The dowels are part of it - the slabs all get mounted to attachment cleats (with screws through slotted holes); which are then pinned to the frames with those dowels. So the benches can be knocked down to just the bare frame, plus a bench slab, and seat back, if they ever needed to. The table can also be disassembled into the 2 leg assemblies, stretcher, and top.
Well we missed the Wednesday delivery date. But Morgan and her fiance Tom stopped by the house to see it today and they were thrilled. Greg and his family are going on vacation tomorrow for a week and a half, which was the reason for picking today for delivery. But they were totally fine with waiting "for as long as it takes". The new delivery date is 2 weeks from today.
Shawn, your work speaks volumes for you and your professional craftsmanship. Congratulations brother.