I’ve recently built a new top for my workbench. It’s 3″ thick and built from used construction grade 2x4s (pine, doug fir, etc). It’s all reclaimed wood that was destined for a landfill or bonfire. For me it turned out absolutely great and has exceeded my expectations but for one issue. I drilled (with a brace and bit) 3/4″ dog holes for 11/16″ holdfasts but the holdfasts do anything but hold (either fast or slow). They are 8″ long and were purchased from my local Woodcraft. My question is “is this issue a function of the lumber used to build the top or the quality of the holdfasts”?
Thanks,
BobE
Replies
It shouldn't be the lumber. Pick up a holdfast from Tools For Working Wood. Rough up the shaft slightly with coarse sandpaper. They work great.
Thank you for your reply.
3" might be too thick for them to be able to tilt enough and wedge in. Try counter-boring one hole out from below with a 1" bit, 1" deep to give your holdfast an effectively 2" thick top and see how it does then.
Thank you for your reply.
I find thicker is much better for holdfasts. If the top is too thin they will never hold.
Hole size is important. If the hole is too much bigger than the shaft, it won't hold. A close fit is optimal.
Thank you for your reply.
Well I scuffed up one of the dudes and it seems to work. I'll scuff up the other and do some more playing around before counter-boring or trying the Gramercy holdfasts. Such a simple solution.
Thanks again for all the comments.
My bench is 3 in spf (construction lumber) and I have 13/16 or 7/8 dog holes (just over 3/4 as my dogs are from 3/4 dowel, (just drill and set a bullet catch and super cheep dogs) and use a holdfast without an issue. So I'd say either holdfast issue or how you are using them, it takes a tiny bit of skill, but a skill the same.
Thank you for your reply.
I had to scuff up my Gramercy Holdfasts too.
Last followup: I bought a pair of Gramercy holdfasts. I had to scuff them up but man do they work well. Occasionally for light work just a good swat with the hand works.
I tried scuffing up the original Woodcraft ones I had but the Gramercy are much nicer. They are taller and the reach is longer which I think helps and are manufactured differently I believe.
Thanks to all for the advice.
BobE
The Gramercy work great, and are a solid bargain. I have a couple of holdfasts made by blacksmith Peter Ross, and they work great and are beautiful. But they don't function any better than the Gramercy.