I am about to buy a pocket hole jig for occasional use, and have looked at the Kreg kits, and saw this one, and wondered if anyone has experience with it?
For the price it looks great. Kreg is a good machine, but rather pricey. I would be afraid of 45 deg splitting the wood, though I have never tried it.
I had a jig similiar to that one and it was a good starter setup. Eventually, the drill bit ate away the black inserts shown on the jig (where the drill bit is inserted) and that led to holes that ran off. For occsional use though, it would work fine. I replaced mine with a Kreg. Although more $$, the inserts are still true after a couple years se. --dave
Although it will take materials up to 2" thick it does not appear that there is any adjustment to have the drilled holes to be centered in the end (thickness) of the board.
Many Busy Bee tools are good value. This is not one of them. The guide-barrels elongate after the first try on a piece of oak. Spend the few extra dollars on the Kreg and you'll use it more often as well.
Maybe it's okay on pine or balsa. Poplar is already pushing it.
When buying the Kreg, you're not just buying better guides, but better drill bits as well.
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the Kreg is the way to go.
I haven't used this Busy Bee, but I have a Kreg Rocket setup I got lightly used on ebay for $40. It's worked great, and it is adjustable for various stock thicknesses. I'd recommend one. I've seen the Kreg screws on sale both at Amazon and Woodcraft - you should be able to get a box of 100 for under $4. (I also got a box of 1000 of the 1.5"ers from Amazon for just under $30). Just so you're aware - if you're using a pocket hole near the end of a hard board like oak, you'll probably need a pilot hole (in the piece that doesn't have the countersinks) to prevent splitting. Other than that, it's very easy. I haven't had any problems with the countersunk piece splitting. Andy
The only difference between this jig and the Kreg system is that it includes a clap to hold the jig to the wood while you drill it. The simplest Kreg jig,
In all cases the pocke drilling angle never changes it's just that some of these units come with a clamping system to hold the wood against the drilling jig.
Been a member here for 2 months and this is my first posting...
The Kreg jig listed above is one I've got and I get LOTS of use of it. Normally runs about 20 bucks but I got it for 15 and it was worth it!!!
The insert/collar is a steel insert and the bit hasn't worn it out, nor do I suspect it will. Pocket hole woodworking is very strong and fast. Just search online for videos and you can see the demos on
Ward (Chief USN)
snipped-for-privacy@i> The only difference between this jig and the Kreg system is that it
a current sailor! I had it trucked to backyard, so there is no rush to save yard bills. While it is in the backyard, I found this group, and got more interested in woodworking. This group is fantastic for the novice. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATE
The drilling angle is different on some machines - Castle machines bore at a shallower angle I believe, which lessens the tendency of the screw to pull the parts out of alignment. JP
So what's in the back yard?
Where are you located?
Lew
My Bristol 35 sloop is in the Backyard, waiting for me to work on her. And it's all this Groups fault! After finding the Group, I can't get myself out of the shop! I'm in SW Florida.
Nice boat. Since you are in FL, good thing she's got a centerboard.
BTW, have you found a list called "Yacht-L"?
There is a guy in Ft Myers who is on that list with me.
Lew
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