The Kreg shelf pin jig has been a favorite among woodworking enthusiasts for years. The jig allows users to drill precise and straight holes for level, wobble-free shelves. Recently, Kreg released a new version of the shelf pin jig, which has raised questions about the differences between the old and new models.
Understanding the differences between the old and new Kreg shelf pin jig is important for those looking to upgrade their woodworking tools. The new Kreg shelf pin jig features a redesigned body that is more compact and easier to handle. It also includes a built-in measuring scale and cam system that allows for precise positioning of the jig. Additionally, the new jig comes with a 1/4″ drill bit and a 5mm drill bit, which provides added versatility for different shelf pin sizes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The new Kreg shelf pin jig features a more compact design and built-in measuring scale and cam system.
- The new jig comes with both a 1/4″ and 5mm drill bit, providing added versatility.
- Understanding the differences between the old and new Kreg shelf pin jig is important for those looking to upgrade their woodworking tools.
Understanding the Old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig
The old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a tool used in woodworking to add shelf pin holes to existing furniture or build custom shelves from scratch. It is a popular tool among woodworkers due to its precision and ease of use.
The old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig features a set of pre-made hole guides that are 1/4″ in size. These guides ensure that the drill bit stays in place while drilling, resulting in straight and precise holes. The hole guides are made of hardened-steel drill guides, which make them durable and long-lasting.
One of the benefits of using the old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is that it is compatible with a wide range of drill bits. This means that woodworkers can use their preferred drill bits, as long as they fit into the hole guides. However, it is important to note that using a drill bit that is too small or too large can result in wobbly holes or holes that are too big, respectively.
The old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is centered on standard 1 1/4″ (32mm) spacing, which is a common spacing used in the woodworking industry. This makes it easy for woodworkers to add shelf pin holes to their projects without having to measure and mark each hole individually.
In summary, the old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a reliable and precise tool that is compatible with a wide range of drill bits. Its pre-made hole guides and hardened-steel drill guides make it easy for woodworkers to add shelf pin holes to their projects with precision and accuracy.
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Features of the New Kreg Shelf Pin Jig
The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with several improved features that make it easier to use and more versatile than the old version. Here are some of the key features of the new jig:
- Indicator Window: The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with an indicator window that allows users to see the exact position of the drill bit and the depth collar. This feature makes it easier to set up the jig and ensure that the holes are drilled at the right depth.
- Mounting Screws: The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with mounting screws that allow users to attach the jig directly to the workpiece. This feature makes it easier to use the jig on larger projects and ensures that the holes are drilled in the right location.
- Expandable Design: The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig has an expandable design that allows users to snap two or more jigs together for fast drilling of multiple holes. This feature makes it easier to drill holes in a straight line and ensures that the holes are evenly spaced.
- Hardened-Steel Drill Guides: The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with hardened-steel drill guides that ensure precision for level, wobble-free drilling of shelf-pin holes. This feature makes it easier to drill holes that are straight and accurate.
- Adjustable Stop Collar: The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with an adjustable stop collar that allows users to drill holes at different depths. This feature makes it easier to drill holes for shelves of different thicknesses.
Overall, the new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a significant improvement over the old version. Its indicator window, mounting screws, and expandable design make it easier to use and more versatile, while its hardened-steel drill guides and adjustable stop collar ensure precise and accurate drilling of shelf-pin holes.
Comparing the Drill Bits
One of the main differences between the old and new Kreg shelf pin jigs is the drill bits that come with them. The old jig comes with a 1/4″ drill bit, while the new jig comes with a 5mm drill bit.
The 1/4″ drill bit is a standard size in the United States, while the 5mm drill bit is more commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world. The 5mm bit is slightly smaller than the 1/4″ bit, which means that the holes it creates will be slightly smaller as well.
Another difference between the drill bits is the depth collar that comes with them. The old jig comes with a depth collar that is adjusted using a hex key, while the new jig comes with a depth collar that can be adjusted by hand. This makes it easier to make adjustments on the fly without having to search for a tool.
Both jigs also come with stop collars that can be used to set the depth of the holes. The stop collars are placed on the drill bit and can be adjusted up or down to control the depth of the hole. This is important because it ensures that the holes are consistent in depth, which is crucial when installing shelf pins.
In summary, the main difference between the old and new Kreg shelf pin jigs when it comes to drill bits is the size of the bit and the method used to adjust the depth collar. The 1/4″ bit is standard in the US, while the 5mm bit is more commonly used in Europe. The new jig’s depth collar can be adjusted by hand, while the old jig requires a hex key. Both jigs come with stop collars to ensure consistent hole depth.
Compatibility with Woodworking Tools
The Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is compatible with a wide range of woodworking tools, allowing users to achieve precise and accurate results. The jig can be used with any standard drill, making it easy to create shelf-pin holes in a variety of materials.
In addition to being compatible with drills, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig can also be used with a variety of clamps and fences. The jig features a removable fence that can be adjusted to accommodate different workpiece sizes, while the clamps help to keep the jig securely in place during use.
