But, with savings versus biscuit joinery on glue and clamp time you might be able to justify it. Most impressive of these are the Automaxx clamps, which do not require any manual adjustment. A biscuit joiner has a few advantages, in my mind: But the biggest downside? We've also put together the following pocket hole jig kit buying guide. The jig allows you to drill accurate holes into your timber. Milescraft® has a remarkable history of innovative product development. And that makes for a messy time drilling as there are an abundance of wood chips generated after 20 or so holes. Shop for Milescraft products online and get Free shipping to any Home store! We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Initially I thought I would miss the auto adjusting feature that Kreg products have but I don't regret buying this. Pocket holes are fast, but isn't traditional joinery still stronger?A. 1. A few also provide a screwdriver attachment. Milescraft Inc. 4004 Pocket Clamp The pocket clamp allows for quick and easy projects with 90° degree joints. Milescraft is one brand to consider. While Kreg and their popular blue-colored jigs is the first name in jigs for most there are a number of jig manufacturers: There are three tiers of pocket hole guides: jigs, systems and machines. The spacing between the holes varies, allowing you to choose two close together or two farther apart, depending on the task. Lastly, with one side of the board secured, remove the red spacer and repeat. Of course. Kreg Tool 2007988 0.25 in. It's nice to find a kit that includes one. Ultimate Guide To Soft Close Cabinet Hinges, Ultimate Guide: The Best Parallel Clamps for Woodworking, Kreg jig alternatives (not all jigs are blue! At a minimum, a pocket hole jig kit should provide the drill guide itself, a suitable drill bit (usually 3/8 inch), a depth collar that fits over the drill, and a hex key to tighten it. While I now woodwork from an oversized home workshop, you’ll find tips and tools for woodworking based on my experience. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5. And if the joints aren't right, you either have a crooked box or it falls apart! While pocket holes used in construction of furniture and cabinets are typically hidden there is need to hide the screws at times. There are lots of factors to consider here – materials, thickness, type of joint, number of screws used – so it's impossible to give a yes or no answer. In this guide learn what the the best pocket hole jig is for your projects. Kreg KHCRA Automaxx Right Angle Clamp . For over a decade I’ve been using a Kreg K4 Classic Jig  when I need to build furniture or do joinery I wouldn’t otherwise tackle with my biscuit joiner. Complete pocket hole systems that include automatic depth setting, clamps – and in some cases, even their own motor for drilling the holes – can be as much as $400. Just slip the pin in your pocket hole joint and clamp to the adjoining surface and just drive your screws in to keep your projects nice and square. Milescraft 6" Face Clamp The 6" FaceClamp is perfect for pocket hole joinery, project construction, general clamping, and more. For a professional touch, you can then glue wooden plugs into the holes to hide the screw heads. A twin-hole kit similar to the one we just mentioned but with the addition of a supply of screws and dowels comes in at around $40. You don't have to. So, in this section we’ll explore a few accessories you’ll want to at least consider. While I’ve made many projects with pocket hole joinery I have made hundreds of kitchen cabinets with biscuit joinery as well. While one version of best is a high volume, production ready jig it might not be best suited for a DIY’er who will only use the jig 3-4 times a year. And, depending on your dust collection system you can easily hook in and help control not only the dust, but improve your drilling speed and quality. It is as good as the Kreg and $10 cheaper if you get it at Home Depot or Woodcraft. $49.49. You use a clamp to fix it to the workpiece (sometimes included, often not). Secure the board with a red spacer against the previous board. The fact that it comes with a clamp makes it an even better deal. And, for different thicknesses of wood, the jig will adjust the hole up or down to allow for a longer screw to be used. Fortunately there are a few machines in reach of hobbyists and even light duty cabinet shops. Report abuse. Included in this re-design were two jigs: With the release of two jigs at the same time, Kreg has setup a woodworkers dilemma. ), Single or double hole jigs clamped to the work surface, Pocket hole systems that clamp the workpiece, And, pocket hole machines that are best for high volume production shops that speed through hundreds of holes in no-time. For clamping on material thicknesses up to 5" thick. You guessed it. Then you’ll want to make sure to look at stainless or specialty screws to avoid premature rust and failure of your joint. You then screw through these to join two pieces together. First, I’ve found hardware manufacturers suffer from some of the biggest issues with their improper choice of screws. Lastly, with this port you’ll likely need a few custom adapters to size to your dust system (or shop vacuum). The sheer number of jig kits on the market can make choosing difficult, so we've been making some comparisons. Consider: Last update on 2021-05-09 at 17:51 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Particle board, plywood, and fiberboard can produce lots of chips and dust, which is not only unpleasant but can also make your drill bit overheat. For example, a system will feature fast clamping, dust collection, clamps and a self contained system for fast drilling. Kreg Killer: Milescraft Pocketjig100 vs Kreg Mini - YouTube. Better-quality jigs allow 1/8-inch steps. Some offer a screw set as an option, which can be a convenient way to buy an initial supply. It provides further