Getting that perfect 20mm dog hole grid usually means spending a fortune on a pre-milled CNC top. Trying to drill it by hand with a tape measure almost always leads to tiny, workflow-ruining errors.
But what if you could achieve CNC-level precision using just a standard hand drill and a sheet of MDF?
Meet the HONGDUI x Hooked On Wood Precision Workbench Grid Layout System—the ultimate DIY solution to build a perfect MFT top right in your own shop.
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How the HONGDUI System Works
Designed in collaboration with the popular woodworking channel Hooked On Wood, this TrueGrid layout system takes the guesswork out of making an MFT top.
Instead of relying on complex measurements, this system uses a smart, repositionable template. It allows you to drill perfect 20mm holes with exact spacing, absolute vertical alignment, and zero tear-out. It is designed to work on both solid wood and wood-based bench tops (like MDF or plywood).
How does the TrueGrid system deliver CNC-level precision?
The TrueGrid system is designed to take the guesswork and human error out of drilling bench dog holes. Every part locks together so the setup stays solid and accurate from start to finish.
A Sturdy and Reliable Template
The system starts with a large layout template capable of marking and drilling up to 21 holes in a single operation. Rather than relying on clamps that may shift or loosen, this template is secured directly to the worktable with screws through clamping caps. Once secured, it remains firmly in place and will not shift or lift while you work.
An Interlocking, Anti-tipping Drill Guide
It connects to the template via special telescoping workbench clamps featuring a three-ring locking design. These clamps automatically center the guide and lock it securely to the template, preventing the guide from wobbling or lifting during drilling.
The guide’s wide, flat base is stable and resistant to tipping, ensuring every hole remains vertical. Since the guide is fully supported by the template, you can use both hands to focus on smoothly controlling the drill.
Precision Drilling Tool
The system first uses a small 3-mm pilot drill bit to drill a straight pilot hole, followed by the final-size hole. The final hole is cut using a custom Forstner bit with extremely tight tolerances. It is exceptionally sharp and features a long shank, allowing it to cleanly drill through work surfaces up to 40 mm thick.
Precise Positioning Every Time
When you need to remove screw caps or reposition the template to continue the grid layout, the system uses anchor rings and retractable worktable stops to secure it in the holes you’ve drilled. As long as at least three alignment points remain connected, the template will align perfectly with the existing hole pattern. This means you can extend the grid across the entire worktable without losing precision.
How to Expand the Hole Grid Later On?
The beauty of the HONGDUI template system lies in its unlimited scalability.
When you need an additional hole later on, you can easily add it to your setup without compromising the accuracy of the rest of the grid.
- Start at the Side: The template is marked with reference edges, labeled as Side A (the long side of the workbench) and Side B. Select your workbench dimensions and use the corresponding starting distance.
- Securing: Use screw caps and anchor rings to securely fasten the template to the wood.
- Drilling pilot holes and boring: First drill 3 mm pilot holes, then continue drilling with a 20 mm Forstner bit, and finally remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner.
- Moving and Positioning: To continue the grid, simply move the template downward. You will need to use workbench positioning blocks (the system is optimized for 6 positioning blocks, but at least 4 are required) and insert them into the holes you just drilled. This will perfectly align the template with the previous holes in sequence.
- Repeat: Keep moving and drilling until the entire tabletop is covered.
Upgrade Your Workshop Today
With the HONGDUI x Hooked On Wood Precision Workbench Grid Layout System, you can upgrade any old workbench or sheet of MDF into a world-class clamping and cutting station for a fraction of the cost of a CNC-milled top.
Shop the HONGDUI TrueGrid System Now on Banggood
