Best Beginner Pocket Hole Jig - Going Make Pocket Hole Jig

[@andrealavigne7824]

The Going Make one looks similar to the Massca M2 Pro I purchased a few years ago. Same basic lever-type mechanism to clamp the workpiece, and the Massca is also basically all metal (minus the dust collector port & lever handle cover, of course). It also has the same basic part you can detach for larger workpieces like you mentioned. However, it doesn't seem as convenient to do that as the Going Make you demonstrated. You have to screw a flat metal piece to one end of the part you pull out to provide a lip to position over the edge of your board for placement purposes, then unscrew that plate to make it work in the benchtop format. Otherwise, the Massca is a good unit. I did get their more "portable" unit, the Twin Pocket Hole Jig, which is kind of like the Kreg R3 - same basic concept. The Massca appealed to me more than the Kreg after reading reviews that said that the holes in the Kreg are metal only partway down, but are plastic when you get in a certain amount. The Massca holes have metal lining all the way down, so you don't accidentally drill into plastic if your bit tilts a bit the wrong way. As far as mounting the M2 for benchtop use, I didn't want to screw it directly to my workbench top. So I screwed it to a piece of a 2x4 that is longer than the jig (maybe 18" or so), with the jig being more towards one end of the board. Then I can just use one of my F-style clamps to clamp the "non-jig" end of the 2x4 to my bench. It actually has worked out really well, if I do say so myself. :) The M2 Pro is a bit on the pricier side, but still a good unit, in my opinion, especially with the (virtually) all-metal construction. Thanks for reviewing these. I hope you have a wonderful day! :)

[@BitnerBuilt]

Oh cool thanks for all that good info! Yea mounting these jigs to boards is the way I like to do it. Will have to look at that massca one!

[@ST-0311]

Yes, it actually more than just "looks" like the Massca. The Going Make is a Massca clone, so not really so innovative. The Enjoywood version is another clone, and Vevor has yet another. However, all the clones have the advantage of 3 guide bushings as opposed to 2 for the Massca. I have the Enjoywood, but I think Massca should get the recognition for designing an excellent system. I agree with Justin, that Massca system is the best for most users regardless of brand.

[@Damon_Barber]

I have the K5. The manual said it was supposed to have come with the attachment for portability function (like the R3), but it did not. So now I find myself looking to buy an R3 the next time I have a project with big panels. The GoingMake model presented here is a great option, with the exception of the handle in the back. I borrowed my pastor’s wife’s K4 before I bought the K5 and knew I wanted the handle in the front. I highly recommend finding a unit to borrow and use first if possible to see what you like/dislike about it before making a purchase. When money is tight, every purchase counts.

[@BitnerBuilt]

True Damon! Yea I thought the same when I bought the k5 but no.

[@BubbasDad]

I have the K5 and the R3. I didn't read the manual, so don't know about portability. I chose between the R4 and R5 because the R5 had the handle in the front.

[@AugustaWaterCooler]

As always s great video with one issue, I see lots of comparisons online usually with at least one off brand no one has heard of like you showed, but never the criminally underestimated option from Armor Tools which is on par with Kreg and the color coding system is brilliant. I’d love to see you review and compare that choice.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Haven’t heard of it I will take a look!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video as always Justin I started with the small two hole Kreg pocket hole jig and not long ago purchased the Massca M2 and I’m very happy with it a lot like the going Makes one. Thanks as always for sharing.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Thanks Jim! Haven’t head of the massca one till you and a few others mentioned it, will have to check it out

[@bryanjenks4991]

Note on the Kreg 520 Pro: the drill guide block comes out and can be used independent of the clamp mechanism - saving the need to also purchase an R3 if you want to bring the drill guide to the workpiece.

[@BitnerBuilt]

How? I personally tried, it’s not listed on the kreg website as being able to do it nor in its instruction manual.you technically can remove the block but that’s for cleaning and install sized properly to use solo.

