Bench Dogs and Holdfasts: What Actually Works
I spent way too long early on just clamping everything to my bench with random C-clamps and hoping for the best. Once I finally set up proper workholding, everything got easier – safer cuts, cleaner results, less frustration.
Bench Dogs
These are just pegs that fit into holes in your bench. They work with your vise to trap workpieces horizontally.
Round vs square: Round dogs are easier (just drilled holes) and can rotate for angled work. Square dogs grip better but need mortised holes. Most modern benches use round.
Metal vs wood: Metal dogs last forever but can nick your plane blade if you’re careless. Wood dogs are free to make from scrap, easy to replace, and won’t damage tools. I use wood for most work, metal when I need the grip.
Holdfasts
L-shaped metal things that wedge into dog holes and press down on work. Hit with a mallet to set, sideways tap to release. Essential for chopping mortises, carving, anything where you need downward pressure.
The key is proper hole sizing – 3/4″ holes work for most holdfasts. Your bench needs to be at least 2″ thick for them to grab properly. Thicker is better.
Dog Hole Layout
One row running the length of your bench, about 3-4″ from the front edge, lined up with your vise. Space them 4-6″ apart – I like 4″ spacing. A second row toward the back helps with larger pieces.
Think before you drill. These holes are permanent.
What to Buy vs Make
Holdfasts: buy good ones. Gramercy or Crucible. Worth the $30-80 investment. They’ll outlast you.
Dogs: make them from hardwood dowel or scrap. Free, work great, easy to replace when damaged. Only buy fancy spring-loaded metal dogs if you’ve got money to burn.
Actually Using This Stuff
For planing: dogs in bench working with vise dog, workpiece trapped between them.
For carving/routing: holdfasts at corners pressing down, surface stays clear for tools.
For edge work: holdfast pressing board against bench, vise gripping the end.
Start simple – one row of holes, two holdfasts. Expand as you figure out what you actually need.
