Pocket Hole Plug Jig
I like to build small step stools for children, held together by pocket screws and glue. They come together quick, and all joints are made from the bottom. This makes for strong stools, but most commercial plugs are overly long, and it’s hard to maneuver a saw in to trim them.
The jig shown here allows me to trim the dowels to size before assembly. The back attaches to a miter gauge, with an adjustable front piece held on by a threaded knob and carriage bolt (detail ‘b’). Before attaching the front piece though, drill a pocket hole through it to accept the dowels (detail ‘a’).
A hard-board stop is then attached to bottom out the dowel. Once you’ve got a test pocket hole, adjust the jig for the length of dowel you need. Once it fits to your liking, lock the jig in place and trim all remaining plugs. -Robert Britton Georgetown, Minnesota
