Review: Pocket Mill Pro and doweling jigs
JessEm makes slip tenons easyWhile JessEm’s new Pocket Mill Pro delivers mortises that are similar in size and quality to those made by the Festool Domino DF 500, it’s powered by the handheld drill you already own, which brings its price down considerably. Even when you add JessEm’s helpful work-holding station, designed for both the Pocket Mill Pro and JessEm’s doweling jigs, the bottom line is half the price of the Domino. And like Festool, JessEm sells tenon stock for each mortise size.
![A full slip-tenon system. JessEm sells tenon stock for all six carbide cutters (5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 1⁄4 in. , 3⁄8 in.), and the fit is excellent in each size.](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2023/09/25162837/25-2-700x246.jpg)
Your handheld drill (I used an 18-volt cordless) attaches to one of six end mills, which are held in the jig as they spin. To cut a mortise, you pull the trigger on the drill and pivot the jig’s handle with the other hand. The cutter automatically drops 0.050 in. at the end of each stroke until it reaches a preset depth (maximum depth is just over 1 in.). Then you just push a button to retract the cutter.
![Easy setup. The top of the jig slides backward and the base is quickly aligned with center marks.](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2023/09/25142822/1-W306TMdsc07884-700x374.jpg)
This is a robust, well-designed jig, and setup is as smooth and accurate as the cutting action. You can start with the basic jig to save cash, but I highly recommend adding the Baltic-birch workstation JessEm designed for the jig.
![Clamping can be tricky with the basic jig. The jig can be screwed to a benchtop as shown, which makes clamping a bit tricky, or held in a vise with room below it for pieces to extend downward.](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2023/09/25161133/2-W306TMdsc07888-700x761.jpg)
![Simple to use. The bit is driven with any handheld drill, and the handle pushes it side to side to form the mortises, with the bit automatically dropping 0.050 in. at the end of each stroke. Power and cutting action were great with an 18-volt drill.](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2023/09/25142935/3-W306TMdsc07892-700x541.jpg)
—Asa Christiana is FWW’s editor-at-large.
Photos: Asa Christiana
Comments
Seems like a missed opportunity. Think about the same tool built to be powered by your trim or palm router.
Be Safe and have fun
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