On 2018-01-17 8:38 PM, Derek Cohen wrote:
> The dog holes do have different tasks. The rectangular (square) dog holes only
run along the front edge of the bench. They align with the tail rise, and are
used for holding work along the edge, such as when planing faces of narrow
boards (sucg as drawer sides), or ploughing grooves. The round dog holes are for
hold downs. They are positioned in stops where time has shown me they are
needed.
>
> I am struggling to find a photo of the dog holes on my bench - the pics I have
tend to have a lot of clutter instead. Strange that!:)
>
> Here is one using the tail vise to hold a wide-ish drawer bottom (while a
curved front rebate is planed). There is a Veritas hold down at the end of the
board …
>
> https://s19.postimg.org/byu4wwxib/Tailvisea_zpsvnal6yby.jpg
>
> Again using the front square dogs to hold a long board and plough grooves for
drawer slips …
>
> https://s19.postimg.org/5pqxi5f4j/Sofa_Table_Secret_Drawer_html_m40f1f6f7.jpg
>
> Moxon dovetail vise held by hold downs in round dogs.
>
> https://s19.postimg.org/6pboiyf8j/moxon13.jpg
>
> At the rear can be seen round dog holes, which are used when planing across
the bench (usually when traversing, but here smoothing) …
>
> https://s19.postimg.org/yg89w5roz/IDeclare_This_Bench_Finished_html_m
64ad6e87.jpg">https://s19.postimg.org/yg89w5roz/IDeclare_This_Bench_Finished_htm
l_m64ad6e87.jpg
>
> Hope this helps.


Derek

Hi & Thanks.

I am inferring from this that neither is inherently better for any task 
or position, but rather that perhaps you started out with the square 
holes, then added the round ones as needs arose.

I am in a different position. I've purchased the Veritas deluxe benchtop 
kit ( two 10-3/4in predrilled slabs plus hardware, and am trying to 
decide what to do with it. I don't want the well that Veritas has in 
their plans, and am considering alternatives for widening the top to 
about 26 or 28in. I'm leaning to a narrow gap a la Mike Siemsen that 
would accommodate planing stops, bench hooks and possibly clamps, but 
will want to add some material either at the gap or on the front and/or 
back. I could conceivably add a row of square holes along one or both 
long edges. My vises are a Record quick-action & the Veritas twin-screw, 
which will very likely go on the end. I am open to all ideas except for 
returning the slabs and building my own top. ;-)

I'm also interested in seeing or hearing about any experiences with the 
Veritas benchtop. My observations so far are that it is more heavily 
finished than I want, one slab is slightly thicker ( about 1/64" ) than 
spec, and they will want a bit of flattening. I may go over both sides 
with a toothing plane, and then joint them once the top is assembled, 
putting the thinner slab at the back ( shimmed with veneer).

Don

-- 
"You can tell a man that boozes by the company he chooses"
The Famous Pig Song, Clarke Van Ness

The harder they come, the bigger they fall." Ry Cooder