It is time to finally make the dogs. I know that this is nit picky aesthetics stuff but I was wondering if I have to use the long 6 5/8” dogs from the plans. Reason being is the when they are all inserted and in place it kind of looks like the bench grew teeth. Like this….
This is not a huge deal but I thought I’d do some experimentation (not the kind Al does, mind you). I went ahead and made the regular one and a 5 1/4” modified one out of some scrap.
Here is how far they protrude from the bottom…....
With the longer spring board the long dog has a smoother action. However, the main thing I noticed is that the shorter one rocks back out perpendicular fairly quickly has you raise the dog. Where as the longer dog has a greater functional range in respect to the face staying perpendicular to bench surface.
So lets take a measurement.
THe short dog rocks back at less than 2” of rise.
The long dog can extend up about 3 1/2” inches before it starts rocking back.
The primary reason is a factor of when the “spring bevel” engages the front wall. I put the dogs in to the router jig for illustration. Note the jig orientation is backwards.
Regardless, the dog hole that is accessed through the right front leg will have to be long.
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So, if you are one that thinks the 2 degree inclination of a dog face is important, then that geometry is retained through a greater range of elevation using a long dog.
Duh.
-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here
9 comments so far
Don W
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#1 posted 10-20-2012 01:08 PM
Nice job Scott. I’ve never seen anybody make enough dogs to fill every hole. It sound like you may need a drawer under there to hold them to get rid of the teeth look.
You’ll also find with the dogs filling the hole, it’ll trap dust. (unless its kept perfectly flush) Maybe that’s what you want rather than have it fall through?
The bench looks amazing, even with the teeth!!
-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.
lysdexic
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#2 posted 10-20-2012 01:24 PM
Yeh, Smitty recommended not filling all the holes. You are now the second. I think I’ll just make a few to use up scraps that I have and be done with it.
One the ones I do make I am going to carve a panther heads in them. :^)
-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here
Don W
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#3 posted 10-20-2012 01:29 PM
well, I’m not sure it was a recommendation, more of an observation. You can NEVER have to many dogs. I just wouldn’t keep them in the holes. Again, see which way works for you. I’ve found dog not used in holes traps chips. Some of the chips will inadvertently stick above the bench and scratch things.
You work a lot cleaner than me, so you may not have such a problem.
-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.
ShaneA
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#4 posted 10-20-2012 03:23 PM
A guy could learn something here. Keep the progress coming. I do admire your attention to detail, and reflective shine coming off the TS.
lysdexic
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5353 posts in 4077 days
#5 posted 10-20-2012 04:30 PM
That’s not my shop Shane. I am not that bad, I don’t think.
-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here
ShaneA
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#6 posted 10-20-2012 04:40 PM
LOL, I know you have a SS, and the hardware looks like yours. I am easily confused.
Mauricio
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#7 posted 10-20-2012 07:21 PM
Nice dogs Scott, I would just go with two dogs to avoid the teethy look, those square dogs are so effortless to move its not that big of an issue. Round dogs that are friction fit are more of a pain to deal with.
-- Mauricio - Woodstock, GA - "Confusion is the Womb of Learning, with utter conviction being it's Tomb" Prof. T.O. Nitsch
Brit
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#8 posted 10-20-2012 10:55 PM
Nice comparison Scott and a great photo blog for anyone who’s thinking of making a split-top.
-- Andy - Old Chinese proverb says: "If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it."
Dave
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11435 posts in 4294 days
#9 posted 10-21-2012 04:29 AM
your attention to detail is to be commended.
I like shorter dogs.
Thats why I own a dachshund.
-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com
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