Power Tools

The Pocket Hole Machine That Almost Put Me Out of Business, And How You Can Avoid It!

Nov 12, 2022

Would pocket hole machines help me to create perfect joinery and speed up my woodworking projects?


Certainly! However, be extra careful not to buy an inferior machine as getting one can mean misaligned joints, and that could cost you wasted time & materials, and maybe your business.


We had carefully sifted through the multitude of pocket hole machine products available and shortlisted the top best 5 pocket hole machines that you can safely & confidently use.


Joinery is the method of fastening two pieces of wood together. Some of the most common joinery methods include dowels and biscuits. Pocket hole joinery is another great way to create a tight, watertight joint between two pieces of wood. It’s fast and easy to set up and can be used for almost any woodworking project.


Pocket holes are a great way to fasten parts of a project together. They’re especially useful if you’re making something that requires many joints. Plus, it’s really helpful to be able to mark a pocket hole with your own unique code so you can keep track of which pieces you’ve already joined.


You're looking to make your woodworking projects look great, but you're busy and don't have the time to devote to making perfect joints. Well, you're in luck! We have a selection of pocket hole machines available right here at Amazon. Use these tools to cut and drill perfectly aligned holes in your projects, so you can attach your wood with perfection.


Pocket holes are a great tool to add extra stability to your projects. Get yourself one today and make your woodworking projects easier!


Read our review article now and order your own pocket hole machine!

 

How To Choose Which Model Is Best For You

Match the features, capabilities to your budget. Once you have narrowed down, click on the green "Check Price On Amazon" button to get further confidence you have made the right choice by reading some past customers reviews.

 

Why Would We Want The Best For You

Would pocket hole machines help me to create perfect joinery and speed up my woodworking projects?


Woodwork is always tricky. It is difficult to get things square, it can be hard to get the corners even and often you don't get any feedback as to whether you've got the joint right. But what if you could eliminate all these frustrations by using a pocket hole machine?


Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a pocket hole machine that made the whole thing much easier? Well, there is. 


 It's time you invested in a quality pocket hole machine to enable you to enjoy creating perfect joinery. They will take the pain out of your projects.

 

 

 

Kreg Foreman Pocket Hole Machine DB210

Amazon #70 in Power Tool Accessory Jigs

Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

(why this item is a must buy)

  • With a single operation of one pull of the handle, the motor starts, clamps workpiece, and drill perfect pocket holes
  • 2 spring-loaded adjustable stops for repeatable accuracy
  • Acceptable thickness from 1/2" to 1 1/2"
  • Adjustable fence to position workpiece for precise pocket depth
  • Quick-change tool-free chuck for easy bit changes
  • Able to create 3 types of Kreg pocket holes: standard, micro-pocket and heavy-duty holes
  • Lightweight durable construction allows for portability, use in your shop, around your home and take it anywhere
  • Storage tray to store extra bits & accessories
  • Dust collection adapter to keep your work area dust-free
  • Amazon's Choice

 

Things To Know About This Model

(what you should know)

  • Weight : 4.8 lbs
  • Speed : 2800 RPM
  • Motor : 110-volt, 5 Amps
  • Wattage : 550 W
  • Included : 3/8" hex-shank drill bit

 

 

Shop Fox W1833 Pocket Hole Machine


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

(why this item is a must buy)

  • Hold down mechanism automatically adjusts height and clamping pressure
  • One step automatic motor actuation by pulling the lever to start the motor
  • Uses a stepped 3/16 x 1/2-inch drill bit for a pilot hole, then 3/8-inch counterbore at a 15-degree angle into the workpiece
  • Go from making face frames, casework, drawers etc. without stopping between operations
  • 10-3/16 x 6-5/16-inch cast iron table
  • Sheet metal table extends work area out 15-5/16 x 18-1/2-inch from the cast iron table

 

Things To Know About This Model

(what you should know)

  • Weight : 62 lbs
  • Speed : 2500 RPM
  • Motor : 0.5 HP, 15 Amps
  • Included : 2x Back Fence Stops

 

 

Massca Aluminum Pocket Hole Jig

Amazon #63 in Power Tool Accessory Jigs


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

(why this item is a must buy)

  • Drills perfect woodworking holes, repair wood joints, and high precision pre-drill pilot holes at the right angle for connecting wood boards
  • Set adjustable depths with the easy drill depth knob to different thickness to avoid damage, splinters or splits
  • Heavy duty aluminum body for a reliable woodworking support base
  • Dust spout adapter to capture loose debris, particles and sawdust reducing allergens in the air for a dust-free working environment
  • The Massca Hole Jig System also features a T-track slot
  • Steel stabilizing bars and stop blocks for longer lumber pieces and easy for repeat measurements

