First Pocket hole jig?

[jussi]

Any recommendations on a good starter kit? Kreg seems to make a hundred different versions. Which one is good for someone just starting out and on a budget.

[drumpriest]

It depends upon your budget. I would look at the k3 standard kit. It's upgradeable, and includes what you need to get a good start. The price isn't too bad either, around 80$ or so.

[ragswl4]

You couldn't go wrong with the K3, thats for sure. I have the K2000 and like it. If you just want to get a feel for it, there is a single hole (portable) jig with a drill bit and depth collar for around $20. Chances are you will eventually need that one any way as the K3 and other larger kits are not too user friendly if you need to drill a pocket hole on a larger panel or board. I purchased one just to get a spare bit and found I use the jig alot on cabinet carcases. The K2000 is great for cabinet face frames.

One of the things about the K3 and K2000 is that they come with a depth guide for the drill bit for different material thickness. No guessing required. Of course if you need to know the depths I could measure and send you the data. Good tools and Kreg customer service (guy named Larry on the Tech side) is top knotch.

Edit: If you go for a bigger kit, I think the K3 comes with a vacuum attachment. Good idea. If you make a lot of holes it does make a mess. I have to stop and vacuum after about 5-6 holes on my K2000.

[tbarn]

I got the Kreg r3 a month ago.
I haven't used it much but from what I have I think it is nice.
It is real easy to set up for different wood thicknesses.
it makes nice tight joints.
I think it was around $40.
The only thing it is missing is a clamp which would come in handy when screwing the pieces together. I have tried bar clamps and they don't seem as easy.

[atgcpaul]

Any recommendations on a good starter kit? Kreg seems to make a hundred different versions. Which one is good for someone just starting out and on a budget.

I've been using the single $20 kit for at least 2 years now. Some of the best
$20 I ever spent (except for all those screws). If I were to do it now, I'd
probably go to that $40 R3 kit and maybe get the face clamp. I've been using
the Irwin Griptight squeeze clamps and they work OK. Still get some slippage
sometimes when screwing in.

Paul

[ragswl4]

Harbor Freight has one of those clamps that looks very similiar to the Kreg Clamp except it does not have one of the larger disks on one end. A thin piece of wood under the clamp works well. Cost $3.99 . I think it may be intended as a welder's clamp.

HF on the left, Kreg on the right.

[Sawatzky]

I have the small $20 jig as well and use it for all my face frames. It may not be quite as fast as the other jigs, but does the job all the same. I put my frames together using the face frame clamp that woodcraft sells. It works very well and holds the wood very tight. I would like to have a bigger system, but can't justify spending the money when the small one does what I need it to do - drill pocket holes.

[footprintsinconc]

k3 with free jig clamp

i got the R3 when rockler had a sale where if you bought the R3 they would give you a free clamp for the jig all for $40. work great especially with the 1/8" increment adjustment.

edit: i meant R3 not K3

[gsmittle]

I have the big kit with the vaccum attachment. I love it! I've used it for everything from building a 9x12 door for my mom's storage building (used to be my dad's engine shop) to face frames and even a couple of tables. I use it constantly as I build shop cabinets.

Haven't had a need yet for the one-hole jig. I suppose it's just a matter of time.

There are other pocket hole jig manufacturers out there, but when I went shopping Kreg looked like the best made, easiest to operate, and most bang for the buck.

g.

[jziegler]

It all depends on what you want to spend. Do it right, and buy Kreg, not an immitator. The R3 loks great for the price. The k3 standard looks great, and can later be upgraded to the full k3 master system. The mini jig works well enough (I have it) but would not be reccommended as an only jig, it only has one hole, so you need to move it for the 2 commonly used on a face frame, and it doesn't have as nice of an alingment mechanism as the others have (just lines on the back, you have to manually clamp it). Eventually, I'll get a k3 (or it's eventual replacemnt). For now, I make do with the mini jig and an cheap non-Kreg one. But I wish I could go back and have bought the Kreg right away.

Jim

[lcm1947]

I have the Kreg and think it's the neatest tool I've ever seen. It is so easy to use. I love mine. I bought the big kit. The one that comes in the carrying case. Can't say enough good things about it. I've since also purchases several more of the various size clamps. Yeah go Kreg. You won't regret it IMHO.

[jussi]

Thanks guys so I think I'll go with the K3 system but was wondering if I should go with the Master or Standard system. What's the main difference and is it worth almost double the price? I'm not in a hurry so I may just wait for a sale. Has it ever gone on sale at Amazon?

[drumpriest]

The standard system comprises of the clamp, jig block, drill bit, and a few screws. The master system has a "station" the block goes into, so you move the workpiece to the tool instead of the tool to the workpiece, and it includes dust collection, and adjustable stops for repeated indexing.

[lcm1947]

I would strongly suggest the Master kit. I was going to suggest just the K2000 kit but if you price it which is $109.00 and down the road bought the Rocket jig at $55.00 and then the mini jig at $22.00 that totals $226.00 whereas the master is only $150.00. That's a what $77.00 saving over buying them separate. Course buying them separate you are getting two extra clamps which is not a bad thing having plus 2 extra drill bits which also isn't a bad thing plus 2 extra drivers which you probably will never need but you'd get them anyway so I think I'd go the master kit. Now saying that I have never used my rocket or mini jigs yet because the 3 hole table drill guide is so easy and neat to use. I mounted mine on a board that I clamp to the work bench when I need it. It is just so simply and easy to use and or setup I just look forward to using it each time which I can't say for a lot of my tools. I've drilled pretty large sheets ( 36 x 24" ) of ply on it mounted on the table and haven't a problem. If tight on money go for the K2000 because in my opinion you'll use that 95% of the time anyway. I do like the idea however of having the other two jigs around just in case so it's a tough call but if nothing else get the K2000. You'll love it I am sure! Whatever or which ever you decide on though I would not just get the standard kit. It does not come with the 3 hole table drill guide that the K2000 has and that's the neat piece. The table mounting feature of the 3 hole drill guide ( K2000 ) is everything! and you don't get it with the standard kit. Anyway, my opinion. Good luck.

[JimD]

I don't want to discourage the Kreg kit but I like my Penn State Industries pocket hole jig. I got their equivalent of a master kit for about $75. I like the fact that it is aluminum instead of plastic. I have not used a Kreg so I cannot say which is better but I have no complaints about mine. The hole spacing is adjustable which is a feature that the Kreg did not have, at least at the time I bought the PSI. I have the setup with the quick release clamp in an L-shaped setup and the alternate "pocket" type setup that you use a separate clamp with to hold the jig to the wood. Both fit into a wooden box (again no plastic).

Jim