more. 10% Off. If you remember to always reference off the same face, you can't really mess this up. Two good alternatives you could choose from are the. The Dowelmax can be changed to the Face Joint Configuration to create the face joint as shown. 72 posts · Joined 2019. Dowel Master Pack; Includes 1/4"; 3/8" & 1/2" Diam. Re: Lee Valley No Longer Carrying Dowelmax. Woodpecker's announced their latest new tool - Morty's Loose Tenon Joinery Jig It was announced this morning. It is quick to position and straightforward to use, yielding accurate, repeatable results without an elaborate set-up. Rated 5. 25% OFF. Explore. Jessem and Dowelmax are not self centering jigs. com I do a review of the DowelMax doweling jig. Roger Jensen. $16. That way, you’ll speed up the process and get better results. Using those jigs, I find dowel joinery strong, precise and easy to make. First, a few words to introduce the tool. . At 1/3 the cost of the Domino it looks like a good alternative for folks just getting into woodworking. 00 $ 55. Congrats, Rick, on your purchase. JessEm Model 08350 Dowelling Jig. The dowel joint strikes me as a poor. (1) I know I can do splines to strengthen the mitered corner. The echo is a split case as well so it is built just like the much more expensive pro-grade saws you might be considering. Use single rows of dowels or patterns in multiple rows for added strength. As you can imagine, we plan on using the Dowelmax for 100% of the joinery. wolfcraft 3751405 Dowel Pro Doweling Jig Kit. The Festool domino required considerably more pressure to make the joint fail. For Euro cabinets I use the Lee Valley Veritas dowelling jig (32mm) For 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" dowels, I use the Jessem Jig. Personally I don't use either, but do from time to time use a dowel to pin a joint that is already established with a mortise and tenon. Like everything else jessem, its very well made and probably works OK if your on a tight budget, but for the price your better off with a router jig. Add to Cart. I'm considering purchasing a doweling jig/tool to open up some additional (quick and easy and strong) joinery options. 00 out of 5 based on 2 customer ratings. 7 out of 5 stars 245. Based on 94 Reviews. Model 08350 Dowelling Jig Master Kit, Black (08350-). So I decided to buy a factory made jig to save those 15 minutes. Classic 3/8 2023 includes the 1/8 spacer for centering on 1″ wood. Which one do you prefer?This video is not sponsored. Milescraft 1311 Joint Pro Professional, Self-Clamping All Steel Doweling Jig - Quality - Includes 4 Guide Bushings for 1/4 in. New Stainless Steel Dowelling Jig. Time to act. I've since ordered a dowelmax, and although a little more expensive than the jessem, their ordering experience was much smoother with. Dowels. . 00 seconds; generated 57 minute(s) ago. Can the JessEm Dowel Jig Master Kit drill dowel holes in the end of board on a 45 degree angle such as drawer sides and ends? Question by: Ed M on Dec 24, 2018, 4:09 PM . Here are my. Explore. Locations of dowels can be pre-set in 20 mm increment, perfect for creating multiple dowel hole configurations. In order to understand recursion, one must first understand recursion. No, the Jessem Dowel Master is designed for butt joints or edge joints. Compare. The Jessem doweling jig comes with a drill stop collar to prevent over drilling, and the jig itself allows you to drill ream accurately and chamfer holes in. How much longer does festool have patent protection on the domino?The Ultimate Doweling Jig handled it all, and we just scratched the surface of its capacities. Looks like Dowelmax is going to have a new competition, but at a more reasonable price range ($140). If you are like me, you will find yourself using this tool all of the time. 0:00 / 13:00 Is This Tool Worth It? -JessEm Doweling Jig- Matt Made It 1. I am thinking about getting the Jessem 8350 doweling jig for my personal hobby shop. dowelmax 45 degree miter system. I have a Sawstop, Jessem router lift, Lie-Nielsen planes. I bought the master kit. com. RUNNER-UP: JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift. . Career & Education. . Lee Schierer. Head to head comparisons welcome too. DesignJessEm Pocket Zip Slot Mortise Mill Features. In this video I do a simple test to see which is stronger, dominos vs. They're great people to deal with. I use a dowelmax on all of my projects but I can still concede a domino is a great timesaver that yields fantastic results. They deliver flush frame surfaces well. The new Dowelmax Junior 2018 system contains the essential Dowelmax components for making strong, perfect