information, price guidance, and answers to many of the questions that crop up. It's the most expensive kit we considered, but you get a lot of tools for the price. Face Clamp: 6 in. Though easy to use, inaccurate measurements are common. *Newest Model* The highly popular and well reviewed Kreg K5 checks the box on all the best features of a compact pocket hole jig. It's very much a matter of personal choice – and sometimes pocket holes are used on knock-down joinery that might be put together and taken apart again. Last update on 2021-05-09 at 23:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. BenchClamp: Right Angle Clamp with Automaxx Auto-Adjust Technology: Price: Ratings A single pocket hole jig is a great, inexpensive way to dabble with this type of joinery. Due to that, before deciding which is the best pocket hole jig for you, it’s best to determine HOW you will use it and then match your uses to the features of the jigs. Which makes for a tedious time when you factor in most kitchens have a dozen or more face frames. Milescraft - Innovative Solutions for all Woodworking and DIY Projects. Impresses with numerous useful tools that have excellent craftsmanship plus the inclusion of a rugged C clamp. First, a pocket hole jig is meant to be clamped to the piece of wood. 0 users rated this 1 out of 5 stars 0. No clamp included. Recommended: Unique Woodworking Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed. This site shares hundreds of articles on woodworking, where to find wood and my thoughts on tools that I think any home woodworker needs. 4.7 out of 5 stars 898. This clamp is not the self-adjusting style, like the much more expensive self-adjusting Kreg model, but both of them do the same job with each of them having its own advantages and disadvantages. The angle of the holes (15°) gives maximum strength to the joint. Yes I know….another clamp video you say!?!?!?! By using a combination of a specialized drill and screw guide with a deck spacer boards are kept free of screws. If you only have occasional use, one of the budget options should prove perfectly adequate. Which is why I like to try out a test scrap first, verify depth is correct and then proceed with drilling the projects holes. It's vital to clamp your jig to the workpiece, but a lot of kits don’t include clamps. Not only do I know where the joints are during boring, but later during assembly. Last update on 2021-05-09 at 22:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Copy link. An investment for your tool collection. Q. So how does it work? But just not as fast. But to prevent your projects from failing a few years down the road the extra spent now is worth it later. If you're intending to make a permanent joint, a good-quality glue can only make it stronger. After you’ve carefully selected your wood pieces, cut them to length and are ready to drill pocket holes you’ll want to place and mark all joints. Mid-range: With hundreds of kits to choose from, what you pay largely depends on the number of components in the kit. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. Second, hardwoods require a less aggressive thread design while softwoods and MDF require a more aggressive design. $28.99 $ 28. Instructions that come with it could be clearer and more detailed, but the kit is fairly easy to use without them. Whether you want to make a box, drawer, cupboard, or any other kind of rectangular frame, you need to join pieces of wood to each other at right angles. Unfortunately, the model of Kreg I own doesn’t have a dust collection port. Copyright (c) 2021 thehomewoodworker.com. Which one is best for you? Not only will this ensure maximum contact for a firm fit, it will also reduce chances of breaking the screw. More advanced models can be portable or bench-mounted. A top-of-the-line jig kit by a top name that comes with numerous useful accessories and tools ideal for the hobby or professional carpenter. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. One of the biggest concerns I have when using screws in hardwoods is breaking the screw. And that’s where pocket hole plugs come into play to cover the hole left by the jig and the installed screw. If you need to join wide boards, you just need to reposition them. A good mid-level pocket hole kit with enough tools to accomplish a host of projects. Mid-range price. … Lastly, when pocket hole plugs are seen some applications using contrasting woods like maple and purpleheart to create a design and call attention to the joinery. But we’ll get to that. And last, but not least, the length of the screw must match the depth of the hole and provide a secure connection without breaking the surface of the wood. While indoor furniture projects may be the traditional use for pocket hole jig joinery the outdoors offers just as many project opportunities. While sometimes necessary if the hole is visible, but at times it’s a craftsman’s choice: Kreg offers five varieties of standard sized pocket plugs that can quickly cover your holes and allow matching species: The only issue? Pocket hole jigs have minimum and maximum capacities in terms of the thickness of board they can successfully join. 4. Instructions lack detail. Face Clamp: 6 in. This jig is best for just a few holes. Home Hardware's got you covered. $17.11 $ 17. Kreg® Clamps hold it together Get consistent clamping pressure every time. (2) CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. Should I use glue as well as pocket hole screws?A. For example, drawer slides should use aggressive thread pan-head screws but some vendors ship fine threads and even flat head screws. Kit includes a durable carrying case. But lastly, a machine is a higher end professional unit that makes high volumes of pocket holes and is often free-standing like a shaper or industrial planer. One of the most common uses for pocket hole jigs is to build face frames for cabinets. A basic drill jig is designed to