Furniture woodworking using dowels

[JackJr]

Have you ever made any furniture using without using nails? I am currently working on a table using dowels and other wood joinery. It is a wonderful way to work but can be rather frustrating at times until you get a pattern set for the cutting.

 

[ALV]

I have made simple step stools and a bench using dowels, dadoes and glue. My trouble was with "entry wounds" around the dowel holes from my general purpose drill bits. There is also trouble with cupping of the #2 pine boards.
I got brad point drill bits for the holes. Any thoughts on minimizing the cupping without screws?

 

[Calvin]

I've made use of wooden biscuits to make joints when making some furniture. Some people question whether they are strong enough to hold the pieces together, but I've found they work fairly well. I use strong wood glue along with the biscuits.

 

[Rob]

I love watching people use wooden biscuits on the television workshop shows. I've used them on occasion and like them, but it's just a pleasure to see how they have become popular alternatives over time. They do make the work go faster.

 

[Cammy]

I have never tried to make any furniture, unless you count the time I made a dresser entirely out of cardboard. Don't ask, I was bored and saw one on the internet. Didn't they use to make all furniture this way, back in the day? I recall watching The Antiques Roadshow with my mawmaw, and the historian commented on how you can tell the real thing from replicas. He showed a nice dresser, and showed in the drawer, where everything was neatly joined, without nails and such. It was so precise, I would never be able to join something so neatly!

 

[Christopher1]

I have always wanted to make some furniture without nails, but I have not got around to it yet. If it requires precision, though, I think I would not be able to accomplish the project. Most of the time I measure, but still end up a little off.