Step1: You need to calculate the size of dowel suitable and then mark where you are going to make the joint.

You can either mark the position of the joint and where to drill the holes with a ruler or you can drill a hole in one piece of timber and use a dowel jig to mark the second piece and this should be a very accurate method if done correctly.

Step2: The next step is drilling the holes for the dowel but remember to only drill as far as you need to fit your dowel and to use a drill bit the same size as the dowel.

You can drill the holes with a cordless drill or a pedestal drill but the pedestal drill is more accurate so it is usually the best option.

Step3: Now insert the dowel into one of the pieces of timber and insert the other piece on the other end of the dowel. Bond the joint together with a strong glue and clamps can be used but are not usually needed depending on the size if the timber.

Tip: You can drill a hole all the way through one of the pieces of timber and insert longer dowel but using this method will mean that the dowel will be visible in the back of one of the pieces of timber.