Howdy,
I have a question for those using pocket hole jigs.
Currently, I have a cheapo jig for drilling pocket holes. Basically, it’s preset for 3/4″ wood — you set it in place, clamp down, and drill away. Repeat as needed. 🙂
I’ve noticed fine shavings from the guide coming out with almost every use. And there seems to be a bit of play in the jig itself as the exit hole on the side shifts around a bit. Sometimes closer to the edge, sometimes not.
A while ago, I assembled a test project with the jig without any problems. It was a simple drawer: 3/4″ plywood, 2 holes per joint, life was good.
This weekend, I was working on some simple shelving and again was using the pocket hole jig. However, the results this time were horrible. Several times I had the pocket hole blow out. Again, I was using 3/4″ plywood, but I can’t explain why I was seeing such variability in the placement of the holes. My setup technique was the same, and I even tried accommodating by shifting the jig back a bit (1/8″ or so).
I haven’t drilled more than 75 holes with this jig, so I’m left wondering if it’s a poor jig, operator error, or what. I would like to use pocket holes in a lot more of my projects, but not if I have to futz with it this much. Anyone with Kregs seeing this type of issue? Is it time to step up and get a quality jig?
Thanks,
Glen
Replies
Hey Glen ,
You got to know first off the system was designed with solid stock in mind , the size of screw the thread the angle maybe .
With plywood you can hit some funky core ply and the bit may drift .
It seems most the times the plywood is smaller then 3/4" to start.
How does it work on wood ?
dusty
I haven't had a chance to try it on solid wood yet -- I use a lot of ply for the dimensional stability. If I have a chance, I'll give that a shot this evening and see how it does.The ply measures 11/16", so you're right -- it's not an exact 3/4".
Az,
I had the Kreg K3 and never noticed metal shavings - I think the metal guide was hardened. I drilled over 2000 holes with it (2 boxes of 1000) and then upgraded to a porter cable bench top machine. I did buy a new drill bit ($18.95) after about the first box and a half of screws.
Lee
Edit: I should have mentioned that I only used in in solid stock.
Edited 12/10/2007 10:10 pm by mapleman
Thanks, Lee, I appreciate the feedback.Something has never felt right about this jig, so I'm trying to see what other folks experience has been. Your ability to drill thousands of holes w/o problem seems more reasonable to me than running into problems with less than 100 on the device.Glen
AZ,
No problem. Keep in mind that you want a jig whose guide is harder than the bit - the bit is a cheap item to replace when it wears - and it will.
Lee
That PC is made by Castle, very nice machine. I have a source I will have to dig up for the bits, about $7 each. I bought a handful. I'll send it to you as soon as I dig it up. The full size Castle uses the same pilot bit and if I remember correctly the same pocket cutter.
Now I remember!! I got them through Castle!
Give me a shout if you need their phone number.------------------------------------
It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore
Hi Don,
If you can find the link to pass on, it would be much appreciated!. I bought a spare of each from WW'ers Supply - about $30 for the larger bit and $20 for the pilot (OUCH!!!) but I felt the need to have a spare on hand in the event I broke a bit in the middle of a job. At the prices you quoted I can afford to keep several spares.
When I hit the big time I will buy that large Castle machine - very nice and well - built. I like the fact that the PC and Castle machines drill the hole at a lower angle - I find my joints come out dead even about 95% of the time, and if they are off it's only a hair.
Cheers,
Lee
9/64 split point. $6.49
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.ACCT116847/it.A/id.3063/.f?category=1095
Looking back through my receipts, I bought 3/8 3 flute carbide cutters for the pocket from a local tool supplier. I paid $13.99 ea.
When I get out to the shoptomorrow I'll look up the brand and let you know.
The cabinet shops around here use pneumatic assembly tables to hold the face frames flat for that 5% of the time.
------------------------------------
It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore
I have the Kreg and have gone through about 2000 screws and have never seen any metal filings.
Jack
Hi Jack,Thanks for telling me what I apparently want to hear. Can't ask for better guidance than that, right? :-)Good to know you've had good results with Kreg as well.Glen
I've never had metal filings from Kreg, but it's not trouble-free. See a couple of recent threads re slippage problems.
Jim
Hi Jim,Thanks for the post and the reference to the other thread. Very informative, and a lot of good feedback there.Glen
Several years ago someone gave me an el-cheapo pocket screw jig that did exactly what you describe - the drill quickly shaved away the guide and the whole thing became useless after a few dozen holes.
I gave up on pocket screws until a couple of years ago when a friend showed me the Kreg K3 system. I've done hundreds of holes with it (in plywood and solid wood) and haven't seen a single metal shaving.
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