after many iterations i found these work best for me and tend not to break if overtightened. the screws are 2" and you can see i just screw them directly into the spoilboard and sand down the warts it leaves afterwards. the hole is located such that the dowel is captured. the fit is tight so as to add to the strength [which was much compromised by drilling that hole]. use a high quality 13 ply birch plywood, other stuff will split. dowel is 1/2".
drill the dowel first, ideally perpendicular to the grain, locate in hold down, center hole and drill thru hold down, rotate drill a bit to form a bit of a slot. insert screw, cut off dowel flush with bandsaw.
cut "beak" notch also on the bandsaw making the cut slightly acute. don't use drywall screws, the bugle head splits the wood. hold downs can also be used, as shown, just resting on top of the material.
