How to join 42.4mm dowel to timber panel

[alfredx]

Hi Community,

I am thinking to make console and side tables, with Tasmanian Oak panel, and with thick dowels as legs. The thickest dowel I can find in Bunnings is Tasmanian Oak Dowel 42.4mm diameter (https://www.bunnings.com.au/porta-42-4-x-42-4mm-1-2m-tasmanian-oak-dowel-1-2m_p0082332). My thought is to drill a rounded hole (with forstner bit) of like 10mm deep in the panel of 19mm thick then join the dowel with the panel.  However, I am not able to find a forstner bit of matching size. The next smaller dowel is of 35mm diameter which there are matching forstner bits available, but the dowel is less strong due to smaller diameter. How can I deal with this forstner bit not found problem, do I have to resort to 35mm solution?

Thanks,

Alfred

[twocutekelpies]

Hi @alfredx 

Is 44mm too big? I appreciate it won't be the exact size but with an expanding adhesive like Gorilla glue, would it suit? https://www.bunnings.com.au/irwin-1-3-4-44mm-forstner-bit_p0355147 

An alternative option may be using leg plates and leg studs, available in 3/8" and 5/16", I have linked to 3/8".

Cheers

Shelley