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DIY Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Base with Bench Dog Mount

By: Erich Lage
Make pocket hole joinery faster with a portable Kreg jig base. A simple plywood platform and bench dog provide a secure, removable workbench setup.

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Build a Portable Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Base

I've been using pocket hole joinery on quite a few projects lately. And while my Kreg pocket hole jig makes drilling the holes quick and easy, setting up the jig every time I need it can be a hassle.

I don't have enough workbench space to dedicate to a permanent pocket hole workstation. But constantly clamping and unclamping the jig was getting old.

My solution was this simple portable Kreg pocket hole jig base.

It mounts to the workbench using a dowel that fits into a bench dog hole. That makes it easy to set up the jig when I need it and remove it when I'm finished.

Best of all, the platform requires just three pieces of plywood and a dowel.

Build a Simple Plywood Base for Your Kreg Jig

The platform consists of three plywood components: a base, a mounting block, and a cleat.

The largest piece forms the base and provides a stable platform for the pocket hole jig.

A mounting block attached to the base supports the jig and raises it into position for drilling.

The cleat is fastened to the underside of the base with screws. Its job is to prevent the entire platform from rotating while you're drilling pocket holes.

The construction is straightforward, and you can use plywood scraps left over from other projects.

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Add a Bench Dog for Quick Setup

The feature that makes this platform so convenient is the dowel mounted beneath the base.

The dowel acts as a bench dog, fitting into an existing dog hole in your workbench.

To use the platform, simply insert the dowel into the bench dog hole and position the underside cleat against the bench.

The dowel locates the jig, while the cleat helps prevent the platform from spinning during use.

This creates a convenient, removable mounting system without having to clamp the jig to the bench every time.

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Make sure the dowel fits your workbench's dog holes and that the cleat is positioned to resist movement during drilling. If the platform can lift or shift, add a clamp before using the jig.

A Portable Pocket Hole Workstation

Once the base is assembled, attach your Kreg pocket hole jig to the mounting block using the appropriate fasteners.

Now, whenever you need to drill pocket holes, simply position the platform on your workbench and get to work.

When you're finished, lift the platform off the bench and store it out of the way.

It's a simple upgrade that makes pocket hole joinery more convenient without taking up permanent workbench space.

And because it only requires a few plywood scraps and a dowel, it's an easy shop project you can put together in very little time.


Pocket Hole Workstation

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If you use pocket hole joinery regularly, a dedicated workstation can make the process even easier. With built-in support and convenient storage for accessories, this shop-made Pocket Hole Workstation keeps everything organized and ready to use.

Take a closer look at this practical woodworking project and see how it can streamline your pocket hole joinery.

EXPLORE THE POCKET HOLE WORKSTATION → Upgrade Your Pocket Hole Joinery Setup

Published: April 22, 2021
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Topics: drill, joinery tools, pocket hole

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