For wood spoons and cutting boards, I use no finish. The wood doesn't look flashy, but the utility is just fine. On bowls that will be used for food...
Use the same glue as used previously. If hide glue, you can glue over glue. However all else requires removal of old glue otherwise it will not hold....
Alan, for the dowels, look at the photos how I did this. Make a simple guide by drilling a squared block of wood. Mark the position of the dowels on...