Al - the hardwood dowels are about 3/8" radius from center of rotation. The original disagreement with my suggested fix was that the dowels themselves would be absorbing all the "clamping" force from the hub face and hub washer, thus removing all the surface contact area of the REST of the hub.

I think this has wandered too far, and I apologize if I've insulted any sensitivities about this topic.

Will it be okay with everyone if I just "un-suggest" my suggestion ???

Won't hurt my feelings at all, and the props that I've fixed will still work....