joints, and is capable of creating flush, miter, face type, t-type and edge-to-edge lamination joints. Dowelmax is highly thought of and very precise, though you do pay for it ~200 USD. Junior 3/8 Joining System 2022. Dowelmax shown in the example is shimmed with two 1/8 inch shim washers for use on 1 inch thick material. It finds its way into most of my projects because it's versatile and easy to use. marcuscraft · Jan 25, 2013 · Edited by Moderator Jan 25, 2013. Locations of dowels can be preset in 1/8" increments, perfect for creating multiple dowel hole configurations. The Domino XL700 is by far the most expensive tool and with so much plastic it does not look as well engineered as either of the doweling jigs. Dowelmax Multiple Dowel Joints Tested Against Domino Joints: In a strength test video from June 2017, Jim reviews the accuracy of Dowelmax and Domino joints, uses an identical procedure to glue and clamp both types, and then tests each of them in a hydraulic press. For speed of use, ease of use, speed of set up and accuracy the Dowelmax out performs the Domino every time. For all general woodworking questions & answers, plans, in-progress and completed projects. I recently picked up the Thein Jig and like it's simplicity. That setup is suitable for occasional home use. Edwin Santos. I have been using fluted 3/8" dowels on practically all of my joinery ("Dowelmax" jig) for the last 15 years never had a problem with glued dowel insertion due to vacuuming. I sold the DowelMax and bought the Jessem. It features a. Dowelmax is not produced by a large company with thousands of employees, as a mater of fact this is the perfect product for those that want to support a canadian tool industry. You should have 2 identical parts, one with the Jessem logo that should go to the front table. crank type lifts. Built like a tank, dead solid accurate and easy to use. End of block to first hole centerline. Self centering jig $70, jessem $119-$163, dowelmax $249 - $300. Echo makes a great saw. Wenin. This is a high quality jig and well worth the cost. Pocket hole joints tend to shift slightly upon tightening, pulling one surface proud of the other and requiring a lot of sanding. 0 out of 5 stars by Amateur Woodworker on 11202009. Unfortunately, that comes with a high price tag. They both reference off of one face and you can choose placement of the dowels for whatever purpose you wish (strength, looks, ease of examination whilst drunk on the floor, etc, etc. JessEm Model 08350 Dowelling Master - - Amazon. CNC-machined from aluminum and hard-anodized, the basic jig consists of an indexing plate, a fence and a detachable drilling block with five 3/8" hardened steel guide bushings. 5. A few minor annoyances, but otherwise a great dowel jig. Both are outstanding jigs and both work somewhat the same way. Check out our selection of Dowelmax deals today and start saving!. Milescraft 1333 Dowel Jig Kit - New, Improved, Self-Centering Handheld Dowel Jig with 3 Metal Bushing Sizes (1/4in, 5/16in, 3/8in) - Complete Doweling Jig Kit with all Accessories. Dowelling Jig Master Kit – JessEm Tool Company. Easily Create Strong Dowel Joints With JessEm's Complete Dowel Joinery System! Dowel joinery is one of the strongest and widely used construction methods available to woodworkers. 4. dowels. The holes do not have to be dead center, that is the thing about the DowelMax and the Jessem jigs. What’s the max material thickness you can do with the 45 degree plate on the Dowelmax? I can’t seem to find much info on it. I like the fact the screws use a tool to secure things (other than the clamp thumbscrews), as the the dowelmax thumbscrews can come loose after a while. Dec 30, 2022 - DowelMax vs Jessem Doweling Jigs. dowelmax dowel jig kitJessem vs Dowelmax: What’s the Best Doweling Jig for You? 2 Comments / Products/Tools Comparisons, Woodworking / By Matt. DowelMax: Festool Domino: Doweling Method: Fluted dowels into drilled holes: Loose tenons into mortise slots: Dowel Size Options: 20mm diameter dowels: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm tenons: Dowel Spacing: 32mm – 128mm, requires spacers: 20mm – 500mm with fence: Dowel Positioning: Clamp guide references edge: Fence registers off edge: Operation. I've searched high and low and can't find much in the way of comparison. View Profile View Forum Posts View Blog Entries View Articles Moderator Join Date Feb 2003 Location McKean, PA Posts 15,294. I know this has been covered many times, but a lot of old threads seem to be discussing the original Beadlock, not the Pro, and most don't ever mention the Jessem. Albeit spendy for a jig but I have