i have the full size dowel maker from veritas and i rarely use it. if im making shafts from lumber i hand plane them the majority of the time. i can really dial in what im looking for in an arrow shaft by using the hand plane. problem with the dowel makers is no lumber is consistent . one part of the board will give you a 30 lb spine and the next will give you a 90lb spine. by planing you can make up for this and get shafts that are identical in weight, spine and front of center. plus a tapered shaft outshoots a parralel shaft everytime. peace