be portable. Adnan Mahmood. Kreg K5 Pocket Hole Jig – Best Available Jig, 3. This is a pretty good clamp for the money. It's possibly not as well made as the Kreg's - metal is a little rougher; handles are not as fancy - but the clamps work with any of the Kreg jigs, etc. While the jig is one component of a screw-based wood joinery project, there are other supplies and accessories you’ll want to consider. PS – if you have spare time or resources check out a great woodworking charity with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. If you have dust collection and won’t be using your jig for plywood or on-the-go then go with the 720. While COVID prevented a bed build at my shop this year I have donated 20 beds to this cause. Once the holes have been drilled and the surfaces clamped a pocket hole screw is used to finish the joinery. Well, there’s a jig for that. Contact Us. 99. As simple as it might seem, all woodworkers face one problem: how to join two pieces of wood together. No donation required to participate and a great cause where you can put your skills to use. The new Kreg Jig K5 is packed with features your are sure to appreciate…. Expensive: Our top choice, a precision three-hole kit that includes every conceivable extra, is around $150, but the price can reach $180 depending on your choice of fixings and case. With the Milescraft, … More advanced models can be portable or bench-mounted. Q. Drill bits aren't as tough as the other pieces. Unfortunately it isn’t. While this can be a bit confusing let’s start with the most common application: joining a 1/2″-3/4″ pieces of wood in a “butt joint” or perpendicular. However, if you plan to use your jig on portable (off the bench) projects and plywood edges go with the 520. Get it by Tomorrow, Apr 15. It all started in 2002 and each year since, Milescraft® has released several new and exciting products that stand out as innovative project solutions. With budget pocket hole jigs, you'll probably only be able to work in 1/4-inch steps. We're confident our recommendations will suit everyone from the demanding user looking for high quality to the DIYer looking for a bargain. Including a few Kreg jig alternatives. The Milescraft 6" Face Clamps are perfect for pocket hole joinery, assembly, and general clamping. These compact, lightweight fence clamps allow you to secure a wide variety of shop-made auxiliary fences to your existing fences without the clamp getting in the way. Doesn't come with a clamp. When choosing a pocket hole jig it is worth understand they actually come in many variations: In February 2021 Kreg released a complete re-design of their popular pocket jigs. The included T-bolts allow the Milescraft BenchClamps to be used in T-tracks. You use a clamp to fix it to the workpiece (sometimes included, often not). KREG R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System, Blue &... Kreg KWS500 Track Horse Tool & Adaptive Cutting... Kreg Tool 2007530 Deck Jig Kit44; Blue - 9 Piece. For me, the biggest disadvantage of the clamps that need to be adjusted to size with a turn screw is the regular need to use two hands when clamping different thicknesses. Includes 2 clamps… A pocket hole jig is one of the best ways to get into woodworking. (4) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site. It's not that difficult to adjust the tension on this so I don't feel like I settled on this product compared to Kreg ones. Let’s take a look at a few alternatives to a jig to speed your joinery projects. Disclaimer: DIY projects can be dangerous, hire a professional (link to Home Advisor) if unsure. With most jigs being used for 3/4" stock a face clamp with a 2" maximum reach can work fine (and be less than half the price). Last update on 2021-05-09 at 19:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Kreg also specializes in an extensive range of clamps, and clamping systems. Milescraft 4001 3" Faceclamp - For Woodworking, Pocket Hole, Welding & More. Alternatively, they slide on universal t-tracks as well. Comes with numerous items needed to accomplish almost any task, including a sturdy jig for portable or bench top use, large clamp and dust collection system. Good value. Customer Satisfaction. (5) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. You don't need to break the bank and spend $20 on a clamp. At first glance this should be easy because there can’t be more than a few varieties. Milescraft 6 in. Make Offer - Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp. Milescraft One of the USA's best-kept woodworking secrets, Milescraft's record of innovation speaks for itself . Helpful. White wood glue has always been popular (and is very cheap), but some modern polyurethanes are stronger and easier to clean up, and they can be painted or stained so they're practically invisible on the finished job. For more wood joint alternatives, be sure to check out the Festool DOMINO joint and alternatives. Not only do they have a few jigs, they have all the accessories and screws to go with them. Watch later. Kreg Clamps with Automaxx® adjust automatically to clamp materials that are thick, thin, or in between. 5.0 average based on 1 product rating. Top manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on their drill guides, which indicates how tough they are. Last update on 2021-05-09 at 14:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Woodworking Corner Clamp for Kreg Jigs and 90° Corner Joints&T Joint Gadget Tool. While the cost and portability of the 520P is appealing the dust collection with the 720P is equally desirable. Well, based on my use and research I have found over 18 different variations of pocket hole jigs that range from single hole jigs for under $20 up to $500 pocket jig workstations that are built for industrial use. Due to variations in wood thickness, hardwoods vs. softwoods, and even indoor vs. outdoor applications there are a variety of screws to choose from.