So many clamping options on workbenches

[dinkjs]

Everyone has there different clamps on there workbenchs.....but a option I never see is using hold fasts intead of a large vise wood clamp or leg vise wooden clamp. I am thinking of redoing my workbench and I was thinking this might be a great option instead of a dedicated wood vise.....have a series of holes running down the side of the bench for the hold fasts to sit in....you could also use bench dogs for the board to sit on or pegs that would fit into these holes. I have seen numorous pictures of people using hold fasts in the opposite end of the table when doing large objects or projects when also using a vise of some sorts....why not just hold fasts only....would defently save on space and money....because vises can get exspensive.

Please discuss

[wilburpan]

I think that holdfasts are great, but my experience with them so far has been that they hold a board very well if the board is pushed in one direction, but have less holding power if the board is pushed in another direction. Also, ultimately most, if not all vises will be able to exert more clamping pressure than a holdfast, and sometimes that extra pressure is needed.

If you're looking for an inexpensive vise option, try making a leg vise. You only need some type of screw hardware for the vise, or even a wooden screw will suffice. The rest you can make.

[muddlermike]

another issue with holdfasts is that they can get in the way. If you're planing the top of a board, even tall bench dogs can get in the way. Benchfasts have their place in a clamping system, but I don't know that I would want to use them exclusively.