This project was built and designed by Rob from Let’s Make Things. It’s a smart, low-cost jig designed to hold dowels securely during cuts on the bandsaw—solving a common safety and accuracy issue in woodworking.
Rob’s design uses basic materials and a clever grip surface to prevent dowels from spinning or shifting. It’s a must-have addition to any shop where dowels are used regularly, offering clean cuts and added peace of mind.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Rob’s channel:
Why a Dowel Jig Matters
Dowels are notoriously tricky to cut safely. Their round shape and smooth surface make them prone to slipping or spinning when using power tools like the table saw or miter saw—both of which carry a higher risk for this type of task.
Rob’s solution is a small jig made specifically for the bandsaw. It provides both a stable cutting platform and a grippy surface that holds the dowel in place. The result is cleaner cuts, better control, and fewer safety concerns in the shop.
Key Materials and Construction Overview
The jig is built from scrap wood, assembled into a sled-style form that rides smoothly on the bandsaw table. One key component is the use of carpet runner—a textured rubber material—glued to the jig’s surface to grip the dowel.
No complex joinery is needed. The blocks are glued and taped together, forming a simple but effective V-shaped cradle. It’s a fast build that doesn’t require specialized tools or skills.
Creating the Gripping Surface
One of the standout features is the carpet runner used to hold the dowel in place. This inexpensive material is available at most hardware stores and provides excellent friction without damaging the wood.
Rob glues a strip of carpet runner to one face of the jig using Mod Podge or wood glue. After letting it dry fully, the excess is trimmed with a knife or sanded flush for a clean edge. This surface keeps dowels from spinning during the cut—solving the main problem with dowel work on a bandsaw.
Assembling the V-Block Cradle
The main platform consists of a flat sled with angled support blocks mounted on top. These blocks are cut at 45 degrees and glued to form a V-channel where the dowel will rest.
Rob measures and marks the placement of each block to ensure symmetry and alignment. Super glue is applied over wet wood glue to speed up assembly without sacrificing strength. Once set, the cradle firmly holds the dowel from both sides.
Using the Jig on the Bandsaw
With the jig complete, it’s ready for use. The carpet runner side faces the user, and the dowel is placed on the angled supports.
To make a cut, the dowel is pressed gently down onto the grippy surface and then pulled backward into the moving bandsaw blade. This backward motion keeps the dowel stable and allows the blade to cut cleanly without binding or kickback.
The dowel drops onto the bandsaw table after the cut, making cleanup easy and reducing the chance of injury from flying pieces.
Extra Function: Marking Dowels for Centering
In addition to cutting dowels, this jig doubles as a center-finding tool. By extending a dowel slightly past the jig and making cuts from opposite sides, the intersection of the kerfs marks the center.
This feature is especially helpful for woodturners and anyone who needs to mount dowels accurately for drilling or lathe work. It saves time and increases layout precision without additional tools.
Other Uses and Tool Compatibility
Although designed for the bandsaw, Rob notes that the jig can also be used with a drill press. The stable V-block base and non-slip surface provide solid positioning for drilling or shaping operations.
This versatility makes it more than just a one-task tool—it becomes part of a broader workflow solution in the shop.
What Makes This Jig Stand Out
Rob’s jig is simple, effective, and easy to build. It addresses a real problem with an elegant, no-frills design that nearly any woodworker can replicate in under an hour.
The use of everyday materials keeps costs low. Most shops will already have everything needed on hand, making this an ideal weekend or shop-break project.
More importantly, it enhances safety. By preventing spinning, it reduces the risk of blade damage and injury—making it a smarter alternative to the table saw or miter saw for cutting round stock.
A Smart Addition to Any Shop
Whether you’re working on furniture, turning projects, or small crafts, this jig improves both workflow and safety. It’s a lightweight solution that takes up little space but adds a lot of value.
Rob continues to share clever, efficient builds like this one on his YouTube channel. His clear explanations and practical approach make woodworking more accessible and rewarding for beginners and pros alike.
Get Rob’s plans here: https://makethingswithrob.com/simple_dowel_cutter/.