The Bottom Line
Occasionally, a product comes along that does the desired task so well, the product becomes almost synonymous with the task. While there are other tools available for pocket joinery, the one woodworking tool that is commonly associated with this type of joint is the Kreg Jig. Since the company's humble beginnings in the mid-1980s, Kreg's inexpensive and yet highly effective steel, aluminum and plastic jigs have revolutionized the way pocket joints are created.
The Kreg Jig K3 Master System combines benchtop and portable base jigs in one affordable kit, one which we highly recommend.
The Kreg Jig K3 Master System combines benchtop and portable base jigs in one affordable kit, one which we highly recommend.
Pros
- Very detailed documentation - Describes numerous uses for pocket joinery
- Once the jig is configured, repeatable pocket joints are easy
- Includes both benchtop and portable bases
Cons
- For proper use, proprietary Kreg self-tapping wood screws are necessary
- The nylon screw in the material support stop seems flimsy and could be improved
Description
- The benchtop base and portable base both use the same K3 drill guide block in the kit.
- The K3 Master System includes a dust collection shroud to help keep the guide block clean while drilling.
- The documentation is very comprehensive, but the terminology can be a bit confusing. Take your time when learning the jig.
- Be sure to always set the depth collar on the bit to the appropriate depth to ensure strong pocket joints.
Guide Review - Kreg Jig K3 Pocket Hole System Review
The Kreg Jig K3 Master Pocket Hole System contains one guide block with three machined aluminum guide holes. This guide block can be used equally well in either the included benchtop base or the portable base. Depending on the width of the head board being used, two or more pocket holes will be drilled.
Once you've determined how many holes you'll need to drill, simply clamp the jig to the board in the proper position for the first hole (the instructions for doing so are dependent on whichever base you choose). Set the depth collar on the special 3/8" step drill bit to the appropriate depth and drill the pocket hole. Repeat the steps with the other holes in the head board and remove the jig.
Align the tail board with the head board in the proper position and clamp the two boards together using the included premium face clamp. (This will help ensure that one of the boards doesn't become displaced when inserting the screws.) Then insert the appropriate size of screw through each of the pocket holes and into the tail board.
While glue isn't necessary to hold the joint after the screws join the head board and tail board, glue is recommended to help strengthen the pocket joint long-term.
Once you've determined how many holes you'll need to drill, simply clamp the jig to the board in the proper position for the first hole (the instructions for doing so are dependent on whichever base you choose). Set the depth collar on the special 3/8" step drill bit to the appropriate depth and drill the pocket hole. Repeat the steps with the other holes in the head board and remove the jig.
Align the tail board with the head board in the proper position and clamp the two boards together using the included premium face clamp. (This will help ensure that one of the boards doesn't become displaced when inserting the screws.) Then insert the appropriate size of screw through each of the pocket holes and into the tail board.
While glue isn't necessary to hold the joint after the screws join the head board and tail board, glue is recommended to help strengthen the pocket joint long-term.
