OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

264744 Chuck Taylor 2018‑01‑17 Re: dog holes
Don Schwartz wrote:

====
I am contemplating a new bench, and noticed Derek Cohen's bench sports 
both rectangular and round dog holes. Is there any advantage of one over 
the other, or is a combination of both desirable?

====

Don,

I don't think there is a "wrong" answer to the "round vs. square dog holes"
question.


Advantages of square dog holes:

* square dogs don't rotate
* square dogs are more traditional
* easier on new benches than on an existing bench
* boring holes through a 5" thick maple bench top is hard work. DAMHIKT.


Advantages of round dog holes:

* round dogs are easier to retrofit on an existing bench
* arguably less fussy to install on a new bench 

* can use the same holes for bench dogs and holdfasts
* round holes tend to be smaller (3/4") than square or rectangular holes and
allow less debris to fall through


Beyond that, I think it's a matter of individual preference. I went with square
dogs when I built my latest bench. YMMV.

--
Chuck Taylor

north of Seattle USA

Recent Bios FAQ