I have a Hofmann & Hammer workbench with rectangular holes for bench dogs. The square bench dogs work okay but I need a resource for a hold down type bench dog where the shaft or stem of the hold down angles such that when the dog is tapped into the hole it tightens against the workpiece and the hole, keeping the workpiece snug to the bench surface. I tried the Jorgensen hold downs but the stem or shaft is straight. Any recommendations on where I could get hold downs with an angled shaft or stem? Highland wood working carries only the straight shaft/stem type.
Thank you in advance.
Replies
Bench Hold Downs
I would look at having a local metal fabricator bend them up. Any one who does wrought iron should be bale to make one, and it shouldn't be too expensive.
Basicaly, they will need a piece of rectangular stock close to the size of your dog holes, about 18-inches long. And will need to heat up and flatten one end, and then do a hot bend. If you have a picture of one, it will be easiest for them.
I realize it's not what you asked, but another option would be to drill a couple round holes for the common holdfast. I have square dog holes and drilled round holes for the holdfast and am quite happy. I wouldn't find the holdfast very useful as close to the bench edge as the dog holes. Just my two cents.
I thought about drilling holes and using the Jorgensen 'dogs.' I couldn't bring myself to do that - yet. Who knows I may yet.
Angled holdfasts
I don't have the information with me, but there has been a fair amount of testing of these things, the results show that mild steel is the way to go -- as iron tends to break -- and that there is a particular angle that works better than others. the same tests show that several of the commercially available holdfasts don't hold fast.
Mine came from an Alaskan blacksmith of the name of Phil Koontz. His are the best. His prices reasonable. I have never heard of square shafted ones by Phil, but if anyone can whip some up, he can.
You might google him and shoot him and email to find out.
Joe
Thank you Joe I sent him an email and was able to find him at http://www.galenavillageblacksmith.com/
Williamsburg blacksmith.
A number of years ago my wife had the blacksmith at Williamsburg, VA make one for me for Christmas. It has been on my bench ever since. Not too sure if they would make anything not historically correct like a non round shaft but it is worth a try. The store bought one I had before was too brittle and broke within a year. The Williamsburg one has a nice spring to it. Good luck.
Hold fasts
I have to agree with the cast imported holdfasts. Garbage. The first one I used just snapped off with a medium tap with a wood mallet.
Anybody know what kind of steel would work well ? Hot or cold rolled steel? And what about tempering ?
Williamsburg Blacksmith
My wife and I were at Williamsburg on Friday and we went into the blacksmith shop and spoke with one of the blacksmiths there about crafting some 'dogs'. He told me that they only do restoration work (plus they are taking down the shop and rebuilding the armory on that site since it was the original armory site). Needless to say I was disappointed that they won't do retail work. The cabinet makers said that the 'dogs' they use are from the blacksmith shop...oh well. We were on the same thought pattern.
Done!!
Jake is going to make them for me. Phil, as you said, is very easy to work with. $110 for the pair and these have the capacity and the correct angle. Thank you!!
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