How to Use Wooden Bench Dogs

A bench dog is an object used to help secure an object to a work bench. The dog consists of two wooden pegs, which are secured to the table in a vertical position. The work table has a series of holes along its length for one of the pegs, and the hole chosen is based on the length of the object that needs to be secured. The other peg is attached to the end of the work bench.

Things You'll Need

• Work bench side clamp (vise)
• Two wooden peg bench dogs

Instructions

1. Rotate the handle of the vise mount counter clockwise to open it. Keep rotating it until it is out to the width need to fit the wooden peg.

2. Slip the peg, or bench dog, into the top opening of the clamp and hold it with one hand.

3. Rotate the handle of the clamp in a clockwise direction to close it. Keeping rotating it until the peg you are holding no longer wants to fall if you let it go. Rotate the handle a little more to clamp the bench dog tight so that it cannot slip even when pushed or pulled on.

4. Slide a second peg into one of the holes in the top of the work bench. Select the hole needed for the proper distance of whatever wood project you are working on.

5. Clamp the wood piece between the two bench dogs, or pegs, to secure it so that you can get to work. The project will not slip or slide around this way, and you can use both hands for your work instead of having to use one to hold onto the wood.

References

• Inside Woodworking: How to Build a Work Bench