One of the key benefits of the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is its compatibility with other Kreg products. For example, the jig can be used in conjunction with the Kreg K4 and K5 Pocket Hole Jigs to create custom cabinetry and shelving units.
Overall, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a versatile and compatible tool that can be used with a variety of woodworking tools to achieve professional-quality results. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a valuable addition to your workshop.
Installation and Use
The Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a versatile tool that helps woodworkers drill precise and straight shelf pin holes. The latest version of the jig has some notable differences from the older model, which makes it easier to use and more efficient.
To install the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig, woodworkers need to attach it to a workpiece using the included clamps. The jig’s expandable design allows users to snap two or more jigs together for drilling multiple holes at once. The jig’s measuring scale and precise cams make it easy to set up and position the hinge cup precisely.
The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with a jig extender that allows users to drill holes up to 12″ from the edge of the workpiece. This feature is particularly useful for drilling holes in the middle of large panels or bookcases. The jig extender is easy to attach and remove, which makes it a versatile addition to any woodworker’s toolbox.
When using the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig, woodworkers need to ensure that they use the correct drill bit size. The jig comes with a 1/4″ drill bit, but users can also purchase a 5mm bit separately. The hardened-steel drill guides ensure precise and straight drilling, so users can expect level and wobble-free shelves.
Overall, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is an essential tool for any woodworker who wants to create custom shelves or add shelf pin holes to existing furniture. The new model is easy to install, efficient to use, and comes with a jig extender that allows users to drill holes up to 12″ from the edge of the workpiece.
Level and Precision
One of the most important aspects of any shelf pin jig is its ability to provide level and precise drilling. The new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig features hardened-steel drill guides that ensure precise and straight drilling, resulting in level and wobble-free shelves. This is an improvement over the old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig, which did not have the same level of precision and could result in shelves that were not level or wobbled.
The new jig also includes a built-in level, which helps ensure that the jig is perfectly level before drilling. This is important because even a slight tilt can result in shelves that are not level. The level is easy to use and ensures that the jig is perfectly level every time.
In addition to the built-in level, the new jig also features a larger clamping surface, which provides a more secure hold on the workpiece. This helps prevent the workpiece from moving during drilling, which can result in inaccurate holes and wobbly shelves.
Overall, the new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig provides a level of precision and accuracy that was not possible with the old jig. This makes it a great tool for anyone looking to build wobble-free shelves with ease.
Understanding the Warranty
When purchasing a tool, it is important to understand the warranty that comes with it. The Kreg Shelf Pin Jig comes with a lifetime warranty, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship. However, it is important to note that the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, corrosion, abrasion, or damages due to natural causes or acts of God.
Additionally, the warranty does not cover items that would be consumed or require replacement due to normal wear. This includes the drill bit that comes with the jig. If the drill bit becomes dull or breaks, it will need to be replaced at the purchaser’s expense.
If a defect is found in the jig, the purchaser will need to ship the product to the Kreg Tool Company repair facility at their own cost. Once the product is received, Kreg will repair or replace the jig at their discretion.
It is important to register the product with Kreg in order to activate the warranty. This can be done online or by mailing in the registration card that comes with the product.
Overall, the lifetime warranty that comes with the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig provides peace of mind for the purchaser. However, it is important to understand the limitations of the warranty and to take proper care of the tool in order to prevent any issues from arising.
The Role of Multiple Jigs in Production Work
Jigs are an essential tool in production work as they help to hold and guide workpieces, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the final product. However, when dealing with high-volume production, using a single jig can be time-consuming and inefficient. This is where the role of multiple jigs comes into play.
Multiple jigs can be used to speed up the production process while maintaining accuracy and consistency. For instance, a production line may have several jigs set up for a particular operation, each jig holding a different part of the workpiece. This allows multiple parts to be machined simultaneously, reducing production time and increasing output.
In addition, using multiple jigs can also help to reduce the risk of errors. When a single jig is used repeatedly, wear and tear can cause inaccuracies in the final product. By using multiple jigs, the workload is spread out, reducing the wear and tear on each individual jig and ensuring that each jig remains accurate.
Another advantage of using multiple jigs is the ability to perform different operations simultaneously. For example, one jig may be used for drilling holes while another jig is used for cutting, allowing the production line to run more efficiently.
Overall, the role of multiple jigs in production work is to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and maintain accuracy and consistency. By utilizing multiple jigs, production lines can run more smoothly, resulting in increased output and profitability.
Application in Furniture
The Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a versatile tool that can be used to add perfectly spaced shelf pin holes to furniture projects. It is especially useful for adding shelves to existing furniture or building custom shelves from scratch. The jig features hardened-steel drill guides that ensure precise and straight drilling, resulting in level, wobble-free shelves.
One of the primary benefits of the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is its ability to add shelf pin holes to existing furniture. This is particularly useful for homeowners who want to customize their furniture or add additional storage space. By using the jig, it is possible to add shelf pin holes to bookcases, cabinets, and other furniture pieces without damaging the existing structure.
