OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

264760 Phil Koontz <phil.koontz@g...> 2018‑01‑18 Re: Holdfast holes
HI guys--

In my experience, the exact size of the hole is not an issue.  I have used
holdfasts in holes that were too tight the first time I pounded them
through the bench, and at the other extreme, holes that were wallowed out
to 1" or more and even burned from using them to test holdfasts that were
still hot from the forge.  My thought here is to just get the HF installed
the first time, using a rasp or sandpaper on a stick.  After that it should
be fine.  FWIW, square holes work, but get some cosmetic damage from round
holdfasts.

A slight disclaimer.  My bench, and especially my holdfast testing bench,
has always been softwood, so I don't have any delicacy about appearance.
Thicker is better.  Hardwood lasts better but tends to be slippery.

Your mileage may vary.

PK
Kinda missing our usual winter weather in rural Alaska--

Recent Bios FAQ