the Domino DF 500 and am contemplating getting the DF 700 XL for a couple. STL170: Biscuit Joiner vs. Manual. . I don't know if they will do any swap outs with the 3/8" or what the 9. Very impressed with the Dowelmax and ALL my Festool toys. . Following the rule "greedy pays twice" I skipped cheap jigs and bought more expensive Jessem Doweling jig. 00. Somehow it looks similar to Jessem's "junior" doweling jig, but not as well designed. $55. I needed to drill perfect 8mm holes, so made my own bushing to slip into the 1/2" bushing of the jig. Edge of block to centerline of the 5 holes2. JessEm is proud to launch the Pocket Mill Pro Loose Tenon Joinery System. Test Example One. Make a mortise-and-tenon joint fast using a portable drill. 04-21-2014, 06:34 PM. The Jessem looks mostly like its built from extrusions. 1/8 inch allen keyDowelmax (250. Now this is not your mother's little doweling jig, this is built like a tank and a very good tank at that. Designed to compete against Fest00l's Domino, they even have 31" tenon stock in many sizes including White Oak and Beech. Dowel Pin Packages Order Page (6); Dowelmax 45 Degree Miter System (1); Dowelmax Classic 10mm and Accessories Order Page (12); Dowelmax Classic 3/8 and Accessories Order Page (11); Dowelmax Junior 3/8 and Upgrade Parts Order Page (13); Dowelmax RTL Router Lift Order Page (1)First, look at the photo on the web site. Item 169310. Customer Rating: 4. That is a very nice setup. 00. I can speak to the Jessem dowel jig as being a very well made and versatile jig. dowels. This video is not sponsored. One other note: the main reason I got the new one was the ease of aligning holes in two boards (like panel glue-ups) using the middle slot; that would eliminate the. It is very easy to use and the size and weight are just fine. But they are. Jessem is ideal for most home woodworkers. We also offer a master kit that comes with the basic jig and and expansion kits. I have a General Tools #840 Dowling Jig (which I have never used until now!). I'm interested in the dowelmax but not sure. I have had issues with the level of precision from this tool which is also the. I have been very careful at edge alignment and using. The Rockler Doweling Jig Kit with Bit and Stop Collar gives you a strong joint with perfectly flush faces, every time. My question was for those who have used the jessem 8350, and what they think about it. The 2 big things for me are the Jessem does not use shims, just loosen 2 screws and move the stop plate to where you want it and lock it down. Get Amazon Prime for Free Shipping and exclusive Prime-Only Deals. 2. This versatile tool is designed to cater to the. It will greatly expand your woodworking capabilities, creates more aesthetically pleasing pieces, and saves a bundle of time. I've had. . 7mm bit. Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links which. Crafted with precision CNC machined aluminum, anodized for durability, and laser engraved for quick setups, this kit is the ultimate choice. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping. 100% recommend the Dowelmax. . Very well regarded as far as doweling jigs go. instruction DVD. Our updated Classic features substantially improved parts, materials and tolerances. SHOW DEAL. Two good alternatives you could choose from are the. Jessem in Ontario probably has significant resources nearby for outsourcing any part of manufacturing and certainly the availability of anodizing finishes, laser engraving etc. SHOW DEAL. ParalignTM Dowelling System The new dowelling jig from JessEm creates 3/8" dowel holes on the end or face of your work piece. . We think. It finds its way into most of my projects because it's versatile and easy to use. Unfortunately, that comes with a high price tag. Milescraft JointPro Doweling Jig. It works on the same principle as the DM. It's expensive, but it's a joy to use and the results are terrific. Designed to compete against Fest00l's Domino, they even have 31" tenon stock in many sizes including White Oak and Beech. Click Below to View this Product on our Website. The only thing the Jessem is lacking is the pin and rod arrangement used by Dowelmax to get longer spacings as shown below. Its versatility extends well beyond basic edge-to-edge connections into more complex work such as carcass corners, shelves and table or chair aprons. That means you need to cut 24 mortices, which can be done very swiftly with the Festool, while you would still be fiddling with. Makes it easy to place your dowels just where you want and allows for easy offsets if that's what your project calls for. It comes with a 3/8" HSS drill bit, a