Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 06, 2011 12:03pm | #1

   hold-fast holes

   The last video shows the holes being drilled. Just an electric drill with a conventional drill bit, using a pre-drilled block as a guide.

2. 
   mkwerman | Mar 07, 2011 06:22pm | #2

   Drilled with an electric drill

   I just built this as my first workbench too.  I drilled the holes like this:

   1.  use 3/4 forstner bit for 1st half inch or so.

   2. then I used 1/4 brad point all the way through the top.

   3. then I finished up the hole with a 3/4 spade bit.  

   Just be careful and try to drill straight.  I set a square up by the hole I was drilling to sight by.

3. 
   Newwoodsman | Mar 09, 2012 08:56am | #5

   Where is this monster bench described? (NT)

   thnx

4. 
   Imola | Dec 28, 2012 01:52pm | #7

   Speaking of holes, what is the minmum depth holdfasts will work? I drilled the holes 3/4" and the bench dogs work great. I went to use the hold fasts and not so much. They will not snug up and I think my top is to thin at 1 1/2". I would have loved to build it 2 3/4" like Matt, but I had to go with pre-made because I don't have a planer yet.

   It may be just as well because I just read in my "Workbench" book last night that holdfasts elongate the holes and make them unuseable for benchdogs. I'm not sure I'm willing to give up on benchdogs.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 03, 2012 11:52am | #3

   HF vs. BD

   You might consider gluing 2" thick hardwood blocks on the underside of your bench in the locations where you would typically use a holdfast.

2. 
   MKenney | Mar 05, 2012 02:20pm | #4

   Imola,

   I drilled the holes all the way through the top, so they're as deep as the top is thick (perhaps you're really talking about diameter and not depth). I'm not sure if you're holes are only 3/4 in. deep and so stopped or go completely through the top. If they don't go through the top, that's a problem. Drill them all the way through. Also, a 1 3/4 in. thick top might not be thick enough to keep the holdfasts from moving. Check with the maker. They should have a recommendation on the minimum thickness of the top.

   As for holdfasts elongating the holes, I haven't had any problem with that yet. My benchtop is hard maple, so I don't expect will ever be a problem. If the top were made from a softwood, like doug fir, it could be a problem.

   Also, as I'm sure you  know, I don't use benchdogs on my bench. You don't really need them. I've yet to come across a situation where I said, "I could use a benchdog here."

3. 
   [email protected] | Mar 09, 2012 07:07pm | #6

   Look at the Jorgensen Hold Dwon Clamps

   Jorgensen makes a Bench Hold Dwon Clamp that is threaded and cam adjustable the works well on thinner bench tops. 

   I've used 1-1/2-inch thick solid core doors as bench tops for years now, and the Jorgensen clamps work well on them. 

   At less than $20 per pair on Amazon they are relatively inexpensive. 

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