Portable Doweling Systems

PDS-32

The Hoffmann PDS-32 is the first portable machine that is easy to use and precise enough to allow the repeat accuracy needed for professional dowel construction.

The PDS-32 was developed and is manufactured in Germany. Thousands of PDS-32 Systems have been sold in Europe and now this proven tool is available to the American woodworking industry.

All details have been developed with the professional woodworker in mind, from the powerful motor and innovative plunger stops to the cast aluminum fences with pre-set stops at the most common angles.

• The tilting fence allows the machine to be used for simple butt and end-to-end joints, as well as all miter joints from 0 - 90 degrees.
• The machine can be used with one or two drill bits, depending on the application. The fixed distance between the dowel centers is 32mm (1 1/4”). Dowels ranging in size from 5mm – 16mm (~ 3/16”– 5/8”) diameter can be used to match every material thickness and size.
• The tilting fence has a clear acrylic insert with two hairline pointers to accurately align the centers of the drill bits with pencil marks on the material. A third hairline indicates the center between the two bits.
• Built into the face plate are two spring loaded steel plungers for precise drilling of dowel holes at the preset distance of 16mm (~ 5/8") from the material edge.
• The distance between the face of the material and the center of the dowel holes can be easily adjusted from 7mm - 41mm (~ 9/32" - 1 5/8"), depending on material thickness. A turret stop allows the operator to set commonly used distances for fast and consistent change-overs.
• A built-in port allows the use of a dust collection hose or vacuum system for dust-free operation.

Drilling Operation

Tilting Front Fence

Detail of Turret Stop

Jointing Parts with Mitered Edges:

To join parts with mitered edges, adjust the tilting fence to the desired angle. The pre-set stops help to set the most common angles of 22.5°, 45° and 67.5°. Any other angle can be set with the built-in angle scale.

After setting the tilting fence, adjust the boring depth and location, then proceed with the drilling operation. The results are cleanly drilled holes, perfectly aligned and ready for assembly.

Drilling with Layout Marks:

• When joining material at odd angles, on the jobsite or simply for a quick connection in the shop, using the hairline pointers is the fastest way to go. Simply place the two parts together, align them as needed and draw a pencil line across the joint. For larger or wider pieces, make multiple marks.
• Next, set the distance between the surface of the material and the dowel holes according to the stock thickness, and the drilling depth according to the dowel being used.
• To drill the holes, simply align the pencil marks with the center hairline pointer, turn on the machine and push the motor forward until the pre-set depth is reached.
• When only a single hole is required, remove one of the drill bits and use the hairline pointer above the remaining bit for alignment.
• The results are cleanly drilled holes, perfectly aligned and ready for assembly.

Drilling with the Built-In Steel Plungers:

• Installed into the face plate are two spring loaded plungers. These are used for drilling dowel holes at an accurate, pre-set distance from the material edge.There is no need for layout marks, simply adjust the PDS-32 as described before.
• Next, place the machine on the material while depressing one plunger. Slide the machine sideways until the second plunger rests against the material edge.
• Drill the holes and then repeat the process on the second part.
• The results are cleanly drilled holes, perfectly aligned and ready for assembly.

Joining parts at the center of a panel (e.g. divider to cabinet side):

• Joining two parts to form a T-joint requires two operations: First drill the holes into the end of the board as described above, using the plungers and/or pencil lines to determine the hole locations.
• Next, mark the center line of the dowel holes on the face of the second board. Flip the tilting fence up to form a flat surface with the face plate and align the engraved marker with the layout line. Drill the holes to match the first board, again using center marks and/or the steel plungers for proper alignment.

Using the optional template guide for cabinet construction:

To speed up layout and increase accuracy, we recommend the use of the optional drilling template. The standard template is 31 ½" long and comes with two clamps. A 63" long extension with connection hardware is also available.

The template is a heavy-duty aluminum extrusion and will remain flat and true for years to come. The precisely notched edges are color coded for ease of use. The tilting fence of the PDS-32 has "teeth" which are used to engage the notches in the template. The template system is used not only to process and connect the sides of cabinets, but also to drill long rows of holes for shelf pins!

Sample Applications:

PDS-32 Complete Systems:

PDS-32 Professional Heavy-Duty System:

1 - PDS-32 H-D portable doweling system
1 - heavy-duty carrying case
1 - bag of 200 pieces wood dowels, size 8 x 30mm
1 - bag of 100 pieces wood dowels, size 10 x 40mm
1 - bag of 40 pieces wood dowels, size 12 x 60mm
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 8mm diameter
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 10mm diameter
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 12mm diameter
2 - anti-slip mats, size 6 ¾" x 10 1/2"
1 - glue bottle, 8 oz.
1 - 2.5mm hex head screwdriver

PDS-32 professional system:

1 - PDS-32 portable doweling system
1 - heavy-duty carrying case
1 - bag of 350 pieces wood dowels, size 6 x 30mm
1 - bag of 200 pieces wood dowels, size 8 x 30mm
1 - bag of 100 pieces wood dowels, size 10x 40mm
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 6mm diameter
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 8mm diameter
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 10mm diameter
2 - anti-slip mats, size 6 ¾" x 10 1/2"
1 - glue bottle, 8 oz.
1 - 2.5mm hex head screwdriver

PDS-32 starter system:

1 - PDS-32 portable doweling system
1 - heavy-duty carrying case
1 - bag of 200 pieces wood dowels, size 8 x 30mm
2 - carbide tipped drill bits, 8mm diameter
2 - anti-slip mats, size 6 ¾" x 10 1/2"
1- glue bottle, 8 oz.
1- 2.5mm hex head screwdriver

Which One To Choose?

PDS-32 Starter System:
Choose this machine if the primary use is for ¾” sheet goods (particle board, MDF, plywood, etc.) and for occasional use in solid hardwood. Also a good choice if low cost is a priority.

PDS-32 Professional System:
Great all-round set-up for professional cabinet shops working mostly with sheet goods.
Most common drill bits and dowels are included. Good for occasional use in solid hardwood.

PDS-32 Professional Heavy-Duty System:
Newest model with 33% more powerful motor (1,000 watt up from 750 watt).
Different gear head reduces drill bit speed to 13,500 instead of 18,500 rpm.
Lower speed works better in solid wood and for larger bits.
Can be used for all drill bits and dowels from 5 – 16mm.
Best choice for professional use for custom woodworker or cabinet shop. Works equally well in sheet goods and solid hard and softwoods.

All Hoffmann machines carry a comprehensive one-year warranty on parts and workmanship