Section 16 - Dog holes

Section 15 - Vise faces

The next step is to bore the ¾ inch dog holes. I placed mine 6 inches apart but many people like them closer. Six inches was chosen based on the vise opening of 13 inches. 6 will allow at least two dog holes to be available.

Next step was to decide how far from the edge to set the dog holes and draw reference lines. I made a jig to ease the job of drilling the holes accurately. Center lines were drawn for the 6 inch spacing and two holes drilled in the jig. The center lines were lined up with the inset reference line and a guide nailed in place. Set the jig in the first location on the end of the end vise face and drill the hole. Set a dog on the hole and use the other hole as a reference to bore the next dog hole. Continue this until all desired dog holes are bored.


If you have a tool tray or used 4/4 material for the back apron you will have to reset the guide.


The bench is mostly done. Next step is to give it a good sanding, make sure there are no high or low spots on the top, then give it a good coat of varnish.


Section 17 - Bench dogs