Tool Box Buzz

TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 30, 2010) – PORTER-CABLE introduces the QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System (model 560), a heavy-duty bench-top tool solution that is revolutionizing pocket hole joinery. The new tool features an intuitive design that is easy to use and sets up quickly for accurate and repeatable results.

“Pocket holes are quickly becoming one of the most popular joinery methods in North America, as more woodworkers are discovering its advantages over plate jointers and biscuits,” said Bill Fuchs, product manager for PORTER-CABLE. “Pocket hole joints are strong, don’t require glue and can be disassembled, which are significant considerations with some of the most popular woodworking projects like cabinet face frames, picture frames and edge joining. We conducted three years of extensive user testing to ensure we delivered a tool that was easy to use and durable enough for active woodworkers.”

One member of the test audience was woodworking personality, Scott Phillips. “I use this pocket jig all the time,” said the distinguished celebrity woodworker. “It’s precise and unbelievably easy to use. The name fits the bill.”

The patent-pending auto-adjusting depth and thickness gauge is the secret to the new tool’s outstanding performance. Unlike existing competitive models, woodworkers don’t have to calculate drilling angles based on the material thickness. The QUIKJIG features an innovative “feeler” gauge that does this automatically, setting the drilling angle when the board is placed in the tool. “The woodworker simply sets a width stop, inserts and clamps the material in the jig and drills the hole. It’s that simple,” Fuchs said. Once the board has been inserted, a handy on board screw gauge indicates the proper length of screw to be used to help prevent breakthrough of the work piece.

The QUIKJIG is skillfully designed for today’s shop environment. All metal construction minimizes deflection during use and increases the tool’s durability compared to competitive models. An extra tall casting also offers exceptional material support for all types and sizes of wood. The 1 1/2-inch thick base casting is the same height as a 2-inch by 4-inch board, allowing easy outrigger support for longer material. A repeatable clamp handle enables fast and consistent clamping, even for material with varying thickness. The QUIKJIG is also outfitted with a pre-drilled base that enables easy mounting on a workbench or trouble-free clamping to virtually any table surface. The tool is also equipped with a rear-dust collection port for easy clean up. This dust port can be used with or without a vacuum and is removable.

The QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System includes multiple accessories, including one 6-inch square drive bit, one 3-inch square drive bit, one drill bit, and one drill bit depth collar, for a wide range of joinery projects. They are also conveniently stored on the tool. A 6-inch clamp for assistance when fastening boards together, a hex key for drill bit collar adjustments, and 100 screws round out this product’s accessory list.

The new PORTER-CABLE QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System (model 560) is backed by a three-year limited warranty and includes one year of free service and a ninety-day money-back guarantee. The QUIKJIG will be available in September 2010 at specialty woodworking dealers and carry a suggested retail price of $230.

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