AI am in Australia and get my dowel from our local hardware store, they have them in 2mitre lengths and different millimetre sizes. I then cut the dowel to length and stretch white or green parafilm ( florist tape) from top to bottom so no dowel is showing making sure each end is covered. If stretched over properly there is no movement of the parafilm when inserting the dowel. I also use parafilm for wrapping the stems when brides want fresh flowers on the wedding cake.

AWhat is the SOS system?

AI mean what is the SOS system for transporting cakes? Thank you

AI don't know the SOS system. Read my signature line.

Could it be... unless you glue and screw on a "gland" - that's what my husband calls it? Then it sit on that thing and NO dowels needed??? Could I be right?

You may be talking about a base board with a FLANGE and a center pole.

I'd still use SPS.

Thank you SO much - that's exactly it. Just not keen on piping round the edge between board and cake - so I reckon what I'm saying is I'd like to get the fondant right over for a smooth look if that's even possible and then a nice ribbon round the bottom to hide a possible bit of a ridge - surely I shouldn't be icing it at all - yikes?

Thank you again.

Also, Leah, the SPS system works out horrendously expensive for us to import from the states. Many companies won't send to us  - our Rand is falling and I don't want to run after brides to get my stuff back (although I gather that it's disposable, that makes it even more expensive).

Kind regards and thank you again - you are a bright star!

AHi new to her I was just wondering as I have got to make my first wedding cake 4 tier what size centre dowel to use