Best Places to Buy Square Dowels for Woodworking?
Asked by WoodChuckling42
I've recently taken up woodworking and I'm looking to expand my projects. A 1-3/4" square dowel would be just perfect for what I'm making, but I've only found them at Home Depot for around $10 for 3-foot lengths. They're prepped for staining and all, which is great, but I'm trying to find more affordable options. I've checked lumber yards and cabinet making shops without much luck. Does anyone have suggestions on where else I might look? Thanks!
Answers
Have you checked if there’s a Menards nearby? They have a selection of square poplar dowels online. Also, if you have a table saw at home and are feeling adventurous, you can resaw 4x4 lumber into the size you need. Just be careful, especially handling potentially stressed wood, as it might curl when you cut it. Good luck!
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You might want to consider just buying some 2x2 pine and making your own dowels. It's tough to find anything cheaper than those prices, honestly. If you're okay with a little extra work, you could buy some 8/4 hardwood instead, which costs about $3 per board foot. For a 2x2x36" board, that would be around $3-$4, and you'd get a higher quality product, but milling it will take some effort. Just a thought!
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I'm not entirely sure about the question. A lot of times you can buy wood that's larger than what you need and then just cut it down to size. It's really a pretty straightforward process if you're comfortable with it!
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CraftyBender26: I’ve noticed at Home Depot they're selling poplar for those dowels. I thought about just buying 2x2s and planing them down too, but I’m hesitant to spend a ton on tools when I’m just getting started with woodworking.