POCKet Hole Drilling with ShopSmith

calver · Post by **calver** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:31 am

Has anyone done pocket hole drilling with ShopSmith?
What is the setup? Any special fixtures involved?
Pros and Cons using SS versus Kreg Jig?

Thank you for your help.

Dave C

gilamonster · Post by **gilamonster** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:13 pm

Hmmmmm!

Now you've got me thinking! I'd never thought of that, but now that you mention it, I wonder about the possibilities!

Lessee... first I think you'd need a jig of some sort to hold the workpiece at a shallow angle to the drill. Without even going down to look at the SS, I'm guessing the table won't tilt that far.

Then, I guess it would require the use of the quill limiter (what is it really called?) to set the depth of the hole.

Yep, I can see this working! Anyone know what angle a Kreg fixture uses?

Oh yeah, Pros and Cons of using SS vs. Kreg Jig?

Well, I already have a ShopSmith!!

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:58 pm

In PTWFE it is reccommended that you use a leveling block when drilling angular holes - this keeps the bit from wandering off center, which it is prone to do with the uneven pressure during such a task. Alec

Leveling Block in use

jb41339 · Post by **jb41339** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:05 pm

Gilamonster...

I believe the Kreg has a 15-degree angle for drilling.

Jim in Tucson, AZ

rcoder · Post by **rcoder** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:35 pm

I have done it both ways (Kreg and SS). The Kreg tool is much more portable and easier to place in difficult positions. If you use the SS I recommend the Kreg drill which minimizes the drift problem.

Bob Coder

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:55 pm

rcoder wrote:I have done it both ways (Kreg and SS). The Kreg tool is much more portable and easier to place in difficult positions. If you use the SS I recommend the Kreg drill which minimizes the drift problem.

Bob Coder

And, also provides the correct hole sizes and depth for the pocket hole screws.

Further, you might want to use the stop collar instead of limiting the SS spindle travel.

But IMO, You're better off just using the Kreg, to begin with. Especially if you have a lot to drill and/or long pieces.

Gene

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:37 pm

If looking for a jig you are in luck. I own this Jig from PSI and it works very well. This unit is on clearance. I think they came out with this jig in a new blow mold storage case. A bargain at $49.99

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PHJIG3.html

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:08 pm

I don't know how the PSI jig is but be careful of cheap lookalikes. I used one about a year or two ago and it was piece of junk. The drill guide flexed, the drill was a piece of junk and square screw bits were chrome plated which immediately chipped off allowing the fit to be so sloppy that it stripped out the screw before it even began to seat it.
I have a Kreg jig and it is fantastic compared to the piece of junk I was using. I think it was bought a Harbor fright!

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:31 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:I don't know how the PSI jig is but be careful of cheap lookalikes. I used one about a year or two ago and it was piece of junk. The drill guide flexed, the drill was a piece of junk and square screw bits were chrome plated which immediately chipped off allowing the fit to be so sloppy that it stripped out the screw before it even began to seat it.
I have a Kreg jig and it is fantastic compared to the piece of junk I was using. I think it was bought a Harbor fright!

The PSI jig is very well built.
What I did not like about the Kreg model jig ,at the time, it had a lot of parts to it. I was afraid (I know) would get lost in my shop. I know all reviews of the Kreg gives it excellent marks but could not get past all the plastic parts.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:13 pm

cincinnati wrote:The PSI jig is very well built.
What I did not like about the Kreg model jig ,at the time, it had a lot of parts to it. I was afraid (I know) would get lost in my shop. I know all reviews of the Kreg gives it excellent marks but could not get past all the plastic parts.

Cincy,
My Kreg setup came in a neat case that has pockets for all the accessories.
I'm about as disorganized as one can be and still function as sort of an adult.

So, I made myself put everything back when I was done. Ooops! I did misplace the stop collar once. Looked for it for an hour, then remembered I'd stuck it in my pocket. At least I found it, unlike other items that I have forever lost some where in the space-time continuum.

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POCKet Hole Drilling with ShopSmith

POCKet Hole Drilling with ShopSmith

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