Kreg K2000PP ProPack Pocket Hole Jig
Amazon.com Review
Since its invention by the ancient Egyptians, the pocket hole joint has become a favorite among modern framers and other woodworkers interested in creating strong joints for their projects. The Kreg K2000 ProPack pocket hole jig contains everything you'll need to create perfect pocket holes, all from a trusted leader in the field known for providing quality products. This kit is designed to help woodworkers place pocket holes in their ideal location on any surface, regardless of thickness, and even includes project plans and detailed instructions for use. It's a must for any woodworker who either uses pocket hole joints or has an interest in trying them.
From the Manufacturer
Now includes the two-drill guide Rocket Jig. Perfect for either the
professional cabinetmaker or the weekend woodworker the Kreg Jig® ProPack
now includes the K2000, Rocket, and Mini pocket hole jigs in an all-inclusive
kit. Patented three-drill guide fixed spacing of the K2000 Jig provides
all the adjustability needed to quickly and easily place pocket holes
across rails as narrow as 1-1/4" to 4" and beyond. Simple
vertical adjustments of the jigs allow you to join 1/2" through
2" material with ease. The ProPack ships complete in a durable
carrying case and includes panel support wings, standard face clamp,
drill bit and depth collar, 3" and 6" #2 square driver
bits, fine thread 1-1/4" self-tapping screws for hardwoods,
coarse thread self-tapping screw for softer materials, footstool
project plan and a detailed instruction manual. Lifetime warranty
on hardened steel drill guides. Made in the U.S.A.
Amazon Customer Reviews:
Pocket Hole Joinery, A Nice Addition to your Arsenal
At first I thought the old wood jigs would be more substantial. I
kind of resented that they went to plastic. I am no longer disappointed.
The hardened steel drill guides are lifetime guaranteed. The plastic
housings are substantially made, and thick enough to be very durable.
All in all, a nice set. You get a three hole, that comes mounted on
the jig. In addition, a two hole and a single hole are included in
the set. Pocket, rocket or whatever they want to call them, it covers
all three sizes and options so your ready to take on the world of pocket
hole joinery, whether you use the jig mounted on the portable clamp
to anything models that are included.
This set sure saves a lot of time. You don't have to wait for hours,
or overnight for the glue to set up. Also you don't have to contend
with lots of clamps. The trade off is that you have to contend with
the fact that their is a hole on the inside face of your work. They
sell plugs in different types of wood to fill them. Then you chisel,
sand, or whatever to get them flat. You could cut your own with a plug
cutter. Do them deep, then cut them on a saw at the angle of the pocket
hole jig. If you are exacting, you could glue them in flush. The other
alternative, is in the case of kitchen cabinets, to attach the face
panels, you cut your pocket holes,on the outside of the cabinet, so
when they are joined together you do not see them.
All in all, you can't beat the strength of the screw holding your piece
together by itself, or as an internal clamp with gluing. If you use
a finish nail, it holds for glue drying, as long as you don't move
the piece very much. With the pocket hole, you can go right into the
rest of your assembly.
Additionally, you have the option of dry fitting your pieces. You cut
to fit, then disassemble them for transport, and do final assembly
on the job site. Great flexibility.
It's a trade off using biscuits, or dowels, you get totally hidden
joinery, but you have to wait for the glue to dry. For finish projects
with all sides exposed, that is the way to go. Slidiing dovetails,
take it a step further, and you not only have no holes to contend with,
and the exposed dovetail is a signed marquee of your work.
The Kreg Pro Pack comes with a very nice carrying case. One of the
best cases I have seen. Well made, and the pieces fit well. It is ideal
for keeping your jig in good shape, and keeping all of the components
handy.
As far as the screws are concerned. They come in different lengths.
the 1 1/4" thousand pack is good for the common 3/4" woods.
That way you get a 1/2" bite into the adjoining material. The
fine thread screws are for hardwood, and the coarse thread is for soft.
I found the Kreg ProPack to be substantially made, and I expect that
it will last for a lifetime of regular use. They do make a professional
one that is the main unit only, which is made out of metal, and intended
for production use, for about the same money as this complete pack.
I have seen pocket hole jigs made out of hardwoods, I just don't think
you are going to get the longevity out of them with a drill bit eating
away at the sides. At least not as long as these with case hardened
steel. I can see someone grumbling over the price versus the plastic,
that is gnawing at me too, but the engineering and convenience of this
kit, is well worth the money. Highly recommended, and makes a nice
addition to your arsenal.
