This week I found myself moving toward the dark side. I installed bench holes so I could use a holdfast. Why a holdfast? I am working on a piece that has 10 drawers – 10 hand-cut dovetail drawers. I couldn’t stand the idea of turning an F-style clamp that many times, so I opted for the holdfast.
To use a holdfast meant that I needed to add a couple through-holes to my bench. (My Shaker-style bench has a bank of drawers underneath, so I did not drill the original holes completely through the top.) For this operation I used a plunge router and 3/4″-outside diameter router bit. When I posted this technique while at Popular Woodworking Magazine, I didn’t include where I found the router bits. I will not make that mistake again. I have two sources for 3/4″ up-cut spiral router bits. The first is Lee Valley & Veritas (item #86J01.42). A second source is Woodcraft (item #03K53). Also, the holdfast is from toolsforworkingwood.com. (Here’s a link)
Below is a short video that shows the process. It is too easy!
Build Something Great!
Glen
Dark side? cuz you drilled a hole in your bench?
I did this yesterday too. I just used my corded electric drill, a template, a vacuum hose to remove chips while drilling and a cup of water to cool the bit while I drilled. (don’t tell my hand tool friends ;o) )
Dark side not due to the fact that I drilled my bench, but because I drilled it to use a holdfast.
Come on in – the water is lovely on the dark side