I'm going to be honest. When I saw that the Banggood pocket hole jig was aluminum, I almost sent my Kreg jig back, but thanks to your video, I know that I made the right purchase. Thank you for your videos, and keep making them! You're helping the consumer, when so many try to take advantage.
This is the first review video of yours I've watched, and I'm very impressed with the quality and thoroughness of your commentary and examination. Projects are awaiting me today, but I'll be back this evening to see some more! Subscription well earned!
Hi Dennis, I'm probably your biggest belgian fan by now. And I love your website too! As perfectly clean and structured as your videos themselves. And your reviews are not only thorough but very educational as well. Perfection. Absolute perfection. But I do think we need to at least have some awareness about the pros and cons of china webshops. I have always been hesitant to buy china tool because of two reasons: 1. quality and safety: they often do not comply with our legal quality and safety requirements as imposed upon European manufacturers. So your reviews are a big big help on that issue! Very helpful and honest! 2. there are some ethical issues we should at least be aware of: China quite shamelessly copies products from other manufacturers, totally disregarding copyright or patents. And because they are listed as 'developing country', shipping is nearly free for them and the cost is mostly covered by the receiving countries. I'm not lecturing anyone. I also have bought some items from BangGood myself, tempted by the considerably lower price tag. But I do think it is good to be at least aware of the unfair competition the China webshops create for our local webshops. So I do try to webshop more locally if I can.
I think you are looking at the morals wrong and from more than one angle. Number one is that most manufacturing is done in China. Even if it's made in "germany" it doesn't mean it actually is. Ex. You bolt two manufactured parts from CN together in France off you go... Manufactured in France. Number 2 is that if I can get something cheaper directly from CN I will. The whole patent thing is not working as exact as you may think. For example table saw. I can basically copy whole saw and change just the way the cabinet looks and clamping mechanism on it and there you go. Not a copy. Despite you have reverse engineered it all and that's officially possible in EU and US. So I don't see an advantage to support "local" dealers when they charge their customer 200% and more on top of what they paid for "manufacturing and distribution" of their product
Hi Dennis. I have the K4 but I converted mine to work with a pneumatic piston. If you look at John Peter's UA-cam channel you will see he has an original kreg pneumatic jig, they discontinued it years ago. I removed the toggle clamp and replaced it with the pneumatic piston. From there I set up an air line to a small regulator which then has an air line to a foot switch. I then hook up my air compressor to the foot switch. I still have to set up the drill bit and back block for different thickness materials but the main reason I did this was to no longer have to reach around large panels to move the toggle clamp. It is much easier to place to piece where it needs to be and then press the foot switch to engage the piston and just release the switch and the piston disengages.
Excellent review. The issue you mention regarding the play in the drill guide and damage to the drill and the aluminium is well documented in stacks of reviews on Amazon and other sites. Yes it may be half the price of the Kreg, but it it only lasts a few holes then investing in a Kreg makes more sense. Often the length of service a tool provides is overlooked when comparing products, and it's this quality and longevity that you are paying for with some brands.
I've had the Kreg system for at least 15 years, and have made many, many projects with it. It still works as good as new. One good thing about the plastic construction is that it's very impact resistant and impossible to bend (unlike things made from aluminum). No, it's not cheap, but it's definitely worth the money if you look at tools as an investment.
I'm a fan of the Massca Products jig. They're a fairly new company I believe out of California (tho mfg is China, unsurprisingly). Not sure if they're available outside the US. Price is about the same as the Banggood one (site says regular price is $129, but I got mine back in May I think and it's always been "on sale" for $79 every time I've gone back to the site.) Used it for about 100+ holes so far and no unexpected wear. And the bit depth setting is actually exactly what Dennis shows as his preferred method here. I love it!
I, for one, would love to see the finished box joint jig at some point. Given your exacting standards and very professional approach to function and productivity I think it would be something very very useful for many of us with basic shops and without the luxuries of stack blades etc. There are many variations on the theme but I think that there is no doubt that your own design would bring new things to the table. Thanks for the uploads = )
I have the Kreg K5, it has worked reliably for me for a few years now. It is better than my older K3, which was fine, but has its drawback. Thank you for educating us about the failings on your aluminum China Tool pocket jig.
Hi, your explanations are very interesting. I was about buying the Triton model because I don’t find in Belgium the Kreg K4. Now, I’m going to look forward for another Kreg because of the defoult you mentionned about Triton (abnormal wear of aluminium). Many thanks for your video.
I've had that same model of Kreg jig for about 12 years, used pretty heavily and still doing just fine. It's good where it really counts. Their automaxx clamps are a different story.
Hi Dennis! I experienced the same issue with a simular aluminum version. I made some new steel guide bushings with less tolerance and made them longer and tapered to give the drill more support. (tapered from where they protrude from the base) Also I figured that if the tip of the drill is made really pointy it will pilot the drill right away it hits the wood instead of wanting to push the drill downwards.
20+ years ago I was speaking to a Kreg rep. at a trade show & he said that all the knockoffs of the Kreg at that time failed in the drill insert, usually the were too soft and the hole wore out of round fairly quickly. Looks like things haven't changed.
Thank you for the great review. Glad to see your thoughts and experiences with the aluminum kreg jig, and enjoyed seeing how you made the frame around it.
Hi Dennis, great review. There is no doubt that the China jig looks better and as I am going to buy a Kreg jig later today you had me a little scared for a moment that there was something better and cheaper on the market. I would still have bought the Kreg as it is made in the U.S. and I will avoid buying ‘Made in China’ where at all possible. You know how the saying goes, ‘buy once, cry once’. Too many good reviews of Kreg in general to be fooled by the Chinese. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the China reviews. Thanks again and I have subscribed.
