hold fasts

[ttalma]

I am almost done building my new work shop and I think for a first project I will be building a new work bench. I plan on a shaker style bench. But having used a hold fast in the past I am planing on adding one to my bench.

When I plan for one how long are the shanks for the hold fast and what diameter are they typically. I want to make sure I have the clearance below, and what is the spacing typical for the holes in the benchtop.

the one I used was about 18" long and needed a ~5/8 hole. It was made by a blacksmith, and since I don't know any blacksmiths I'll have to buy one.

And where is a good source for one. I've looked at the lee valley one, and all the hand tighting seems to fiddily for me I would just prefer a whack or two with my mallet.

Thanks -Tim

 

[cbentzley]

Tim,

Check with Phil Koontz at: http://www.galenavillageblacksmith.com/index.html. He was making some pretty nice ones a couple of years ago. For a decent commercial hold down, try the Grammercy ones from Joel Moscowitz at: http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/. Frank Klausz and several other woodworkers I know swear by them.

Craig

 

[nimetzrj]

Tim;

I have a Nicholson style bench with hold fasts. The holes are spaced based on the size of my bench and what I felt I liked and needed to do the work.

The hold fasts are from CW blacksmith and are 12" long and 3/4" dia. The hole size that I use is 7/8" dia but 13/16" would be ideal. The holes that I have now in my bench show a lot of wear but still hold the material with no problems.

When I built my bench I had talked with the cabinet shop at CW about their benches and they told me all benches are built to the craftsman's size and likes. Some like holes in the top and some do not. It all boils down to personal preference.

I have found out when the bench is complete and in use that I felt there were +- about the bench. That makes us a interesting lot as we are not always satisfied with what we do, so we keep working at it.

Good luck!

 

[Antiquity]

Tim,

I agree with Rich.  I bought 4 hold fasts from CW several years ago.  They are great!  I use them almost every day.  Before that I had 2 commercially made ones which were not nearly a good as the ones from CW.  They are sold at the Prentice Store in the historic area.

Dennis Bork
Antiquity Period Designs, Ltd.

 

[ttalma]

Thanks for the sources. Are the ones from CW still available. I am going down for the conference in Jan. While I'm there I'd like to pick up 2.

If they are no longer available I will order the Grammercy ones.

I think I will make clearance for the hold fasts but hold off on drilling the holes, and drill them as/where I need them. Like everybody I would like my bench to look like a piece of furniture, but I would rather it function as bench first, so I am looking forward to my first tool slip so I won't feel bad about banging up the top.

Maybe I should just drive a nail in it like that one furniture maker... I mean artist who's name I forget.

-Tim