Sorry GN I guess I got lost in the drawings, but this is probably worse. Like you said the round key might try to roll if the locking taper wasn't perfect and would have a wedge action. This area would be more critical on the fit and the round key would be a pain in butt to get metal to metal fit. His pic showed a half round key , which would have a +or-and the keyway + or-. These materials are more "gummy" to machine and would be very hard for someone less than a perfectionist to get even a good half-round on a tapered shaft. How would Joe average check fit and location? Keys are keys and dowels are dowels. They mate as well as lions and Bambi. Thanks for clarifying for me GN. Always appreciate your comments and knowledge.