Pocket hole jig - is this one worth it?

[Jillos]

I want to have a go with pocket holes - I make a lot of planters and other bits for my garden, and figure it would just be a useful tool to have. As I've not had one before, I don't want to splash on a Kreg, but I found a you tuber who endorsed this one:
https://amzn.eu/d/9xpvmAQ

As always with Amazon, the reviews are mixed, and a few folk seem to be saying that the drill guides wear out quickly.

Does anyone have one, and is it worth a punt do you think?

 

[robgul]

I have a Trend one that's very similar - works fine - all pretty simple. Buy one. [You'll probably find the same thing on Banggood/Alie/Temu for a lot less money if that's an issue]

The Kreg range is great but overkill/expensive - watch Shara at Woodshop Diaries on YT - she's the "pocket hole queen" making everything with them.

 

[BillK]

You might be lucky and find hardened collars that drop in, they're only held in by grub screws. The inserts on that one do look a bit shiney-chromey for hardened ones.

 

[TRITON]

Probably a good deal in respect of its basically a UJK copy, but a 1/4 of the price

So if it is something that is getting used occasionally, then it will more than likely be fine

 

[Spectric]

I make a lot of planters and other bits for my garden

This sounds like more heavy stuff so you might want heavier fixings, for such jobs I use the Kreg HD jig which is just £50 and the screws are coated for outdoor use.

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/product/kreg-jig-hd-pocket-hole-system/

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/p...ointing-systems-pocket-hole-jigs/kreg-screws/

That Amazon jig for £26 is just like placing a bet on the grand national, you would be better off with this Jig for £20

https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/milescraft-pocketjig100/

to get a feel for pocket holes and then maybe progress one way or the other.

 

[Vulcan]

I bought a cheap one from Aliexpress some years ago and it’s fine - apart from the drill bit which was slightly the wrong size (too small). I then bought the cheap Trend one for the included drill bit and found myself using it more often than the Aliexpress one.
It was under £20 when I bought it.

 

[bushwhaker]

Maybe this https://www.tyzacktools.com/weekend-special-tyzack-pocket-hole-jig-k4

 

[Andrew V]

I would consider a couple of the ones available on Banggood. I bought the Enjoywood jig with the extension kit and am very happy (same as the Drillpro on this video)

Here is a link to a YouTube video that might help your choice.



Even cheaper ones available if you are not too fussy about the result.

 

[Jillos]

Thanks everyone, some happy perusing over the weekend

 

[Spectric]

Avoid the Dowelmax copy from asia, the accuracy of the drill bushes is such that there is a difference in centres from each end which has to be 100% for it to deliver. If in doubt then

https://www.dowelmax.com/woodworking/tools/buyer-beware-cheap-chinese-knock-offs/

and having used a Dowelmax for many years it is probably the most precise tool I own, always reliable and delivering perfect dowel joints.

 

[Andrew V]

I would consider a couple of the ones available on Banggood. I bought the Enjoywood jig with the extension kit and am very happy (same as the Drillpro on this video)

Here is a link to a YouTube video that might help your choice.



Even cheaper ones available if you are not too fussy about the result.

Sorry, just realised I have recommended a dowelling jig!!

This is the one I meant to send you.

 

[kinverkid]

I am quite a fan of pocket holes and know, in the right situations, that they are a fast - and can be, a very secure fastening. But, and this is based on the planters I've made over the years, that the pressure of the soil pressing in an outwards direction, especially when freeze thawing and when water saturated that the fixing possibly needs to be a bit more substantial than most pocket hole positions will allow.
As for which jig to go for. Don't overspend. I've not come across one that doesn't work.

 

[ColinDeVelen]

I have an older version of the trend one shown above, the one with two drill guides. No issue with it at all.

 

[Jillos]

I am quite a fan of pocket holes and know, in the right situations, that they are a fast - and can be, a very secure fastening. But, and this is based on the planters I've made over the years, that the pressure of the soil pressing in an outwards direction, especially when freeze thawing and when water saturated that the fixing possibly needs to be a bit more substantial than most pocket hole positions will allow.
As for which jig to go for. Don't overspend. I've not come across one that doesn't work.

Good point. I'd prob counterscrew with 90 degree screws on the other side. But for example I'm currently making a 'herb table' with long (waist height) legs, and the pocket hole technique will work well on attaching and stabilising the legs. Well, that's the aim! Also always looking for new techniques and skills to try.

 

[AJBaker]

I want to have a go with pocket holes - I make a lot of planters and other bits for my garden, and figure it would just be a useful tool to have. As I've not had one before, I don't want to splash on a Kreg, but I found a you tuber who endorsed this one:
https://amzn.eu/d/9xpvmAQ

As always with Amazon, the reviews are mixed, and a few folk seem to be saying that the drill guides wear out quickly.

Does anyone have one, and is it worth a punt do you think?

View attachment 199142

Off topic, but lovely bit of work in your profile pic! Looks a bit like something I made:

 

[Spectric]

the fixing possibly needs to be a bit more substantial than most pocket hole positions will allow

And why I suggested the Kreg HD version that uses much heavier screws.

 

[TRITON]

This sounds like more heavy stuff so you might want heavier fixings, for such jobs I use the Kreg HD jig which is just £50 and the screws are coated for outdoor use.

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/product/kreg-jig-hd-pocket-hole-system/

https://bivenmachinerysales.co.uk/p...ointing-systems-pocket-hole-jigs/kreg-screws/

That Amazon jig for £26 is just like placing a bet on the grand national, you would be better off with this Jig for £20

https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/milescraft-pocketjig100/

to get a feel for pocket holes and then maybe progress one way or the other.

For big planters, box joints would look better and are easier to produce. Plus they'll be a lot stronger in the outdoor setting

 

[Jillos]

For big planters, box joints would look better and are easier to produce. Plus they'll be a lot stronger in the outdoor setting

I've not got to that level yet! I'd have no idea where to start (beyond spending a while on You Tube)

 

[Jillos]

Off topic, but lovely bit of work in your profile pic! Looks a bit like something I made: View attachment 199227

Ah thank you @AJBaker, that's made my week!

I get loads of lovely, 'scrap' timber from my brother, that comes as packaging for EVs. It's lovely stuff, but I'm not sure what it is - some kind of 'pine', but very solid. I contacted the mill in Georgia from where it originated from to ask, but they never got back to me. Prob thought I was just some mad Brit.