[@kevinrich4637]

I love my pocket hole jigs. I have the dual clamp on and the clamp one. Another good video

[@BitnerBuilt]

Thanks so much!

[@YesThatPrettyGirL]

PHENOMENAL TUTORIAL! Thank you 😊

[@BitnerBuilt]

You're so welcome!

[@paulosenn]

Great video for me as beginner!

[@BitnerBuilt]

Glad to hear it!

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks a bunch for the video, man! 😊 I definitely need to get one! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@BitnerBuilt]

Thanks!

[@corwind3888]

I like my old K3. Still works great.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Nice, never got to try that model glad it’s still cranking out work for you!

[@SkiKat-USA]

A very well-done and interesting video!

[@BitnerBuilt]

Many thanks!

[@Griffinwoodworks]

I’ve got the k5 and it’s been a workhorse. I figured when it gives up the ghost, I’d go with the Massca, but the goingmake seems to get a lot of good reviews for about $40 less. Hopefully I’ve got a few more years left in the k5 lol.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Yea the k5 was nice till surprising the main metal lever snapped (would have figured it would have been the plastic)

[@Dragonited]

The Kreg 720 and 520 Pro does have a somewhat limited material thickness that they allow, or can you pull up the drill guide part and have material resting on the slanted part? You might not use pocket holes on larger pieces often, though I prefer using pocket holes instead of just toenailing/screwing on 2"×4" material sometimes between rows of shelving to prevent sag on heavy duty storage. Though I guess that Kreg want you to use their XL pocket holes for larger material. You should maybe also mention that Triton and Armor tools have some comparable pocket hole jiggs to Kreg. There's also electric ones like the Kreg Foreman and Castle. Thouch they are three times the price of the 720 it might be worth it if you are doing many pocket holes regularly.

[@BitnerBuilt]

The 720 and 520 max out at 1.5in material thickness, so anything more and you would want a clamp on unit. I didn’t mention the electrics as it was a beginner video and all of that starts at $350 to the castle at $1500 so not applicable in this video but good options for the pro for sure!

[@laneetherington614]

My only problem with the Kreg system is the square drive screws. I found Milescraft 52000003 kit and it has the star or trox drive screws and comes with the drivers you need and are the only screws I buy now. Screws work with Kreg or any other pocket hole system.

[@BitnerBuilt]

👍

[@ST-0311]

Hmm. If you turn the large panel 90° the lever on the Going Make is now on the side. No reaching around necessary. 😉 I agree the Massca system, or clones like Going Make, is the best all around jigs for most people.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Haha well yes on that one but I for one used to try and put large panels up there until I realized it was dumb and just lay it down

[@MrLupus1980]

I have the R3 and bought a bench top dog clamp from kreig

[@BitnerBuilt]

👍

[@robertsmith3518]

Great video . Thanks !

[@BitnerBuilt]

Glad you liked it!

[@Ekrindul]

I wish someone would make a t star pocket hole system. My biggest gripe is the square heads. I have a 3 barrel kreg jig. The other issue i have with it is without dust collection, it has to be cleared every hole drilled. I just dont use pocket holes enough to justify the upgrade yet.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Yea dust collections big with these if anything so doesn’t rain sawdust on my head when I rotate the piece in the air 😓 That really cheap one that I didn’t recommend in the video actually came with Phillips head screws with a Phillips head extended driver 😳

[@Ekrindul]

@@BitnerBuilt I wouldn't be able to deal with a Phillips version.

[@FunSam]

Milescraft pocket screws have a T20 head. I haven't been able to find them in a physical store but there's plenty of places online.

[@Ekrindul]

@@FunSam awesome! TY!

[@AugustaWaterCooler]

Nailed it!!!

[@steelsunpi]

Harbor Freight makes an aluminim benchtop model with a removable part to use. Only difference from the Going Make (or Masca) is no drill collar setting guide on the side.