In addition to its use in existing furniture, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig can also be used to build custom shelves from scratch. This is ideal for woodworkers who want to create unique furniture pieces that meet their specific needs. By using the jig, it is possible to create shelves with precise and evenly spaced holes, resulting in a professional-looking finished product.
Overall, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is an essential tool for anyone who works with furniture. Its precision and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any workshop. Whether you are adding shelves to existing furniture or building custom shelves from scratch, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a must-have tool for achieving professional results.
Exploring the Different Kreg Jig Models
Kreg offers a variety of pocket hole jigs, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular Kreg jig models:
Kreg Jig HD
The Kreg Jig HD is designed for use with 1-1/2″ and larger stock, making it ideal for creating furniture, decks, and other large projects. It features a hardened-steel drill guide and a solid metal body, ensuring accuracy and durability.
Kreg Jig Micro
The Kreg Jig Micro is a compact pocket hole jig that is perfect for small-scale projects and repairs. It creates a 25% smaller pocket hole than standard jigs, allowing for tighter joints and a cleaner finish. The Micro also features a hardened-steel drill guide and a built-in depth collar for precise drilling.
Kreg Jig Mini
The Kreg Jig Mini is the smallest pocket hole jig in the Kreg lineup, making it easy to take on the go. It is designed for use with 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ thick stock and features a hardened-steel drill guide and a convenient clamp pad adapter.
Kreg 310 and 320 Series
The Kreg 310 and 320 Series pocket hole jigs are designed for use with a wide variety of stock thicknesses, making them versatile and easy to use. They feature a hardened-steel drill guide and a convenient clamp pad adapter.
Kreg 520PRO
The Kreg 520PRO is a professional-grade pocket hole jig that is designed for use with a wide variety of stock thicknesses. It features a hardened-steel drill guide and a built-in dust collection port, making it ideal for use in a workshop or production setting.
Kreg 720 and 720PRO
The Kreg 720 and 720PRO are the newest pocket hole jigs from Kreg, featuring a range of advanced features and capabilities. They are designed for use with a wide variety of stock thicknesses and feature a hardened-steel drill guide, a built-in dust collection port, and a convenient workpiece support stop.
Overall, Kreg pocket hole jigs are known for their accuracy, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, there is a Kreg jig that is perfect for your needs.
The Function of Locating Pin and Hinge Plates
The Kreg Shelf Pin Jig is a versatile tool for drilling shelf pin holes in cabinets, bookcases, and other furniture. The jig comes in two versions – the old and the new. One of the key differences between the two is the function of locating pins and hinge plates.
Locating pins are an essential part of the jig that ensures accurate and consistent hole spacing. They are inserted into the jig’s guide holes and help align the jig with the workpiece. The pins also act as a depth stop, preventing the drill bit from going too deep into the wood.
The old Kreg Shelf Pin Jig had only one locating pin, which was positioned on the top of the jig. This made it difficult to align the jig with the workpiece, especially when drilling holes on the sides of the cabinet or bookcase. The new jig comes with two locating pins – one on the top and one on the side. This allows for easy alignment and ensures accurate hole spacing.
Hinge plates are another feature of the new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. They are used to drill holes for concealed hinges, which are commonly used in cabinet doors. The hinge plates are attached to the jig and act as a guide for drilling the hinge cup holes. They come in two sizes – 35mm and 26mm – to accommodate different hinge sizes.
The hinge plates are easy to install and remove, and they provide accurate hole spacing and depth. They are also adjustable, allowing for precise alignment of the hinge cups. This makes it easy to install concealed hinges quickly and accurately.
In summary, the new Kreg Shelf Pin Jig offers improved functionality over the old jig, thanks to the addition of a second locating pin and hinge plates. These features make it easier to align the jig with the workpiece and drill accurate and consistent holes for shelf pins and concealed hinges.
About the Docking Station
The Kreg Docking Station is an accessory that can be used with the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO and 720PRO. It is designed to transform the portable jig into a benchtop joining station, providing enhanced support for long pieces with repositionable material support wings. The material support wings also provide additional storage for bits, screws, and more.
The adjustable stop adds repeatability and speed to pocket-hole positioning. The docking station is compatible with both the 520PRO and 720PRO, and comes with a Pocket-Hole Jig Clamp that can also be used to secure the jigs to the bench. It is the only clamp that can be used to secure the jigs to the bench.
Using the docking station with the Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO or 720PRO allows woodworkers to work with longer pieces of wood and create precise pocket holes. The docking station provides a stable platform for the jig, which helps to prevent errors and makes it easier to create accurate pocket holes.
The material support wings on the docking station can be repositioned to provide support for long pieces of wood, which is especially useful when working with large projects. The docking station also provides additional storage for bits, screws, and other accessories, which helps to keep everything organized and within reach.
Overall, the Kreg Docking Station is a useful accessory for anyone who uses the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 520PRO or 720PRO. It provides enhanced support for long pieces of wood, adds repeatability and speed to pocket-hole positioning, and provides additional storage for bits, screws, and other accessories.
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