i've used wooden dowels but i find them to be a pain to cut. so, i recently tried straws and i think i may have used the wrong type of straws because my cake was leaning. so, i'm on to the next option which is plastic dowels... but i don't know where to get them. 
does anyone know where i can find them? are they a wilton product?
what do you use to cut them?
TIA 
Wilton does sell some. I haven't used them yet and there was a really good thread going on that subject a couple of nights ago. Check and see if you can find it.
I can't remember if you just cut them with scissors or a sharp knife. I don't remember anything else having to bought to use them - what a switch!! 
Yes, Wilton makes plastic dowels and you can cut them with kitchen shears. But, my fav is the plastic supports sold by Sugarcraft. They have little screws in the top so you can adjust the height. They are relatively inexpensive and I LOVE them!
Beth in KY
I just bought a pack of jumbo straws at a local restaurant supply place....they let me buy one bag (instead of a case) for like seven bucks. They are similar to these: http://www.instawares.com/assorted-jumbo-bubble-tea.04-0385.0.7.htm , I think its basically the same thing, the ad says they are a half inch diameter and I think that's about right. Anyway they cut like straws but then they have the bigger diameter so they support better.
Nope. That was the stressfree support system you find on Earlene's website.
These are called "cake jacks". They are individual plastic dowels with little screws in the tops. You can adjust the height to fit. They are sold in packs of 6 in either 3" or 4" sizes for 3.99 and 4.99.
Beth
Thank You!!!!!!!! Will check those out for sure.
And thanks for sharing that site Kitagrl!!
I'm sure you can find them cheaper somewhere else...I got mine at "The Restaurant Store" which is local here, but I think they have other locations too.
I sell a product called Cake Jacks. They are strong plastic dowels that are adjustable. They come in 3". 3-1/2" and 4" heights. Each size can be adjusted another 1-1/4 inch. The most popular size is 3-1/2" (which adjusts to 5 inches). They are great to use and inexpensive.
You can find those and other items on my website: www.crawfordscreations.com.
Thank You!!!!!!!! Will check those out for sure.
And thanks for sharing that site Kitagrl!!
I'm sure you can find them cheaper somewhere else...I got mine at "The Restaurant Store" which is local here, but I think they have other locations too.
I think Kitagrl is referring to bubble tea straws. I got a package for $6.00 plus shipping from ebay. Just search bubblestraws. I don't know how many you need, but, for a hobby baker like myself this package will do for a while.
Beth in KY
Regarding the cake jacks, and those who use them....
A previous poster said the most common is the 3 & 1/2" cause that extends to 5"... isn't that short??? Do these work cause by the time I cook 2 x 2" cakes, torte each layer & ice the cake, the cake is more like 5-6" tall..... would the 4" cake jacks work? I had a horrible doweling experience this last weekend and was looking for something good for some upcoming weddings.
Regarding the cake jacks, and those who use them....
A previous poster said the most common is the 3 & 1/2" cause that extends to 5"... isn't that short??? Do these work cause by the time I cook 2 x 2" cakes, torte each layer & ice the cake, the cake is more like 5-6" tall..... would the 4" cake jacks work? I had a horrible doweling experience this last weekend and was looking for something good for some upcoming weddings.
I don't torte my layers. I just put the filling between the 2 2" layers which makes my tiers approx. 4 1/2 " tall. The 4" will extend to 5"...I THINK! Never have had to extend them that much. I REALLY LIKE these and feel confident in using them for smaller cakes and as extra support for bottom tiers. When I'm "afraid" of the weight I use 1" PVC pipe and set the feet of the plate into them for more stability.
But, different floats for different boats! GOOD LUCK!
Beth in KY
I thought about PVC pipe once, but remember reading its not food safe??
I think this is the thread that mjs4492 was talking about. I'll see if I can post it correctly. http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-212961-0-days0-orderasc-.html
I use the plastic dowel rods from Wilton and get them from Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or Sysco.
A friend of mine works for a caterer and they do lots of weddings (but not the cakes). She usually has to cut the cake. She says the cakes that hold up the best and have the least problems with leaning are the ones with the plastic dowel rods.
I thought about PVC pipe once, but remember reading its not food safe??
But that's what they use for drinking water connections under the sink nowadays. How can it not be food safe?
I use the plastic dowel rods from Wilton and get them from Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or Sysco.
A friend of mine works for a caterer and they do lots of weddings (but not the cakes). She usually has to cut the cake. She says the cakes that hold up the best and have the least problems with leaning are the ones with the plastic dowel rods.
this is exactly the info i was looking for. thank you 
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