Reddit mentions of Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock- Handheld Drill Guide

I don't know anything about dowels, but if the OP is talking about the need to drill perpendicular holes, I just picked up this jig and I like it so far for general woodworking:

Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock

​

There's another style that might be more precise for dowels since you can buy more bushing sizes. For example:

Dowel drill bit guide

​

And if you need more angles than just 90 degrees, there are hand drill guides like this one:

Milescraft 1318 Drillmade drill guide

​

Edit: I don't necessarily recommend the specific models in the 2nd and 3rd links. They were just the first examples I came across.

For most work, it is best to practice and be able to drill perpendicular (just like sawing). However, sometimes that is not precise enough, especially when learning.

If you can get one time access to a drill press, take a nice peice of quatersawn hardwood about an inch thick (quatersawn for the dimensional stability, hardwood for the longevity) and drill perpendicular holes in it in an array of sizes. Then take that home and use it to guide your holes.

If you can't get drill press access, you can buy something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Gator-V-DrillGuide-Standard-Portable-Drilling/dp/B0061FY004/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1422745605&sr=8-3&keywords=perpendicular+drill+guide

However, like I said at the start, don't use it as a crutch and try to get the most perpendicular holes you can freehand. In most cases, a hole can be a little off and it will be fine.

Here is a cheaper guide that has good but few reviews. The Big Gator one has a lot of good reviews so it is likely pretty good: http://www.amazon.com/Milescraft-1312-Drill-Block/dp/B00F1ZJFZK/ref=pd_sim_hi_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SE5GY0HRH6XMM2TTCRD

Drill block.

Use one to drill a pilot hole then follow it with the 1" bit.

Me too but I can't afford one so I got a drill guide block instead for $12. It gets me much more accurate and has been a good stopgap until I find a press.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00F1ZJFZK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468496822&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=drill+guide&dpPl=1&dpID=41AcbuLr1SL&ref=plSrch

Looks good! Very similar to mine.
If you want straighter holes, use a jig like this but it's not necessary. You just have to clamp the wood together before drilling. That's what I did.

https://www.amazon.ca/Milescraft-13120103-Drill-Block-Black/dp/B00F1ZJFZK

https://fetlife.com/users/2026205/pictures/85986720

Have you considered a drill guide block like the drillblock? Mine works pretty well and was cheap to boot. It has metal bushings to guide the bit straight. Only thing I don't like is that it stands about an inch tall so if you are drilling deep, you have to follow up with the old drill against the quick square.

drillblock on amazon

[This might help] (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B005QU982K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479602591&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=doweling+jig&dpPl=1&dpID=41OCyukevmL&ref=plSrch)

EDIT This might be better

Drill press is obviously the best answer, but if one isn't available and you're strapped for cash, this will work: https://www.amazon.com/Milescraft-1312-Drill-Block/dp/B00F1ZJFZK