bench stop
carpentry
Also known as: dog, holdfast
Quick Summary
In carpentry, a bench stop is a device used to secure a workpiece on a workbench. There are several types, including:
- Bench dogs: These are pegs, made of wood or metal, that are inserted into holes on the workbench's surface to hold items in place.1
- Bench hooks: These are hook-shaped stops attached to a bench. They are used to hold work steady, especially when planing or chiseling.2
- Bench knives: These are adjustable stops featuring a projecting knife or hook designed to hold a piece of work on the bench.3
Historically, simple pegs and T-shaped iron fittings known as bench stops, holdfasts, or dogs were used to secure wood on workbenches, a necessity for tasks like planing.4
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