7 Reasons to Have a Dog Hole Workbench Top + How to Add Them

If you’re wondering why so many woodworkers talk about dog holes, you’ll about to find out the reasons why in just a few minutes, together with how you should create a dog hole workbench top (with correct sizes). Here’s a sneak peak of the 7 reasons to have a dog hole workbench top:

Adding dog holes in your workbench top might seem like a small upgrade, but it can completely transform how you work in your shop.

So, what exactly are dog holes? In short, they’re strategically placed holes in your workbench that hold tools like bench dogs, holdfasts, clamp, and many other accessoiries. These tools work together to secure your workpieces firmly, giving you greater control. But that’s not all—they also unlock a world of possibilities for customizing your bench to suit your woodworking style.

In this article, I’ll share 7 reasons why you should have a dog hole workbench top and even show you how to add them to your existing bench. Now, let’s dive in and explore what makes dog holes in your workbench such a game-changer. You might even find yourself planning your next bench upgrade by the time you finish reading!

7 Reasons to Add Dog Holes to Your Workbench Top

If you’re on the fence about whether to add dog holes in your workbench top, let me share seven practical reasons why they’re worth considering. From improving precision to making your workflow smoother, dog holes are an easy way to upgrade your woodworking experience.

1. Versatile Work-Holding

One of the best features of dog holes in your workbench is how they can secure just about anything. Whether you’re using bench dogs, clamps, or holdfasts, these tools fit snugly into the holes to hold workpieces firmly in place.

• Need to stabilize a small, irregularly shaped piece? No problem.
• Working on a large panel? Dog holes can help hold it steady for planing or sanding.

Dog holes in workbenches give the flexibility to secure items that might otherwise be tricky to clamp down.

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2. Increased Precision

Precision matters in woodworking, and dog holes are a big help here. By keeping your workpiece locked in place, they eliminate the tiny shifts that can throw off a cut or joint. Whether you’re chiseling, sawing, or planing, a stable workpiece means cleaner, more accurate results.

Pro Tip: Combine dog holes in your workbench with bench dogs ( like the ones from benchdogs) and stops to create a perfect setup for cutting boards to exact lengths or squaring edges.

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3. Improved Efficiency

Dog holes save time, plain and simple. With them, you can quickly reposition workpieces along the length of your bench without the hassle of readjusting traditional clamps. For repetitive tasks, this is a game-changer. Whether you’re batch-sanding, making dovetails, or fitting tenons, dog holes keep the process streamlined.

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4. Compatibility with Accessories

Many modern and traditional woodworking tools are designed to work with dog holes in a workbench top. Examples include:

• Holdfasts: Great for quick, temporary holds.
• Track saw stops: To secure boards during cutting.

But also to clamp other tools on your workbench, like a homemade router table, workbench vise and so much more.

This compatibility turns your workbench into a multi-functional station. For more info, check out my article 7 Must-Have Workbench Accessories to Transform Your Workshop.

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5. Customizable Layout

The beauty of dog holes is that you can place them wherever you need. Want a row of holes along one edge for planing? Easy. Need a grid pattern for versatility? You can do that too.

• A common layout is a grid with approximately 10 cm (4 in) spacing, but you can tailor it to your preferences. More about this later in this article.
• Start with a few holes and expand as your workflow demands.

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6. Great for Long Boards and Glue-Ups

If you work with long boards or often do glue-ups, dog holes are indispensable. By inserting bench dogs along a row of holes, you can hold long boards securely for planing or sanding. During glue-ups, they help align pieces and prevent movement, resulting in tighter, cleaner joints.

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7. Durable and Cost-Effective

A dog hole workbench top is an upgrade that won’t break the bank. Drilling holes into your workbench with dog holes is straightforward, and they require little to no maintenance. Compared to buying expensive clamping systems, this is a budget-friendly solution that lasts for years.

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With these seven reasons in mind, it’s easy to see why dog holes are such a valuable addition to your workbench. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this simple upgrade will make your projects smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Use Dog Holes in a Workbench

Using dog holes in your workbench is surprisingly simple but offers endless versatility. Whether you’re securing a board for planing or clamping down for precise cuts, dog holes are a woodworker’s best friend. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Insert a Bench Dog or Holdfast

Begin by selecting the right tool for the task.

• Bench dogs: These are small pegs designed to fit snugly into the dog holes and act as a stop for your workpiece.
• Holdfasts: These traditional tools provide a strong hold by leveraging pressure.

Simply place your chosen accessory into one of the dog holes in your workbench top.

Step 2: Adjust the Position

Position the tool based on the size and shape of your workpiece.

• For planing or sanding, insert a row of bench dogs along the workbench to hold the length of the board.
• For detailed work, use a holdfast near the edge to clamp the piece securely.

This adjustability allows you to adapt your setup to virtually any task.

Step 3: Secure the Workpiece

Once the accessory is in place, position your workpiece against the bench dogs or under the holdfast.

• For bench dogs: Apply pressure to the workpiece, ensuring it’s firmly against the stops.
• For holdfasts: Tap the top of the holdfast with a mallet to lock it in place. To release it, simply tap the back of the arm.

This simple system holds your material steady without the need for cumbersome clamps.

Tips for Using Holdfasts Effectively

1. Choose the Right Size: Ensure your holdfast matches the size of your dog holes, typically 20 mm (3/4 in).
2. Maintain a Tight Fit: If a holdfast doesn’t grip well, slightly roughen the shank with sandpaper for better hold.
3. Protect Your Workpiece: Use a scrap piece of wood under the holdfast to prevent dents or marks on your project.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your dog hole workbench top. Whether you’re working on delicate joinery or large glue-ups, this system offers the stability and flexibility you need for professional results.

