Using the tablesaw again, I cut a groove where I want the blade attachment area to end - again so I know when to stop shaping. In fact, I cut several grooves along the blade attachment area so I can get it pretty close to round all along that area. I use a power planer to shape the shaft. It goes pretty quick - just keep going. Once you have the shaft tapered the way you want, flatten the area where the blades will attach - these plans show blades 3/4 thick (a 1x2) but I like to make my blades 1/2 thick - lighter is better.