Dennis, If you go back to the original Kreg Jig it was aluminium. I know as I have one and I have had it for more than 22 years and it still but works. I was given it because at the time the gentleman who was the Kreg agent in the UK was looking for someone to take on the line in the UK due to his ill health. That is one business opportunity that I failed to take due to my lack of appreciation of what a Kreg Jig could do. I also have a Kreg K4 (I think it is a K4) and it is my go-to tool for quick secure woodworking jigs and fixtures etc. However, there is one improvement that you can make and that is to replace the Kreg clamping mechanism with the Armor Tool easy-to-install Jig Bracket. That Jig Bracket allows you to switch out the conventional clamp on your jig and upgrade to an automatically adjusting Armor Tool Clamp that will clamp any thickness while maintaining the same pressure. No more readjusting or searching for the right thickness. Just clamp and go! The problem with Bangood is that they primarily copy other peoples designs, with very very little new ideas plus the quality control in many Chinese sub-contractors is non-existent. Your drill problem is possibly the tolerance of the bushing is way off. I enjoyed the video and think your conclusion was fair.
One more argument in favour of the Kreg product is that, based on my experience, service is excellent. My Kreg Master KM5S developed an issue with its rubber clamping pad while out of warranty. Kreg UK sent me the replacement piece for free, very quickly. Parts and accessory availability is also likely to be better than with a Banggood or equivalent item.
Dennis congratulations on your new Hammer equipment. You are going to love your choices I hope you will do a review down the road after you have had some time to get familiar with them. Best regards. Paul.
Great revue.I watch all your revues as I believe - proven by your honesty - that yo do one of the best and realistic revue of the various tool. I have used Kreg for years, and while there are a number of challenges to it I believe it is overall the best. One more poing - not that it matters with the outcome you reached - but you are using an older version
I really enjoyed all your China tool episodes. Your in depth reviews are excellent. I know exactly which products I will make the most use of. Could you please give us some information about your vernier calipers. All the best from England 🇬🇧
I have one of kregs early aluminum versions. When they first went away from aluminum i was disappointed. Ive never even wanted the newer plastic ones. Aluminum works best. Mine is almost 20 years old 🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻.
I prefer the plastic (though it feels less expensive/long lasting). My reason is that the clamp should just hold it "enough" for it to not move when you are drilling, which shouldn't doesn't take that much force, you shouldn't need to flex the plastic. I'm glad you did this review, I took a deep breath to go branded before I saw this as I knew in my head the tolerances are quite tight and not sure if non branded can achieve the same thing every-time, right angles are fine but these pocket holes are very precise angles and QC will be more difficult in manufacturing say compared to a square. thanks and keep up the great content!
Dennis, Thank You for the review of the pocket hole jig. Like you, I have been looking at that aluminum pocket hole jig. Now that I know it's weak point (the drill guide) I can make a better choice. With all that the aluminum jig has going for it, I believe there is a way to eliminate the drill guide problem. Question now is; will it be cost effective? If I make an attempt at the correction, I will be sure to let you know about it. You may be interested in making the same correction - IF the correction turns out to be relatively inexpensive. I have watched all of your videos and enjoyed them all. You do a great job, not only with the projects but with the video production as well.
Good stuff, if you do have a solution share it anyway regardless of cost. I also like this alloy pocket hole jig and may consider buying it still if there is solution .
Great review Dennis. I’ve been waiting for this one. As you say, it’s a shame that this one hasn’t hardened steel inserts. But like you, I agree this is a significant flaw and will not stand the test of time. Time to order my Kreg jig! Stay safe and keep up the great reviews. All the best from Liverpool. 👍🏻
Got my Kreg jig this week and can say I’m impressed with its quality. I know it’s plastic but it is still quite robust and the hardened steel inserts are reassuring. Time to get drilling some pocket holes!
Leuke filmpjes man ! 1ste keer gekeken naar je review maar gelijk geabonneerd. Er zijn niet veel Nederlandse houtbewerking/reviewers. Ga zo door. Heb zelf een kreg K5 set naar volle tevredenheid.
Whats the thread on the chinese jig's inserts? I think if longer inserts were used it would very likely solve the problem and inserts are cheap so maybe a small price to pay for an upgrade?
I really like these videos. I have lived in China for about a decade and the general rule here is.....only poor people buy things made in China. I've always been extremely hesitant to purchase anything high-ticket or that requires precision with a Chinese brand on it. For me, my Chinese isn't good enough to make sense of reviews and too often they're faked. It's really great to see products I can easily purchase given a meaningful review. I appreciate it.
@@johnsullivan8673 Though I could have been more precise in my language earlier, I didn't feel it was necessary. Just for you, I'll elucidate.........'if Chinese people can afford to do so, they'll generally buy imported goods or goods made for export. This even applies to medicine and baby formula. This would not typically apply to commodity items where quality is often ignored like....shoelaces, backpacks, or keyboards.' My keyboard was imported BTW. I'm sure I could have found a decent one made here in China for the Chinese-market, but as I had said in my original post.....it's difficult to find quality products here. If somebody had a channel that reviewed keyboards made for the Chinese-market, I'd watch it before purchasing another.
@@johnsullivan8673 You mean the motherboard which was designed in Taiwan and produced by a Taiwanese company to their standards? The processor designed and built by an American company? The hard drives designed by a South Korean company and made in S. Korea? Maybe the memory that was designed in Taiwan and produced by a Taiwanese company? The graphics card made by an American company? The case designed by an American company and made to their standards? Which part of the computer are you talking about?
