Kreg Jr. Question

I'm contemplating getting either the Kreg Jr. or the much more expensive Kreg jig kit. I'm not sure which one I need though.

I like the portability of the Jr. it seems like it would be easier to use without having the big, bulky clamp. The only thing leaning me towards the more expensive one is the fact that it has more adjustments to match the thickness of the wood you're using. I'm not exactly sure how to prevent the Jr. from creating a pocket hole right at the edge of the wood. I borrowed a non Kreg jig pocket hole jig from a friend and it also had no adjustments, so sometimes the head of the screw would blow through the face of the wood near the edge!

I'm hoping someone who has used the Jr. can maybe explain to me how to prevent that with it, as it seems to be very popular and more cost effective.

Thanks in advance!

Forums

Drills and Screws

JoanneS

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 03:10

Kreg Mini Settings

Hi Medickep! I use the Kreg Mini's all the time (the single-hole ones). I bought 4 of them with a face clamp to go with each so I can do several pocket holes on larger pieces of wood, assembly-line style (and the clamps are super-handy). The placement of the jig itself and the placement of the collar on the drill bit are the important settings to prevent the screw from blowing out the side. You can adjust both the placement of the jig and the collar placement for different thicknesses of wood. These and some other helpful hints are out on the Kreg web site. I keep a laminated copy of these settings in my tool box. These are the #s I got from their web site, for the mini:

Wood Thickness: 3/4"
Placement of Jig: flush with edge of wood
Depth of Collar: 3 1/2" from step to collar
Length of Screw: 1 1/4"

Wood Thickness: 1 1/2"
Placement of Jig: 1 1/4" back from edge of wood
Depth of Collar: 4 1/4" from step to collar
Length of Screw: 2 1/2"

Wood Thickness: 1/2"
Placement of Jig: 1/4" past edge of wood
Depth of Collar 3 5/16" from step to collar
Length of Screw: 1"

Happy building! :)
Joanne

Medickep

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 22:24

Thanks for the help and the

Thanks for the help and the chart idea with lamination is awesome. I think I'll or only get the jr instead of the mini as multiple minis exceed the price of the jr and I like the adjustments built into the jig for the wood your using!

Thanks again!

Medickep

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 22:25