Heip with Kreg jig and large panel issues

[Joe Scharbrough]

I have a love hate relationship with my jig. I love how it dramatically changed my woodworking and made me a better woodworker. I have built about 30 projects with it and they are professional looking and my wife brags about the workmanship on the cabinets to all her friends.

I hate working with the Kreg jig on large panels. Today for example I had to put pocket holes around the perimeter of a panel 33x60. One of several panels like this in my current project. I can reach around on the first few holes from the edge to work the clamp but after that I have to walk all the way around the panel and my workbench to the back side to work the clamp on each hole. Lock it down,walk to the side with the holes, drill it, walk to the back side to unlock it, move it 6 inches over, lock it down and walk back to the front to drill the hole. Repeat that for each hole.

With the original jig the clamp was in the front and the problem was solved but as has been discussed here the original is no longer available. I wrote to Kreg to ask them if they were ever going to bring it back and it does not look like it.

Has anyone figured out a fix or technique for doing this any better? It got really frustrating today maneuvering back and forth and I found myself hating the whole process. It really takes the joy out of a project. I may have to look into another system like a festool Domino. I know it cost $800 but I woodwork for enjoyment and this is no longer enjoyable.

[Bob Farmer]

Jay,

No one is saying your approach is bull----ing. I wasn't even talking about your post... but I will say now that you've compared the two that one is practical and the other is not. You solution looks great, but Kreg doesn't sell thos e components anymore do they? The portable base was made for exactly this purpose, it comes free tih the big kit, and it only costs $30 if you don't have one. seems like a simple fast solution for most people, while yours is impossible for most since they can't find those parts.

Just my opinion.

Bob

[Jay Boutwell]

Bob, Thank you for your opinion.  My method impossible, well Kreg tools in not the only source of  air cylinders and are not the only ones whom can mount one to their jig.  Mine happened to be from Kreg tools however the second jig I modified was a cylinder from a different source.  This was my answer to a posted question of someone whom inquired of methods to solve their problem.  This was mine.  

As far as talking about my post, what am I supposed to think.  If you read my post you will see where I explained that I frequently bore large panels and that  I had recently bored some large panels one of which was just shy of a full 4x8 sheet.  When I read your post reading the statement  about putting a 4x8 sheet on your jig and balancing it accurately " just ain't going to happen" appears to be in a direct conflict as to what I had just posted.

As I told you there is nothing wrong with your method, it is good solution and might be for some woodworkers but not for all.   I choose my method because it is fast and accurate and makes my jig a "do it all" for my panel and  stock boring tasks.  This a benifit to thoes in small shops whom might not have room to lay down a full sheet of ply or a large panel in order to bore it.   I'm not trying to push it on anyone as like I said everyone whom has posted about their method have good sound methods.  Therefore It is not my intention to be argumentative or become involved in a beef with anyone.  
 
Bob Farmer said:

Jay,

No one is saying your approach is bull----ing. I wasn't even talking about your post... but I will say now that you've compared the two that one is practical and the other is not. You solution looks great, but Kreg doesn't sell thos e components anymore do they? The portable base was made for exactly this purpose, it comes free tih the big kit, and it only costs $30 if you don't have one. seems like a simple fast solution for most people, while yours is impossible for most since they can't find those parts.

Just my opinion.

Bob

[Gary roofner]

Here is my solution.  The idea came from the wooden tool company. I have finished the top and added panel supports blocks it's foot activated and works well.  It s on the bulky side

[Joe Scharbrough]

Looks interesting. Do you have a side view photo

Thanks

Gary roofner said:

Here is my solution.  The idea came from the wooden tool company. I have finished the top and added panel supports blocks it's foot activated and works well.  It s on the bulky side

[David Dean]

that is so cool bet they cant &*%$$ about that.

Gary roofner said:

Here is my solution.  The idea came from the wooden tool company. I have finished the top and added panel supports blocks it's foot activated and works well.  It s on the bulky side

[Gary roofner]

I don't have a side view.  I will try this weekend to take a picture. I don't have my shop set backup yet. I lost my house in the Lee flood in September. Since then we bought a new mobile home we do have a carport with a shed in the back and I bought another shed for additional storage.  I won't do to much until spring no heat in the shed.

Maybe I can get some heat in the summer. My first project will be to put a deck on the front of the mobile. I did not loss to much in the flood. Just a router and an old bandsaw which had just got. We didn't have insured to cover our losses. So stripped the drywall and sold to contracter to rebuild for rental property. We were think of downsiding to small retiremnt place anyway.

[Jose Eduardo Manucci]

Here in Brazil Jigs aren´t usual.

Only if you import.