Hi Dennis. Really enjoyed this video. I don't actually own a pocket hole jig but have used the Kreg system in industry before though. It's a shame that Bang Goods superior build quality and design features hasn't incorporated the use of hardened drill guide bushings. This lets it down in my opinion for accuracy in repeatability due to wear in the aluminium body with constant use. (mass production) Although for the price......... You can bin it and buy it twice......... Bang Goods the winner I will buy for my occasional use........Tony
Brilliant video, as usual Dennis. What a shame about the fault with the Banggood tool. Nice jig by the way. Keep the videos coming cuz I’m hooked on Hooked on wood
I bought a cheaper pockethole in the past( from the Aldi if im not mistaken) It ate away at its own body, making it pretty fast unusable. I think durability is the difference between a cheaper pockethole, and a more expensive one. Even though the banggood version has a lot of fancy bells and whistles, in the end, i think how long, and how accurate the hole is, is more important then the fancy stuff.
@@HookedonWood That is amazing bro I ordered so much stuff from china about 400$ worth and got many stuff already i recomommed you will make a video on Deko stuff its really cheap and good money for value its in aliexpress
Thanks for all your reviews, but can you make an episode to review all tools after 1 or 2 years of using them. Also I have to say that many of the tools you reviewed years before are not available anymore, so is there any replacements for them with your recommendations?
Love your videos! Really appreciate all the work and time you are putting in them! Already made several purchases through your affiliate links. Have you considered doing reviews of your new toys (bandsaw and jointer). I am also very interested in what you think of your JET drillpress.
Check the alignment of the clamp. If it plunges more towards one of the drill guides, that might explain why the guide is experiencing this unusual wear. Does it look like the clamp is centered and driving perfectly straight?
Hi, thanks for your comments. Good idea. I believe that is not the case, but I put not that much focus on that point. The bushings of this pocket hole jig are really thin, below 1mm. That is crazy thin, so I think they cut to many corners with its design. Avoid this one.
@@HookedonWood I see that a lot from the European builders/makers. We don't get that very commonly in the States. At least where I am in the midwest. Wish we did!
That is really a beautiful base you built, it is really a nice touch. Personally, I think I will stick with the Kreg products. They have spent a ton of money on research and development and constantly improving their product. It is amazing how much the Bang Goo jig looks like the Triton pocket hole jig, they are almost identical. It would be interesting to see if they are exactly the same. I just ordered a Armor self adjusting pocket hole jig. It has so many innovative features, I just have to give it a try. Great product review, thank you.
Thanks for another thorough review and comparison! I'm considering a hammer bandsaw this month afrually.. would love a thorough review from you on this before i decide! Especially why you chose the n4400 and what the alternatives were that you looked at ..
Hey Dennis, this is the first time I’ve seen one of your videos. What really caught my eye was the fact that this pocket hole jig is identical to the Triton tools jig I bought almost a year ago. Personally I don’t have an issue with it being a copy. Let’s face it the reason Triton (and many other companies) are so cheap is these days is that they use (or perhaps abuse) the fact that wages in these Chinese factories are so poor, so when the Chinese decide they can make copies and sell them even cheaper in some ways maybe it’s just karma that these companies then get taken advantage of themselves! As for the problems you encountered, I have had nothing like this on my unit and I believe you can buy replacement guide bushings from Triton (which I think are hardened steel) so perhaps you were just unlucky with your Chinese copy? If you look at the reviews of the Triton model on Amazon it doesn’t appear to be a problem either. Hope this helps 👍
@Dave Geldart the main block / body of the Triton jig is solid aluminium but the ferrules / bushing guides that the drill sits in are hardened steel. I’ve had no issues like Dennis had with his copy and there are lots of reviews of the Triton one on Amazon, so this would have dropped up if there were lots of faulty ones. Maybe Dennis was just unlucky? I’m very pleased with mine
Hi James. Yes, I finished my Black MDF with Danish oil. But I think it will work with all oil products that penetrate into the service. But after finishing I found out that when you write something on it with a lead pencil it sticks very good and you can hardly wipe it out. So, that is how I made it.
@@HookedonWood oh that’s interesting! Thanks for letting me know. I was trying to tell if they had be carved. Loving the China tools videos, keep it up. Do like the style of your workshop too with the contrasting black MDF
When I read your comment, I thought you were just being a knob. It was another comment which made me realise what you meant - so I went back and listened.... You're right! he definitely mentions genitals... 🤣
Cool pocket hole jig, What oil do you rub on the black mdf? What are the dimensions of the aluminum rails? and Where can I find the stop blocks you're using please? thank you
Links are in the description of the video. Do not buy this jig, it is too weak. I think I will make a photo and add some dimensions of my platform. Watch my site in a week of two. www.hookedonwood.online
@@HookedonWood thank you. No, I bought the one fro ep 21 (or 22), just got it two weeks ago, but didn't get a chance to use it yet. thanks for the great videos, and projects. I also found black MDF in Switzerland. I think I will go overkill with it... Cheers.
As of march 2021, the Kreg K4 is down to $80, and the BangGood is $77 + $15 shipping. I like BangGood and have bought some electronics tools, and even a quadcopter/drone from them. Just seems like Kreg had a price drop.
Hey Dennis, very nice work in all your videos. Since watching them I fell in love with the black MDF. What kind of finish do you use on them to get this awesome look?
