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Simple and Inexpensive

Review by Jimi_C posted 20 days ago 732 views 0 times favorited 14 comments Add to Favorites Watch
Simple and Inexpensive Simple and Inexpensive No-picture-s Click the pictures to enlarge them

I’ve been looking at getting a Kreg pocket hole jig for a while now, with it basically being a toss up between the R3 Jr. and the extremely simple mini jig kit. I wasn’t really looking at the K4 or higher systems, since they go up in price pretty quickly, and as always I’m working on a budget. In addition, I always planned to get the face clamps, so the extra clamping capabilities of the more expensive systems seemed unnecessary for my level of work. I bought the small face clamp for now, since I’m primarily using this for face frames, as well as the right angle clamp, to attach the face frames to the cabinet box. But enough about clamps!

That being said, the K3 Jr. meets my needs exactly. It comes with a nice case, which includes the guide for placing the stop collar on the drill bit (shown in picture #2) based on material thickness. The jig itself has adjustable sliders on each side, with positive stops for each material thickness (from 1/2” to 1-1/2”). It also has a detachable clamp pad for non-Kreg clamps, or if you are putting some pocket holes someplace you can’t clamp, there are screw holes for holding the jig in place. The jig has marks on the front face, denoting the pocket hole centers for lining the jig up. This kit also comes with a (very) small assortment of screws and plugs, but it’s not enough to do anything with but practice.

Out of the box, without reading the instructions, I was able to joint two pieces of scrap maple I had laying around. The joint was nice and tight, and with glue I have no doubt it’d keep just about anything together. Out of all of Kreg’s jigs, I think this one has the most bang for the buck, I’d recommend this to anyone looking to make some pocket holes.

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Jimi_C

189 posts in 128 days



14 comments so far

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a1Jim

16683 posts in 470 days


posted 20 days ago

Good review

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

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Rick Dennington

318 posts in 87 days


posted 20 days ago

Hey JimiC: They sure are nice to have. For a long time I’ve been using the Mini jig, and it’s great for one hole at a time. But I bit the bullet last week and ordered the K4 set-up, along with some other stuff from Rockler.
I’ve read some good reviews on here from other LJ’s. I may not use it all the time for some applications, but I’ll have it if I need it. Like they say—it’s better to have it and not need it, as it is to need it and not have it.
Have fun with your new toy !!

-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!

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UnionLabel

148 posts in 93 days


posted 19 days ago

Good review. I have one and have used it recently in making some table legs for a mahogany play table I’m building for my grand-daughter. I absolutely love the ease and strength of creating joints, plus it frees up a ton of clamps too.

-- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy-May all your dovetails fit tight and right the first time

View dfarr's profile

dfarr

11 posts in 325 days


posted 19 days ago

Nice review and I agree. The R3 gets you started and able to dabble with the pocket hole method of joinery without having to invest a bunch of $. I find it quick and adaptable for my projects and so far I don’t see the need for the larger more expensive model. Make sure you order a back-up drill bit as once the pilot tip breaks off the rest of the bit is pretty much useless. My battery drill toppled over and the tip was gone in an instant. Luckily I had a spare.

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Kent Shepherd

805 posts in 179 days


posted 19 days ago

Thanks for the review—Good job

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

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rozzi

44 posts in 215 days


posted 19 days ago

Nice review. I have not bought one yet so I appreciate your thoughts. It will probably save some money.

-- Duane, Iowa

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SteveMI

209 posts in 187 days


posted 19 days ago

Another thanks for the review. I have stood at the display a number of times trying to figure out which one would meet my minimal needs. The sales people always end any question about the lower models with a big BUT and proceed to brag about the K4 and above.

Steve.

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bunkie

52 posts in 40 days


posted 19 days ago

Back in February, I bought the pocket Kreg Jig on impulse at the Woodworking Show. It definitely changed the way I do things. At about $20, it’s an excellent value. I ordered a big box of screws from Amazon (free shipping!) and off I went. In June I sprung for the $99 kit because it’s a real time saver when doing large panels. It’s much faster to place the panel in the jig clamped to the bench tha it is to index the pocket jig and clamp it down.

Last week I used the two clamps I had bought, the one with one jaw shaped like a dowel for right-angle use and one for face-frame use. The right angle clamp works like a champ and, in my opinion, is a necessity as the act of driving the screw tends to misalign the two workpieces.

Of course, I’m now into Kreg for a little more than I would have spent for the Master Kit, but I do have two drill bits and I can carry the pocket jig in my toolbox for portable use.

It’s my opinion that the various forms of Kreg jig are well worth the money. This weekend, I was making a pair of L-shaped shelved by edge-joining two plywood rectangles. The Kreg jig made short work of it. I am very satisfied.

-- Life is too short to suffer bad food and lousy speakers

View NBeener's profile

NBeener

372 posts in 67 days


posted 19 days ago

Good review.

I’ve got the mini, and like it a lot. After my minimal experience with my Kreg router table, I’d be willing to consider anything else they make.

Seems like a good company, generally.

-- -- Neil

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Dusty56

3458 posts in 581 days


posted 19 days ago

I bought the “big” set up several years ago and so far I have only used the mini 1 hole unit , clamp , drill bit and screws to make several projects….I could have saved a lot of money had I only purchased the previously mentioned items : ) If I ever need the other pieces , I have them ….somewhere. LOL

-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .

View Greg's profile

Greg

217 posts in 201 days


posted 19 days ago

Good review.
I purchased my second Kreg kit and use it alot. Find it to be quite useful and foolproof.

-- Each and Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. Greg Little

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dbhost

600 posts in 125 days


posted 18 days ago

I have the Kreg jig on my upgrade list. I have a General Tool pocket hole jig, and it is anything but accurate. I mean it works, and thankfully all the pocket holes i Have made have been in concealed areas…

You chose very well. Use it to it’s ability and you will have some nice work done with it…

-- Trying to follow the example of the master.

View Jimi_C's profile

Jimi_C

189 posts in 128 days


posted 18 days ago

Thanks for all the comments! Just thought I’d mention that I created my first face frame today using the jig, and it went together flawlessly! Measuring the diagonals, I’m about 1/16” out of square, which I’ll call close enough for the built-in I’m working on :D

View mgb's profile

mgb

23 posts in 106 days


posted 16 days ago

Nice review. I bought the K-3 last year and I love it. Built a cabinet for our laundry room, 84×34x24, used pocket holes to join all the pieces. Nice rigid joints.

Again good review

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