Pocket Holes without a jig?

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bainin
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Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by bainin »

I know I saw a thread using the table tilt and horizontal drilling to setup pocket holes.

But- how does this compare to getting something like a Kreg R3 jig?

The jig seems like it might be faster, but it is limited to 1 1/2 " board thicknesses whereas the SS should be more flexible but likely slower.

Anything else I should consider?

b
cham-ed
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Re: Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by cham-ed »

I'm not familiar with the K3 but my K4 handles 1/2" and up. I certainly prefer it to setting my table at 15 degrees and adjusting a Forstener bit to the right depth etc...
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dusty
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Re: Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by dusty »

I use the Kreg system a lot and I like it. I prefer it mostly because I can either take to the job or use it on the bench.

I have both the K3 and the K4 but now that I own a K4 I hardly ever use the K3 because of the ease of clamping with the K4.

The K3 and the K4 both work with 1/2" to 1 1/2" thick materials.

However, controlling bit length is equally important when using the Kreg pocket hole systems.
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bainin
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Re: Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by bainin »

The Kreg systems seem quite popular.

I have come across 2 others which seem to get good reviews.

Porter Cable 560-which if you follow the link-has been discontinued.

https://www.portercable.com/products/po ... system/560

And this Armor brand one -which seems similar to the PC

https://armor-tool.com/product/auto-jig ... le-system/


All of them are in the $100-$150 range.
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dusty
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Re: Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by dusty »

The auto-adjust features of the Armor-Tool are very intriguing. I don't know if KREG has come up with anything like that but I won't be surprised when/if they do.

However, for now I'll stick with what I already have.

Thanks for posting the link, bainin
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bainin
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Re: Pocket Holes without a jig?

Post by bainin »

As usual, I do a bunch of digging and end up going in a different direction.

I ordered this one...which seems to have a lot of the features of those above at a lower price point with some added benefits.

https://masscaproducts.com/

1. Aluminum body rather than plastic
2. USA made-small family run business
3. standard hole sizes-so if the drill bit is crap, i can replace with a kreg bit


It does not have the auto-adjusting depth feature of the Armor unit, but has a built in step height knob for depth setting which looks easy to use.

b
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