Workbench Dog Hole Size

When adding dog holes to your workbench top, getting the size right is essential. The standard size for dog holes is 20 mm (3/4 inch) in diameter. This size is widely used because it fits most accessories, including bench dogs, holdfasts, and other work-holding tools.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right size for your dog holes ensures:

• Compatibility: Most commercially available tools, such as holdfasts and clamps, are designed for the standard 20 mm (3/4 inch) size.
• Strength: Larger holes can weaken the workbench top, especially if the material is thinner. Conversely, smaller holes may not securely hold tools like holdfasts.
• Versatility: With the standard size, you can use a variety of accessories without worrying about whether they’ll fit.

Common Sizes

While 20 mm (3/4 inch) is the most popular size, some woodworkers prefer smaller or larger holes depending on their specific needs. For example:

• Smaller holes (10-12 mm / ~3/8-1/2 inch): Suitable for lighter tasks or smaller bench accessories.
• Larger holes (up to 25 mm / ~1 inch): Rare but used for heavy-duty applications or custom jigs.

Tips for Drilling Dog Holes

• Use a high-quality spade bit or Forstner bit for clean, precise holes.
• Ensure the holes are perpendicular to the surface to prevent accessories from tilting.
• For increased strength, consider drilling through a thicker bench top or adding a secondary layer beneath the holes.

Adding the right-sized dog holes in your workbench not only ensures compatibility but also makes your bench a reliable and efficient workspace.

Workbench Dog Holes Spacing

The spacing of dog holes in your workbench top plays a crucial role in making them effective for different tasks. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, following some general guidelines can help you create a layout that suits your woodworking needs.

Common Spacing Guidelines

• Standard spacing: Dog holes are typically spaced 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart in a straight row. This distance works well for most tasks, providing enough flexibility for clamps, holdfasts, and bench dogs.
• Grid layout: Many woodworkers prefer a grid pattern with evenly spaced rows, often 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart. This setup ensures maximum versatility for various workpiece sizes and tasks.

Optimal Spacing for Specific Tasks

• Planing: For planing long boards, spacing of around 10 cm (4 inches) between dog holes ensures the workpiece is supported along its length.
• Clamping irregular shapes: A tighter grid, such as 8 cm (3 inches), is ideal for securing small or oddly shaped pieces.
• Glue-ups and assembly: Wider spacing, around 15 cm (6 inches), can be sufficient when using bench dogs or stops to align parts during assembly.

Festool-Friendly Spacing

If you work with Festool tools and their ecosystem, consider drilling your dog holes every 96 mm. A dog hole workbench top with this spacing aligns with the 32 mm system widely used by Festool and makes your workbench compatible with tools like the Festool LR 32 system.

The LR 32 system is fantastic for precision work, allowing you to drill evenly spaced holes for cabinet hinges, shelf pins (5 mm holes), and other tasks. Using a router with the LR 32 system, you can create a workbench layout that integrates seamlessly with Festool jigs and accessories. This setup is particularly beneficial if you often build cabinets or furniture that rely on the 32 mm standard.

I’ll be reviewing the LR 32 system soon on my website to share more insights into its functionality and benefits for woodworkers. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into how it works and how to make the most of it!

Tip for Custom Layouts

“Test a few layouts on scrap wood before committing to your workbench.”

Drill a sample grid on a piece of scrap material and try securing different types of workpieces to find what works best for your workflow. This will save you from potential regret if the spacing doesn’t meet your needs.

By carefully planning the spacing of dog holes in your workbench, you’ll create a versatile, efficient, and functional workspace tailored to your projects.

Before you decide on the spacing of dog holes in your workbench, it’s crucial to think about the overall size of your workbench first. The dimensions of your bench—its height, width, and depth—directly impact its functionality and how well it accommodates tasks like planing, clamping, and assembly.

If you haven’t finalized your workbench size yet, take a moment to explore my article: Understanding Workbench Dimensions: Finding the Perfect Fit. It’s a comprehensive guide that will help you choose dimensions tailored to your space, workflow, and woodworking needs, ensuring you get the most out of your workbench and its features.

Use Case	Recommended Hole Size (Metric)	Recommended Hole Size (Imperial)	Notes
Diameter for Bench Dogs and holdfasts	20 mm	3/4 inch	Standard size compatible with most bench dogs.
Workbench dog holes spacing Festool LR 32 System	96 mm grid spacing	32 mm system	Ideal for use with Festool tools, particularly for cabinet-making tasks.
General workbench dog holes spacing	8–10 cm (row) or 10–15 cm (grid)	3–4 inches (row) or 4–6 inches (grid)	Standard spacing for most benches, ensuring flexibility for clamping and tool positioning.

Conclusion

Adding dog holes to your workbench top transforms it into a versatile and efficient woodworking station. From improved work-holding and precision to compatibility with a wide range of accessories, dog holes in workbenches offer countless benefits for both beginner and seasoned woodworkers. They’re a simple yet powerful way to enhance your productivity and bring more control to your projects.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s a tip: Start small by adding a few holes in strategic locations, such as along the front edge of your bench or in a grid where you do most of your work. You can always expand as you discover your workflow needs. With just a little planning, you’ll unlock the full potential of your workbench and take your woodworking to the next level.