This is an early unmodified SPG out of the Barn wood. I rough sand a old piece of junk stock I have as close to round then mount it in the drill. The reason I do this is if you use a dowel the end grain is in the incorrect direction and it turns black when stained or very dark.. Rick B
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Yes, getting the grain to match is critical... I'm assuming your plug was taken from a fat part of the scrap stock so that the end in the chuck is not end grain? Do you use a plug cutter or something else?
You are correct Bob and I just Band Saw a rectangular piece close in size and then round it off a bit on the belt sander to fit in the Drill chuck. Did it for year by holding the piece and sand then turning of around and sanding the other side while trying to hold it and make it round. Did pretty good but sanding your fingers sucks when you slip. Drill makes it even and easier on the hands By the way I tried a plug cutter and it exploded the piece of wood. I never tried that again. Rick B
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By the way I tried a plug cutter and it exploded the piece of wood. I never tried that again. 
