Shop Projects
DIY Pocket Hole Workstation
Feb
Making an easy joinery method, even easier to accomplish.
There are a lot of different things needed to make pocket holes, with this workstation, you can keep everything in one centralized location. You will never need to search around the shop looking for different size pocket hole screws, drill bits, drivers, and the adjustment hardware for your jig. Take the workstation down from the wall, clamp it to a sturdy surface and start drilling. We have plans available below which include a cutlist, instructions, and a Sketchup file.
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The Build Steps for the DIY Pocket Hole Workstation
- Build the Frame
- Mount the Kreg Jig
- Install T-Track
- Finishing
This is a very simple project to build. There are also a few options for how to make certain cuts, you do not have to use what I use. This project can be accomplished by using just a circular saw and a router.
Step 1: Build the Frame for the Pocket Hole Workstation
As with every project, I reference my printed out cutlist and begin the process by breaking down the sheet goods with my track saw.
I use a 2-inch Forstner bit to make a mounting hole in the bottom piece.
Then I add a small roundover on both sides of the mounting holes.
Clamp the back and bottom pieces together and pre-drill holes for assembly. Liberally spread some wood glue on the edges and clamp the pieces back together. Securely attach the two pieces using 1 1/4″ screws.
Use a square to ensure the sides are square to the back piece and pre-drill holes in the sides.
Turn the assembly over and pre-drill, glue, and screw the sides to the back and bottom pieces.
Repeat the process for the other side piece.
This small piece will be the lip that will prevent the storage container from sliding out of the workstation when transporting it from one place to another. It’s held into place with glue and a few brad nails.
Add the sub-top piece which will be the support structure for the Kreg Jig and top material supports. Pre-drill the top and side edges, then glue and screw the top to the back and side pieces.
Locate where you will be mounting the Kreg Jig and trace out some lines that you will use as guidelines when routing. I used a router to clear out enough material for the Kreg jig to fit snugly into place but you can also use a dado stack on the table saw it if you feel more comfortable doing that.
I use my brand new Woodpeckers 6-in-1 Shop Gauge to measure the depth of the cut.
Then I will transfer that measurement over to the router to ensure the depth is spot on.
Line up and secure a straight edge to use as a guide for your router.
Switch the straight edge to the other side and finish up routing out the material.
Using a square, make sure that the Kreg Jig is square to the assembly. Then pre-drill and screw the jig into place with 3/4″ wood screws.
Time to add the t-track on the top material supports. I line them up about an inch back from the face of the drill guide. I do not want the t-track or stops to interfere with the material when not being used.
Use the miter saw with a regular blade to cut the 24″ piece of t-track into two 12″ pieces.
I break out the shop gauge again to set the height for the dado stack.
I make a few passes clearing out a little more material each time to sneak up on the perfect fit.
Insert the t-track, pre-drill using a centering drill bit, and then secure with 3/4″ screws.
Using the disc sander on my flip top cart I round out all of the corners on the top material supports, as well as the bottom mounting piece.
Add a generous amount of wood glue to the top support and spread it out evenly across the surface.
Square up the pieces to the Kreg Jig.
Secure the tops to the top support piece using a few 1″ brad nails.
Sand everything up to 220 grit, and then add a few good coats of paste wax to the material support pieces.
And there you have it!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this shop project. This pocket hole workstation is a great addition to my small shop workflow. When you group things together it helps to maximize organization, and in turn creates a superior workflow to the shop. There is going to be no searching around for screws, bits, and tools because everything I need to make pocket holes is in one centralized location.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, I would love to hear from you! Please like and subscribe at Instructables, as well as, on YouTube.
I’m curious about the t-tracks. What are they for on this jig?
Nic, I added the t-track to use for stops when I need to make repeatable holes at the same measurement on fine furniture and cabinets.
Why didn’t you use any pocket holes?
Hi Eric, Thanks for stopping by. I did not use pocket holes for this project because there was not enough room to use them on all of the joints and I prefer to use all or nothing when it comes to the type of joinery I use.
Great stuff……….impressive.
Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the build.