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This is a sturdy and durable bench-on tool thanks to its all-metal construction that is able to reduce deflection while it is in use. You can quickly clamp it to practically any tabletop, and due to its sturdy construction you can use it with confidence.
Its tall casting improves material support for several material types and wood sizes. It has a 1-1/2” thick casting base, which is the same height as a 2-inch-by-4-inch board, making it able to outrigger support for longer material types. This means that its tall casting base improves the way it drills through several types of materials. Moreover, the repeatable clamp handle allows fast, durable clamping, even for a variety of wooden thickness sizes.
Apart from its clamp and durable design, the Porter-Cable 560 comes with multiple accessories, including square drives, a drill bit, depth collar, a clamp, HEX key, and 100 screws. All of its accessories can be stored on board of the jig, thus saving you a lot of space. Furthermore, it is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee, a one-year free service contract along with a three-year limited warranty.
It lets you adjust the drilling depth
The Porter-Cable 560 is right for you if you plan to create unique pieces that require non-standard pilot holes. You can adjust it in any way you want thanks to its different drilling angles and hole spacing.
It automatically stops at the required depth, and once the drill is set up, you only need to put a piece of wood in it and drill. It makes the entire operation easy, meaning it is a tool anyone can use.
Features to remember:
- Automatic depth control system;
- Self-adjusting, repeatable clamp;
- Dust collection feature;
- Adjustable feature for different wood thickness.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Dust catcher
- Metal construction
- Easy to attach to workbench
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- Its stop is made of plastic
- Workbench use only
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| VERDICT
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| We recommend the Porter-Cable 560 as it can be used almost anywhere, including at your workbench, and it is easy to install and use, making it ideal for both amateurs and professionals.
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The Kreg K5 offers the company’s simplest clamping system ever due to its ratcheting clamp that slides into place on your workpiece. To lift it, you just pull up the handle until you hear and feel two clicks. This operation makes the jig really easy to use and thanks to its adjustable clamp, you can work with different material thicknesses.
In addition to its easy clamping, it comes with two large support wings that can be attached to both sides of the base. Thanks to this, long workpieces get solid support and won’t turn over. Furthermore, under the lid in each wing, there’s a large storage compartment where you can store your drill bits, screws, and accessories for easy access. This way, it will save you a lot of space while also keeping your screws and accessories secured in one place.
It comes with a removable dust port that moves from side to side so that you can position it exactly where you need it. This dust compartment saves you the time you would normally spend cleaning after you finish the work.
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CONS
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- Storage space for screws
- Easily adjustable
- Features an adjustable clamp
- Best for bench top or portable drilling
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- Its insides are made of plastic
- Can only be used on certain materials
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| VERDICT
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| Due to the fact that the Kreg K5 is easily adjustable and comes with storage space for screws as well as an adjustable clamp, it is a great tool to use in your home. |
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As it comes with a rear mounted clamp design, it offers incredible resistance and rigidity. Due to this, adjustments like releasing the locknut and rotating to the correct setting can be easily done, making your work easier.
Besides its clamp design, the Porter-Cable 560 comes with a 3-hole drill guide that lets you drill pocket holes in a wide variety of materials thickness from 1/2” to 1-1/2” in 1/8” increments. Furthermore, every model comes with a hardened steel core, which has a lifetime guarantee. Its core covers the bit and supports the workpiece through its drill-stroke, and it reduces the bit drifting, tear-out, allowing a clean, pluggable pocket hole.
Apart from its steel core, it features dust-collection shroud which gathers wood chips that fall when you work. With this feature, you will not need to worry about cleaning after you are done as you can simply empty the dust bin. Besides, it has a removable drill guide for use with benchtop and portable bases. Additionally, for your peace of mind, the jig is backed by a lifetime warranty, thus you know you are buying a great product.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Removable 3-inch drill guide
- Durable construction
- Portable design
- Easy to mount of workbench and portable bases
- Lifetime warranty
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- Dust collector is placed on the side, it might get in your way
- Constant tightening needed
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| VERDICT
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| We like the Kreg K4MS as it comes with a lifetime guarantee as well as a portable, durable design to ensure that you will get to enjoy it for years to come. |
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This tool is more ideal for those who love DIY projects as well as for those who are new to pocket-hole joinery as it boasts an easy-to-use design and sets up easy. Due to its 3-hole drill guide, you can make perfectly placed holes in several material widths and thicknesses, including 1/2″ up to 1-1/2” in 1/8” increments.
Just as the other Kreg products, the Kreg K4 comes with a hardened steel core that has a lifetime guarantee. You can easily secure it to the workbench thanks to its large clamping recess. It is able to stay secure thanks to its Kreg multi-purpose face clamps or any common bar clamp as well as a C-clamp.
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CONS
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- Large clamping recess
- Optimized drilling angle
- Removable Drill Guide
- Lifetime warranty
- Dust collection
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- You might need to buy an extra bit, because it breaks easily
- Some users have complained about alignment issues
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| VERDICT
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| We like the Kreg K4 due to the fact that it has a large clamping recess, optimized drilling angle, as well as a removable drill guide. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty. |
Drill Master Portable Kit
5. Drill Master Portable Kit
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The Drill Master helps you create holes at variable center distances for various material thicknesses thanks to its hardened steel construction. It boasts a sturdy design and it is both portable and easy to use. Apart from its portability, thanks to its drill guides that help you achieve maximum precision, you can drill perfect holes. Thus, it allows you to take up complicated projects with a lot more precision.
