I've noticed that dowel plates like the Narex plate are around £65, which seems high for just a piece of steel with some drilled holes. This price seems especially steep when dowel jigs, which look quite complex, cost less than half. Can someone explain why dowel plates are so expensive? What am I missing in terms of their production and pricing?
2 Answers
It really boils down to supply and demand as well. Many woodworkers don’t use dowel plates in high volumes, which means they have limited production runs. Also, with material costs rising, especially for quality steel, it affects the overall pricing. If you have a drill press at home, you could try making your own with a steel plate if you’re looking to save some cash!
One major factor is the quality of the steel used. Tool steel, especially A2, is tough to drill through and often requires heat treatment and grinding to achieve precision. Manufacturing these plates takes time and expensive machinery, and they’re usually produced in small quantities, which drives up the cost. Plus, don’t forget the retailer markup, which can be substantial! Overall, they last a long time if used right, making them a one-time investment for many woodworkers.
Totally agree! The price reflects not just the material, but also how specialized these plates are. Unlike more common tools that can be mass-produced, dowel plates are often made in small batches, which makes them pricier.
And let's not forget that you'll also need the right tools to do the machining properly, so DIY might not be as cheap as it sounds unless you already have the setup.