 

Things To Know About This Model

(what you should know)

  • Weight : 5.2 lbs
  • Included : hex key, stop collar, set of screws, establishing Bars, drill bit

 

 

General Tools Woodworking Pocket Hole Jig

Amazon #136 in Power Tool Accessory Jigs


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

(why this item is a must buy)

  • An easy-to-use tool for creating corner and angle pocket hole joints for leg-and-rail connections, building face frame cabinets, sneaking screws into tight spots and securing picture frames together
  • Angled drill guide
  • Starter kit includes 25 coarse drive screws, 25 fine square and 25 wooden
  • Drill steeply pitched counter bores in one joint member and drive self-tapping screws without need for pilot holes into the other piece

 

Things To Know About This Model

(what you should know)

  • Weight : 2 lbs
  • Included : 3/8 In. Step Drill Bit (replaceable), 6 in. square drive bit, pocket hole jig with built-in clamp, 3/8 in. steel stop collar, Hex wrench, plastic carrying case

 

 

Kreg Pocket Hole Machine Jig KPHJ720PRO

Amazon #3 in Power Tool Accessory Jigs


Why We Think This Is One Of The Best

(why this item is a must buy)

  • New innovation in pocket-hole joinery
  • Steel reinforced spine to work with complete confidence knowing it'll produce very strong joints
  • One-motion Automaxx Clamping automatically clamps 1/2-inch to 1-1/2-inch thickness
  • GripMaxx anti-slip to keep your workpiece steady once clamped
  • Wings will fold up for stowing away when job completed
  • Docking Station support wings with repeatable stops

 

Things To Know About This Model

(what you should know)

  • Weight : 8 lbs
  • Included : Dust Collection Blade and Adapter & Downloadable plans, 720 Base Tool, 3/8" Easy-set Pocket Hole Drill bit, 6" #2 Square Driver Bit, Easy-set Stop collar, Hex Wrench/Gauging tool, Kreg Bench Clamp & 2 packs of sample screws, Kreg Docking Station for the 720 with Foldable Wings and Storage

 

 

Pocket holes machine FAQ

People are always asking us questions about pocket hole machine, and there are so many of them.

 

It can be hard to find good information about getting the right tools, especially if you had not used them before or not sure where to look. Or worse, you might end up with bad information that should have been to make your home projects much easier.

 

We know you are a seasoned handyperson or a trade professional looking for a replacement but for the benefit of new users, a pocket hole machine can make your DIY projects a whole lot easier.

 

We've done the research for you! Here are the most frequently asked questions about pocket hole machine and our top answers:

When should you not use pocket holes?

Don’t use any kind of hole in a wood piece that’s going to be visible unless you are not bothered by how it'll look or it's going to be painted over.

 

Do you really need a pocket hole jig?

Try to make your pockets without a jig, and you're likely to have more tear-out.

The Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO allows for consistent angles, very clean pocket and exact depths plus keep the edge of the board from splitting. 


Are pocket holes stronger than brackets?

Pocket hole joints are stronger than mortise and tenon joints and definitely stronger than brackets which is also not very nice since they will be on the surface.

Independent tests showed that pocket screws were stronger than mortise and tenon joints by around 35%. So if you’re choosing a joinery method for any job, you should use a pocket screw joint.

 

Can you drill pocket holes without a jig?

Yes you can but the results will mist likely be not very nice. 

First you need to drill an approximate bigger angled hole and then a hole on the other piece and hopefully they fit nicely.

 

Are pocket holes or dowels better?

When making dowel-assembled joints you'll get better results if you assemble with glue and screws.

All this is because of more glue surfaces and the grain direction.

When we consider the traditional butt joint, the pocket hole butts the end of one board against the face grain of another.

 

What is the best pocket hole jig for beginners?

If you're new to pocket hole joinery the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720 is a good choice.

It's easy to use, affordable and includes everything you'll need to make your joints.

The Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO is a great tool for new hobbyists.

 

What is the advantage of pocket holes?

Pocket hole joinery is used to make furniture that is more durable and last longer than most pieces of furniture, and the process is quick & versatile.

Join two pieces of wood by end to edge, end to face or mitered edges.

 

Should you glue pocket hole joints?

Glue could help make your pocket holes stronger, but you don't have to use if you don't want.

However, it make pocket holes a faster joint than other methods.

 

What can I use instead of a pocket hole?

Other alternatives are the traditional joints like mortise and tenons, rabbet joints, dados, dovetails.

 

How far should you space pocket holes?

It is recommended to space the pocket holes every 6" to 8" on long boards.

Start with a pocket hole close to each end, then space them accordingly as above.

 

 

We hope this article has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy using your purchase!