Okay, I put this in another thread already, but I'm afraid it will get overlooked so I am just making a new thread.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't understand how the dowels work if they aren't connecting the two layers. The tutorials just show how to insert them, but doesn't explain how they stabilize the cake.
Do they add weight to each layer, and since they are at the center, they cause the cake to NOT shift?
Could someone please explain?
Also, when transporting a stacked cake, do you assemble it beforehand, or do you dowel each layer, and then assemble it at the location?
There has been 12 views to this topic already, and NOT ONE person can help us out? 
Hi,
The dowels just keep the tier above from falling into the tier below. Without the dowels, the weight of the upper tiers would make it fall into the lower tiers. They don't keep it from shifting, which is why a lot of people suggest to put one final long dowel through the whole cake.
As for transporting, it's mainly personal preference. So far, I've delivered mine assembled, but then I've only done 2 tiered cakes. (My first 3-tiered cake is due this weekend! 
) I will probably deliver it assembled though. HTH!
I just answered some of your questions on the last topic - so see if that helps.... but to your new questions
if possible, it is best to assembel the cake at the party location. Especially if the cake is on columns.
Dowling a cake is more to support the weight of higher cakes. Again, someone else a lot smarter than me can probably explain it better.
The last stacked cake I did (my Dora cake in my pics) I assembled before I sent it. These were small layers so I wasn't that worried about it falling apart. I did drive one dowl through the entire cake to keep it from shifting. Each layer was doweled to support the above weight.
Hope that helps.
SLK, I just saw your post in the other thread. Thank you, and thank you to PinkPanther, for your help. It makes more sense now that I realized its for support, rather than keeping them from shifting.
I will give it a shot.
From what I have read, the dowels act for support when another cake/tier is placed on top. You should put a circle of dowels & 1 in the middle just inside where the other tier lays on. This supports the weight of the cake on top. The wilton web site explains how many dowels to the sizes of the cakes.
As for the middle dowel, you need that if you are going to be transporting the cake. I forgot on my 1st stacked cake and yup, it slid off! I always put that middle dowel now.
HTH
Christina
Thanks! I understand now.
I was confused and thought that it was used to hold them together.
So here's my next question:
Do you HAVE to use a cakeboard between each layer?
Nevermind...just saw your post in the other thread.
Thanks for all of your help! 
That's funny - I just answered that on the other topic. Man, this is confusing.
Yes, you should not stack cake on top of cake on top of cake. Put a cake board between each tier. This will help support it by giving the dowls something to rest on - it will also make cutting the cake and taking it appart easier.
I can see that if you did not have that info in your head (about using a cake board) - dowling would seem silly....
good luck
edited to say ...
Ok - so you don't "have" to if it's just two tier single layer - but I always do. It just makes it easier for me.
Really? Wow...another person who lives close to me! I know of a couple of people from Hanford on here.
Do you have your own bakery? And, did you take the Wilton Courses in Visalia?
oneprimalscream: I took all 3 Wilton classes at the Visalia Michael's about 18 months ago. I've learned tons of information on this site.
I do not have a bakery, this is a hobby for me, it helps relieve the stress of my "pay the bills" job. I do cakes mostly for friends and family.
Likewise. I'm actually beginning Course III tonite, but I've already experimented with MMF on my own. I can only improve from here on out!
I just took up cake decorating as a hobby, because since I'm the only art major in the family, I'm automatically the cake maker/decorator as well! I always have done decorating, since I was a kid, but I would hand draw and paint everything using small knives, spatulas, and toothpicks. Needless to say, I'm MUCH better and faster at decorating now!
Thanks! I understand now.
I was confused and thought that it was used to hold them together.
So here's my next question:
Do you HAVE to use a cakeboard between each layer?
Oh, yes! That is the most important part. No wonder you can't figure out what
the dowels do! The dowels go in first, then you place the board with the cake on top of the dowels.
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