Securing long boards on edge

My trusty Wolden holdfast securing one end of a 5' board.

So, I finally figured out a fool proof way to secure long boards to the edge of my work bench. My bench does not have the legs flush with the edge of the top or have a sliding deadman. I asked my wife for her opinion on this predicament and this is what she came up with.

This is what a fresh set of eyes can do if you ask for help. The other end of the board is held fast with the face vise.  Happy planing !

2 holdfasts

Two styles of holdfasts. The Galena Village Blacksmith holdfast representing ye olde style and the blue Wolden holdfast , Made in England, showing the modern style.

Galena Village Blacksmith holdfasts

I just ordered a pair of hand made holdfasts from GVB and I am excited to put them to use. I have heard a lot of buzz about them on websites and blogs. Since I received my holdfasts in the mail I have been using them quite frequently. These holdfasts work really well and they are hand made - beautiful detail work of a leaf pattern on top of the pad. I highly recommend these tools. My work bench top is 2" thick and the holdfasts hold tight in the dog holes.

Holdfasts work the best in a hole that is slightly larger in diameter than the holdfast itself.  When the pad of the holdfast contacts the workpiece, a sharp blow with a steel hammer on the sloped side -  wedges the         "one handed clamp" into the hole thus securing the workpiece. Hitting this tool on the vertical side releases the holdfast.  You really have to use this amazing tool to understand and appreciate it's usefulness.