Rectangular Benchdogs are Quick to Make

These workbench helpers are a great way to use up hardwood scraps.

By Garrett Hack #211–Mar/April 2010 Issue

**Tail vise’s best friend.** A pair of benchdogs lets a tail vise clamp boards flat on the benchtop for planing. Rectangular dogs don’t turn and are quick to make. A wooden spring holds the dog in place.

Q:

I’m making Garrett Hack’s bench (“A Workbench 30 Years in the Making,” FWW #209) and would like more information about his benchdogs. In particular, what type of spring does he use to hold them in place?

Cooper Williams, Oxford, MS

A:

I make my benchdog bodies from whatever hardwood scrap I have around. For the springs, I use either ash or white oak, because they are strong woods but have enough spring to hold the benchdog in place.

Cut the body on the tablesaw, and use a bandsaw to cut both the groove that holds the spring in place and the recess in the dog’s body to accommodate the spring. Plane the spring to fit into the groove and then glue it in place.

shopmade benchdog — **Spring loaded.** This shopmade dog adjusts beautifully with its simple spring.

Photos: Staff

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