Fast action hold down

[Phil Stone]

I have a thick (4") benchtop too, and initially I had holdfast issues. I just hit the shafts with some sandpaper and problem solved.

Yes, I did the sanding thing, too (around the shaft, not along it), but that didn't fix the problem until I counterbored from beneath. I'm surprised yours are holding in a 4" top. Are these standard 3/4" dog holes?

[Rob Luter]

Yes, I did the sanding thing, too (around the shaft, not along it), but that didn't fix the problem until I counterbored from beneath. I'm surprised yours are holding in a 4" top. Are these standard 3/4" dog holes?

I used a 3/4 auger bit for the holes. They're pretty close to size. The LV brass bench dogs fit in them perfect, and the holdfasts do as well. I will say that some of the holes require an extra whack on the holdfast with the mallet, but not often.

Edit - I was down shoveling out my shop in preparation for woodworking season and put a tape on my bench. It's really 3 1/2 inches thick. I feel like a dope.

[Cliff Polubinsky]

I compared the screw down and the quick release one at the first Handworks. The quick release could slip under some circumstances. The screw down seemed more solid.

Cliff