A dowel centre point is a small steel accessory with a sharp point that is used to transfer the position of a drill hole from one workpiece to another. You place the centre point in an existing hole, press the second workpiece against it, and the sharp point marks exactly where you need to drill. This gives you perfectly aligned holes.
How does a dowel centre point work?
- Drill the holes in the first workpiece
- Insert a centre point into each hole (smooth end in the hole, point facing outward)
- Place the second workpiece on top of the centre points and press firmly
- The sharp points leave an indentation in the wood
- Drill at the marked points in the second workpiece
When do you use dowel centre points?
- Dowel joints — when joining boards with wooden dowels
- Panel gluing — worktops, tabletops, cabinet parts
- Furniture making — aligning components that are joined with pins or dowels
- Repairs — accurately transferring existing hole positions to a new component
Available sizes
Dowel centre points are available in standard diameters that match common dowel and drill sizes:
| Diameter | Fits dowel | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 6 mm dowel | Thin boards, mouldings |
| 8 mm | 8 mm dowel | Standard furniture making |
| 10 mm | 10 mm dowel | Heavy constructions, worktops |
| 12 mm | 12 mm dowel | Structural carpentry |
Dowel centre point vs. dowelling jig
| Dowel centre point | Dowelling jig | |
|---|---|---|
| **Cost** | Inexpensive (set from GBP 3) | More expensive (GBP 12-40) |
| **Accuracy** | Good with careful work | Very high, repeatable |
| **Speed** | Slower (marking per hole) | Faster for many joints |
| **Suited for** | Occasional use | Batch work, many repetitions |
Tips
- Always use a drill bit with the same diameter as the centre point
- Press the second workpiece firmly and squarely — sliding produces a false mark
- Use a depth stop on your drill to ensure all holes are the same depth
Related terms
- Dowel
- Alignment pin
- Mortise-and-tenon joint
- Cordless drill
- Wood glue