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Reducing the Diameter of Dowels
Oct 25, 2005
The sketch shows an old patternmaker’s trick to reduce the diameter of a dowel. Simply chuck a router bit in a drill press and clamp down a couple of scrap blocks to guide the dowel and to serve as a length stop. Lower the quill to take a light cut, lock the quill in place and rotate the dowel under the bit. Continue taking light cuts until you’re at the desired diameter
Wallace C. Auger, Fairfield, Conn.
Fine Woodworking Magazine, April 1982 No. 33
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The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.
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The Hedgehog's unique spiral shape and single knob make it easy to set up and fast to adjust.
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