Holdfast location(s)

Re: Holdfast location(s)

Dean J in MN

>I have my holdfast holes set up just like the bench shown third from the right (with the fellow ripping a board). I have a total of 5 holdfast holes -- one not shown on that plate -- along side the plane stop. A handy place for a hole I've found.

However, the photo gives several nice options.

Re: Holdfast location(s)

mikew

>Geez, Dean, even with my glasses on that's hard for me to see .

But I've seen that picture before...which book?

Thanks and take care, Mike

Re: Holdfast location(s)

Dean J in MN

>Sorry, that photo is bad.

It is a plate from Roubo as far as I know (Adam/Chris?) I've seen it in a few books, I can't remember which one I snagged this one from. Could have been from Chipstone if I recall. Need glasses for my memory.

-Dean

Yup, Roubo

Christopher Schwarz

>Attached is a little higher-res version. It's hard to deal with the 40k limit. If anyone needs a better version, ping me. I have a 2 meg version that is really sweet, though a drain on my bandwidth.

Chris

Chris beat me to it: another one

Frank D. in Montreal

>I may write a little comment on what Roubo says but I don't have time right now. From "Le Menuisier en B�timent" (more or less "the carpenter"). These are not furniture makers' benches.

Re: Chris beat me to it: another one

markfromsacramento

>Well, so what are all of those industrial people making on those benches if not furniture???? If they're not furniture makers benches could someone who does make furniture tell me about their holdfast locations?

Re: Chris beat me to it: another one

Christopher Schwarz

>Mark,

They are joiners working at those benches. Joiners were the people who made the sash, doors, mouldings and fitments for a house.

Though I might take flack for the following statement, I don't think it matters much if it's a joiner's bench or a cabinetmaker's bench. Check out Nicholson's book that lists a joiner's toolkit. Same tools, different moulding profiles. Joiners even cut dovetails for drawers.

I have one of these Roubo benches (though it is a *measly* 8' long). It's fantastic for making furniture. Dean's holdfast suggestions are great.

Chris

The holes

Frank D. in Montreal

>Hey Mark,

My pic gives you a good idea for spacing. Dean J. had a great Web page with his bench but it seems to be down. The holes are about 18" apart, and close to the front an back of the bench (3-4" from the edges). I placed the rear row closer to the middle (farther from the edge) and wish I didn't. On my bench I spaced the holes a little closer together (1 foot) but I also use the holes for my dogs and stops, so I'm happy with that. Roubo says not to make too many holes and i agree; you can always drill/chop more later if you need them (if you are building a new bench and designing the holes into your benchtop, then planning for them is obviously more important).

HTH

BTW the joiners in the pic make panels, moulding, staircases etc. for various buildings and houses. Roubo says they don't use a leg vise and he doesn't understand why.

Re: on Euro bench

ThomD

>ON modern style euro benches, where there are vises, and swiss cheesing the whole top may not be the prefered option, I put one to the right of the left hand face vise. I do it so when swung to the left it covers the right edge of the vice so it can help hold stuff related to the vice; and when swung to the right it will help hold stuff on the main edge. I have a second that covers the bench just over the right side leg post, to the left of the tail vise, and it's there for mortising action.

If you don't have any vises then you can use a ton more positions.

Re: Holdfast location(s)

markfromsacramento

>Wow, you guys are great! Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses. I continue to be inspired by all of you who freely share such great advice and I keep trying to "stretch" my skills up a bit. Thanks again.

Re: The holes

Dean J in MN

>Wow - I didn't think anyone would notice that web page being gone. I've switched ISPs and have been meaning to retake those photos anyway; perhaps I'll recreate that webpage with some updated photos. I'd be happy to attempt to work any photo requests into the new page.

-Dean