When it was time to replace my old benchdogs, I made new ones that use a wooden spring cut from the dog body. It works great, and it’s wood, so it won’t wear out your dog holes. Grab a hardwood dowel that matches the dog-hole diameter and cut it 5 in. long. Then make the 3⁄16-in.-thick leaf spring by cutting a kerf halfway down the dowel’s length on the bandsaw. Cut a wood shim slightly wider than the kerf, put a little glue on it, and push it to the bottom of the kerf. Finally, create a flat clamping face by notching the top 7⁄8 in. of the dog. Cut the face at a slight angle to keep it from lifting the workpiece when pressure is applied.

Jim Richey

Mike Billeci, Tivoli, NY

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Hedgehog featherboards

The Hedgehog's unique spiral shape and single knob make it easy to set up and fast to adjust.

Buy at Amazon

MicroJig Matchfit dovetail clamps

These unique clamps have angled tips that hold templates and fences in place without getting in the way.

Buy at Amazon

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon