Ok, since the workmate is busy holding up a 70 pound toolbox, decided the holdfasts/dogs could be used on my workBENCH.    Laid out a few holes, about 6" or so apart.   Needed a 3/4" drill bit.   Last  time, the Forstner bit was quite the ticket, wallered the hole a bit.   Needed something better

Something like this.   Bit is 3/4", sweep of the brace is 10".  Millers Falls brace, at that.  Got the bit nice and tight in the chuck, and stood this thing up on the bench

Almost chin-level.  Drill a few holes, testing the fit as I go along

Those little black squares are the B&D Workamate dogs.  Had to sand them a bit, for a less snug fit.  Still need a hammer to tap them home.  Grabbed some scrap and a small plane, tested the track out

Now, instead of changing out the drill bit, got to thinking ( a dangerous thing, right there)  why not just set things up to just grab  a completely set up Brace & Bit, and be ready to drill almost any set of holes?

 

Well, I might have the answer to that

Just grab a size and drill away.  Some people have a bunch of electric routers set up, I have brace & bits set up.  Biggest bit gets the largest brace, and on down the line.  tried out a larger chunk of scrap wood, and a larger plane

A 1-1/2" thick chunk of white oak, and a jack plane.  Dogs seem to work.   Now need to cobble an end vise of some sort......

Now that's using the old noggin. 

Speaking of noggins, have you been to the doc yet?

Will see the Quack in about 2 hours.   Head still hurts, right arm is still a bit....funny.   Fingers are a bit numb, yet...Might be about time to retire?

I know drilling a couple of holes, to you, isn't a big deal BUT you are supposed to be taking it easy!

Will see the Quack in about 2 hours.   Head still hurts, right arm is still a bit....funny.   Fingers are a bit numb, yet...Might be about time to retire?

YES! Retire Steve, you deserve it!

you don't need an end vise.

 

Put one more dog by the edge of the top and use a few shims to apply pressure between the dog and the board.

 

Old school all the way!!