Workbench Workholding

WW'nTips-n-Tricks #082: Workholding on the Workbench
Inexpensive techniques for securing your work to your workbench so you can work the face, edge and end.
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Bonus: Gramercy HoldFast from Tools for Working Wood
www.toolsforwo...
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[@sjbartho1]

Watched this video twenty times. Great video and great reminder you don’t need the perfect expensive bench and vice.

[@pauljarine]

I really wish I was in Texas where you were when you had a school. I’m still happy with your yt channel but an in person class would have been awesome. Thank for all of this sweet information.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

I saw this video before, but wasn't on the verge of acting on it. Now I am, and glad I came back because I needed the refresher, and this has answered a couple of questions I've had. Thank you.

[@David-fv7zg]

I like simplicity. I have never seen bench “systems” as versatile, effective and simplistic as your methods here. I wish I would have known about this years ago when I had been buying bench dogs, and accessories for my bench. This is fantastic. I would encourage anyone who is in the market for some bench accessories to watch this video, and pick up these techniques. Consider donating a portion of the money you were willing to spend on these accessories and donate to Worth The Effort. He just saved you a bunch of money. Thanks for sharing this.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@doncooperjr4817]

What he said. I'm currently waiting for some of his tools to be back up. Yeah. I could make it... but I've benefitted enough from the free videos. Support the man, go buy stuff.

[@tramontane3239]

This is the video I was looking for but didn't know it until I found it.Thanks for the tips, they will go a long way.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@allanbarber4038]

Solid points. I think that a lot of what you teach us can be summed up by saying the most important, most valuable, tool we have in woodworking is the one between our ears. Thanks for sharing and encouraging your viewers.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@barnshopproductions7132]

All good points and demos. Like the saying, "a little wisdom goes a long way". Thanks for your great videos.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@parker10hayward]

Boom! This is the good stuff right here. Thanks for all the quality guidance!

[@dspeerelec643]

I am impressed with the content of your presentation. Thank you

[@davidarcher8790]

You're a genius. This was so helpful

[@wortheffort]

I know. :)

[@FranksDIY]

That was a very good explanation on how to and what you don't need.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@markburton6522]

there will always be hope for the following generations to be good wood workers because they can anyways go back and watch your videos, 100 years from now. if something happened to all the other wood working information in the world and all they had was your compilation of videos, future craftsmen would be good to go.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@spencerjw]

Love these kinds of videos. Simple, to the point, no fluff! I'm getting ready to build my new workbench from eastern yellow pine beams (6x6 originally) that were given to me for free. These tips will really help me out with this build as I decide on my final design.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@wb_finewoodworking]

That’s a great demonstration especially for anyone who is new to woodworking or is trying to build things on a strict budget. I don’t even have a workbench. For over 30 years all my projects have been built using one of the original Black & Decker Workmates. I bought it back in 1976 when they were first introduced in the USA. While it’s served me well I’m finally starting to make an actual workbench. All your ideas will be helpful but I’m also at the point where I can afford some luxuries and have a 24” Veritas Twin Screw Vise and a Veritas Sliding Quick Release Tail Vise to install on the bench. After using that Workmate for 30 years I decided to go first class with my vises.

[@wortheffort]

You're gonna like it.

[@Straightfromthehorsesmouth]

The quick clamp tip is awesome. Great video. I am currently trying to watch every video you have made. It's all great advice.☺👍

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@PaulvanOsss]

What a spirit! Thanks for showing the road to create in such a nice and useful way. I came for the bandsaw...

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@SOLT_Mark]

Great advice. We think we need all the fancy tools but rarely do. Simple is usually best. Great video!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@stauffap]

Fancy tools make more money for the person who sells it. Maybe that's what it comes down to. There's a lot of money in making people believe that they need fancy tools to shape wood with. Of course we have been shaping wood for hundreds of years with the most simple tools and they didn't have much time to waste either or they would have starved. So woodworking by hand actually doesn't take as much time as many people think. It just requires a lot more knowledge than using electric tools and fancy equipement.

[@gregu4791]

Excellent. "The simplest answer tends to be the right one."

[@wortheffort]

KISS

[@dennisbracci9212]

Love your channel.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Another great video sir. I am planning on making a bench bout this same size, Size wise it will work in my little garage shop. Thanks again for sharing and I hope you have a blessed week. Dale

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@johnwisniewski8712]

This is excellent!! Thanks for posting this

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Mr_Rick]

Thanks for sharing. Very Good.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

Lots of great ideas here.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@colinmcewen9512]

Thanks for breaking it down

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@DonsWoodies]

Darn, Shawn. That quick clamp thru the dog hole is genius. Tried that just now and it works great. Lots of good stuff here.

[@wortheffort]

cheap solution, works great in jigs too.

[@ГеннадийНиколаевичКузнецов]

Very instructive. Thank!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@chadfeaster9366]

Great tips as always...I just finished making a leg vise with some all thread, pipe fittings, and some heavy lumber I salvaged.

[@wortheffort]

Great way of doing it.

