Drill jig

[JameslR]

Evening all. I have been asked to build some storage for a school. It will mainly be sports equipment stored in open top plastic boxes of various sizes, so was looking to build some free standing units with shelving that sits on Metal pins (similar to a kitchen unit) so that they can be moved up and down the unit to give desired size. So does anyone no of a drill jig -guide for accurate  repeat drilling all the holes on the inside of the units??

 

[Danny]

Woodpeckers combo shelf pin template.  Love it..... accurate and very affordable at around $50

http://www.woodpeck.com/shelfpintemplate.html

 

[JameslR]

Woodpeckers combo shelf pin template.   Love it..... accurate and very affordable at around $50

http://www.woodpeck.com/shelfpintemplate.html

Looks like just the job thank you sir

 

[Wuffles]

There's a Kreg one too, which you can get easily in the UK - eBay and what not. Just bought one on the advice of someone else.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shelf-Pin-Jig-Kreg-Jigs-Pocket-Hole-Jigs-KMA3200-/221311978312?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:3160

 

[JameslR]

There's a Kreg one too, which you can get easily in the UK - eBay and what not. Just bought one on the advice of someone else.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shelf-Pin-Jig-Kreg-Jigs-Pocket-Hole-Jigs-KMA3200-/221311978312?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:3160

Was just looking at that one most likely be what I'll go for. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Danny]

There's a Kreg one too, which you can get easily in the UK - eBay and what not. Just bought one on the advice of someone else.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shelf-Pin-Jig-Kreg-Jigs-Pocket-Hole-Jigs-KMA3200-/221311978312?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:3160

I had also looked into the Kreg, but the deal breaker for me was the fact that you can only do 6 holes at a time with the Kreg before having to re-position it.  The Woodpecker has 15 metric holes (21 inch holes), meaning a lot less set-up time.

 

[Wuffles]

Problem is we're in the UK. I did watch a New Yankee the other day on YouTube about various jigs Norm uses all the time, and the one he made for pins seemed excellent. I'll probably make one if those when I need more holes.

 

[joiner1970]

I've got the kreg jig and it works very well . Handy if you don't want the expense of the LR 32 set up

 

[festivus]

Where do you get the 1/4" shelf pins? 5mm seems to be standard in uk?

 

[fshanno]

Sounds like a good excuse to get the LR32 system.  The LR32 makes boring shelf pin holes actually fun.  I kid you not.  I look forward to it.  And you get total flexibility in locating the columns.  If you have a bunch of hole columns to do in 6' or 7' tall units I think you'll be much happier with the LR32 than with one of the little templates.

You don't have to lift the router between holes and that is HUGE.  Once you get the hang of it you'll find that boring the holes with the LR32 sled is just as fast as with a drill.  Plus it is more fun and less fatiguing.

And another important advantage that is often overlooked is the excellent dust collection you get with the LR32 and a Festool router.  It makes the whole thing not only more pleasant but also more productive.

And of course the LR32 is fully portable so you can do the work at the job site. 

I know I sound like an infomercial, sorry.

 

[Awesomo]

http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/  have a selection of shelf pins.
  I agree with Fshanno, although the LR32 system is timely to set up (and a little daunting the first time round) once your up and running its surprising how quick it is.

 

[Trans former]

For years a well marked out stick with holes drilled through it did me. You can make yourself a new stick for each job. Offer it up clamp it on and drill through with a bit of tape on you drill bit for a depth guide. 
Accurate enough for most 1 off projects.
But for a dust free factory accuracy the lr32 does it.

 

[polarsea1]

It's easy to make your own accurate 32mm jig if you have a drill press.

 

[FOGNewbie]

I've got the kreg jig and it works very well . Handy if you don't want the expense of the LR 32 set up

It is best when you are trying to work inside of an existing cabinet. The LR-32rail and woodpecker jig are both too big for a smaller existing cabinet. BTW You can string multiple kreg jigs together to get more than six holes.

I like having both. A big expense, but worth it if you end up building many cabinets/ shelf units. Still just starting to learn, but the LR-32 can be fast once you get your head around it's use. Especially true 32 cabinets/ storage systems. I love stating the obvious...

 

[joiner1970]

Where do you get the 1/4" shelf pins? 5mm seems to be standard in uk?

You don't the UK version comes with a 5mm drill

 

[festivus]

Thanks Joiner - that would make sense but is listed with 1/4" here at least:

http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/section//sn/KRGKMA3200#.UwST8buPNO0

Thanks.

 

[oldie]

Workshop Heaven has 5mm drill bit version.

http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Kreg_KMA220_Shelf_Pin_Drill_Jig_Kit.html

Be great when North America bites the metric bullet.

Richard.

 

[joiner1970]

Thanks Joiner - that would make sense but is listed with 1/4" here at least:

http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/section//sn/KRGKMA3200#.UwST8buPNO0

Thanks.

One thing to note though is how Kreg have been a bit sneaky and you will find it's not a normal 5mm spur bit like I thought it would be. They've just machined down their 1/4" bits so the last 10mm approximately is 5mm diameter. That's so they didn't have to make a whole new 5mm hole jig. It does mean though that you have to buy their expensive bits which I didn't realize until I bought it. A member bought me a spare one back from the states where they are much cheaper.

 

[festivus]

Thanks chaps. Looks handy though and is on "the list"!