Bench Dogs and Holddowns: Workholding for Better Results

Effective workholding is the foundation of quality woodworking. Without a reliable way to secure your workpiece, even the most skilled craftsman will struggle to produce accurate, clean results. Bench dogs and holddowns represent two of the most versatile and time-tested workholding solutions, and understanding how to use them together will transform your woodworking experience.

Understanding Bench Dogs: Types and Materials

Bench dogs are simple pegs that fit into holes in your workbench top, working in conjunction with a vise to hold workpieces securely. They come in several varieties, each with distinct advantages.

Round dogs are the most popular choice for modern workbenches. They fit into simple drilled holes and can rotate to accommodate angled workpieces. Made from brass, steel, or hardwood, round dogs are easy to install and work with most commercial workbench designs.

Square dogs require mortised holes but offer superior grip and resistance to rotation. Traditional European workbenches often feature square dog holes, and many woodworkers prefer them for heavy planing operations where lateral forces are significant.

Metal dogs (typically brass or steel) are durable and provide excellent grip, especially models with springs that hold them at your desired height. However, they can damage plane irons if you accidentally run into them.

Wood dogs are shop favorites because they’re easy to make, inexpensive to replace, and won’t damage your tools. Many woodworkers keep a supply of shop-made wooden dogs in various heights for different applications.

Holdfast Basics and Usage

Holdfasts are L-shaped metal devices that wedge into dog holes to clamp work flat to the bench surface. Unlike dogs that work horizontally with a vise, holdfasts apply downward pressure, making them essential for operations like chopping mortises, carving, and routing.

Traditional cast iron holdfasts require a sharp strike with a mallet to set and a sideways tap to release. Modern versions from manufacturers like Gramercy and Crucible offer improved performance with less effort required to set them.

The key to holdfast success is proper hole sizing. Most holdfasts work best in 3/4-inch holes drilled through benchtops at least 2 inches thick. The holdfast shaft wedges against the sides of the hole, so hole diameter and benchtop thickness directly affect holding power.

Dog Hole Patterns and Spacing

Planning your dog hole layout before drilling is crucial since these holes are permanent. The most common approach is a single row running the length of your bench, positioned to work with your vise. A second row toward the back of the bench dramatically increases your workholding options.

Standard spacing ranges from 4 to 6 inches between holes. Closer spacing offers more positions but weakens the benchtop structure, while wider spacing limits your options with smaller workpieces. Many woodworkers find 4-inch spacing ideal for general work.

Position your row approximately 3 to 4 inches from the front edge when using a face vise. This allows the dog in your vise jaw to align with the row, creating maximum clamping range. For tail vises, the row typically runs along the length of the bench about 4 inches from the front edge.

Homemade vs Commercial Options

Commercial bench dogs offer convenience and consistent quality. Veritas, Benchcrafted, and Lee Valley all produce excellent options ranging from simple wooden dogs to sophisticated spring-loaded metal versions. Expect to pay between $15 and $40 per pair for quality commercial dogs.

Shop-made dogs cost almost nothing and work excellently. Turn round dogs from hardwood dowel stock, or cut square dogs from scrap hardwood. Many woodworkers prefer shop-made dogs because they’re easily replaced when damaged and completely customize to their specific needs.

For holdfasts, commercial options from Gramercy, Crucible, or vintage cast iron models are worth the investment. Quality holdfasts can cost $30 to $80 each, but they’ll last generations with proper care.

Best Holddowns for Different Tasks

Different operations demand different holding solutions. For hand planing, a combination of bench dogs and a vise provides the most secure setup, with the workpiece trapped between the vise dog and bench dogs along the row.

Carving and routing benefit from holdfasts positioned at the corners of your workpiece, applying downward pressure while leaving the work surface accessible. Some carvers prefer leather pads under holdfast heads to prevent marking.

For edge work like planing boards on edge, a single holdfast combined with a vise provides excellent support. The holdfast presses the board against the benchtop while the vise grips the end.

Workbench Setup Tips

Start with a solid benchtop at least 1-3/4 inches thick for holdfasts to work effectively. Thicker tops up to 4 inches provide even better holding power and stability.

Consider adding a row of dog holes to your bench’s front apron for clamping larger panels vertically. This often-overlooked feature dramatically expands your workholding capabilities.

Keep your dog holes clean and free of debris. A quick pass with a drill bit or dowel wrapped in sandpaper keeps dogs sliding smoothly and holdfasts setting securely.

Combining Methods for Complex Workpieces

The real power of bench dogs and holdfasts comes from using them together. Large panels might require dogs at one end working with the vise, plus holdfasts at strategic points to prevent lifting during aggressive planing.

Odd-shaped pieces often need creative combinations. A holdfast on one corner, a dog supporting another edge, and perhaps a wedge or stop at a third point can secure almost any shape.

Consider adding accessories like bench hooks, shooting boards, and planing stops to your workholding arsenal. These simple jigs work with your dogs and holdfasts to handle specialized tasks efficiently.

Investing time in proper workholding setup pays dividends in every project. Secure workpieces mean safer operations, cleaner cuts, and more enjoyable time at the bench. Start with a basic row of dog holes and a pair of holdfasts, then expand your system as your woodworking evolves.