This platform I used Danish oil. My workbench is not finished yet, but I think this will also be Danish oil. I can remove glue, and it becomes water resistant
1st You was saying go with orange 1 , so I ordered it. Half way through I was canceling order now you saying it wobble and self destructive..so now gotta order the blue 1
Thanks for your excellent reviews and channel. I really wanted to purchase that jig until I saw the end of your video. Do you suppose the problem with the bushings has something to do with the interchangeability of drill bits between the Kreg and the China-made? What I mean is, are the drill bit diameters exactly the same?
Hi Dennis, you have inspired me to build my first workbench, using black mdf. I read on your website that you use danish oil to protect the mdf. Are you happy with the protection it offers? Also I would like to know how you applied the oil to the mdf top. Did you finish one side first and let it dry or both sides at the same time before they dry? Finally, did you apply oil to the sides of the mdf as well?
Hi, Yes, I am happy with the protection. Water and glue is easier to remove. What I do not like is that you see scratches very easily. Without the oil, you almost do not see scratches. But I still prefer a treatment. I only tried Danish oil, so of course there are more options here. I only did only one side. because of the construction I do not think that it will bend or something. And I also did the sides.
У вас отличное видео. Я подписался. Я не понимаю ваш язык но мне из вашего видео, стало всё ясно. You have a great video. I signed up. I don't understand your language, but everything became clear to me from your video.
I wish I had seen this before I bought one. :-) Although it looks to me like mine *might* have better inserts. I've tested it but haven't put it through its paces yet. I already know I'll be very careful when I use it and comparing it to my little kreg clamp-on guides. I might even give it to a young man with lots of ideas and motivation but not much money, and see how it fares with him. Whatever I do, I'll post about it later.
I thought for sure the aluminum version at ½ the price was going to win out over the Kreg jig, but as it had so many problems, it’s clear that it’s just a sad but real and consistent problem with many Chinese designed and manufactured products that lack another 1st world partner company.
I'm going to be honest. When I saw that the Banggood pocket hole jig was aluminum, I almost sent my Kreg jig back, but thanks to your video, I know that I made the right purchase. Thank you for your videos, and keep making them! You're helping the consumer, when so many try to take advantage.
This is the first review video of yours I've watched, and I'm very impressed with the quality and thoroughness of your commentary and examination. Projects are awaiting me today, but I'll be back this evening to see some more! Subscription well earned!
Nice to see you back. I hope you enjoy also the rest of my videos😀
Hi Dennis,
I'm probably your biggest belgian fan by now. And I love your website too! As perfectly clean and structured as your videos themselves. And your reviews are not only thorough but very educational as well. Perfection. Absolute perfection.
But I do think we need to at least have some awareness about the pros and cons of china webshops. I have always been hesitant to buy china tool because of two reasons:
1. quality and safety: they often do not comply with our legal quality and safety requirements as imposed upon European manufacturers. So your reviews are a big big help on that issue! Very helpful and honest!
2. there are some ethical issues we should at least be aware of: China quite shamelessly copies products from other manufacturers, totally disregarding copyright or patents. And because they are listed as 'developing country', shipping is nearly free for them and the cost is mostly covered by the receiving countries. I'm not lecturing anyone. I also have bought some items from BangGood myself, tempted by the considerably lower price tag. But I do think it is good to be at least aware of the unfair competition the China webshops create for our local webshops. So I do try to webshop more locally if I can.
I think you are looking at the morals wrong and from more than one angle. Number one is that most manufacturing is done in China. Even if it's made in "germany" it doesn't mean it actually is. Ex. You bolt two manufactured parts from CN together in France off you go... Manufactured in France. Number 2 is that if I can get something cheaper directly from CN I will. The whole patent thing is not working as exact as you may think. For example table saw. I can basically copy whole saw and change just the way the cabinet looks and clamping mechanism on it and there you go. Not a copy. Despite you have reverse engineered it all and that's officially possible in EU and US. So I don't see an advantage to support "local" dealers when they charge their customer 200% and more on top of what they paid for "manufacturing and distribution" of their product
Sure do like your videos, the narration, content, the feel of your shop, even the brief opening shots and identifying musical tones. Well done!
Hi Dennis. I have the K4 but I converted mine to work with a pneumatic piston. If you look at John Peter's UA-cam channel you will see he has an original kreg pneumatic jig, they discontinued it years ago. I removed the toggle clamp and replaced it with the pneumatic piston. From there I set up an air line to a small regulator which then has an air line to a foot switch. I then hook up my air compressor to the foot switch. I still have to set up the drill bit and back block for different thickness materials but the main reason I did this was to no longer have to reach around large panels to move the toggle clamp. It is much easier to place to piece where it needs to be and then press the foot switch to engage the piston and just release the switch and the piston disengages.
Excellent review. The issue you mention regarding the play in the drill guide and damage to the drill and the aluminium is well documented in stacks of reviews on Amazon and other sites. Yes it may be half the price of the Kreg, but it it only lasts a few holes then investing in a Kreg makes more sense. Often the length of service a tool provides is overlooked when comparing products, and it's this quality and longevity that you are paying for with some brands.
I've had the Kreg system for at least 15 years, and have made many, many projects with it. It still works as good as new. One good thing about the plastic construction is that it's very impact resistant and impossible to bend (unlike things made from aluminum). No, it's not cheap, but it's definitely worth the money if you look at tools as an investment.
I'm a fan of the Massca Products jig. They're a fairly new company I believe out of California (tho mfg is China, unsurprisingly). Not sure if they're available outside the US. Price is about the same as the Banggood one (site says regular price is $129, but I got mine back in May I think and it's always been "on sale" for $79 every time I've gone back to the site.) Used it for about 100+ holes so far and no unexpected wear. And the bit depth setting is actually exactly what Dennis shows as his preferred method here. I love it!
