Thread: Pocket Hole jig advice

Looking at the jigs, they all seem to work on the same idea and I see no reason why they wouldn't all work well. I have the Kreg system and that works great and there is a cheap jig they do called the Mini Kreg Jig for just $39 from Carba-Tec. This would be easy to use and if you are only using a pocket hole jig occasionally, could be the way to go. It is a single hole jig but the jig can be moved to wherever you need to place it and drill as many holes as the width of your timber will allow.

I use a Kreg - wouldn't be without it - perhaps not traditional fine furniture but used where it is not seen [I also use it in conjunction with biscuits] it is strong, easy, quick and I don't have a problem with that.

My 2 hole jig can be clamped to he board vertically or horizontally, I also have a single hole which works just as easily. From your links these are the newer, larger types where the timber is taken to the jig whereas mine you take the jig to the timber.

Regards,
Bob

I've got the Kreg Master System which came with the mountable jig and the mini jig. Both are very easy to use and well worth the money. I know they are going to be ramped up a fair bit in price but there's a reason why all the others copied the Kreg.

I have the Kreg Mini ($39) and Kreg Rocket ($99), both work extremely well.
With a little practice and secure clamping for joint alignment you will be using this system for all sorts of projects. Pocket hole joinery is one of the most underrated and versatile forms of joinery. Both jigs mentioned above will work for your project (as well as many more) and I recommend the Rocket if your budget allows it. Add a box of Kreg screws and you are ready to go.


Tim

I also have the Kreg Master system, which is one model earlier than the one linked to. Major difference from the linked version is that the clamp handle is situated on the operator side of the material, rather than the far side. Makes quite a difference if you are working with sheet goods more than about 500mm wide, as you don't have to reach accross the material to operate/release the clamp.

The master system has one 3 hole guide block, a dust hood for the guide block, the large jig base which screws to a baseboard to make up a workstation, a flip over positioning stop to mount on the baseboard, a "portable" guide block holder, a clamp for the portable unit to mount it to the workpiece, the drill bit, depth stop, long and short square drive bits, manuals, case, and an assortment of screws.

In either workstation or portable mode, the guide block mounts to the large or portable base so that the exit point is centred in material ranging from 1/2in to 11/2in thick. This is arranged by the guide block sliding into the base, with holes for a brase locking screw arranged for 1/8th in thickness increments.

Kreg have screws in a variety of lengths, fine and coarse thread patterns for different materials (hardwood, softwood, sheet etc), and different head styles.

For the task that you are describing, the portable base configuration would be the easiest to work with if you need to produce pocket holes for end joints, while either the portable or workstation mode would be suitable for producing pocket holes to exit along the long edge of the workpiece.

Could probably scan and email a copy of the manuals if that would help planning. PM if that would be usefull. Alternatively check out the Articles and Video sections in the link above.

Mal

Originally Posted by timhonan

I have the Kreg Mini ($39) and Kreg Rocket ($99), both work extremely well.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Rocket. I like how it hooks over the edge of the timber. It doesn't look l like the Mini (or any of the clones) has that feature. Does it make a big difference?

Originally Posted by malb

I also have the Kreg Master system, which is one model earlier than the one linked to...

I'm sure it's great, but I can't justify spending that much.

Originally Posted by John G

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Rocket. I like how it hooks over the edge of the timber. It doesn't look l like the Mini (or any of the clones) has that feature. Does it make a big difference? I'm sure it's great, but I can't justify spending that much.

Here's the portable base from my Master System being used on the underside of my saw cabinet top. I used the Kreg all over my mobile work centre. At first I balked at the price and looked at the various clones out there but honestly the Kreg was so worth every penny! The lip makes it easy to locate the portable jig and clamp it properly. I know a couple of people with clones and they complain long and hard about that not being the case with their jigs. I have the Master jig attached to a large base along with the material support stop but I'm in the process of building one of the drop in units for my work centre from the previous issue of ShopNotes to attach the system to. After that I'll build the assembly table also as a drop in for my work centre.
Bite the bullet....... buy the Kreg! You'll thank yourself.

I too have the Kreg master system. It is a handy tool but like all tools if you need it good ...otherwise spend your ready on what you need now.
les

I reckon its pretty unanimous, the Kreg wins Seriously, the $39 Kreg jig is going to do your work and not break the bank.

Originally Posted by munruben

I reckon its pretty unanimous, the Kreg wins Seriously, the $39 Kreg jig is going to do your work and not break the bank.

Best value jig in woodworking bar none

Just as an extra which does not appear to have been mentioned at this stage - make sure that you use the correct pocket hole drill bit [pricey I know but treated carefully should last a long time - I bought a spare which is still unused] - this ensures that the holes are drilled to the correct depth and that the bottom of the holes correctly seats the pocket screws. As someone has already mentioned, buy a box of the correct screws.

Regards,
Bob

Originally Posted by Bob38S

Just as an extra which does not appear to have been mentioned at this stage - make sure that you use the correct pocket hole drill bit [pricey I know but treated carefully should last a long time - I bought a spare which is still unused] - this ensures that the holes are drilled to the correct depth and that the bottom of the holes correctly seats the pocket screws. As someone has already mentioned, buy a box of the correct screws.
Regards,
Bob

Buy both course and fine screws for use on soft and hard woods respectively. Also the long drive bit is very handy as are the clamps. Of course now you're getting back into Master System territory!

Kreg has a number of kits - for comparison purposes, see here:

http://www.kregtool.com/products/comp_charts/pht.php

I have the R3 and subsequently purchased a face clamp (not essential but very useful). It would have been cheaper to buy the Rocket in the first place. I don't get the comment that the Material Thickness Capacity is "unlimited". There must be some limit ?????

Note that the pricing is in US$.

Mike

Originally Posted by John G

I need to whip up a quick frame, and so was looking at cheap pocket hole systems.
I'm a bit confused how some of the jigs are used...

There is quite a good video on pocket hole jigs on Stu's Shed.
http://stusshed.wordpress.com/2009/0...table-upgrade/

Cheers

Graeme