kreg system

[jose's garage]

FG asked me what I want for Christmas, told her a bigger garage. but i'm interested in the Kreg pocket hole jig to build cabinets for the garage and laundry room, but there are many kits to choice from. there is the K4MS, K4, and the R3. I like the K4MS but it doesn't have the R3 in it. and the K4 is a minimal version of the K4MS. what kits you guys have and what would be the limitations with each of the kits.

 

[Wood'nMetal]

I have the R3 Jr kit and it does everything I need although at times I wish I had the vice-grip clamp with it. If I had to buy it over again and cost was no object, I would go for the big kit.

However if you are only using it for building cabinets and not doing miters or anything out of the ordinary you would be fine with the basic kit by Kreg or any of the other manufacturers.

Also consider a biscuit joiner if you don't have one. Great for building cabinet doors, attaching face frames or countertop edging.

 

[dangree]

It depends on how much your going to use it. I've worked in a small cabinet shop that got by with the R3 and the Kreg Face Clamp. This is much slower to use because you have to use the face clamp to hold the jig for ever hole you drill. I personally have the K4 but I havent had any time to try it out. After using the R3 I really like the clamp being built into the jig, hopefully much faster production. If you wanted the most complete setup I would buy the K4, face clamp and the 90 degree clamp. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DCE79O/?tag=atomicindus08-20 this thing is awesome for making drawers.

 

[jose's garage]

I have the R3 Jr kit and it does everything I need although at times I wish I had the vice-grip clamp with it. If I had to buy it over again and cost was no object, I would go for the big kit.

However if you are only using it for building cabinets and not doing miters or anything out of the ordinary you would be fine with the basic kit by Kreg or any of the other manufacturers.

Also consider a biscuit joiner if you don't have one. Great for building cabinet doors, attaching face frames or countertop edging.

other manufacturers?

 

[jose's garage]

I like the master system, and i like the R3 kit. R3 because it’s easy to move around. The jig in the master system doesn’t have the clamp pad and the Positioning Sliders like the R3. I'm leaning towards the R3 and clamp.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I bought the Master kit 299.00. Aunt 1 took it to Uncle 1's house, Aunt 2 took it home with her 250 miles away she is nice enough to let me use it when I visit. This is the last thing I built when I was visiting my kit.



I was at Menards today looking at a set for 140.00.

 

[Fizbin]

I have the R3 and it is nice to have, but as Wood'nMetal said, it's kind of a pain to use. If you have the option to get the master system, then I would suggest you put that on your christmas list.

As far as other manufacturers go, here's a quick google search:
Portable Pocket Hole Jig Kit

General Tools EZ Pro Deluxe Pocket Hole Jig Kit

Craftsman Pocket Hole Jig

I'm sure there's more out there.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks like the Harbor Freight one is the hot ticket for the price. I'd been wanting a Kreg unit for awhile but the cost just isn't warranted for as little as I'd use it. Now I'm planning on going for this one!

 

[ajchien]

I've got the K4 master system, love it.

Of all things, my favorite included piece is the shop vac attachment. My work area is so much cleaner.

I think you could consider getting a few extra face clamps and some 90 angle clamps.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Looks like the Harbor Freight one is the hot ticket for the price. I'd been wanting a Kreg unit for awhile but the cost just isn't warranted for as little as I'd use it. Now I'm planning on going for this one!

I could not find it at HF web site do you have a part number or url thanks

 

[383 240z]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-pocket-hole-jig-kit-96264.html?hftref=cj

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-pocket-hole-jig-kit-96264.html?hftref=cj

thanks for the quick reply.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I have the Kreg and it has been a great addition to my shop. I added some of the stuff to my older kit that is now available like the vise grips. I don't see how the fancy dust collection port does much for you, little dust is made and the drill sawdust is very easy to clean up and stays localized...no airborne dust. I have not found a use for the little "portable" single port Kreg included but I suppose if yoou had to put holes in the side of a big sheet it would come in handy.
I also picked up one of the 2 hole cheapo all metal things (Chinese from Woodcraft??) and the bushings are so sloppy that it leaves little metal shavings behind.
In my experience, as with most tools, buy the best you can afford, Kreg's middle set is good for most projects.

 

[KGB Pilot125]

just bought the K5 and am really happy with it. The dust collection is awesome, seriously nothing to sweep up at all. I also like extended arms on both sides if you are doing anything of any sort of length it is handy for stabilizing the piece. also a nice place to keep the parts.

