Holdfasts

[AndyT]

Back last summer, there was a long and interesting threadabout holdfasts, in which RichardT popped up and offered to make as many as forum members wanted.

I bought a pair, had a quick go with them and felt very pleased to have been able to get them.

Since then, I've not actually done much bench-based woodworking, but I've recently started on a small bookcase in ash, and I've been using them a lot more.

So, at risk of embarrasing Richard, I'd just like to say thanks again. They are so good! Clamping a board down on the bench so I can chop dovetails or plane a rebate is so quick and easy. A bash with a mallet on the top to set them, a bash on the side to release them. You might think that it doesn't take long to tighten a clamp, but these are better. It's so efficient that there is never the temptation to carry on with the wood in a slightly awkward position - you can always spare a few seconds to get it just right.

So well done Richard, for taking the time and trouble on these. Long may your blacksmithing and woodworking flourish!

 

[MickCheese]

I will second his embarrassment. I have a pair of them and don't really think too much about them but use them all the time so they must be great.

Thanks from me too.

Mick

 

[Richard T]

Shucks folks, I'm speechless

... but not so much so not to say that I've had a few requests for more holdfasts since. I've been telling people that I couldn't do smaller numbers for less than £18 per pair and they have all been understanding and ok about that.
So soon I will be ordering some steel for other stuff, (cough PLANES cough) to which I will add some more 18mm bar - enough to make some stock for future prospective customers.

I notice that Roy Underhill has been making great use of his "vallette" in the latest run of his show - the very best advertisement.

 

[studders]

Ta.

 

[JMcK]

Me too,please.

 

[markturner]

And me as well please....

 

[fluffflinger]

Another for the list please, I'd like a pair as a gift and two for myself.

Regards

Richard

 

[FestoolFishy]

Hi just wondering if you might consider making them with a square rather than round leg ? Maybe they would not work in the same way, sadly my bench has square dog holes

Keep up the good work
regards Peter

 

[clk230]

can you add me to the list aswell please

 

[Vann]

Hmmm. I'm very tempted, but scared of the shipping cost to New Zealand.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Richard T]

Oh dear Vann, yes, could be hefty. I'll find out when I get to weighing them in at the post office but I may have to type it in very small letters. :roll:

 

[AidanB]

how much would a pair of these cost including postage to Ireland?

 

[Richard T]

I don't know yet Aidan, I'll let you know when when I've made some to weigh. Shouldn't be too bad, I sent some to the Netherlands last time and that was much cheaper than I expected.

 

[Richard T]

Peter - I remember last time there were stories of lots of round 3/4 " hole borings going on. Square holes for dogs are just for dogs really, round is the only shape that bites properly.
I don't know if we ever reached a general consensus but I think they work best in a 2 - 3" deep hole. I seem to remember I tuned them to work best in a 2 1/4" deep hole ....
And it is probably better to have this hole somewhere more mid - bench than where you usually need dogs.
Has any one who uses them often got any advise/experience to share on this? ... Coo, yeh, some photos would be nice - I've seen them in test mode but never used in anger.

 

[Pete W]

I can echo the good reviews for Richard's holdfasts. Mine hold fine in my sawbench, which has a 2" thick top (say 45mm-ish finished dimension). I can also confirm (as if anyone needed it) that they don't hold well in the 1" top of my rubbish store-bought workbench.

 

[DTR]

Add me to the list please (I already posted in the other thread a few days ago). I'd be more than happy to pay £18 for a pair of decent holdfasts. I'm a bit concerned they won't work with my bench though. The top is around 2 5/8" thick, but for reasons I won't go into the dog holes are 20mm.

 

[studders]

the dog holes are 20mm.

Decide where you want to use the Hold fast, fill the hole with a 20mm plug glued in and rebore to 18-19mm.

 

[Paul Chapman]

the dog holes are 20mm.

Decide where you want to use the Hold fast, fill the hole with a 20mm plug glued in and rebore to 18-19mm.

I doubt that 1-2mm would make much difference to the effectiveness of the holdfast. I would leave the hole at 20mm and see how you get on.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Recky33]

Please will you put me down for a pair as well Richard, I missed it last time and have regretted it ever since

Allan

 

[Shane]

I'm on the other list, but I'll add myself to this one as well just incase, so a pair for me as well please if poss 8)