THE BENCH HOLDFAST

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THE BENCH HOLDFAST

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The bench holdfast can be regarded as an extra helpful hand and is the perfect ‘clamp’, for holding work firmly flat on the workbench. The stem / bar of the bench holdfast, fits into any of the numerous holds (called ‘dog holes’) distributed around the workbench. The work is placed under the shoe of the holdfast and the tommy bar is used to turn the thread, applying pressure. Friction holds the stem of the holdfast firmly in the dog hole. Scrap wood should be placed under the shoe, before clamping takes place, protecting the surface of the work.

When not in use, the bench holdfast can be stored under the workbench or in a store cupboard.

ALTERNATIVE BENCH FAST (SOLID TYPE)

This type of holdfast is a solid forged bar. The workbench must have dog holes that are at least 19mm in diameter, for the holdfast to fit into. The bench top must be at least 64mm in thickness, in order for enough friction to be created, between the dog hole and the stem.
To set up the holdfast, drop the stem in one of the dog holes, trapping the wood to be worked on, under the shoe. Then, tap the stem / bar with a hammer / mallet from above. If a hammer is used, place scrap wood where the hammer strikes the stem / bar. This will protect the holdfast from potential damage.

The holdfast secures the wood / work to the bench. To release the holdfast, tap it from underneath the bench.

ALTERNATIVE BENCH FAST (CAM LEVER TYPE)

As the lever is pressed down, the CAM applies pressure to the shoe and the wood being worked on. Releasing the lever, releases / removes pressure downwards.
The knurled stem / bar provides the friction, holding it in the dog hole.

HOMEMADE BENCH HOLDFAST

A variety of homemade holdfasts an be manufactured in a basic workshop. An example is seen below

SOME ALTERNATIVE HANDLES

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