Woodpeckers Shelf Pin & Drawer Slide Template

[ChuckM]

Just came across this:https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7T3LgF_Te/

Not deadly accurate, but seems good enough for most applications where you have only a few boards to bore.

 

[ChuckM]

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/cutting-holes-for-shelf-pins/

sounds like another option out there (for those who prefer routing holes).

 

[Festdewalkita]

JimH2, ChuckM, Cheese--thank you so much for taking the time to think about  and write an answer to my question.  I very much appreciate it.

 

[cubevandude]

Just came across this:https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7T3LgF_Te/

Not deadly accurate, but seems good enough for most applications where you have only a few boards to bore.

This would be perfect for making a template.

 

[xedos]

Xedos--I didn't see the 5-6 mo availability,

Scroll down the link and look at the "scheduled" delivery date.  The math is easy.  OTT are often later than projected delivery date. Since you can wait prob. not a big deal.

though they seem to be much more flimsy

While they aren't as stout as phenolic, they are far from flimsy.  Aluminum would be more stout than phenol. Does that change your opinion of the WP's "stoutness" or "cheapness" ?  Everything's a compromise.  If you love the WP and think it the best - get it.  With or without validation form the group.  It is certainly up to the job.

but not sure if it's comparable or an improvement on anything already out there.

It's both.  But at a price.

If you want fast, cheap , and easy , this is fairly compelling:
https://www.fastcap.com/product/layout-tape-system

 

[Festdewalkita]

Xedos-Thanks for your points.  I should have typed I saw the delivery date (specific to item added to cart) after you pointed it out.

If TSO or someone else (or Woodpeckers!) came out with an aluminum or stainless steel shelf/drawer alignment tool and it were more expensive, I'd consider the materials quality used (and current spot vs contract commodities prices) in my buying evaluation.

I really like Fastcap, so thank you for that as well (looks like an interesting consumable at $9.95/cabinet).  Side note, I've found Fastcap's customer service (hat tip{h/t} to Thomas Emmett) to be phenomenal in the mini woodworking spending spree my wife and I initiated in the past 6-8 weeks.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.  (looks like an interesting consumable at $9.95/cabinet).  Side note, I've found Fastcap's customer service (hat tip{h/t} to Thomas Emmett) to be phenomenal in the mini woodworking spending spree my wife and I initiated in the past 6-8 weeks.

$9.95/60 feet

 

[Festdewalkita]

ChuckM--yes, thank you!  I misread (again!...stupid details).  60 feet of tape probably works out to what, 10+ cabinets?  Big difference (< ~$1/cab).

 

[xedos]

For a tenner, a roll of FastCap tape should yield a half a dozen base cabinets.  ;D

 

[Packard]

I've been using the Kreg shelf pin drilling jig.  It is easy enough to use and it includes a drill bit and has a place to store the bit when not using it.

My problem with it is that the holes all have significant tear-out whether I am drilling in hardwood or plywood. 

Any suggestions?  Perhaps my battery powered drill is not spinning fast enough?
https://www.kregtool.com/shop/hardw...-jigs/shelf-pin-jig-with-5mm-bit/KMA3220.html

 

[ChuckM]

I haven't tried it (yet), but it may work:

Put a strip of masking tape (medium -- such as the blue tape) on the board and then use the Kreg jig as usual.

 

[Dongar]

Try running the drill backwards first to score the wood with the cutting spurs. Then drill the hole in forward.

 

[Packard]

Try running the drill backwards first to score the wood with the cutting spurs. Then drill the hole in forward.

Thanks.  I will try your's and Chuck's suggestions.

 

[xedos]

What are you drilling ?

I’ve found the the Kreg bit to just fine in melamine / laminate sides.  I have not tried it on veneered ply though. 

 

[Packard]

I am making a medicine cabinet.  I originally made the box from birch veneered 3/4" plywood.  But when I drilled the shelf pin holes it tore up the veneer.

I then re-did the box using poplar, and while this result is going to be OK (but just barely OK), it is not ideal. 

Mostly I would like to solve this for projects going forward.  The holes in the  medicine cabinet are not really on display.

A down-cut router bit would probably make a cleaner hole, but it would not work with the jig. 

Will a higher speed drill make cleaner holes?  I am pretty sure my old 110 volt drill spun much faster than the battery powered drill.

 

[xedos]

The higher speed should give you better results.

However, looking at the Kreg bit, it appears that the wings of the bit aren't quite as steep as my other brad point bits.  Which means the holes are never going to be as clean all other things being equal. 

For new cabinet work with lots of system holes, I'd look at another jig/system.  I only use this jig for adding a couple of holes to an already installed cabinet.  Something which it excels at in my view, because of its small and compact size.  I'd never use it for doing 4 rows of system holes on an entire cabinet, let alone a couple of dozen.

 

[Packard]

I only build cabinets for myself and friends.  So high production is not an issue; the appearance of the cabinets is an issue.

Would a Vix bit make a cleaner hole?

 

[Cheese]

Would a Vix bit make a cleaner hole?

No as it still uses a conventional twist bit.  You want something that has side spurs, such as a brad point or a Forstner.

 

[Packard]

OK, I just ordered a Fisch brad point bit in 5mm.  They are showing sharp spurs on the outer edge of the bits.  I’ll let you know how it works out.

 

[krudawg]

Sorry, I wasn't talking about this one: https://www.woodpeck.com/combo-shelf-pin-template.html

I was talking about the new one, the combo shelf and drawer jig, for use on existing or new-build cabinets: https://www.woodpeck.com/shelf-pin-drawer-slide-template.html

The one you are talking about is a new OTT and at best, you would get it at the end of March.  I don't believe anybody has one so not sure how input you can get.

I've used that older one and it works great!