Ash Dogs, Holdfasts & Vice Face Plates

[pollys13]

I'm making my bench dogs from Ash dowel. As the vice face plates will have dog holes and the ash dogs will be subject to clamping force. Should I make the plates from Ash, perhaps staining them to match the Redwood if thats a concern?
I've read up a little about holdfasts am I likely to need them at some stage? I found these Gramercy holdfasts which are good quality, from a very reputable seller and at a reasonable price, £42 pair inc vat inc delivery.
http://www.fine-tools.com/holdfast.html

 

[John15]

I can recommend Gramercy holdfasts.

John

 

[ED65]

I'm making my bench dogs from Ash dowel. As the vice face plates will have dog holes and the ash dogs will be subject to clamping force. Should I make the plates from Ash...?

It's not necessary for them to withstand use if that's what you're thinking. Dogs can be, frequently are, harder than the wood that holds them.

Whether or not to go with ash rather than redwood for the jaws is part of an eternal debate among woodworkers, between those who think jaws should be hard wood to stand up well over time, or soft wood so as not to so easily marr the work. Assuming you choose to go with ash I would suggest lining them with leather.

I've read up a little about holdfasts am I likely to need them at some stage?

If you get them you're likely to use them, and if you use them I imagine after the first five minutes you'll wonder how you'd work without them! They're that useful (except to the occasional person who thinks they have no useful purpose, one might be along any moment now to talk you out of buying them :lol.

The pad on a holdfast can also be lined with leather BTW. Don't know why that's not more commonly done as it makes for a great upgrade.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I was lucky enough to get a pair of Richard's - I wonder what I did before. Likewise the reversible strip down the middle of the top of the bench.

 

[pollys13]

The pad on a holdfast can also be lined with leather BTW. Don't know why that's not more commonly done as it makes for a great upgrade.[/quote]
OK thanks for the tips.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I suspect people don't line the pads as they tend to use pieces of waste wood anyway. It hadn't occurred to me to use them straight on the piece being held.