Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket-Hole Jig System - Portable Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig - Easy Clamping & Adjusting - Includes Positioning Sliders - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick

I have been using Kreg jigs for many years now, and have this item's predecessor. While I could not live without it, a few things always bugged me - and they all got fixed in this version. It was enough that purchasing it was a no-brainer.The biggest improvement is the built-in offset lip with markings for all typical lumber sizes. In the old one I had to actually screw the lip that is used to align to the edge of the board on using two screws - and if I was using 2x material, add a spacer using different size screws - and if I was using anything else I had to measure and line it up manually. Good if I was doing a lot of boards, but a real pain for one or two and worse if I was switching back and forth! With this new model, just press in on the tab and slide the gray guide forward until it snaps into place at the mark for the size board I am using.Second, with the lip in place, the Kreg clamp I was using was trapped in the jig and if I wanted to use it for something else, or just put it away, I had to unscrew the lip. Done away with in the new model, there is a spot sized for the clamp that is proud of the jig. Very easy.Third, this comes in a nice little case that holds everything but the clamp. My other was part of a set of Kreg jigs so when I wanted to throw it into the toolbag to go to a work site, I had to put all the parts in, and some would eventually go missing. Now I can put the case into the toolbag, very handy.Fourth, the jig from the old set that showed where to set the drill stop required me to lift the drill out of it in order to get the stop on, and of course it would sometimes slip when I tightened it so I have to recheck and sometimes adjust. Honestly it was such a pain that I got an extra bit and stop just so I could leave one set for 3/4" material and one for 2x material. In the new model the jig is part of the case AND holds the bit at each end, leaving space for the stop so I can tighten it without moving the bit.Clearly Kreg is listening to their customers and making very handy and sensible improvements while maintaining their high quality. Like I said, buying this one even though the old one still works was a no-brainer. Now I'll just set up the old one for 2x material and leave it.

I purchased this jig because I wanted to do some entry level woodworking and wanted the better fit/finish that comes with attachments using pocket holes, biscuits, dowels, or other joints. after some extensive research I found that the pocket jig would be most versatile and least costly method.The Kreg R3 pocket jig system is a great entry level jig. it lacks the mounting brackets that the more expensive jigs from kreg offer that allows you to mount to a workbench and clamp the board to the work surface to get mass produced, quick pocket holes. instead of brining the board to the workbench you bring this jig to the board and clamp it to the board directly. this allows you to easily drill pocket holes on oversized boards (I am drilling into a few 10 ft boards) but at the cost of drilling pocket holes into lots of small boards quickly and consistently. instead you have a "line up" this jig every time. to me that was an acceptable compromise for the price. If I continue my woodworking I may eventually add to this jig by purchasing a bench mount jig as well.Pros--easily portable to go where the work is.-can be positioned almost anywhere on any size board.-affordable pocket jig of quality construction, I see this lasting for as long as I own it-comes with instructions, a carry case for all parts and access to a video for those new to pocket jigs-allows quick and quality joints, my wife was shocked at how quickly and how sturdy my first end table wasCons--portable nature of this jig requires you to spend a small amount of time to set prior to drilling each hole compared to more expensive bench mount jigs-can be difficult to get a good stable positioning of this jig using generic clamps, the Kreg KHC-PREMIUM Face Clamp is almost a requirement if you are using this jig