When you receive the package, you will notice in the box that it comes with several accessories like drill guide blocks, an L base, 3/8” step bit with depth collar, as well as 100 screws and hex wrenches. Thanks to its accessories, you will have the right tools to work on your design straight away.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Adjustable spacing holes without unclamping
- Removable drilling jigs
- Aluminum body
- Self-taping screws
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- Doesn’t have a dust collector system
- Drill angle is fixed
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| VERDICT
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| The Drill Master is easy to use and allows you to adjust the spacing of the holes without unclamping. Even though it doesn’t feature a dust collector system, it is still a great product. |
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This small jig lets you drill tight, hard to reach spots, simply because it comes with a compact, easy-to-use construction. The body of the Wolfcraft 4643404 is made of nylon 6.6, combined with 30% fiberglass content, to make it more durable.
Thanks to its guide holes that are placed around the bit, the drill has a straight, more accurate angle, while it minimizes bit-deflection and tear-out. Because of this, the jig lets you drill straight holes, without making the bit lose its sharp edges.
It comes with a measurement guide, so you can quickly measure the material thickness. It even features four adjustable thicknesses: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1”, and 1-1/2”. Featuring a ribbed clamping pad, it lets you measure the material thickness and allows you to drill without issues.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Precise drill guide
- Durable body construction
- Adjustable for different materials
- 4 Different thickness levels
- Comes with accessories
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- Its drill bits might break if undergo a lot of pressure
- No clamp included
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| VERDICT
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Perfect for small tasks around the house, the Wolfcraft 4643404 is perfect for DIY enthusiasts. However, you need to buy a clamp as it is not included with the package.
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With the Milescraft 1323, you are bound to finish projects fast as it connects workpieces quick. It can be used to do repairs, create T-joins, miter joints, corner joints, and framing joints. Considering the cheap asking price and its versatility in use, you would be a fool to pass on it, especially if your budget is limited. The flip fence lets you set it to do any type of repairs at home or in the shop. Regardless if you are accustomed to the metric or the imperial system, you won’t have issues using it as it features built-in scales of both measurement unit types.
There are actually 3 board thickness settings that you can pick between, more precisely 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1-1/2”, and the readout arrow helps you pick the pre-selected depth setting you need. The hardened steel drill bushings guarantee precision when you do pocket holes.
Its built-in stop collar setting lets you customize the drilling depth as you like quick and easy, and you can find it on the underside of the tool. It comes with a clamping magnet properly secures it to the workpiece when you use any metal clamp. It even comes with a plastic storage carry case that features special compartments for each kit component. Furthermore, a 3-year backing is provided against defects by the manufacturer.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Built-in imperial and metric scales
- Readout arrow helps pick the board thickness setting
- Creates a clean pocket hole on the first try
- Clamping magnet helps you secure it to the workpiece using any metal clamp
- Comes with a plastic storage carrying case
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- Flimsy plastic fence
- Some users report that it flexed when a lot of pressure was put on it
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| VERDICT
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To connect workpieces in a quick and timely manner, all at a reasonable price, the Milescraft 1323 is your go-to option. Furthermore, no manual measure is needed as it comes with built-in board thickness to make your life easier.
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Signs that Show You Must Change the Drill Bit
If you have been using the pocket hole jig to do some housework, it means that you need to change the drill or sharpen it as it does not last forever, contrary to what you might have believed. Nevertheless, how do you know it is time to replace it? Here are the signs that show you when the times comes to replace the drill:
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Its sharp days are gone
By using it constantly for different projects, the drill will start to lose its sharp edges and hence not to go through wood with the same ease as before. To test sharpness, you can drag the drill on the surface of a balloon, and if it pops, it is sharp, if not, you need to replace it.
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Look for clean edges
When you try to drill a hole the edges should be clean and crisp. If you notice the lines are a bit fuzzy or jagged and the hole itself look chiseled, drill replacement is needed.
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Sharpen rather than replace
Did you know that drills can be sharpened? Well, yes. You can save money if you simply sharpen the drill instead of replacing it completely. How can you do this? A lot of manufacturers offer sharpening services, and we recommend you get into contact with the manufacturer to benefit from this perk.
A handy person’s tool bag is never complete without a pocket hole jig, especially when woodworking projects are the main challenge. Ultimately, the model you pick must help you accomplish not only projects that you have the skill level for today, but future advanced projects when your woodworking skills improve as well.
The Kreg K5 is our favorite as it can truly be called a whole package. It is easy to use, incontestably accurate, and durable enough to ensure years of use without any issues arising. It lets you concentrate on your work and can caters to any professional or hobbyist’s needs as it handles board thickness of up to 1-1/2” .
Your best choice for the money, on the other hand, is definitely the Milescraft 1323 that is usable in a wide range of situations, including when you want to take up repairs or when you must create T-joins, miter joints, corner joints, and framing joints. It does a fine job without asking a large investment upfront, but you should not rely on it if you take up heavy-duty projects.
We hope that our guide makes your task to find the right tool easier as all the products presented and reviewed have been carefully selected to cater to the needs of both hobbyists and professionals. Furthermore, attention to detail was given to the flaws and highlights of each jig to ensure you are aware of the product’s strong points and weaknesses beforehand to eliminate any unpleasant surprises.
