Domino on round stock or dowel face

[david_larch]

Hi all,
Quick question about a project I have in the works.  I have a plan that calls for adding a domino mortise along the face of a 3/4" diameter dowel.  The lenght of the domino mortise will run vertically, parallel to the long grain.  My question is: how can I get the domino centered on the dowel?  I have done this on flat stock using the fence, but cant seem to work it out in my head.  If I set the fence on the top of the dowel, with the dowel on the bench, it seem the domino would want to rock.  Am I over thinking this, or has anyone tried to mortise a dowel in the past?

 

[PaulMarcel]

I haven't done that yet, but if I were to try, I think I'd clamp the dowel to the bench parallel the edge of the bench; line it up with a scrap of board pressed against the edge of the bench and push the dowel against it.

Set the Domino fence height to the radius of the dowel and drop the fence.  Put the Domino vertically with the fence pressed against the side of the bench and down on the dowel.  Go slowly, but that should keep you registered just fine.  Might not be a bad idea to clamp a board parallel to the dowel on the other side so it can scoot over.

This assumes a dowel of less than 1.5" or so diameter otherwise you wouldn't get enough registration off the side of the bench.  If larger, I'd use a different idea.

If none of that makes sense, lemme know and I'll take a photo with a 3/4" dowel.

 

[Kev]

Why not create a square sleeve?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Make a jig like this.

[attachimg=1]

Festool sells a fence for round stock, but it is too big for your 3/4'' dowel.

 

[david_larch]

Paul - Thanks that is very helpful.  The only part I didn't get was the "clamp a board parallel to the dowel on the other side so it can scoot over" part.  Overall way more reliable than what I was thinking.

Alex - Also good advice.

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate the community information.  I am picking up the stock this weekend, but will not get a chance to mess around for a few more days.