Recenty the topic of square vs. round dog holes came up (again). It seems
that each time people make the argument that round dogs allow you to do odd
clamping. Round dogs can do this, but so can sqaure ones. Today I had to
hold a "pointed end" workpiece.... something that could not be held easily
by either a round or a square dog.
The solution was a custom holder fitted to both the dog and the workpiece.
It took me about 120 seconds to fish through the scrap bin, scribe the
workpiece, the dog, and to cut it to shape on the bandsaw.
Pics posted to ABPW.
To be fair, I have both round and square holes on my bench. I use the round
holes with hold-fasts to apply downward pressure but generally not for
lateral clamping.
-Steve
Once long ago when I was googling for something quite different, I came
across the text of a chatroom visit with Frank Klausz. It sidetracked
me for quite a while. Someone asked "Frank: square or round bench
dogs?"
Frank was VERY definite. Square. They must be square. He and his father
did not spend time with the chisels making square holes because they
looked better. Round dogs will lose their grip with certain odd-shaped
pieces, says he. THEY MUST BE SQUARE!
"I hope I do not hear any more questions about round bench dogs!", says
he.
I got the distinct impression he felt very strongly about it.
I use round myself. Maybe I'll make square holes in the next bench.