[@robertbeebe7520]

Glad I stumbled on your channel. A lot of great tips. Being new to woodworking (profession Machinist) I really appreciate the way you teach. Keep up the great work.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@rico1319]

Just getting adjusted to my new / used 1st woodworking bench! Thank you for all the tips and God bless brother keep up the good work!, from the north side of Lake Travis! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@tonyennis3008]

Very informative video.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Rusty_ok]

Good tips. This video shows multiple ways to use what I already have.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@curtlockhart2846]

Thank you! It is always wortheffort to watch your videos.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@kieranfoster902]

Very simple but effective. I'm just getting started with my woodworking so it is nice to have less expensive but effective ideas that will help me on a budget. Thanks for sharing.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@reprosser]

Such good info - multiple options and low cost. Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good! Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@johnjacobs8568]

Super video bloke! I always learn a little something from all your videos, but this one was fantastic. Thought I knew heapsxabout clamping! Now I know heaps more! Wish I could have done the course with you!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@doncooperjr4817]

Great refresher! I also appreciate the value (economy?) Of the options you displayed. Money is a mysterious thing that leaves the bank account so being reminded of ways to fashion what's needed is a great talking point. Thanks boss.

[@wortheffort]

Money can't leave if it never gets there in first place. Solutions of necessity....

[@brianlasch144]

Shawn, just wanted to say thanks for point us to Gramercy Holdfasts, Just got mine Friday and wow what a great value they are at 3/4 the price of the woodcraft holdfasts.

[@wortheffort]

Rubber Cement some leather pads on the feet.

[@bloodbourne128]

Exactly what I needed to see today. Thanks

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@tomas5376]

All good tips I’ve used for years👍

[@wortheffort]

Well hopefully you can show us some new ones too.

[@ShiftyTipsChannel]

Great job!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ugaladh]

I had a Veritas screw down holdfast that I did use. couple of months ago, I got 2 Gramercy holdfasts like yours and I love them. It's just so fast to place them, rap 'em and you're set. I find I use them much more often and work more safely too.

[@wortheffort]

Ya, I started with one of those Veritas because in an apartment they were quieter. Don't use em anymore.

[@BigTubz]

Simple is better. Great video, well explained.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Great tips and great timing, Shawn. I just picked up a 1" tap and die set for wood recently, and like your Moxon setup. That looks like the best route for me.

[@wortheffort]

You'll find lots of uses for the tap and die.

[@talltexan8401]

Excellent video as usual!👍

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@michaelkulman7095]

Great video! I would add though that using wedges and or cams with dog hole system is very versatile and can substitute for many clamps and clamping jobs like gluing up panels say on the bench. Also they can be used for many of the processes you show.

[@michaelkulman7095]

An example of using wedges and cams: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZbbeaOgarN8pqM

[@wortheffort]

Ya coulda just searched the subject on my channel as I've discussed that many times before.

[@michaelkulman7095]

@@wortheffort You sound a little over-defensive... considering I said it was a great video...

[@wortheffort]

nah, just seemed odd you'd go out of way to search for something on other channel to promote here when it has been covered here. That's actually something people program "bots" to do in the "Pay for Views" arena. Which is an issue devastating many other channels at the moment. But I did verify before commenting you weren't recommending your own channel.@@michaelkulman7095

[@michaelkulman7095]

@@wortheffort I just looked for a video to illustrate what I meant, not for you so much as other viewers and I just used what came up first in a search and it didn't even occur to me to search your channel. Now maybe I have bad KZbin etiquette, that may be true but I'm just a casual user who doesn't even think about the things you mentioned, that aspect of things.

[@TheSphere07]

Excellent video! Please show me how you cut the threads on the bold and the matching ID threads.

[@DIY_Dad_Pat]

great advice thanks

[@donfillenworth1721]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@briantafelmeyer7337]

Everybody likes some “side action “...... great info.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@scottmartin7717]

This is wonderful... Genuinely, thank you very much for this. I feel dumb for not thinking about using quick clamps with dog holes!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@johnmav8309]

Thank you!

[@kenneumann3099]

Great Ideas! Thanks

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Shawn, very informative. Thanks for showing that simplicity works. Thanks for Sharing!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@jmp116]

I knew it! Your an awesome teacher man.

[@wortheffort]

I know. :)

[@watermain48]

Great tips Shawn, thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ianstevenson1311]

Great stuff 👍

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Great tips! And thank you for the captions!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@909sickle]

My mind was blown when you removed the end of that quick-clamp. Had to pause the video and go check my clamps. Mine do remove, but they're a cheaper Irwin style with a screw / nut instead of a slide-off release required to get it off. Still, I've seen 4-5 workholding videos and never seen that excellent tip! I also like the mousepad idea.

[@wortheffort]

They work pretty good. I use em that way in jigs a lot.

[@halsonger1317]

If you take the fixed jaw off and put it backwards on the other end of the bar your clamp becomes a spreader.

[@909sickle]

@@halsonger1317 My cheapo clamps do not release the trigger side, but that is a good idea.

