1/2" x 36" Poplar Wood Dowel
SKU: PD0500
1/2" x 36" Poplar Wood Dowel — Kiln-Dried, Precision Smooth for Woodworking & Crafts
This poplar dowel measures 1/2 inch (12.70 mm) in diameter and reaches a full 36 inches (914.40 mm) in length, providing versatility and reliability for both hobbyists and professionals. Each rod is kiln-dried and precision-milled for a flat, square-cut end and a consistently round profile, supporting smooth assembly and detailed work in structural, craft, or decorative applications. The unfinished surface is ready for custom finishing, painting, or laser engraving, offering endless creative opportunities.
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Specifications
Specifications
- Diameter: 1/2 inch (0.5") / 12.70 mm; tolerance ±0.01" (0.25 mm)
- Length: 36 inches / 914.40 mm
- Material: Poplar hardwood
- Weight (each): approx. 0.018 lbs (8.16 g)
- End Type: Flat/square cut
- Moisture Content: Kiln-dried, typically 6–8%
- Finish: Tumble-sanded, smooth, unfinished
- Strength: Medium to high; suitable for support components in crafts, models, and DIY
- Flexibility: Semi-rigid with slight flex under pressure
- Burn Mark Resistance: High; suitable for laser marking with no pre-burn marks
- Edge Splinter Risk: Low
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored dry
- Pack Sizes: 5, 25, 100, custom bulk available
- Adhesive Compatibility: Wood glue, hot glue, epoxy, most craft adhesives
- Finish Compatibility: Paint, stain, pyrography, laser engraving, decorative media
- Shipping: Protective ASTM D5118-compliant packaging
- Storage: Store dry, indoors, away from humidity and sunlight
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- 1/2" (12.70 mm) diameter is ideal for stable construction, framing, and craft support
- Repeatable 36" (914.40 mm) length supports projects without the need for splicing
- Kiln-dried to optimal moisture content for enhanced stability and reduced warping
- Tumble-sanded, smooth, and unfinished — ready for stain, paint, varnish, or detail work
- Flat and square-cut ends simplify joining, lathing, and other fabrication tasks
- Low splinter risk, suitable for projects requiring a clean exposed edge or safe handling
- Compatible with wood glue, hot glue, epoxy, and more for flexible assembly
- Bulk packs cater to workshops, classrooms, or production runs
- Protective packaging for safe delivery and storage
Use these 1/2" poplar dowels for building flag poles, puppet rods, window valance supports, or lightweight furniture joinery where an exposed wood finish is desired. They're popular as axles in educational STEM kits, handles for banners, and structural arms in model bridges. Teachers use them for class art mobiles or as safe sticks in gross-motor learning activities. For a practical home craft, combine several dowels to create a modern hanging rack or plant trellis, leveraging the balance of strength and flex only poplar provides.
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Are these dowels straight and accurately sized?
Yes, each rod is kiln-dried, machine-milled, and checked for accurate diameter and smooth edges before shipping. -
Do the ends need additional sanding before use?
No, the flat and square-cut ends are ready for direct use or attaching to other parts. -
Is the surface safe for painting or direct decoration?
The tumble-sanded finish makes the dowel suitable for painting, staining, or custom laser engraving straight from the box. -
What adhesives work best for assembling poplar dowels?
All conventional wood glues, epoxies, and craft adhesives will bond well with unfinished poplar. -
Can I order large quantities for bulk use?
Yes, pack sizes up to 100 or more are available; contact for custom requirements. -
How should I store unused dowels?
Keep in a dry indoor area, away from sunlight and humidity, for optimal longevity and performance. -
Are these suitable for structural craft components?
Poplar dowels offer reliable medium-to-high strength and are suitable for most lightweight structural uses in crafts, models, and decor. -
Is there any splinter risk on the ends?
The rods are produced to minimize splinter risk; additional sanding is rarely needed but may be done for maximum smoothness.
For woodworking, crafting, and custom display projects, these kiln-dried, smooth poplar dowels deliver dependability, style, and ease of use—ensuring a high-quality build from first cut to final finish.
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