Review Rewrite:  These holdfasts are value for money
I get why people have a problem with these tools, but I was able to work out the issues and I do really love them.<br />These are beautiful examples of craftsmanship.  I went through several iterations of testing to find out how to get them to work in my 5.2 inch thick benchtop and now I have it and also understand why some people have problems even when they counterbore a thicker top.<br /><br />When you bore the 3/4 inch hole, use a forstner bit.  Do not use a spade bit or even a twist drill bit.  Spade and twist bits cut a sloppier hole and the ragged hole was, I surmise, the reason the holdfasts didn't work for me on my test cuts.  When I cut holes with a forstner they worked perfectly.  My bench is made from laminated, construction grade 2X6's, so it is pretty thick and the wood is soft.  The holes that work were cut from the top with a 3/4 inch forstner and from underneath with a 1 1/2 inch spade bit.  The holes meet in the middle.  This gives the bottom of the holdfast sufficient clearance so that it doesn't hit the side of the counterbore hole and wedges entirely in the 3/4 inch hole.  It also means the 3/4 inch hole is 2.6 inches deep.<br /><br />Oddly enough, I had trouble with the holdfasts in my 2.25 inch thick red oak deadman, but they are holding in that one perfectly now even though those holes were bored with a spade bit.  Maybe a kindly wood spirit cast a spell, but they work.<br /><br />Bottom line now that the holdfasts are working for me, I like everything about them (I bought two).  They feel good in the hand, they have a nice finish, they are very finely crafted.  I wanted quality and looked far to find it and I think I have it.  I would take these over any of the cast iron holdfasts any day.  I get a sense of pride when i see these holdfasts in my bench and I know the maker takes pride in his work.  If you're like me, a hand tool woodworker who appreciates fine quality that wasn't spit out of a mold, you'll appreciate these holdfasts.  You can find cheaper holdfasts but you won't find betters.  I'm not saying other holdfasts are junk; I'm saying these are very fine tools and I get a feeling from owning them that is worth a few extra dollars.  I know they'll last a lifetime.  I built a Roubo workbench that I expect to pass on to my nephew or niece some day.  These holdfasts will surely go with it.<br /><br />UPDATE:  After more than a year I am still very happy with them.  My only complaint is at myself for using a hammer to bang them in.  I've marked up the crown of the holdfasts with hammer blows, though they are as sturdy and hold as well as ever.  However, they will set perfectly well if you use a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet.  Don't use your wooden joiner's mallet or you'll end up damaging the mallet.
Rating: 5 stars