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Best product for home woodworker
I've now had this jig for over one year and it continues to be one
of the best and most used tools in my shop. I've just found a new application.
I'm building a custom designed writing desk and decided to do a mock
up before starting. I used the Kreg to fasten all the parts together
at the customers site. This let me use two different designs on the
front of the cabinet and just flip the front panel and rescrew. The
Kreg system made for very easy transport. Still give it 5 stars!
I have found this to be the most used system in my shop. I mounted
the master jig on a 3/4" platform and drilled two holes so I could
hang it from the wall - makes it easily accessable. I've used this
system to assemble everything from cedar benches to cabinet frames.
I would recommend that you clamp the frames before assembly. Unless
you have perfect 90 degree angles and jointed flat sides, the screws
will pull the wood together off angle. I made some 90 degree fixtures
out of 3/4" plywood with two 3/4" by 1/2" deep slots
at right angles to each other. I put one of these at each corner then
tighten the pocket hole screws - perfect alignment.
I've also used the single hole fixture when I need to add support to
an assembled cabinet. You can clamp it into the corner you want to
reinforce, drill the hole, then add the screw. Everything tightens
up nicely.
The only negative on this system is the cost of the screws which has
had me looking at alternatives methods for some applications that would
take quite a few screws.
A Note of Caution
Yes, pocket hole joinery is wonderful but pocket holes aren't going to stop global warming.
A lot of reviewers seem to think that pocket hole joinery is the answer to everything. Instead, it should be viewed as another opttion. Some of the items that you need to be aware of include: A. a large, elliptical hole results, B. you can't make plugs to fit the holes that are left behind, C. You now have metal in your wortkpiece, so don't hit it with a saw blade.
You can buy plugs to fit the hole. They are expensive and aren't made in my favorite wood, mahogany. Also, they never seem to match well anyhow.
Also, the case the comes with the equipment is designed for shipping the stuff to you, not for use in the shop. After removing certain things, there are big holes in the case that are useless and things rattle around.
Finally, this works great but $125 is a lot of deniro for what this is (mostly plastic). $80 seems like a fairer price. Still, I give it five stars because it s easy to create really strong butt joints.
Worth every penny
The Kreg jig has the perfect combination of versitility and accuracy. It is an invaluable addition to any tool collection whether a proffesional contractor like myself or a weekend diyer. Pocket hole joinery opens up a new world of joining techniques from the obvious like cabinet face frames to attaching fridge end panels securely and unobtrusovly to the floor.
Fast and Accurate
I bought the Kreg at a woodworking show where Kreg offered the usual special combo of the jig, extra clamps and supplies, etc. It rapidly replaced my biscuit joiner as the tool I reach for first. I've used it for more things I can think of, from shutter frames for the house to table construction to panel glue-ups to jigs to ...
Joints are very strong and very well-aligned.
One warning - make SURE you use the correct screws - coarse screws WILL split hardwood and fine screws MIGHT strip in softwood.
The ProPack might be overkill for some people. In practice, I use the mini jig more than anything else. I only set up the larger jig when I've got a lot of pieces to do. Mark the pieces you want to drill - it's very easy to drill the wrong side, wrong edge, or even multiple edges by accident if you don't mark them when you have a stack of workpieces!
Get the right angle clamp (or more than one if you plan on doing a lot of boxes or carcasses). There is no adequate substitute and it works superbly.
A Must Have Tool!
I've owned my Kreg Pro Pack K2000 for about a year now, and wonder how did I ever live without it. I built myself a computer desk, and my wife a sewing desk. I find myself trying to think of new applications for pocket hole joinery. I still use my biscuit joiner ocassionally, but I haven't used my dowling jig since I got my Kreg K2000, it's now retired for good. I think of all the time I've spent on debating the purchase of some expensive new power tool, and I've gotten more good out of my $125.00 Kreg K2000. I would recommend that any novice woodworker get a Kreg K2000 Pro Pack early on, and save the money you would have spent on a doweling jig for some pocket hole screws. You will be amazed when you build your first new cabinets or a desk and you can finish it in a couple of days instead of a week. Pocket hole joinery is fast and strong. I would say that it is my second favorite tool, just behind my table saw. Buy a Kreg K2000 Pro Pack, and you won't regret it.