: I was wondering about the way Tom removes the screw and replaces it with a
: glued dowel, is that necessary? It would seem counter sinking the screw
: and leaving it in would keep sufficient strength.

Screw / glue is mentioned as an alternative in the instructions. One problem
I have found with screw / glue is that the screws can split the plies of the
cross sections.

Removing the screws, drilling and pegging / gluing creates a strong joint.
In some instances, I use no screws at all, preferring to use zip-ties to
temporarily secure the stringers to the cross sections while the epoxy cures.
This approach is documented in the instructions.

However, as stated in the manual, my preferred method is lash / glue as seen
in the instructions at the Link below. Scroll to the bottom at the link and
read the text. The lashing / glue method requires that the lashing be coated
with epoxy, unlike the lash alone method. Use the "Last Page" key at the link
to return to the start of the section on this technique.

Some builders glue only, though I prefer additional measures.

Beyond that... Read "All" of the instructions as there are normally several
alternatives presented.

Tom