My Atlas didn't have a dowel pinned apron, but from your comment, I suspect yours is.
yes the apron is dowel pined but I suppose I could remove them? Haven't had chance to look at it today but I think you have covered all the options cheers.

I like the idea of using cans as shims and workpeice protectors, I do have some proper shim steel but I didn't buy it and if its as expensive as you say then when it runs out I'll be using the cans.

I don't drink coke or fizzy drinks much but I'm rather partial to the alcoholic variety and they are bigger cans too.

Just need a rainy evening to get in the workshop.