A2 Steel Dowel Plate 17 Holes Dowel Maker - Precise Woodworking Tool

In this review the A2 Steel Dowel Plate stands out as a compact, precision dowel maker aimed at hobbyist woodworkers and small shops that need consistent, repeatable dowels from blanks. The single biggest reason to buy is its range of 17 hole sizes spanning 1/8in to 5/8in in 1/32in steps, which allows producing very accurate dowels without buying multiple jigs; the reviewer found it especially useful when paired with a drill press for straight-grained softwoods. Construction and finish make it feel built to last rather than a disposable tool.

Key Features

• 17 hole sizes: Provides precise sizing from 1/8in to 5/8in in 1/32in increments so the user can make dowels for a wide range of projects without multiple plates.
• A2 steel construction: High-temperature quenching and nickel-plated finish deliver durability and corrosion resistance for long-term workshop use.
• Countersunk discharge holes and grooves: Two discharge holes and two grooves make clearing cut material easier and allow secure mounting to a bench or platform.
• Folded edges and laser cut accuracy: Folded edges improve roundness and reduce scratching of blanks while high-power laser engraving clearly marks the plate.
• Compact size: At about 15.2cm x 5cm, the plate is easy to store or carry to job sites and fits standard workbench setups.

Who It's For

The plate suits small woodworking shops, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts who want to make custom dowels for furniture repair, joinery, or prototype parts. It works well with hand tools but really shines when used with a drill press or a stable bench setup that keeps blanks aligned for straight dowels.

Those who need mass production or automated dowel cutting should look elsewhere, as the plate is designed for manual or semi-manual use. Also, if you only need one or two common sizes, buying ready-made dowels may be faster than producing them by hand.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide selection of sizes in fine increments gives flexibility for precise fitting.
• Robust A2 steel with heat treatment and plating resists wear and corrosion.
• Design details like discharge holes, grooves, and folded edges make cutting and mounting easier and protect blanks.

Cons

• Manual process can be slow for large quantities compared with factory-cut dowels.
• Best results require a steady setup or drill press to keep dowels straight, as noted by users.

Specifications

Material	A2 steel
Hole sizes	17 sizes from 1/8in to 5/8in (1/32in steps)
Length	15.2 cm (6 in)
Width	5 cm (2 in)
Thickness	1 cm (0.39 in)
Finish	Sandblasted, heat treated, nickel plated
Included	1 x A2 Steel Dowel Plate

Our Verdict

The A2 Steel Dowel Plate is a practical, well-made tool for woodworkers who need flexibility and precision in dowel making; its 17-hole range and durable finish offer excellent value for repairs, custom joinery, and small-batch work. It is best for users prepared to mount the plate and use a drill press or steady bench setup to get the straightest dowels, but for those needs it is a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this plate be mounted to a bench?
Yes, the plate has discharge holes and grooves and a countersunk hole design to allow secure fixing to a workbench or platform.

What woods does it work with?
It is suitable for both hardwood and softwood; customers reported particularly good results with straight-grained softwoods when used with a drill press.

How accurate are the hole sizes?
The plate is CNC laser cut with folded edges for roundness, offering accurate hole sizes in 1/32in increments from 1/8in to 5/8in.