Saw till - saw heel rest

[Luis Reyes]

This may be a basic question but thought I’d ask anyway just in case.

I’m building a saw till and initially intended to use a 1 1-4 dowel rod for the saw handles to rest on. Then I realized it’s $16 (canadian) for that dowel size and I don’t have a forstner but that size so instead of spending $40 on getting both I decided to improvise and cut a 2 in wide piece of wood and rounded over the top. I was thinking of attaching this rod with a single dowel on each end and gluing to the side. Is that sufficient to hold the piece of wood so that it doesn’t pivot on the dowel? I don’t want my saws crashing down. another option I thought of was to screw it in from either side. Does either method work?

First pic shows the shape I made and second pic shows friction fit where I want it. I’ve built two stretchers which aren’t shown which will be at the very top and then in the middle where the blades will sit
IMG_1349.jpgIMG_1347.jpg

[Lee Schierer]

Your end grain to face grain joint isn't a very strong joint. The dowel will help, but to prevent rotation should the glue joint fail, add a small finish nail driven through the side into your rounded support.

[Luis Reyes]

Your end grain to face grain joint isn't a very strong joint. The dowel will help, but to prevent rotation should the glue joint fail, add a small finish nail driven through the side into your rounded support.

This is a great idea! Thank you!