Review: Vacuum Workholding Made Simple
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of using vacuum pressure for workholding in my shop. The appeal is obvious: no clamps sticking up above the work, nothing obstructing an edge, and no elaborate jigging every time you want to secure a board. The challenge has been finding a simple way to incorporate it into my everyday workflow. The VacuDog does exactly that.
The VacuDog is a compact vacuum adapter that installs in a standard round benchdog hole. Once it’s in place, you simply arrange the supplied gasket on the benchtop around the VacuDog, position the workpiece over it, and turn on your vacuum pump. Setting it up was quick and straightforward, and the O-rings created an excellent seal inside the dog hole. The push-to-connect tubing made hooking it up equally painless. Within a few minutes I was ready to put it to work.
I used a vacuum pump that I already own for veneering. It has a continuous-duty mode, which made it a good match for this application. The pump runs continuously while the workpiece is being held, but that wasn’t a concern for me. My pump is designed to handle it, and it’s quiet enough that the sound disappears as soon as I start a sander or router. You’ll want to make sure your own pump is rated for continuous operation before using it this way.
I’ve been working on a multifunction workbench for some time, and the VacuDog adds another useful layer of versatility. I found it particularly effective for routing edge profiles with bearing-guided bits. With no mechanical clamps projecting above the surface or interfering with the router, I could work around the edge of a part without repeatedly stopping to reposition anything.
It was equally useful for sanding. I had previously used one of those nonslip mats that was never quite as nonslip as advertised. By contrast, the VacuDog held the work securely without requiring me to lean against it or chase it across the bench. That alone makes it a worthwhile addition to my workholding options.
I was also curious about how it would perform with hand tools. I used it while planing, chopping with chisels, and doing layout work. The work stayed put through all of it. I expected it to handle the lighter tasks, but I was impressed by how secure it remained during more forceful operations.
The VacuDog won’t replace every vise, clamp, or benchdog in my shop, but I can see it becoming part of my regular workholding kit. My only planned addition is a foot switch for the vacuum pump, which would make turning the system on and off faster while keeping both hands free. If you already have a suitable vacuum pump, the VacuDog offers a remarkably easy way to bring vacuum workholding to your bench.
—Vic Tesolin hosts Shop Talk Live and teaches woodworking in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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