Pocket hole joinery is one of my go-to methods when I need to assemble a project quickly. It's an efficient way to make strong joints without a complicated setup. But finding a convenient place to use the pocket hole jig can be another story.
When I'm building a project with pocket screws, I usually end up drilling quite a few pocket holes. So rather than setting up the jig on my workbench every time, I built this portable pocket hole jig workstation.
The design brings the jig to a comfortable working height, supports longer boards, and keeps the bits, screws, and other accessories I need close at hand. Best of all, I can clamp the entire station to my bench when I need it and hang it out of the way when I'm finished.
GET THE FREE PLANS → Woodsmith Shop Season 12 Tips Collection
The Pocket Hole Jig Workstation plans are included in the free Woodsmith Shop Season 12 Tips Collection.
A More Comfortable Way to Drill Pocket Holes
One of the biggest advantages of this workstation is that it raises the pocket hole jig above the workbench. That makes it easier to position a board, clamp it in place, and drill the holes without bending over the jig.
The workstation also has a large support wing on each side. These wings provide a stable surface for longer workpieces, even when you're drilling pocket holes near the end of a board.
Without that support, a long workpiece can tip or shift as you try to position it in the jig. The wings make it easier to keep the board level and concentrate on drilling accurate holes.
For projects with a lot of pocket screw joinery, having a dedicated station makes the process more convenient.
Built-In Storage for Pocket Screws, Bits & Accessories
Pocket hole joinery requires more than the jig itself. There are drill bits, driver bits, pocket screws, plugs, and other small accessories to keep track of.
To keep everything together, I added a storage compartment beneath the workstation's top. It holds a set of removable plastic storage cases, giving me a convenient place to organize the supplies I use most often.
When I'm working, I can pull out a case and grab the screw size or accessory I need. When I'm finished, everything goes back into its case and slides into the workstation.
This is particularly handy in a small shop, where I don't want to dedicate permanent bench space to the jig and its accessories.
How the Pocket Hole Jig Workstation Is Built
The workstation is made primarily from plywood. And since this is a pocket hole jig station, it only seems fitting that the assembly uses pocket screws.
A wide base provides a stable foundation and gives you room to clamp the workstation securely to your workbench.
The sides connect to a subtop, which supports the jig and the two workpiece support wings. Spacer strips raise the top so its surface is flush with the pocket hole jig. The wings attach to the subtop through these strips.
Getting the height right is important. With the wings level with the jig's workpiece support surface, a long board can rest flat as you position it for drilling.
Below the top, cleats at the front and back of the base hold the plastic storage cases in place.
The result is a straightforward plywood project that combines a comfortable drilling setup with useful storage.
Portable Design for a Small Woodworking Shop
A dedicated workstation doesn't have to take up permanent space on your bench.
Hand holes make this station easy to carry wherever it's needed. When I'm ready to drill pocket holes, I set it on the workbench and clamp the base securely in place.
Once the joinery is complete, I return the screws, bits, and accessories to their storage cases and slide them back into the compartment.
A pair of holes in the base also allows the workstation to hang on the wall. That keeps it out of the way until the next project.
It's a simple arrangement that gives me the convenience of a dedicated pocket hole station without sacrificing valuable bench space.
Get the Free Pocket Hole Jig Workstation Plans
If you use pocket screws regularly, this workstation is a practical shop project. The elevated jig, long workpiece supports, and built-in storage make drilling pocket holes more convenient, while the portable design makes it easy to put the station away when you're done.
The step-by-step plans are included in our free Woodsmith Shop Season 12 Tips Collection, along with plans for the other shop tips featured during the season.
GET THE FREE WOODWORKING PLANS → Woodsmith Shop Season 12 Tips Collection
Build the station, keep your pocket hole supplies together, and you'll have a convenient setup ready whenever your next project calls for pocket screw joinery.
