Surface compatibility, bench systems, and integration with existing workholding
Compatible Surfaces
Best performance:
- Smooth, flat, low-porosity surfaces
- Rigid benches and work plates
- MFT tops and similar precision surfaces
Reduced or impeded holding:
- Highly porous surfaces (unfinished plywood, particleboard)
- Soft or uneven tops
- Warped or damaged work surfaces
Key principle: The better the seal between gasket and surface, the stronger the hold.
Bench Systems
Compatible with:
- Festool MFT tables
- 20 mm grid benches and work surfaces
- European-standard dog-hole systems
Works alongside:
- 20 mm bench dogs (use for indexing, anti-rotation, or edge references)
- MFT accessories and clamps
Compatible with:
- North American woodworking benches
- 3/4 in dog-hole systems
- Traditional bench dog setups
Works alongside:
- 3/4 in bench dogs
- Standard woodworking holdfast and clamps
Important: Verify dog hole condition. Worn, oversized, or damaged holes can compromise the vacuum seal.
Integration with Bench Dogs
Do I need bench dogs for AnchorPod to work?
No. AnchorPod provides vacuum down-force on its own.
When to use dogs with AnchorPod:
- Anti-rotation: Prevent workpiece from spinning during operations
- Edge reference: Use dogs as mechanical stops for alignment
- Indexing: Combine vacuum hold with repeatable positioning
Best practice: AnchorPod provides the clamping force; dogs provide positioning and anti-rotation.
Perforated Tops and Plywood
Challenge: Adjacent holes allow air leakage, reducing vacuum effectiveness.
Solutions:
- Use a spoilboard: Place a non-perforated plate or MDF board under the gasket
- Seal adjacent holes: Temporarily plug nearby holes to prevent leakage
- Strategic placement: Position AnchorPod where hole density is lowest
Performance depends on:
- Surface finish (sealed/painted plywood works better than raw)
- Porosity (hardwood plywood seals better than softwood)
- Flatness (warped plywood prevents good contact)
Recommendations:
- Seal plywood with finish or paint before use
- Use AnchorPod Edition pods for better contact
- Add a spoilboard for critical work
Surface Preparation
For best results:
- Keep surfaces clean and dust-free
- Wipe down before each setup
- Ensure workpiece and gasket contact areas are dry
- Check for warping or damage that could break the seal
What Doesn't Work Well
Avoid using AnchorPod on:
- Unfinished softwood surfaces
- Heavily textured or rough tops
- Warped or damaged work surfaces
- Surfaces with excessive dust or debris
Not recommended for:
- High side-load machining without secondary mechanical restraint
- Prying operations
- Workpieces with severe warping or cupping
Next Steps
→ Ready to install? See AnchorPod Setup: Installation Guide
→ Using multiple pods? See Multi-Pod Layouts: Positioning for Large Parts
→ Questions about vacuum sources? See Vacuum Sources for AnchorPod
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