How to Cut a Wooden Dowel Without a Saw

Wooden dowels are commonly used in woodworking projects in different ways. For example, you can use them to make joints, fix large screw holes, and fill cracks and gaps. However, cutting them to the required length can be challenging if you don’t have a saw.

Luckily, there are several methods you can use to cut a wooden dowel without a saw. In this article, we’ll explain some of the most effective ways to help you understand how to cut wooden dowels without a saw, so you can complete your woodworking projects with ease.

How to Cut a Wooden Dowel Without a Saw

If you don’t have a saw and want to cut a wooden dowel, consider using the following methods.

Lathe

Using a lathe is the best way to cut a wooden dowel without a saw because it can help you achieve accurate results. Here’s a list of steps you can follow to complete this process.

1. Use a ruler to take measurements and draw a line using a marker or pencil where you want to make the cut.
2. Place the wooden dowel between the centers of the lathe.
3. Turn on the lathe at the lowest speed position of the cutting tool carefully. It must be perpendicular to the dowel or parallel to its rotation.
4. Push the cutting tool into the dowel gently to start cutting it.
5. Continue pushing until the dowel is divided into two parts.
6. Turn off the lathe and remove the two pieces.
7. Discard the piece you don’t want to use and use the sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the other pieces.

Drilling Machine

If you have a drilling machine, you can use it to cut the wooden dowel. It’ll be a quick process you can complete using the following steps.

1. Set up the drilling machine with a good quality drill bit slightly larger than the diameter of the wooden dowel you need to cut.
2. Mark the spot on the dowel where you need to cut it.
3. Position the dowel against a firm and secure surface, such as a workbench, with the marked spot lined up with the tip of the drill bit.
4. Start the drilling machine and press the drill bit into the dowel at the marked spot.
5. Keep the machine steady and straight as it cuts into the wood. Apply firm and steady pressure to avoid damaging the workpiece.
6. Continue drilling through the dowel until the bit comes out the other end.
7. Remove the dowel from the drilling machine and use a sharp knife to trim the cut end.
8. Sand the edges of the cut end to smooth any rough or jagged edges.

Utility Knife

It’s possible to cut a wooden dowel with a knife just like cutting a Hockey stick. However, you must ensure your knife is sharp to finish the job. The following steps will help you complete this method effectively.

Flickr image by Andy Mangold

1. Place the wooden dowel on a cutting mat or surface.
2. Measure and mark the line carefully using a pencil or marker.
3. Hold the dowel firmly with your non-dominant hand and use the knife to score its surface along the marked line. Make sure that you apply firm pressure to create a deep cut.
4. Rotate the dowel as you score it to ensure an even cut around the entire circumference. Repeat the scoring process until the cut is deep enough to snap the dowel in half.
5. Hold the dowel firmly using both hands and apply force to snap it along the scored line.
6. Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Chisel and Hammer

Another effective way to cut a wooden dowel without a saw is to use a chisel and hammer. Here’s how you can complete this process.

Flickr Image by Bart Everson

1. Place the wooden dowel on a stable surface, such as a workbench or table.
2. Measure and mark the line on the dowel using a pencil or marker.
3. Hold the chisel against the dowel at the marked line, with the beveled edge facing toward the waste portion of the dowel.
4. Tap the end of the chisel with a hammer to score the dowel’s surface along the marked line. Make sure to keep the cuts shallow at first.
5. Continue scoring to deepen the groove and keep the chisel straight and perpendicular to the dowel.
6. Once the scoring line is deep enough to guide the chisel through the entire piece, place it on top and tap it with the hammer to divide the dowel into two pieces.
7. Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Axe

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you might already have an axe sitting around in your house. If that’s the case, you can use it to cut a wooden dowel using the steps listed below.

While it’s not the tool to achieve the best results, it can get the job done and will come in handy if you can’t use any other method discussed here.

1. First, mark the wooden dowel accurately after taking the measurements.
2. Place it on a flat and stable surface and secure it using clamps or a vice grip.
3. Hold the axe with both hands and ensure the blade is sharp and in good condition.
4. Position the axe about 1 inch away from the marked line on the waste portion of the dowel.
5. Using a downward motion, swing the axe and hit the dowel with the blade, cutting off small bits of wood.
6. Keep cutting bit by bit until you reach the marked line on the dowel.
7. Repeat the above steps until the dowel is divided into two pieces. Be careful not to hit the dowel too hard, which can cause it to split or break.
8. Once the dowel is cut through, use sandpaper to smooth out rough spots on the cut ends.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears can also be used to cut a wooden dowel. Here’s a list of steps you can follow.

1. Mark the line where you want to cut the dowel after taking measurements.
2. Hold the dowel securely in place with your non-dominant hand.
3. Use the pruning shears with the other (dominant) hand to make a small cut on the marked line, applying firm pressure.
4. Continue cutting through the dowel, making small cuts. Increase the depth of the cut gradually until the dowel is cut through.
5. Use the pruning shears to tidy up any jagged edges.

Important Note: Ensure the pruning shears are sharp and have a pointed blade for easy and precise cutting. It’s also important to ensure your personal safety, like wearing safety gloves while working with this tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions people ask about cutting a wooden dowel without a saw.

Final Words

While cutting a wooden dowel without a saw may seem impossible, different methods can help you achieve that. Regardless of the method you use, make sure that you exercise caution and take the necessary safety measures, like wearing protective gear.

I hope this guide has helped you find the right method for cutting your wooden dowel without a saw.