a dowel system for securing in a generally abutting relationship two parts or pieces of material having facing surfaces and preformed , aligned annular recesses . the dowel system includes a tubular body having sidewalls which are thinner near the middle of the body than at the ends thereof . the tubular body is dimensioned so that opposite ends thereof may be inserted into respective annular recesses of the two pieces of material , with enough room being left around the sides of the tubular body to allow adhesive to be put in place in the annular recesses to join the tubular body to the sidewalls of the annular recesses .