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:41 pm
by Hans Mattes
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'.

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:00 pm
by Dave Bagwill
Thanks fellas.
Less drama is always a good thing. :-)

I'll let you know what I come up with.

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:55 pm
by Carl Dickinson
Maybe get the guide block closer to the cutter. More support of the length of the dowel.

Re: Reducing the diameter of a dowel

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:35 pm
by Dave Bagwill
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.