 

[2Big2Ride]

just bought the K5 and am really happy with it. The dust collection is awesome, seriously nothing to sweep up at all. I also like extended arms on both sides if you are doing anything of any sort of length it is handy for stabilizing the piece. also a nice place to keep the parts.

Happy to hear this, just purchased the K5 kit, but haven't used it yet.

 

[383 240z]

Anybody use the HF knock off? Wife just informed me that I will be making the new cabinets for the kitchen remodel. I know its only $30 difference, but if it's close thats still $30. I more than likley will buy the big kit with all the options. If it matters she does not want drawers in the cabinets. Keith

 

[turbowoodworker]

Read post #13. The cheap metal ones like HF and others shed metal from poor tolerance bushings.

 

[central1ny]

I have the K4 system and it works great. I used it to build a workbench out of 2x4 lumber. My only complaint is the bench weight probably 500 pounds, but through no fault of the Kreg Jig!

 

[Krodad]

I'd say stick with the Kreg system. They aren't the cheapest, but they are certainly fairly priced...and I live 15 minutes from their headquarters so this is a shameless plug for my community!!

I am placing an order this week for their new mini jig, and the new heavy duty jig as well, since I do a lot of things with 2x lumber and love using pocket holes where I can.

You will not be sorry by getting the real deal.

 

[krazykevin76]

R3 Jr kit user here. I've added the vise grip clamps and that helps a lot. I've built several cabinets and the R3 jr has been plenty. Can't speak for the quality of the other brands but the Kreg is very nicely made. In my opinion, working with larger pieces of wood, I like the Jr. because it is easy to move around. You drill your two holes, then unclamp, move over, reclamp, and drill. The larger systems seem very nice. But it looks like you have to move your workpiece since the clamp is bolted to your workbench. But I could be missing something.

 

[woodrail]

The clamp system on the kreg operates from the front. Makes a big difference when "in production".

 

[LeeG]

I started with the K4 kit, and have since added the stuff for the micro and HD versions. The micro is great for 1/2" material, while the HD is great for 2x material. I had absolutely no luck with the 90 degree clamps, but the standard face frame clamps work great. Instead of the 90 deg clamps, I just use a pipe or bar clamp to keep everything lined up until the screws are in.

Although they say it isn't needed, I glue all the joints as well as screw them.

 

[cubicle]

Looks like the Harbor Freight one is the hot ticket for the price. I'd been wanting a Kreg unit for awhile but the cost just isn't warranted for as little as I'd use it. Now I'm planning on going for this one!

Might have to look at the HF jig. I don't do enough to justify spending the full amount on a kreg.

 

[gc427]

I bought one of the Harbor Freight ones about a year ago and it works great.

I could not justify paying more money for the plastic Kreg model.

 

[IlliniBone]

I bought the $100 jig from Home Depot and used a HF 25% coupon to get it for $75.

 

[levimorris85]

I have the R3 with the vise grip clamp and love mine. Got it as a Christmas present and use it often, more then i would have thought. I use mine for 2x4 cross brace for the attic stairs i just hung, fence rails, storage cabinet i built etc. Well worth the 65 bucks.

 

[2manytoyz]

I bought the Kreg K4MS Jig Master System years ago. Excellent product.

Makes for fast builds. No more screwing around with biscuits, or worse yet, dowels. I've used plenty of both for decades.

Finished product. This is an Alternative Energy cabinet for my solar setup at my house.

Also made some cabinets for the workshop.

More garage cabinets to follow...

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Read post #13. The cheap metal ones like HF and others shed metal from poor tolerance bushings.

"cheap metal?"

Have you actually used the HF pocket hole jig?

 

[Krodad]

I started with the K4 kit, and have since added the stuff for the micro and HD versions. The micro is great for 1/2" material, while the HD is great for 2x material. I had absolutely no luck with the 90 degree clamps, but the standard face frame clamps work great. Instead of the 90 deg clamps, I just use a pipe or bar clamp to keep everything lined up until the screws are in.

Although they say it isn't needed, I glue all the joints as well as screw them.

Can I ask why you didn't like the 90 degree clamp? Are you talking about the new style or the older one that inserts into one of the pockets?
I have neither but was considering getting one or both.