Dowel Capstan geometry question

[PNOTNR@aol.com]

(I thought I sent this, but it is still listed in my outgoing mail box.
 Sorry if it is a repeat)

I am working on an Estey Console.  I replaced the wippens with the closest
wippen I could find in the supply catalog.  The original wippens had a
cushion on the bottom almost like a Steinway Upright. The replacement is
smaller  by about 1/4".

The piano also has dowel capstans longer then replacements I've found in
catalogs.  They are also splitting when any adjustments are made.  So here
are my questions:

1.) I plan to make my own replacement dowel capstans, but is there a tool
that is used to uniformly round and smooth the tops like the originals?  How
did they do it in the factory?

2.) I assume that I'll be using the new wips I have on hand.  (I can't
justify the cost of custom made parts, and I'm not sure about replacing the
cushions.)  So...am I setting myself up for big geometry problems if I make
longer dowel capstans to compensate for the smaller wippens?  One thought I
had was that I could bend the capstan wires back to put the contact point
between the wip and dowel more in line with the balance rail and wip flange
center.  I welcome any suggestions.

Gordon Large
Mt. Vernon, Maine