Forstner bits

[Jes Pidlin]

One thing I didn't notice in the other postings, you should have the holes at a slight angle (~2 degrees). This prevents the dogs from being pushed passed 90 degrees when pressure is applied, and the clamped object riding out. This is recommended for the square dogs, and I assume the same applies to round ones.

[Lance]

Jes,

I could be wrong, but I think the holes are supposed to be vertical, and that it is the "face" of the bench dog that gets angled. If I'm not mistaken, the hole is very slightly larger than the dog, and the tilt of the dog under pressure is actually designed in and increases the dog's holding power, kind of like with iron holdfasts.

I think if you angled the holes they would only work from one direction and seriously limit their usefulness.

I haven't done this yet, so no practical experience, but am planning to this summer, so if I am incorrect, someone please correct me!

-Lance

[LCHIEN]

Jes,

I could be wrong, but I think the holes are supposed to be vertical, and that it is the "face" of the bench dog that gets angled. If I'm not mistaken, the hole is very slightly larger than the dog, and the tilt of the dog under pressure is actually designed in and increases the dog's holding power, kind of like with iron holdfasts.

I think if you angled the holes they would only work from one direction and seriously limit their usefulness.

I haven't done this yet, so no practical experience, but am planning to this summer, so if I am incorrect, someone please correct me!

-Lance

I was under the impression that the holes were angled.

With a slight amount of play, and vertical holes, even if the face were flat, any small vertical force would tend to lift the workpiece and slide up the dog face.

usually the holes will tilt toward the vise at one end of the bench, so direction of tilt is not an issue because that's the direction you will need thme to work in.

I guess however, that tilting the dog face would also work to prevent the workpiece from sliding up the face. I suppose for certain dogs, an angled face is not convenient, though. Like a brass peg for example.

But, I'm still working (in the thinking stages, like you) on my first official bench with vises and dogs, as well.

[wreckwriter]

If it absolutely has to be done with a hand drill, you might consider this. You can pick up drill guides like this from a number of places. Sears definitely sells them, and the BORG might as well.

Yea, I got mine at the Borg; brand is "General". Its not a very impressive unit though, mostly plastic....

[Jes Pidlin]

[QUOTE=LCHIEN]I was under the impression that the holes were angled.


"usually the holes will tilt toward the vise at one end of the bench, so direction of tilt is not an issue because that's the direction you will need them to work in."

That's what I meant about the angle, toward the end vice. I don't see how angling the dog face would keep it from riding out of a 90 degree hold under pressure. It will hold the piece to the table, but as pressure is applied, the dog will move back slightly, and as more pressure is applied, will begin to creep up.