Thanks Dennis, for confirming that the darn expensive Kreg jig was the right one for me.
I have the earlier version of the Kreg jig and it’s still going strong
@@earthslargestdatabaseofwoo724 Still have around 10.000 plans between my ears:-)
😆😆😆👍
I, for one, would love to see the finished box joint jig at some point. Given your exacting standards and very professional approach to function and productivity I think it would be something very very useful for many of us with basic shops and without the luxuries of stack blades etc. There are many variations on the theme but I think that there is no doubt that your own design would bring new things to the table. Thanks for the uploads = )
I have the Kreg K5, it has worked reliably for me for a few years now. It is better than my older K3, which was fine, but has its drawback. Thank you for educating us about the failings on your aluminum China Tool pocket jig.
I'm so excited to find another Dutch woodworker! Even more excited to find one that's actually speaking English on youtube :D
I'm a native born American. And imho he barely speaks English.
@@dancahill9122 I'm 99% sure his English is better than your Dutch
Leuk om te zien dat er ook Nederlandse woodworkers zijn! Subscribed!
Thanks for sharing your skills and comments. It will give me a better chance to chose wisely
Hi, your explanations are very interesting. I was about buying the Triton model because I don’t find in Belgium the Kreg K4. Now, I’m going to look forward for another Kreg because of the defoult you mentionned about Triton (abnormal wear of aluminium). Many thanks for your video.
Hello Dennis thank you ever so much for this channel I am excited to discover cheaper and clever ways to do my wood projects.
I've had that same model of Kreg jig for about 12 years, used pretty heavily and still doing just fine. It's good where it really counts. Their automaxx clamps are a different story.
how?
Hi Dennis! I experienced the same issue with a simular aluminum version.
I made some new steel guide bushings with less tolerance and made them longer and tapered to give the drill more support. (tapered from where they protrude from the base)
Also I figured that if the tip of the drill is made really pointy it will pilot the drill right away it hits the wood instead of wanting to push the drill downwards.
I think because the only flaw is the bushings it would be an easy fix for a DIY home engineer.
Excellent review. You have a beautiful shop. I look forward to more videos
I really look forward to your China tool reviews... I'm obsessed with China tools 😁
What a lackluster thing to be obsessed with lol.
So you like 99% of all tools like me.
@@spudpud-T67 yep 🤣😂
20+ years ago I was speaking to a Kreg rep. at a trade show & he said that all the knockoffs of the Kreg at that time failed in the drill insert, usually the were too soft and the hole wore out of round fairly quickly. Looks like things haven't changed.
Thank you for the great review. Glad to see your thoughts and experiences with the aluminum kreg jig, and enjoyed seeing how you made the frame around it.
Wow those are some upgrades! (Hammer) That pocket hole jig looks far more substantial than the Kreg one.Would love to see more of your box joint jig.
Hi Dennis, great review. There is no doubt that the China jig looks better and as I am going to buy a Kreg jig later today you had me a little scared for a moment that there was something better and cheaper on the market. I would still have bought the Kreg as it is made in the U.S. and I will avoid buying ‘Made in China’ where at all possible. You know how the saying goes, ‘buy once, cry once’. Too many good reviews of Kreg in general to be fooled by the Chinese. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the China reviews. Thanks again and I have subscribed.
Dennis, If you go back to the original Kreg Jig it was aluminium.
I know as I have one and I have had it for more than 22 years and it still but works. I was given it because at the time the gentleman who was the Kreg agent in the UK was looking for someone to take on the line in the UK due to his ill health. That is one business opportunity that I failed to take due to my lack of appreciation of what a Kreg Jig could do.
I also have a Kreg K4 (I think it is a K4) and it is my go-to tool for quick secure woodworking jigs and fixtures etc.
However, there is one improvement that you can make and that is to replace the Kreg clamping mechanism with the Armor Tool easy-to-install Jig Bracket. That Jig Bracket allows you to switch out the conventional clamp on your jig and upgrade to an automatically adjusting Armor Tool Clamp that will clamp any thickness while maintaining the same pressure. No more readjusting or searching for the right thickness. Just clamp and go!
The problem with Bangood is that they primarily copy other peoples designs, with very very little new ideas plus the quality control in many Chinese sub-contractors is non-existent. Your drill problem is possibly the tolerance of the bushing is way off.
I enjoyed the video and think your conclusion was fair.
One more argument in favour of the Kreg product is that, based on my experience, service is excellent. My Kreg Master KM5S developed an issue with its rubber clamping pad while out of warranty. Kreg UK sent me the replacement piece for free, very quickly. Parts and accessory availability is also likely to be better than with a Banggood or equivalent item.
Hi Francois,
Good point and I think you are right that you have to take that in consideration.
Eerlijk, analytisch, relevant en compleet deze review. Ik vind hem top.
Cannot beat the Porter Cable Pocket Hole Jig. Easiest and quickest to use by far.
Same here, plus it feels quality!
Dennis congratulations on your new Hammer equipment. You are going to love your choices I hope you will do a review down the road after you have had some time to get familiar with them. Best regards. Paul.
Thorough review as usual. Using a corded drill for hardwoods and thicker pieces makes an appreciable difference.
You have beautiful great reviews. Thank you! Also the tools I've bought based on your reviews are great and the reviews are accurate.
