Milescraft 1333 DowelJig Kit Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Milescraft 1333 DowelJig Kit is designed for quickly and accurately creating corner, edge, and surface joints using dowels. This self-centering handheld dowel jig simplifies the process of drilling precise holes for strong wood joints. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your DowelJig Kit.

2. Safety Information

Always follow basic safety precautions when using power tools and woodworking equipment. Failure to do so may result in serious personal injury or property damage.

• Wear Eye Protection: Always wear ANSI Z87.1 compliant eye protection.
• Wear Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection when operating power tools.
• Secure Workpiece: Always clamp your workpiece securely to prevent movement during drilling.
• Use Sharp Bits: Ensure drill bits are sharp and in good condition for clean, accurate holes.
• Clear Work Area: Keep your work area clean and free of clutter.
• Read Drill Manual: Refer to your drill's instruction manual for safe operation.
• Keep Hands Clear: Keep hands and fingers away from rotating drill bits.

3. Package Contents

The Milescraft 1333 DowelJig Kit includes the following components:

• DowelJig (JointMate)
• (3) Brad Point Drill Bits (1/4", 5/16", 3/8")
• (3) Drill Stops (for 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" bits)
• (3) Dowel/Tenon Centers (for 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" holes)
• Wood Glue
• Assorted Dowels (1/4", 5/16", 3/8")
• Hex Key (for drill stops)
• Storage Case

Figure 1: Complete Milescraft 1333 DowelJig Kit contents, including the jig, drill bits, depth stops, dowel centers, wood glue, and assorted dowels, all neatly arranged.

4. Specifications

5. Setup

5.1 Selecting Dowel Pin Size

Choose the appropriate dowel pin size based on the thickness of your boards for optimal joint strength:

• 1/4" (6mm) Dowels: For boards 1/2" to 5/8" (12mm - 14mm) thick.
• 5/16" (8mm) Dowels: For boards 5/8" to 3/4" (15mm - 18mm) thick.
• 3/8" (10mm) Dowels: For boards 3/4" to 1-1/2" (19mm - 30mm) thick.

5.2 Attaching and Adjusting the Drill Stop

1. Select the drill bit that corresponds to your chosen dowel pin size.
2. Slide a Milescraft drill stop over the drill bit.
3. Insert the drill bit through the correct drill guide bushing on the DowelJig until it protrudes past the surface of the jig.
4. The depth of the hole should be 1/8" (3mm) deeper than the length of the dowel's insertion depth to allow space for glue. Adjust the drill stop to achieve this depth.
5. Rotate the drill stop until the set screw is positioned over the outside diameter of the drill bit, then tighten the set screw using the provided hex key.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 General Drilling Procedure (First Board)

1. Securely clamp the first board with the edge to be joined facing up.
2. Hold the DowelJig upside down and position it over the board so the self-centering posts straddle the board's edge.
3. Rotate the DowelJig until the posts are pushed firmly against each side of the board in the desired location for the first dowel pin.
4. With the drill power off, insert the drill bit into the correct guide bushing and drill your first hole.
5. Move the DowelJig to additional desired locations and repeat the drilling process until all holes are complete for the first board.
6. Insert dowel pins into the drilled holes without glue. These will assist in positioning the guide fence for the second board.

Figure 2: The Milescraft DowelJig (JointMate) being used to drill a precise hole in a wooden board. The self-centering design ensures accurate placement.

Figure 3: Multiple dowel holes being drilled in a wooden board using the Milescraft DowelJig, demonstrating its capability for repetitive, accurate drilling.

6.2 Drilling for Corner Joints

For corner joints where two boards are joined along their length, with one edge at 90 degrees to the face of the other board:

1. Align your boards in their finished position and mark them "Board 1" and "Board 2".
2. Clamp Board 1 with the edge to be joined facing up. Follow the general drilling procedure for the first board.
3. Unclamp Board 1 and place Board 2 flat on your work surface with the side to be joined facing up.
4. Place Board 1 on top of Board 2, with the installed dowel pins pointing towards the area where holes will be drilled in Board 2.
5. Attach the guide fence to the DowelJig by sliding it into the dovetailed ways on either side of the jig's body. Insert and tighten the guide fence knobs.
6. Place the appropriate guide bushing over any one of the dowels on the edge of Board 1. Adjust the guide fence until it rests squarely to the face of Board 1, then tighten the guide fence knobs. This sets the distance from the edge of Board 2 to the dowel center.
7. Starting at one end of Board 2, firmly hold the DowelJig in position. With the power off, insert the drill bit into the guide bushing and drill your first hole.
8. Move the DowelJig to additional desired locations and repeat until all holes have been drilled.
9. Apply wood glue to the dowel pins and assemble your corner joint.

6.3 Drilling for Edge Joints

To create an edge-to-edge joint for assembling wide panels:

1. Follow the general drilling procedure for the first board (Board 1).
2. Unclamp Board 1, keeping it face up and in the same direction as it was clamped.
3. Place Board 2 parallel with the dowelled Board 1, ensuring the side to be drilled is also facing up and in the same direction as Board 1.
4. Ensure both boards are correctly aligned with the edges being joined and that the boards are parallel to each other with the ends flush. Securely clamp both boards together.
5. Before drilling, adjust the drill stop for the depth of Board 2, including the recommended extra 1/8" (3mm) to ensure you don't drill through it.
6. Starting at one end of your board, firmly hold the DowelJig in position. With the power off, insert the drill bit into the guide bushing and drill your first hole.
7. Move the DowelJig to additional desired locations and repeat until all holes have been drilled.
8. Apply wood glue to the dowel pins and assemble your edge joint.

6.4 Drilling for Surface Joints

To create a surface joint for attaching a board perpendicular to a second board, in from the edge:

1. Follow the general drilling procedure for the first board (Board 1).
2. Before drilling the corresponding holes in Board 2, draw a center line for the dowel hole locations on the face of Board 2.
3. Place Board 2 flat on your work surface with the surface being joined facing up.
4. Next, place Board 1 on top of Board 2, with the installed dowel pins pointing towards the center line you drew.
5. Starting at one end of the board, using the appropriate dowel alignment slot, position the DowelJig over the installed pin.
6. Align Board 1 until the center line indicator on either side of the DowelJig body aligns with the center line on Board 2.
7. Ensure both boards are correctly aligned with the edge and face being joined, and that the boards are parallel to each other with the ends flush. Clamp both boards in position.
8. Before drilling, adjust the drill stop for the depth of Board 2, including the recommended extra 1/8" (3mm) to ensure you don't drill through it.
9. Starting at one end of your board, firmly hold the DowelJig in position. With the power off, insert the drill bit into the guide bushing and drill your first hole.
10. Move the DowelJig to additional desired locations and repeat until all holes have been drilled.
11. Apply wood glue to the dowel pins and assemble your surface joint.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the DowelJig with a dry cloth to remove sawdust and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic.
• Storage: Store the DowelJig Kit and all its components in the provided storage case in a dry, clean environment to prevent rust on metal parts and protect the plastic.
• Inspect: Periodically inspect the jig, drill bits, and other accessories for wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged components as needed.
• Lubrication: The metal bushings are designed for durability and typically do not require lubrication.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Warranty & Support

Milescraft products are designed for quality and durability. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Milescraft website.

For technical support, replacement parts, or any inquiries regarding your Milescraft 1333 DowelJig Kit, please contact Milescraft Customer Service:

• Website: www.milescraft.com
• Contact Information: Refer to the "Contact Us" section on the Milescraft website for phone numbers and email support.