On 1/3/2021 11:38 AM, Dave Marulli wrote:
On Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 9:46:59 AM UTC-5, Jack wrote:
On 1/1/2021 3:35 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Friday, January 1, 2021 at 12:22:57 PM UTC-5, wrote:

"You have to be super super super precise aligning the drilling apparatus to make the holes for the dowels."

I'm not arguing for or against using dowels to help with alignment, I'm just wondering how
hard you think it is to align a self-centering dowel jig, such as this style...

https://www.amazon.com/Center-Dowel-.../dp/B081RGDJ28

Granted, a biscuit joiner doesn't have to be R&R'd like a doweling jig does, but in and of itself,
the "super super super precise" alignment is handled by the jig itself, assuming of course that
your boards are the same thickness.

I have a high quality doweling jig. It is not automatic however, and it
is not difficult to get things off enough to make alignment impossible.

Assuming your boards are milled flat and square (which they should be),
by the time you set up your jig for each hole perfectly aligned, drill
precise holes in all the boards, cut correct length dowels, I will
already have my boards glued and clamped with no problems.

There is no reason to introduce difficulty with no benefit in a simple
procedure.

My high quality doweling jig is rarely out of the closet, and has not
been used for panel glue ups since I was new at the game.
--

Did you read my complete reply?

I specifically said:

"I'm not arguing for or against using dowels to help with alignment, I'm just wondering how
hard you think it is to align a self-centering dowel jig... "

The only comment I was addressing was this one from russellseaton1:

"You have to be super super super precise aligning the drilling apparatus to make the
holes for the dowels."

For the record: I don't use dowels or biscuits for alignment when gluing up panels.

I read your reply. I was answering your question of "how hard do you
think it is to align with a self centering jig."

I replied it is not automatic to get perfect dowel alignment even with a
quality jig. You are simply wasting time and introducing potential
problems for no reason so I am arguing against using dowels unless your
boards are way out of wack, and even then, cauls are easier to use than
dowels.

Just my opinion though, you can do whatever you want, and offer whatever
advice your little heart desires.

--
Jack
Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.