Great revue.I watch all your revues as I believe - proven by your honesty - that yo do one of the best and realistic revue of the various tool. I have used Kreg for years, and while there are a number of challenges to it I believe it is overall the best. One more poing - not that it matters with the outcome you reached - but you are using an older version
Love the way you made that setup, would you make another and sell?
No, You should try it yourself. That is also much more enjoyable. 😀
I really enjoyed all your China tool episodes. Your in depth reviews are excellent. I know exactly which products I will make the most use of. Could you please give us some information about your vernier calipers. All the best from England 🇬🇧
Thanks David
I have one of kregs early aluminum versions. When they first went away from aluminum i was disappointed. Ive never even wanted the newer plastic ones. Aluminum works best. Mine is almost 20 years old 🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻.
Dennis, thank you for your always very good technical analysis!
Hoi Dennis, dank je weer voor deze video! Een duidelijk verhaal, weet nu wat ik moet aanschaffen, dank je!
I prefer the plastic (though it feels less expensive/long lasting).
My reason is that the clamp should just hold it "enough" for it to not move when you are drilling, which shouldn't doesn't take that much force, you shouldn't need to flex the plastic.
I'm glad you did this review, I took a deep breath to go branded before I saw this as I knew in my head the tolerances are quite tight and not sure if non branded can achieve the same thing every-time, right angles are fine but these pocket holes are very precise angles and QC will be more difficult in manufacturing say compared to a square.
thanks and keep up the great content!
DENNIS THANK YOU .GREAT DEMO VIDEO .AND YOUR SHOP SO NEAT AND CLEAN RIGHT UP MY ALLEY.THANK YOU THANK YOU .FROM DOUG
Dennis,
Thank You for the review of the pocket hole jig. Like you, I have been looking at that aluminum pocket hole jig. Now that I know it's weak point (the drill guide) I can make a better choice. With all that the aluminum jig has going for it, I believe there is a way to eliminate the drill guide problem. Question now is; will it be cost effective? If I make an attempt at the correction, I will be sure to let you know about it. You may be interested in making the same correction - IF the correction turns out to be relatively inexpensive.
I have watched all of your videos and enjoyed them all. You do a great job, not only with the projects but with the video production as well.
Good stuff, if you do have a solution share it anyway regardless of cost. I also like this alloy pocket hole jig and may consider buying it still if there is solution .
I disagree totally. I think mine is two years old, and it works perfectly. The only weak spot are the holes to the dust extraction
@@MrFusker10 you have this same pocket hole jig with no guide issue?
@@bluewanderer9903 yes exactly same model with no issue. From aliexpress I think 😊
@@MrFusker10 good to know that, thank you.
At 1:05 I thought you're adding salt n pepper. Jokes aside I enjoy you channel very much, greetings from Australia.
😀 😃 😄
Thanks for the tip for setting the drill collar
I love Kreg jig ,you can use micro ,HD jigs on one plus plug jigs.It has many advantages what you pay for on long runs
Great review Dennis. I’ve been waiting for this one. As you say, it’s a shame that this one hasn’t hardened steel inserts. But like you, I agree this is a significant flaw and will not stand the test of time. Time to order my Kreg jig! Stay safe and keep up the great reviews. All the best from Liverpool. 👍🏻
Got my Kreg jig this week and can say I’m impressed with its quality. I know it’s plastic but it is still quite robust and the hardened steel inserts are reassuring. Time to get drilling some pocket holes!
Leuke filmpjes man ! 1ste keer gekeken naar je review maar gelijk geabonneerd.
Er zijn niet veel Nederlandse houtbewerking/reviewers.
Ga zo door.
Heb zelf een kreg K5 set naar volle tevredenheid.
Snap Ik, cool ding die K5
An excellent, detailed comparison and review. Thanks.
I have a Silverline pockethole jig. Same problem drilling into the aluminium block.
Thanks for letting me know.
Whats the thread on the chinese jig's inserts? I think if longer inserts were used it would very likely solve the problem and inserts are cheap so maybe a small price to pay for an upgrade?
Thank you for the honest review sir
I really like these videos. I have lived in China for about a decade and the general rule here is.....only poor people buy things made in China. I've always been extremely hesitant to purchase anything high-ticket or that requires precision with a Chinese brand on it. For me, my Chinese isn't good enough to make sense of reviews and too often they're faked. It's really great to see products I can easily purchase given a meaningful review. I appreciate it.
Check the country of origin of the device you typed that comment on.
@@johnsullivan8673 Though I could have been more precise in my language earlier, I didn't feel it was necessary. Just for you, I'll elucidate.........'if Chinese people can afford to do so, they'll generally buy imported goods or goods made for export. This even applies to medicine and baby formula. This would not typically apply to commodity items where quality is often ignored like....shoelaces, backpacks, or keyboards.'
My keyboard was imported BTW. I'm sure I could have found a decent one made here in China for the Chinese-market, but as I had said in my original post.....it's difficult to find quality products here. If somebody had a channel that reviewed keyboards made for the Chinese-market, I'd watch it before purchasing another.
@@j.joseph5353 I'm not talking about the keyboard, I'm talking about your computer.
@@johnsullivan8673 You mean the motherboard which was designed in Taiwan and produced by a Taiwanese company to their standards? The processor designed and built by an American company? The hard drives designed by a South Korean company and made in S. Korea? Maybe the memory that was designed in Taiwan and produced by a Taiwanese company? The graphics card made by an American company? The case designed by an American company and made to their standards? Which part of the computer are you talking about?
@@j.joseph5353 Check the country of origin labeling on all of them. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Hi Dennis. Really enjoyed this video. I don't actually own a pocket hole jig but have used the Kreg system in industry before though.