depth. ( 4 customer reviews) $ 199. I have a biscuit joiner but do not feel that would get the job done. Then use a…Best Prices for Dowelmax Classic Doweling Jig Across the US Online Stores Scanned Every Day! Easy to Use | Free | Trustworthy Recommendations | Find your deal now!Re: JessEm Dowelling Jig advice 02-15-2016, 08:27 PM I use dowelmax, but same difference on this point: I use 3/8ths for joining 3/4" stock, but I ended up ordering the 1/4" kit as well because I dowel my drawer boxes which are only 5/8" thick stock, and 3/8" doesn't work for that. 7 out of 5 stars 245. For years there the Festool domino has been the gold standard for floating mortise and tenon joinery. This article compares the quality, user friendliness, price and features of two popular doweling jigs: Jessem and Dowelmax. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this. DowelMax vs Jessem Doweling Jigs. Hope this helps. 7 mm replacement bit from Dowelmax, and it won't fit in the jig. The Dowelmax shown in the example is shimmed with two 1/16 inch shim washers for use on 7/8 inch thick material. 19 $237. #woodworking #joinery #tools. Written by Matt Outlaw. I need to attach table legs to a mitered apron with dowels at a 45 degree angle. From the videos I've seen and reviews I've read on the Dowelmax, I really seem to like it, but the Jessem also comes with the 1/4" and 1/2" options where DM would have to be special ordered. instruction DVD. The Kreg table has a lot of good reviews. . In fact with the smaller Domino the depth of cut is fairly limited thus limiting. Best Prices for Dowelmax Across the US Online Stores Scanned Every Day! Easy to Use | Free | Trustworthy Recommendations | Find your deal now!Dowelmax drills perpendicular to the face, but at 5 degrees to the board axis. Woodnet Forums › › Active › Woodworking. 02-11-2017, 05:12 PM. I have used 1/. Dowelmax RTL Router Lift. 00 out of 5 based on 4 customer ratings. This was the response from their customer support: “Interesting question, and we've never had to think about this. frostman | Posted in Joinery on October 31, 2012 02:50am. 99. I was looking at the Porter Cable 557 biscuit joiner BUT then I came across these below. Key. . With customer reviews that read, “It’s probably one of the best router lifts currently made,” the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 router lift is a reliable piece of equipment in any workshop. Thanks for your comments! Ray 09-03-2008, 10:17 AM #5. Remember, we are here to share, learn, and enjoy. wolfcraft 3751405 Dowel Pro Doweling Jig Kit. So which option do you all think is better:. I just looked at the Jessem. 99 USD $249. Elevate your woodworking precision with the JessEm Dowelling Jig Master Kit. You simply adjust the fence and take the tool to the workpiece. Add to cart. I have it mounted on a JessEm stand and table, and am using the Triton. The Mortise Pal will do dowels but its not that good at it. SHOW DEAL. Build Something Extraordinary With Our Large Selection of Quality Woodworking Doweling Jigs at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. I think having the expensive rig would make me change the way I designed projects, so that may help. The Jessem design looks like it was copied to some degree from the Dowelmax. Pocket Mill Pro - Loose Tenon System. BEST OVERALL: KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift. Varathane Wood Stain gives rich, true color in one coat. Re: Dowelmax vs Kreg vs Biscuit Jointer I've got the Jessem doweling one recently (but haven't had the chance to use it in a project). Then the sixth hole in. To me it looks like the Joint-Genie is simpler to use. ago. Click the Magnifier Symbol for Larger Pictures. The kit includes four guide mounts, four drill bits, four stop collars, and four indexing pins for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/16" dowels. Dowelmax Classic and Dowelmax-Jr. 3/8" Dowelling Jig with Main Body and Mounting Angle24 Reviews. thdstatic. I received this JessEm Dowel Jig for Christmas this year. BUY ONLINE NOW…- Router Table - Clear Cut. Something I have wanted for awhile. 25% OFF. . 6mm and letter V are better than 3/8" or 9. Biscuit Vs. Who makes the best top of the line dowel jig for woodworking? I wanted to find out for myself so I am comparing the Jessem dowel jig to the DowelMax. Written by Matt Outlaw. images. 