Reply To: Bench modifications
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I used the technique in that video for drilling the holes square – it’s a good trick. I couldn’t find a 19mm brad point bit though, so used this one instead:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/armeg-wood-beaver-drill-bit-hex-shank
It worked ok but actually cuts too quickly. It really pulls itself into the wood and if you’re not bearing down on the guide jig with all your body weight (which is especially difficult on the holes at the back of the bench) it can easily go slightly off track. Doesn’t make a huge difference though – my holdfasts still grip well in all the holes.
In terms of where to bore dog holes, there’s no right answer. It’s all down to how you want to actually use them. I bored two just to the left of my vise to use the planing stop, then a row of three about 3″ from the front, and the same from the back, at 12″ centers. I chose that spacing based on the reach of my holdfasts as that’s what they’re going to be used for. It’s the least number of holes to bore where I can grip anything with a holdfast anywhere on my bench except for about a 1″ section on the diagonal, which I can’t see myself needing as it’s right in the middle of the bench top. I can always add more if I need them. Attached a photo that might help explain.
Another bench modification I made was to make a simple saw peg using the same technique I used for hanging the shelf unit. Unfortunately, I only have one closed handle saw so will have to come up with something different for my open handle dovetail saw. Pic attached. For the curious, it’s a 14″ 13PPI Robert Groves & Sons saw – absolutely love it! Filed as per the video on here. Zero rake, small secondary bevel on each tooth, minimal set.
Also attached a pic of the shelf at one end of the bench. Just a piece of 18mm ply, screwed into the bottom of the aprons. It’s a nice place for my planes to sit. Picked up the idea from the school, where all the benches have this tweak.
George.