It's a shame that Bang Goods superior build quality and design features hasn't incorporated the use of hardened drill guide bushings.
This lets it down in my opinion for accuracy in repeatability due to wear in the aluminium body with constant use. (mass production)
Although for the price......... You can bin it and buy it twice......... Bang Goods the winner I will buy for my occasional use........Tony
Did you see the Vevor version of this? Still aluminium drill guide though I think but for 60 euro....
First time watching your channel.
I really like your content. Great Job. Definitely a good one to subscribe to.
Brilliant video, as usual Dennis. What a shame about the fault with the Banggood tool. Nice jig by the way. Keep the videos coming cuz I’m hooked on Hooked on wood
I bought a cheaper pockethole in the past( from the Aldi if im not mistaken)
It ate away at its own body, making it pretty fast unusable.
I think durability is the difference between a cheaper pockethole, and a more expensive one.
Even though the banggood version has a lot of fancy bells and whistles, in the end, i think how long, and how accurate the hole is, is more important then the fancy stuff.
Great! Any video on how to make the router table with fence? :)
Yes I have made a video about that. Watch my channel please. I have a video where I describe and show it in detail with free plans
@@HookedonWood That is amazing bro
I ordered so much stuff from china about 400$ worth and got many stuff already i recomommed you will make a video on Deko stuff its really cheap and good money for value its in aliexpress
Thanks for all your reviews, but can you make an episode to review all tools after 1 or 2 years of using them. Also I have to say that many of the tools you reviewed years before are not available anymore, so is there any replacements for them with your recommendations?
That's not woodwork, what you do is more like engineering wood Art.....WOW!
That took an unexpected turn.
can we see a video on the difference between Kreg track saw rails vs china equivaent ?
Looking forward for your box joint jig project. Please, make e very effort to finalize it. I am aure it will bring some originalty in the design
Great how honest you are about this. Good to know that, unfortunately, the Kreg is still the best there is.
Trend is actually the one I prefer.
Love your videos! Really appreciate all the work and time you are putting in them! Already made several purchases through your affiliate links.
Have you considered doing reviews of your new toys (bandsaw and jointer). I am also very interested in what you think of your JET drillpress.
Hello,
Any update on your box joint jig for a single blade table saw?
Hello Dennis, I can’t find episode 11. The mitre gauge
Axminster pocket hole jig is worth looking at i use it alot
Check the alignment of the clamp. If it plunges more towards one of the drill guides, that might explain why the guide is experiencing this unusual wear. Does it look like the clamp is centered and driving perfectly straight?
Hi, thanks for your comments. Good idea. I believe that is not the case, but I put not that much focus on that point. The bushings of this pocket hole jig are really thin, below 1mm. That is crazy thin, so I think they cut to many corners with its design. Avoid this one.
@@HookedonWood that's a shame. it has so many features and aspects that exceed the Kreg Jig, and such an attractive price.
Indeed
Hi Dennis, at 16:50 what product did you use on the black MDF? is it a varnish or an oil?
I use oil. No specific reason, but i think vanish scratch to much. Also oil by the way. But that is easier to redoing.
@@HookedonWood Dankjewel, en groeten uit België 😊
You may have answered this question before. But I can't find it. What is that black material you use a lot of. I really like that way it looks.
?
It is black mdf. It looks like valchromat but is a bit more affordable
@@HookedonWood o that cools. I need to see if I can find that around me.
@@HookedonWood I see that a lot from the European builders/makers. We don't get that very commonly in the States. At least where I am in the midwest. Wish we did!
That is really a beautiful base you built, it is really a nice touch. Personally, I think I will stick with the Kreg products. They have spent a ton of money on research and development and constantly improving their product. It is amazing how much the Bang Goo jig looks like the Triton pocket hole jig, they are almost identical. It would be interesting to see if they are exactly the same.
I just ordered a Armor self adjusting pocket hole jig. It has so many innovative features, I just have to give it a try. Great product review, thank you.
what do you think about triton? this one looks the same but Triton should be better quality. thank you
What kind of material you are using for your jig? The black one?
Thanks for another thorough review and comparison!
I'm considering a hammer bandsaw this month afrually.. would love a thorough review from you on this before i decide! Especially why you chose the n4400 and what the alternatives were that you looked at ..
Oh.. and vlak van dikte also on my list :)
Thanks for this again Dennis! greets Henry
What finish do you use on the black mdf?
I used danish oil.
well balanced and informative, keep it up.
Jij bent lekker bezig vakman!
What is the black material you used to make the stand for your big? What is the white u-chabel for on the sides?
great video with very good information.
Hey Dennis, this is the first time I’ve seen one of your videos. What really caught my eye was the fact that this pocket hole jig is identical to the Triton tools jig I bought almost a year ago. Personally I don’t have an issue with it being a copy. Let’s face it the reason Triton (and many other companies) are so cheap is these days is that they use (or perhaps abuse) the fact that wages in these Chinese factories are so poor, so when the Chinese decide they can make copies and sell them even cheaper in some ways maybe it’s just karma that these companies then get taken advantage of themselves! As for the problems you encountered, I have had nothing like this on my unit and I believe you can buy replacement guide bushings from Triton (which I think are hardened steel) so perhaps you were just unlucky with your Chinese copy? If you look at the reviews of the Triton model on Amazon it doesn’t appear to be a problem either. Hope this helps 👍
@Dave Geldart the main block / body of the Triton jig is solid aluminium but the ferrules / bushing guides that the drill sits in are hardened steel. I’ve had no issues like Dennis had with his copy and there are lots of reviews of the Triton one on Amazon, so this would have dropped up if there were lots of faulty ones. Maybe Dennis was just unlucky? I’m very pleased with mine
Hi Dennis, nice review as always. You didn’t say how you put the numbers and markings onto the MDF. Can you share?
