different jigs for drilling 32mm pattern shelf pin holes?

[Klemm]

What approaches are widely and successfully used for drilling shelf pin holes 32mm pattern besides the FESTOOL LR32 Guide Rail and shelf pin set?
like: Woodpeckers Combo Jig and others. What works well and what doesn't?

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I use the Woodpecker system with a plunge router and have good results.

 

[Sven]

I have used the MEG system/jig for about 8 years before I made the switch to the LR32.  Worked pretty well for me with the 5mm bit.
http://megproducts.com/pro-bore32.html

Sven

 

[TealaG]

I have the Rockler Pro Shelf Pin Jig.  I liked using it, it was easy, I knew the holes would match on both sides.  My issue with it has been storage because the "t-track" rails stick out.  I am working on some jig storage and I want to store some of these "flat" ones on the wall.  But I decided to buy the LR32 and therefore my Rockler jig is up for sale.  Just can't store all these different jigs.

I considered things like pegboard and such, but I didn't want to have something that would "wear out" with use.  Smaller jigs concerned me because I didn't think I could get the holes parallel.

In absence of the LR32, I'd go for the Rockler Pro one again, but would have the wall space to store it first.

 

[thedude306]

I've used (and still have) the JIG IT® Shelving Jig w/Self-Centering Bit and find it's nice for using on boxes that are already made.  Tear out is an issue with the drill bit.

I have used the veratis jig as well.  It was a PITA to set up.  It's now down the road. 

My main rig is the bosch FSN OFA with a bosch holy rail and router.  My favorite so far. 

I have no experience with the LR32 system but I can assume it's a nice system to use based on my experience with a holy rail and a router. 

 

[Holmz]

The DD40 and the castellated rail look to be pretty slick.

 

[semenza]

The Woodhaven jig works well. It is fairly typical but of the crop available. I chose it because it seemed simple, easy to set  up and use, well thought out and durable. Price is good too. It can be used with a router or drill. I use it in a couple different lengths both ways.

Seth

 

[junk731]

I've used (and still have) the JIG IT® Shelving Jig w/Self-Centering Bit and find it's nice for using on boxes that are already made.  Tear out is an issue with the drill bit.

I have used the veratis jig as well.  It was a PITA to set up.  It's now down the road. 

My main rig is the bosch FSN OFA with a bosch holy rail and router.  My favorite so far. 

I have no experience with the LR32 system but I can assume it's a nice system to use based on my experience with a holy rail and a router.

Took a look at the Bosch, I guess in Bosch's case copying is the sincerest from of envy. It is good to see others following Festools system approach. I've been using the LR32 for about 8 years now and find it a very easy system to like. For small jobs the LV jig works fine with the proper drill bits.

John

 

[thedude306]

Unfortunately I've never had the LR32 system in my hands.  The Bosch FSN guide is a bit of a pain to set up.  I have dedicated a router base for it so I don't have to fiddle with it.  Either system is worth it IMO. 

For me it was the rails and the ability to us a router bit for a clean cut.  This is what you can expect with an up-spiral 5mm bit.  I was never able to achieve this repeatably with a drill.

 

[semenza]

The Woodhaven jig works well. It is fairly typical but of the crop available. I chose it because it seemed simple, easy to set  up and use, well thought out and durable. Price is good too. It can be used with a router or drill. I use it in a couple different lengths both ways.

Seth

I'll add that I have never used the Woodhaven for anything other than shelf pin holes. In other words I have not used it for other 32mm hardware such as drawer slides or hinge mountings.

Seth

 

[Cheese]

The Woodpeckers phenolic shelf pin template along with their optional 5mm drill guide, and I used a drill for simplicity.

The system isn't the fastest method to employ and if I was doing a lot of this type of work I'd probably use something else. However, for the amount of $$ spent and considering the last time I drilled shelving holes was 2 years ago, on an every-now-and-then basis, it certainly works for me.

 

[joiner1970]

I've got the small kreg one which is good but I wouldn't want to do hundreds of holes with it

 

[jimbouk]

Mafell dd40 also use the little kreg one in a tight spot.

 

[AndyUK]

Yeah I've got the Kreg.
Cheap and cheerful and does the job.

 

[KBJ]

The Woodpecker Jig looks nice. I've have the Kreg and it's fine. The drill bit never has left a real clean hole. But it does come in useful if I need to add some shelf holes in an existing cabinet.  For New build I love the LR32. Fast and extremely accurate. But I certainly can understand the buy-in can hard to justify if it's not getting much use.  I've got some tall cabinets on the horizon and really want the long rail for ease and accuracy but it's not cheap!

 

[jeh]

DD40 + template guide (~1575) is great and doubles as a joiner. Price is close to being the same as the Domino, LR32 system, and rail (~1500). I know you need a router for the LR32, but I'm not counting it in the comparison as most probably have one.

 

[lunchman]

I'm using the Woodpecker shelf pin guide with my router (see my post in the Member Projects section for pictures). I'd considered the Kreg jig but the fact that with the extender attached meant the horizontal offset was only 1" and not 37mm I passed on it. Not sure why Kreg designed it this way.

There was a video or pics on the Woodpecker site of holes drilled vs. routed, showing tearout with the centering bits which convinced me that using the router was the way to go. I bought the Festool 5mm bit and a collet adapter for my Bosch router and was all set. I can plunge two rows of holes in a 6 ft tall cabinet in about 15 minutes. It's just a matter of moving the jig and reclamping it.  I can even run holes down the center by placing the jig against my long guide rail.

-Dom

 

[Sparktrician]

I have used the MEG system/jig for about 8 years before I made the switch to the LR32.  Worked pretty well for me with the 5mm bit.
http://megproducts.com/pro-bore32.html

Sven

I used the MEG Products Econo-Bore for several years before switching to the LR 32. 

 

[Klemm]

Thanks for this consensus response to shelf pin drilling.
I bought a WOODPECKER Combo Jig which is a rugged and simple well-made tool. There is abundant evidence that the router is the way to go for no-tearout holes (thanks for the pictures from Saskatoon!)
I will go with my router and drill bushings for now. In my spare time I'll think about ways I could use a router in conjunction with my LR32 Guide Rail short of investing $ 495.00 in FESTOOL LR32 Hole Drilling set.

 

[woodman_412]

I made this jig last year and just did a video showing how it works and how to make it. It has really worked well for me and is quick, easy and accurate to use.  Hope you find it helpful.