[@BitnerBuilt]

Hmm, so I’m not someone who always discounts harbor freight, they do have the occasional gem product, can’t say in all the times I have been there I ever noticed they had a jig (just looked it up on your comment so I see they do now) so wasn’t a purposeful omission just never saw if there before. Do you feel it’s quality made jig?

[@steelsunpi]

@@BitnerBuilt yep, it's quite nice. Only thing I didn't like is the drill bit that came with it dulled very fast. So I got that Kreg single hole portable which came with the drill bit for only a few bucks more than a new bit alone. I now use the Kreg drill bit in the HF setup. Been doing it for years now. May switch to that Kreg pistol grip though for faster clamping and use.

[@dian3145]

Don’t need any more pocket tools, just here to add a comment for the algo ;)

[@BitnerBuilt]

Haha thanks

[@MichaelNosack]

Why no mention of the castle system? it uses torx screws and driver and is way better than the robertson

[@BitnerBuilt]

Sure but the castle products start at $600 so that’s more of a professional line not a consumer manual product no? I haven’t ever seen them have a sub $200 manual model?

[@ManpreetSingh-tv1ki]

Anyone try the Holdly pocket hole jig?

[@BitnerBuilt]

Haven’t seen that one, just searched it and don’t see where to buy it either?

[@ManpreetSingh-tv1ki]

It’s on Amazon Canada but yea I can’t seem to find it anywhere else. It looks pretty good

[@David.M.]

Thanks!

[@BitnerBuilt]

You bet!

[@technofeeliak]

You didn't look at your big Kreg properly. The part you drill into can be removed and used separately. So for those small pieces, you can remove it, using what you need apart from the mechanism.

[@BitnerBuilt]

My friend I would beg to disagree. The large Craig jig cannot be disassembled to use as a smaller piece. The black plate that you screw into can be removed to remove the dust chips behind however, if you place that against a piece of wood and I just double checked since you said it, the drillbit goes into the air. It doesn’t actually go into the piece of wood if you flip it over and then use a clamp in order to do it. It drills at a completely inappropriate angle went on website to check. It shows nowhere that can be used independently.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍. Thanks

[@BitnerBuilt]

Welcome 👍

[@jermieluera7988]

Summary for woodworking: [ you need all tools eventually at some point ]

[@BitnerBuilt]

😂

[@andrealavigne7824]

One more thing. Has anyone ever wondered why, when you use a screw, it is still called toe-nailing, and not toe-screwing??? Am I the only one? 🤣

[@BitnerBuilt]

😂 both sound dirty soooo guess that can’t be the reason lol

[@troycogan1030]

Another informative tutorial Justin. I’ve just gotten into pocket holes for framing materials for my shop builds and have the Going Make model and as you said if you’re going into cabinet components then it should really be flat on the bench. Looking forward to the next video. Cheers from Down Under 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@BitnerBuilt]

Thanks! Do you enjoy using that model?

[@troycogan1030]

@@BitnerBuilt I have watched ALOT of shop builds from the states and clearly Kreg is a superior product over there but over here pocket holes aren’t real big but certainly something I’ll use when it’s called for. I think the Going make is good Vevor have one that you get more bits for less coin BUT don’t have dust extraction but I’ve now got both 😂. I’ll keep one set for 2x4 work and the other for cabinetry, I actually used c/s 2 1/2’ chipboard screws with a ratchet driver.

[@kdinkc]

​@@BitnerBuilt😂

[@ns_racing]

100% Massca ripoff. They added 1 bushing to get away with it other than that direct clone

[@BitnerBuilt]

I mean you can say the massca ripped off the kreg k4 that was out for years 🤷when people started to copy kreg they moved to a new front paddle clamp with the k5 and 720 after. it’s hard to say, the goingmake and the massca do have more differences, the bit setting guide, different clamp, steel wings on the block etc so it’s not just a bushing addition.

[@sandrachen709]

Pls check your email!!! For Foldable fiber laser engraver from EM-Smart. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@BitnerBuilt]

👍