Hi James. Yes, I finished my Black MDF with Danish oil. But I think it will work with all oil products that penetrate into the service. But after finishing I found out that when you write something on it with a lead pencil it sticks very good and you can hardly wipe it out. So, that is how I made it.
@@HookedonWood oh that’s interesting! Thanks for letting me know. I was trying to tell if they had be carved. Loving the China tools videos, keep it up. Do like the style of your workshop too with the contrasting black MDF
Awesome video! New subscriber here! :D How big is the gap in the china version? Could you drill a 45 mm piece?
I wonder if the Chinese one is made for a 10mm drill bit and that's why it has more play with the 3/8 / 9.5mm drill bit.
perhaps, but the drill bit was included with the set. But also the bushing is very thin if I compare that to other pocket hole jigs.
“Welcome to the 14th episode of genitals” 😂 Hooked on Wood😂
Great series...new subscriber here. Keep up with the innuendos:)
😂😂
I too was so sure he said that!
When I read your comment, I thought you were just being a knob. It was another comment which made me realise what you meant - so I went back and listened....
You're right! he definitely mentions genitals... 🤣
Cool pocket hole jig,
What oil do you rub on the black mdf?
What are the dimensions of the aluminum rails? and
Where can I find the stop blocks you're using please?
thank you
Links are in the description of the video. Do not buy this jig, it is too weak.
I think I will make a photo and add some dimensions of my platform. Watch my site in a week of two. www.hookedonwood.online
@@HookedonWood thank you.
No, I bought the one fro ep 21 (or 22), just got it two weeks ago, but didn't get a chance to use it yet.
thanks for the great videos, and projects. I also found black MDF in Switzerland. I think I will go overkill with it...
Cheers.
As of march 2021, the Kreg K4 is down to $80, and the BangGood is $77 + $15 shipping. I like BangGood and have bought some electronics tools, and even a quadcopter/drone from them. Just seems like Kreg had a price drop.
There is a new Kreg on this moment. They promise to send me one, So, I hope I can give a review on that too on a short period of time.
Great video. I have a lower grade Kreg model and was looking to get this one. Most definitely going with the aluminum made model now.
Hey Dennis, very nice work in all your videos. Since watching them I fell in love with the black MDF. What kind of finish do you use on them to get this awesome look?
This platform I used Danish oil. My workbench is not finished yet, but I think this will also be Danish oil. I can remove glue, and it becomes water resistant
Great review as always, thank you!
Dennis,
What finish do you use for your black MDF ?
I'm guessing an oil based one, but it was just out of the shot when you used it.
It is danish oil.
Dag Dennis.
Bedankt voor weer een fijne review.
Vraagje. Welke merk bit verlengstuk gebruik je in de video.
Succes verder.
Enjoy your new toys....I mean tools!!! lol Thank you for the video!
1st You was saying go with orange 1 , so I ordered it. Half way through I was canceling order now you saying it wobble and self destructive..so now gotta order the blue 1
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it is better to watch the whole video fiest😀
where do you get all this black wood? is it a stain or a paint youre using? It looks really nice.
It is full colored black mdf. look at my site for more information. hookedonwood.online/Frequently-asked-questions/
Hi, this looks just like the triton pocket hole jig. I wonder if the triton will have the same flaws?
Thank you
I do not know, I hope not, but also good brands cut corners sometimes
Thanks for your excellent reviews and channel. I really wanted to purchase that jig until I saw the end of your video. Do you suppose the problem with the bushings has something to do with the interchangeability of drill bits between the Kreg and the China-made? What I mean is, are the drill bit diameters exactly the same?
Good point, but yes, they are the same.
Hi Dennis, you have inspired me to build my first workbench, using black mdf. I read on your website that you use danish oil to protect the mdf. Are you happy with the protection it offers? Also I would like to know how you applied the oil to the mdf top. Did you finish one side first and let it dry or both sides at the same time before they dry? Finally, did you apply oil to the sides of the mdf as well?
Hi,
Yes, I am happy with the protection. Water and glue is easier to remove. What I do not like is that you see scratches very easily. Without the oil, you almost do not see scratches. But I still prefer a treatment. I only tried Danish oil, so of course there are more options here. I only did only one side. because of the construction I do not think that it will bend or something. And I also did the sides.
@@HookedonWood Thanks for your quick reply.
У вас отличное видео. Я подписался. Я не понимаю ваш язык но мне из вашего видео, стало всё ясно. You have a great video. I signed up. I don't understand your language, but everything became clear to me from your video.
Can you purchase another unit to see if the problem was isolated to your first one or not ?
I wish I had seen this before I bought one. :-) Although it looks to me like mine *might* have better inserts. I've tested it but haven't put it through its paces yet. I already know I'll be very careful when I use it and comparing it to my little kreg clamp-on guides. I might even give it to a young man with lots of ideas and motivation but not much money, and see how it fares with him. Whatever I do, I'll post about it later.
update please :)
De geleider bussen zijn uitneembaar? Dan is het makkelijk genoeg om nieuwe strakke, nauw passende bussen te maken
I thought for sure the aluminum version at ½ the price was going to win out over the Kreg jig, but as it had so many problems, it’s clear that it’s just a sad but real and consistent problem with many Chinese designed and manufactured products that lack another 1st world partner company.