Drill a bench Dog hole in a Workbench. Bench dog holes are an important part of any workbench and essential for various tasks.
Whether drilling pilot hole sizes for bolts or screwing things down, a bench dog hole is a must. But how do you drill one?This blog will walk you through the entire process of drilling a bench dog hole in a workbench from start to finish.
All you need are some supplies and patience – and you’ll be drilling that bench dog hole like a boss in no time.
Things You’ll Need To Drill A Bench Dog Hole
A bench dog hole is a hole that is used to support a workbench. It’s a handy hole to have and can be drilled with the help of the right tools. Drilling bench dog holes can be a bit of a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, the process is relatively easy Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Rill bit – this is the bit used to drill into the wood
- Enchdog hole saw – this is the saw that is used to cut the hole in the wood
- Hogan shell holder (if using a shotgun) – this is used to hold the hotgun while firing
What Is A Bench Dog Hole?
A bench dog hole is a hole in the top of a workbench used to clamp a workpiece in place. The hole is usually round and slightly larger than the diameter of the dog, which is a short, cylindrical piece of metal or wood that fits into the hole.
One example of how to use a bench dog hole is when you are sawing a longboard. You can clamp one end of the board in the vise and the other in a bench dog hole. This will hold the board steady while you see it.
Another example is when you are planning a board. You can clamp one end of the board in the vise and the other on the bench dog hole. This will hold the board steady while you plane it.
Purpose Of Drilling A Bench Dog Hole
A bench dog hole provides a lot of versatility to a woodworker that a flat surface can’t provide. By adding a bench dog hole (or two or three), you can quickly and easily turn your workbench into a vise, a router table, a sanding station, or a whole host of other things.
Let’s take a closer look at why you might want to add a bench dog hole to your workbench. A bench dog is simply a small dowel or cylindrical piece of wood that fits snugly into a hole drilled in your workbench. The bench dog serves two purposes:
- First, it provides a way to secure your workpiece to the bench so that it doesn’t move around while working on it. This is especially handy when doing tasks like carving or sawing, where a moving workpiece can quickly ruin your work.
- Second, the bench dog can be used as an adjustable stop. By clamping a workpiece to the bench dog, you can use it to position your workpiece for tasks like planing or sanding.
Ways To Use A Bench Dog Hole
Now that we know what a bench dog is and what it’s for let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use a bench dog hole in your workbench.
One of the most common ways to use a bench dog hole is to turn your workbench into a vise. Simply clamping a vise to the bench dog hole allows you to quickly and easily secure your workpiece for tasks like sawing, planing, and carving.
Another common use for a bench dog hole is to turn your workbench into a router table. By attaching a router plate to the hole, you can use your workbench as a stable and sturdy platform for routing. You can also use a bench dog hole to create a sanding station.
By attaching a sanding block to the hole, you can use your workbench to provide a flat and level surface for sanding.
As you can see, a bench dog hole can provide a lot of versatility to your workbench. If you’re looking for a way to add more functionality to your bench, drilling a bench dog hole is a great place to start.
How To Use A Forstner Bit To Make A Bench Dog Hole
You can buy bench dogs, but making your own is easy and inexpensive. All you need is a drill and a dowel of the appropriate size. To make a bench dog, start by drilling a hole in the top of the bench.
To drill a bench dog hole in a workbench, use a Forstner bit to drill a hole in the top of the workbench. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a Forstner bit to make a bench dog hole:
- Start by drilling a pilot hole with a smaller drill bit. This will help to guide the Forstner bit and prevent it from slipping.
- Attach the Forstner bit to your drill and set it to the desired depth.
- Drill slowly and steadily, applying light pressure.
- When you reach the desired depth, stop drilling and remove the bit from the hole.
- Use a chisel to enlarge the hole, if needed. And that’s it! With a little practice, you’ll be able to make perfect bench dog holes in no time.
How Do You Measure For A Bench Dog Hole?
A workbench is not complete without bench dogs. Bench dogs are pegs that fit into corresponding holes in the top of the bench and are used to hold workpieces in place while you work on them.
The hole should be slightly larger than the dowel you’re using. Next, cut the dowel to the desired length.
If you’re unsure how long to make it, start with a piece about 3 inches long. Once you’ve cut the dowel, please insert it into the drilled hole. If the fit is too tight, you can sand the dowel until it’s the right size.
Once it’s the right size, you can trim it to the desired length. Now you have a bench dog that’s ready to use. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the bench dog. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- First, measure the width of your workbench.
- Then, measure the thickness of your bench dog.
- Next, measure the length of your bench dog.
- Finally, measure the depth of your workbench.
Now that you have all your measurements, you’re ready to mark out your bench dog hole. Here’s a real-life example:
Let’s say your workbench is 24″ wide, your bench dog is 1″ thick, your bench dog is 4″ long, and your workbench is 2″ deep.
You would mark out a hole that is 24″ wide, 1″ thick, 4″ long, and 2″ deep. Now that you know how to measure for a bench dog hole, you’re ready to get started on your next woodworking project.
Type Of Drill Bit For A Bench Dog Hole
There are a few different types of drill bits that you can use for drilling bench dog holes. The most common type is the standard bit, which is made out of cast iron and has a cylindrical shape.
You can also use a spade bit, similar to the standard bit, but it has a flattened end that makes it easier to penetrate hard materials.
Finally, you can use a rabbet bit with two angled edges that grip the workbench’s surface and help prevent it from moving while you’re drilling.
However, a Forstner bit is the best drill bit for a bench dog hole. If you’re looking to make a bench dog hole, you’ll need a Forstner bit.
This type of drill bit is designed to make clean, flat-bottomed holes, which is ideal for a bench dog hole.
Conclusion
Many woodworkers wonder why they should bother drilling a bench dog hole in their workbench. After all, the whole point of a workbench is to provide a sturdy and flat surface to work on.
The purpose of drilling a bench dog hole in a workbench is to provide a way to secure the workpiece being worked on. In this blog, we’ve guided you through the entire drill dog hole drilling process. If you’re still unclear, please let us know in the comments below.
FAQ
1. How Do You Set Up The Drill Bit For A Bench Dog Hole?
Ans : To set up the drill bit for a bench dog hole, first measure the thickness of the bench dog. Then, using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the thickness of the bench dog, drill a hole in the center of the hole you wish to use for the bench dog.
Next, insert the bench dog into the hole and mark the location of the hole on the dog. Finally, using a drill bit that is the same size as the one you used to drill the initial hole, drill a second hole at the location you marked on the bench dog.
2. How Do You Hold The Workbench While Drilling A Bench Dog Hole?
Ans : If you’re using a hand drill, you can hold the workbench with one hand while drilling the bench dog hole with the other.
If you’re using a power drill, you can clamp the workbench to a table or other surface to keep it steady while you drill the hole.
3. How Do You Know When You’ve Drilled Deep Enough For A Bench Dog Hole?
A bench dog hole is typically drilled to a depth of 1/3 the thickness of the bench top. For example, if the bench top is 3 inches thick, You should drill the dog hole to a depth of 1 inch.
4. How deep do you drill bench dog holes?
Ans : When drilling bench dog holes for your woodworking project, you’ll want to drill them at a depth of about 2 inches.
This will ensure that the hole is the correct size and that the woodworking bit will go through the wood without issue.
If you’re drilling larger dogs or more than one hole, it’s a good idea to drill multiple holes and then use a jigsaw to cut them all out later.
5. What Do You Do If You Drill Too Deeply For A Bench Dog Hole?
Ans : If you drill too deeply for a bench dog hole, you can use a dowel to plug the hole.
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