You can drill and install the dowels vertically too. One on each side.
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
Use oak to make the dowels and patch block. Grain from to back on the patch block and turn the grain opposite on the dowels for strength. You ain't building a boat and no one will see it.
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 PM ----------
Should read "front to back".