4 out of 5 stars 311. Best-value jig: Milescraft Dowel Jig Kit. Should get my Paralign in late next week, have a custom designed storage-bench all cut and ready to join on the bench. Milescraft. Dowel Pin Packages Order Page (6) Dowelmax 45 Degree Miter System (1) Dowelmax Classic 10mm and Accessories Order Page (12)Shop smart and save with Dowelmax coupons, promo codes, and discount codes on Sociablelabs. It works on the same principle as the DM. The 3/8'' pins seem exactly that width--3/8''. Rated 5. For other types of dowelling, I go to the Dowel-Max or the Jessem Jig for "exact" placement on any part of the project, or a poorly made General 831 Jig for a "quick n dirty" dowelling project. The depth is such that with the lid closed, the jig cannot shake loose from its moorings; the lid holds the jig in place. I am putting it together with dowels using the Dowelmax. com Coupon Code: Visit Dowelmax. I have the Dowelmax, it is expensive but very well built and very accurate, I can't compare it with other jigs as I didn't use them, I can justify buying one only if I need to make a lot of dowel joinery, if it is a one time use or so I would go with a cheaper option. The best dowel jig for woodworking joinery is the DowelMax in my opinion. Well, I spent the day building a desk for my daughter. Woodworking precision has a new name: JessEm's Stainless Steel Dowelling Jig. . Woodstock D4116 Doweling Jig - 2. 05-18-2010, 2:00 PM #19. Enables Much Faster Bit Changes with Fewer Steps vs. Locations of dowels can be pre-set in 2mm increments - perfect for creating multiple dowel hole configurations. dowelmax dowel jig kitJessem vs Dowelmax: What’s the Best Doweling Jig for You? 2 Comments / Products/Tools Comparisons, Woodworking / By Matt. The third video is in response to a wood joint strength test published in a prominent woodworking magazine where a M&T joint with two inch tenon penetration was compared to a multiple dowel joint with one inch dowel penetration. Dowels will keep these boards aligned better during glue-up than pocket holes. 00. Watch. The JessEm Dowelling Jig with 8mm Head comes with 6mm, 10mm & 12mm replacement heads. Are you Searching for the Best Dowel Jigs in 2022? So now you are in the right place for getting the valuable info on Dowel Jigs. Sale. If you’re inclined, search up stumpy nubs and dowelmax. All Adjustments Made From a Convenient Standing Position. The Festool domino required considerably more pressure to make the joint fail. Good to hear that Dowelmax has changed the drill bit/guide size to 9. For speed of use, ease of use, speed of set up and accuracy the Dowelmax out performs the Domino every time. . But if you are going to put dowel in the face of a board they. Poll: Doweling Jigs: Dowelmax Classic VS JessEm Paralign 08300. Best Woodworking Joinery Tool? Jessem versus DowelMax? 7. The domino really excels in situations where you are dealing with joints off of 90 degrees. They both reference off of one face and you can choose placement of the dowels for whatever purpose you wish (strength, looks, ease of examination whilst drunk on the floor, etc, etc. JessEm Paralign Dowelling System Create a review for a woodworking tool that you are familiar with (Shopsmith brand or Non-Shopsmith) or just post your opinion on a specific tool. Typically dowels would not be used on a box miter as the material is thin and the dowel would. It looks like a slow process and doesn't have the registration of the Domino. Constructed of precision CNC machined 6000 series aluminum, anodized for durability and laser engraved for fast setups. JessEm Tool Company. I have the Jessem, and you can get the starter kit for $120. Albeit spendy for a jig but I have the Domino DF 500 and am contemplating getting the DF 700 XL for a. BUY ONLINE NOW…- Dowelling Jig Main - 8mm - create 8mm dow. You can use spacers to get the hole closer to center but again as long as you use the same reference face the hole will line up fine. The Jessem Dowelling Jig is known for its ease of use and reliability. If you had the centering tool to start then you can just add to it with the doweling block. Best Dowel Jigs featured in this Video: 0:17 1. Instead put the Domino (tool) up against the Freud Doweler. 99 USD From $21. As for joint strength we already know that dowels are stronger and for larger projects it is easy to simply increase the number and length of the dowels. 