[GISer3546]

I have a cheap but sturdy plywood top workbench that was in my garage when I bought the house. I have added a large front quick release WoodRiver vise to the front. I don't have a planer so all my planing is done with my prewar Stanleys. Currently I have a simple 3/4" thick piece of pine screwed to the top of my bench a few inches back from my vise. I am noticing more and more that this is getting in the way by being taller than what I'm planing, requiring far too regular unclamping and moving of stock. I have looked into bench dogs but am wondering if my plywood table top will be up the the challenge. Whats is everyone doing to solve this? Whats the best method for holding down the stock without standing proud of my work piece and getting in the way of my planes?

 

[Dave Paine]

I have found these very handy in cases where the vise is not available, such as when using my Workmate, so the cam on this type of bench dog gives me side-to-side clamping. Useful for larger pieces.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=64685&cat=1,41637.

 

[wood_chucker]

How thick is the plywood top if only one layer I don't think the dogs wood work well, but you could glue a 2x4 to the underside where the dog holes would be and that would make ot thick enough to use some dogs

 

[GISer3546]

It's 3/4" plywood. Gluing a 2x4 under it is a great idea, sounds like it would work.