Woodcraft 101: Workbench Dog Holes

Thank you to Woodcraft for sponsoring this video.

I show you how to layout and drill bench dog holes in any workbench using a router and jig.

Jig Details:
1/4 Aluminum plate
7/8 Holes 4" on Center

Tools used:
Festool Router OF1400

WoodRiver 5/8 OD Router Bushing

Whiteside - 5125 Up-Cut Spiral Router Bit

✯SOCIAL MEDIA✯

✯LOOKING FOR MORE✯

[cindydineen]

I had never heard of dog holes before, but it sure looks like they will add a lot of versatility to your workbench. Good recovery, Eric on your little calamity!! Thanks for being willing to share your mistakes so others can learn from them! Hope you enjoy this great addition to your workbench! You and Buddy have an awesome evening!! I see he is still supervising your videos!! Stay safe and well!! God bless!

[pemtax]

I would be very surprised if there is anyone viewing this that hasn't had that same human "oops" feeling during a project. Even with the oops, your project came out great!!

[nadawest]

I see Buddy is supervising you. Neat how you make dog

[leatherbydragonfly]

You will never guess whid the same thing to my new bench about 3 years ago. YUP yours truly. I left the divot to remind me about rotating bits.

[WoodcraftSupply]

Nice Dog to go with the dog holes! Nice recovery Eric, As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say....it's always somethin'!

[gengenone]

Dog holes are very old idea and they still work. The template was a great idea just like you said a little patience. Very good video full of good information inspiring keeping ourselves active during the lockdown.

[daveyJ]

Great video! I too have been using my work bench for years without dog holes or hold fasts. It’s time. I like the idea of the template with a router. Thanks for being humble enough to share mistakes also. It helps to know what to look out for. Much appreciated. Thanks for posting.

[WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Thanks for sharing, Eric. Pretty sure every project has at least one "Don't be an idiot" moment. I'm one of the folks that makes sure that curve has a nice, steep angle.

[georgewilmore]

Nice idea on making dog holes. Being cheap. I would make the template from plywood.

[gengenone]

Checking to make sure you're okay. I think of we watched everything you have created twice. Stay safe.

[unitwoodworking]

Thanks for a nice and interesting video.👍👍

[randallpartridge]

How deep did you go on the dog holes? The bit you recommend is 1 1/4

[marinechapssemperfiout]

Great video! BTW, you look familiar. Did you ever interview Jake Weidmann, Master Penman? Semper Fi

[bleysofshadows]

Great video! I like the idea of the aluminum template. How did you make it? I would think aluminum would withstand many more uses than OSB, etc.

[VinceEspositoJr]

Thanks for this. New to bench dogs, etc. Is there a standard hole size? Many thanks.

[billmurphy]

Are the 7/8" template holes larger than the finished 3/4" dog holes to account for the bushing wall thickness?

[aaronbono]

Someone once told me that the only tool you never use is speed.

[jackdunn]

I like the idea of the template. What size Router bit did you use? I believe you said half inch on the bit correct?

[Doubird]

Do the holes have to be tight? I don't quite understand how the hold down can securely hold a piece of wood if the hold down just slides into the holes easily. thanks for any help you can give.

[ThekiBoran]

Have you checked to see if the bit is centered in the guide bushing? Mine wasn't and Festool couldn't fix it. I notched the plate that holds the guide bushings and I removed the 2 rice-sized pins in the ring under the plate.