[@scottadams2624]

What a great video!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@MattOwsiany]

Can you tell me how wide the top is

[@ironleatherwood1357]

Great advice! Thanks

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@grandadz_forge]

Love your videos. Nice to see some. Thanks. I pretty much learned everything from you.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@williamhdixon]

Would holdfasts work with a workbench top made from doubled-up 3/4" plywood, like "Your First Workbench" in your "Start Woodworking" series?

[@StuffUCanMake]

This is so good!!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you

[@JoeK0322]

Do you have any holdfasts from Black Bear Forge? He is a fellow KZbin maker and they are amazing.

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

You are so energetic that this old man keeps thinking slow down son breathe😂

[@rick91443]

Yup. I agree with all those guys down there...cheers...rr Normandy

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@rjtumble]

Do you have any videos on how you made tapped your dowels so nicely? I have a little wood tap and die set for 3/4" dowels that I used for making nut crackers. It works ok, but there's a lot of wood tear out on the threads that I don't see on yours. Any tips for that? Did you make it on the lathe? I did a quick search of your channel and didn't find anything, thanks.

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Check out King's Fine Woodworking. He shows how to avoid the tear out in wood threads by soaking the dowel in mineral oil.

[@rjtumble]

@@talltimberswoodshop7552 thanks. I tried with boiled linseed oil, but maybe just didn't let it soak long enough (the interior of the threads was still dry when I cut them). I'll check out the video you suggested.

[@wortheffort]

I have a bonus somewhere on the chinese tap an die's I use. They're not great. You have to reharden the blade. But They've made about 60 leg vises so I've gotten my money's worth. A little wax or oil makes em work easier.

[@Aubreykun]

There's a german-made wood threading kit which is leagues better than the chinese versions. Other than that there's the power-driven beall system and plans in one of roy underhill's books for making a wood tap and die.

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Always like your videos, built my solid maple bench 25yrsago, too bad the top is only 2-1/2 thk, also I made the dogholes 1"...should have made them 3/4 ARG

[@wortheffort]

swap the top if ya don't like it. only a bit of woodworking.

[@pmdoit]

Do you have a video on how to build that bench? 😉

[@wortheffort]

No, but wouldn't mind building another with all the fancy vises. If only.... $$$$.

[@Aubreykun]

For anyone reading the comments: Check out the woodwright's shop episode "Viseless Devices" (Season 34 Episode 5, available streamed on the PBS website.) There's some other handy ways to hold things shown there. I'm always fussing with adjusting my handscrew clamps to get enough of a contact surface, maybe it just takes practice but they slip if they're slightly off-parallel. I use C clamps most often and jam a small piece of scrap under the pads, as well as having a bunch of odd small clamp-on vises I got used for relatively cheap. For vise screws: Scissor jacks are a good source of long, strong threaded rods with a handle hole built in, if you find a cheap used one (or want to replace the one in your car emergency kit.) Just make sure the thread is full-length and clean it real well first. Not sure if dismantling the jack for the rod or using the jack as-is is a better way to go about using it. In the former case you may have to make a wood threading tap for it by hacking off the end (like in matthias wandel's video on it) if you can't reuse the nut inside it.

[@brianrust5275]

Question? With the hold fast you were demonstrating, what is the ideal bench top thickness? I would assume that a one inch thick bench top would not hold as well as a 3 1/2” thick bench top. Mine is laminated 2x4s turned on end, as many are, so I am sure it would be fine but I have other bench tops that are not as thick. What is the thinnest bench top they would hold on? I’m sure the thickest just depends on the length of the “neck” (if you will) of the gold fast? Thank you for the videos! Love them all. Keep up the good work!! I would like to see you restore an old tool. I bet you would have some more interesting process than all the videos I see where vinegar or evaporust is the star of the show haha. Thanks again man!!

[@wortheffort]

Go to the Tools for Working Wood website and they have a whole article on it. People like me with a thick top usually counterbore underneath so the effective thickness for the holdfast is something like 2.5-3.5"

[@brianrust5275]

Thanks man I really appreciate it!

[@TomBuskey]

My bench top is douglas fir 2x10 planks. I have the same holdfasts and they work. I might do the next top thicker with laminating 2x3 boards when I wear this one down.T

[@brianlasch144]

I have a 3" top, and just picked up one of the grammercy holdfasts, its working great in my Nicholson style bench.

[@navret1707]

KISS usually works best. 👏

[@wortheffort]

Yep

[@MrDynamitd]

Imagine , simple , easy, fast , and it works , don't know if I could use this or not as it doesn't come with fancy instructions,,,,,DOOOHHHHHHH !

[@wortheffort]

comes with instructions but no pictures.

[@MrDynamitd]

a few crayon drawings for us OLD FARTS would help. Love your videos , plain simple easily adapted , to the point , keep them comin.

[@irvinwittmeier5208]

Make due with what you got !;-)

[@wortheffort]

It's cheaper that way.

[@COLDROLD73]

Goathead sed "nice"

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@tonyennis3008]

Fix your squeaky vise!

[@wortheffort]

And deny people the chance to complain about it... never.

[@tonyennis3008]

@@wortheffort lol