An unexpected - but pleasant surprise

[Martin Johnson]

I love the LR-32 system, but there are times when I only need to drill out a handful of pin holes...For this, I find the Kreg shelf pin jig to be extremely convenient and fast.  My only complaint is that when using it on plywood or MDF, the bit that Kreg provides leaves tearout or fibers that are not attractive...my LR-32 system always left the holes super clean.  Enter the unexpected surprise.... [eek]   Just out of curiousity, I put the Dowel Drill Router Bit, Hw 5X30mm - 491066 into my drill, set it to drill mode and high speed.  Lo and behold, the the length and design of the bit created a perfect depth stop without the need for a stop collar, and the holes were perfect without any tearout [big grin]...the bit is not cheap, but it is a lot cheaper than having to recut plywood due to chipout, and if you own the LR-32 already...it makes a nice alternative for those quick jobs that don't require the full LR-32 setup.     This solution made my day!

 

[Kevin D.]

I've been thinking about getting that Kreg jig also for certain applications even owning and loving my LR32 setup.

I just want to understand this a little better.  Does that mean that the Festool 5mm hole drilling bit fits into the inserts of the Kreg jig for drilling the holes?

If so, how deep do the holes go into the stock?

 

[Martin Johnson]

1st picture shows depth...Looks like 8mm deep

2nd picture shows how the wide end acts as a natural stop

3rd picture shows different holes (left hole made with the pointed bit used for through holes with the LR-32, middle hole made with the bit above, right hole made with the Kreg 5mm bit (you can see some of the fibers if you look closely)

I seated a 5mm shelf pin from my entertainment center, and it was set perfectly.

There is a little slop in the drill jig with this bit, but you can see that it had no real affect on the outcome.  Try it with yours, and let us know your experience...would be good to get someone elses opinion.

 

[Kevin D.]

Thanks Martin!  [smile]

 

[Ashton]

I found a way to use the Kreg shelf pin jig bit and have no tear out. I touched each hole quickly in reverse on the drill and then forward normally. Seems to cut the wood surface fibers well prior to the actual drilling of the the pin hole. Made a little video to illustrate it.

Kreg Shelf Pin Jig tear-out free holes.

 

[Tinker]

The jig comes with either the 5mm or 1/4" bit.  you can get it either way.
I have both size pins in different shelves and both size pins so i got both size bits with the jig. 
I haven't used the jig yet, but i will be putting an extra shelf or two in each of two sets of shelving I already have.
I can set the jig to the back of the shelves which I cannot do with my 32mm Festool jig without disassembling.
Tinker