[Clayslayer]

The dowel will work great! I've used a pencil before and that worked just fine. (I was in a jam and needed something quick!)

A 1/2" dowel will hold up a LOT better than an unsharpened pencil.

 

[Clayslayer]

I used a #2. It held up great. I thought about using the harder #1 but those are harder to find.