Miller Dowel System?

Detailed Review Here:

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Dean Bielanowski Editor, Online Tool Reviews

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I am still confused... What advantage does this have over an ordinary dowel?

It is more expensive and single sourced. Of course, *who* this is an advantage for isn't the buyer...

I use it extensively in the high school program where I teach and feel it is a very good value.

Jack Grube

How is it better than a standard dowel that has been sanded down the edge just short of where the end will be exposed?

My only guess is it fits into a tight hole a lot easier. Instead of fitting a 2" glue covered dowel into a tight 2" deep hole, the Miller only has a 1/2" or so of close fit to overcome. Taken to the extream it would be a cone shaped peg. I suppose I could see the advantage if you had to install a bunch of 4" long dowels...

-Bruce

Le> How is it better than a standard dowel that has been sanded down the edge

I was a little rougher on them when I first saw them. Some time ago, but my first feeling was very simple: what's the point?

I've seen nothing to make me change that opinion.

Charlie Self "Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin - it's the triumphant twang of a bedspring." S. J. Perelman

Jack Grube responds:

But what does it DO that regular dowels and brad point bits don't do?

Charlie Self "Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin - it's the triumphant twang of a bedspring." S. J. Perelman

Ultimately I think it may provide a weaker joint if the dowel is smaller at the joint line than a dowel you would be using normally. BUT, I think the whole idea is that since the dowel is tapered in design, you can put it in almost all the way before any contact is made. Insertion is easier. With a typical dowel there is wood contact during the entire process of sliding the dowel in. If you know what you are doing with a regular dowel that is not much of a problem anyway.