John — I asked this question of Alan, but I’d like to get your take as well. I’m in the process of building a workbench. So far, I’ve got a base with a solid maple top 30″ wide by 90″ long. I will have a twinscrew tail vise at one end, and a pattern-maker clone vise at the right corner.
What do you recommend in terms of dog holes? Would three rows of holes running the length of the bench be sufficient? Or would four be better? Within each row, what spacing do you recommend between dog holes? I’ve heard some recommend 5″. Do you agree?
I don’t want to drill too many holes into the top of the bench. But I don’t want to be stuck with too few clamping options either. I’m looking for an optimal spacing, but I don’t have the experience using a bench with dog holes to know what is optimal. Thanks!
Thanks!
Replies
How wide is the jaw of the tail vise and does it run the full width of the bench? Also, are you using the Veritas twin screw vise and what is the spacing between the screws?
John White
I will be using the veritas twin screw vise, and plan on having the jaws run the full width of the bench. I haven't installed the vise yet, so the spacing between the screws is still flexible (if you have a recommendation for spacing I would be greatful for that as well).
I would buy the wider, 24", Veritas Twin-Screw assembly and space the screws as far apart as the design allows. For stiffness of such a wide vise I would make the movable jaw fairly thick, probably 3" across.
That is a wide bench top so I would use at least four rows of holes and would even consider using five rows. The additional holes don't weaken the top and can only give you more options for clamping.
I would place the holes in each line close together, 5" or even 4" apart. The closer spacing minimizes the amount of cranking you have to do to accommodate different lengths of stock and reduces the required vise opening when using the dogs which minimizes flexing of the jaw assembly.
Great. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it!
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