Holdfasts and Bench Hook

2010.08.10

Holdfasts

I drilled a few holes for holdfasts; one close to the planing stop to help hold it down, then three more spaced out along the back of the workbench in the middle.  I can always add more later if I think I need them.  I used a 3/4″ auger bit in a brace drill, and a couple engineer squares as guides.  After the holes were drilled through, I chamfered them with a large countersink bit.

Drilling hole for holdfast in workbench top
Chamfering rim of holdfast hole in workbench top

2010.08.14

Bench Hook

The bench hook is a simple and traditional workbench appliance for crosscutting small parts with a tenon saw or other small backsaw.  It can be used for a variety of other purposes as well.  I made the base from plywood and the fence and hook from red oak.

Bench hook