5/16 in. Tempting to Kreg it, but holding out to try this Jessem. Cheers! Oh…and just to. uk. Not just the edge jointing for the main panel, but after cutting 45° miters and wrapping the grain, we’re going to use through dowels to secure the miters. DowelMax vs Jessem Doweling Jigs. Jessem in Ontario probably has significant resources nearby for outsourcing any part of manufacturing and certainly the availability of anodizing finishes, laser engraving etc. I just ordered a Jessem 8350(?) jig master kit, which includes all the accessories for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" dowels. Of course if $$ was no object I'd have a Festool Domino ordered. Put the jig on and use the drill bit or a center finding punch to line the jig up. Anyone else notice the new smaller diameter dowels being sent for the Dowelmax? The packages even state "new size". The Jessem is adjustable, whilst the dowelmax uses spacers so once assembled nothing can shift or be a gnats cock out and the clamping is built in. , 5/16 in. To even the ball game even further Rusty, forget about jigs like the DowelMax. It offers the kind of precision, versatility and durability that you can build your woodworking life around. I like to have a dowel very close to the corners so I used the first hole in the jig (5/8" in). Dowel Jig Kit 1/4 in. Aug 17, 2018. I’m debating between the Dowelmax and Jessem, but leaning toward Dowelmax. Locations of dowels can be pre-set in 1/8" increment, perfect for creating multiple dowel hole configurations. JessEm’s new doweling system is easy to use and produces strong, accurate joinery. This page is a collection of videos featuring Dowelmax in use by our customers that have prominent YouTube channels, and listed in alphabetical order . I also wanted to make the project fast and easy, so I decided to try out the DowelMax for the. North Vancouver and then Kelowna BC are not manufacturing centers. Odd. Jessem VS DowelMax jig question Jump to Latest Follow 11K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by jusfine Jun 25, 2010 B BradinPA Discussion starter 4. DowelMax vs Jessem Doweling Jigs. For all general woodworking questions & answers, plans, in-progress and completed projects. With the JessEm® Doweling Jig Master Kit, you can create 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" dowel holes on the end or face of your workpiece. There a few YouTube videos comparing strength of A domino to a FEW dowels. Touch device users, explore by touch or. That’s right, below, you can consult the list of best sellers in the Dowelmax Vs Jessem group. Links to the Best Dowel Jigs. $214. Beauty & Fitness. Reply. This * is absolutely awesome. 7mm bits/guides. Head to head comparisons welcome too. However Im having a bit of trouble deciding which to go with. ( 2 customer reviews) $ 115. . They both reference off of one face and you can choose placement of the dowels for whatever purpose you wish. $142. The JessEm Rout-R-Lift II only has a phenolic plate, but includes a locking mechanism and a dual bearing system. Triton Double Dowelling Machine there's a good reason why used dowelmax tools arent available used, those that have them, use them, a lot!! its very well designed, beautifully built and wont wear out if veritas or lieneilson designed a dowelling jig, it would look and operate like the dowelmax Jessem and Dowelmax are not self centering jigs. As for joint strength we already know that dowels are stronger and for larger projects it is easy to simply increase the number and length of the dowels. Track Saw/ Plunge for example Makita Batt operated Vs Festool of the same $400 to $500 in price difference, People are sitting here saying the tool is so much more superior to warrant the increased cost. SHOW DEAL. Hi, I can speak to the Jessem dowel jig as being a very well made and versatile jig. equipped with 5 hardened steel drill guides for 3/8 dowels. Re: Jessum vs Dowelmax I've had my dowelmax for several years, and my drill bit(the original) measures 0. Additionally the latest production Junior features larger brass adjustment knobs with improved knurling, and improved packaging. So I saved around $150. And the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II. 1. I’d pass on this but would buy Jessem’s doweling kit. Locations of dowels can be preset in 1/8" increments, perfect for creating multiple dowel hole. Large 2" to 2-7/16" capacity on all models will handle most size requirements. Large steel clamping screw tightens the tool like a vise, with rugged aluminum sides holding work securely without damage to the wood. Now this is not your mother's little doweling jig, this is built like a tank and a very good tank at that. I think the Dowelmax would work slightly better for smaller projects and the Jessem for slightly larger projects, but both can do everything from jewelry boxes to tables. 60 yes its the original bit, used it all these years, been sharpened a few times! even after thousands of dowels, the bit and guides are just a touch loose probably from some wear on the drill bit shank. 25% Off Order Over $99 with Dowelmax Vs Jessem. Re: Noob post - DowelMax vs.