I bought this jig because I was not happy with the price and quality of today's pressed board furniture pieces that are sold at department stores. Having put together small book shelves and other small projects, I was familiar with how unstable simply putting a nail into the side of a board and ending into the end of another piece of wood can be. This jig and its matching screws creates a bond which is noticeably stronger and more precise than the workmanship I previously created without the jig. I found this Kreg tool on Pintrest along with a template which another user had posted. I adjusted the template to my needs and created a dinner table without any specialized knowledge and equipment, which included some clamps, wood glue, a router, power drill, paint and stain. If you watch the Kreg videos on their site, and understand the terminology, then you could probably imagine some projects which this tool will save lots of time.
The quality of the tool is a bit on the consumer side, but considering the price, I think that it is acceptable. The ruler adjustments on the bottom slide confidently into place. The metal bushing (ring in the blue plastic) really helps keep things in place and I didn't find it to be wearing out or poorly constructed after several hundred holes drilled. The price of the screws that match the tool need to be bought deliberately as the type of wood and thickness really make a difference. I haven't tried to use regular screws to save a few dollars yet, but probably won't for projects that I will use or keep for a while like dresser or tables or benches. The screws never pierce the finished surface when all your measurements are done correctly, and never seem to have trouble locking into the wood, even for soft wood like the cheap pine sold at do it yourself stores.
A great tool for beginner or average joe who is looking to make some projects and save some time. With more skill you could use a router to make dovetail joints for stronger and a more professional piece. For someone without any significant training and only a little bit of experience, this tool has saved me lots of time and allowed me to do family projects I wouldn't have attempted otherwise. I don't find the price of the screws to be out of line when you look at how much features are built into the screws, self tapping, washer head with a confident square drive head make for no stress assembly. I looked at the Kreg jigs that were more expensive but decided this was a good cost for benefit factor. I didn't find any other jigs that did more for this price, for people of this skill level. When my table was assembled, I stood on it and the project didn't even creak, squeak or wobble. Measure, Drill, Glue, clamp and screw to perfection. :)
| Manufacturer | Kreg Tool Inc |
|---|---|
| Part Number | R3 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 2.25 x 5 inches |
| Item model number | R3 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Pack of 1 |
| Color | Blue |
| Style | Jig System |
| Material | plastic |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | inch |
| Included Components | Pocket-hole Plug Set, Owner’s Manual, Starter Kreg® Screw Set, Stepped drill bit, 6" (152mm) Driver Bit, Kreg Jig® R3, Clamp Pad Adapter, Depth Collar, Allen Wrench, Compact Carrying Case. |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Solid metal drill guide insert assures a clean, accurate pocket hole. Hardened steel drill guides support the drill bit and feature a LIFETIME WARRANTY! 30 day complete satisfaction guarantee |
