Author Topic: Any recommendations for batching knockdown drill jig holes?  (Read 531 times)

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Offline squall_line

  • Posts: 1971
Any recommendations for batching knockdown drill jig holes?
« on: November 15, 2022, 02:01 PM »
I'm assembling a cabinet with the KV D8 connectors, and I'm at the point where I'm going to be drilling out all of the holes for the grub screws/retainers.

I have gained familiarity with the drill jig and it works perfectly fine, but I've noticed it definitely works best when clamped in place, probably because then I can hold the drill without the hose dragging the jig out of the mortise.  Moving the jig from one mortise to another isn't that tough, but getting the clamp to move with it or placing it back in position was a bit of a chore.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to use the drilling jig more efficiently for dozens of holes in a half dozen parts?

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Offline squall_line

  • Posts: 1971
Re: Any recommendations for batching knockdown drill jig holes?
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2022, 12:59 AM »
So I just went ahead and started working on it and figured that I would find a rhythm to getting this done.

The answer was Vac-SYS.



With the parts locked in place and hovering above the table, it was rather easy to batch out all of the 15mm holes.  Bluetooth button for starting and stopping was the icing on the cake (Bluetooth battery would probably have been annoying with starting and stopping).


Offline Packard

  • Posts: 2412
Re: Any recommendations for batching knockdown drill jig holes?
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2023, 04:41 PM »
I use a CMT drilling template with a dedicated drill holder (but a plunge router with a 14mm bushing will work well).

I could not find this in the USA.  I think I bought it from Amazon.DE (Germany), but the parts were shipped from Amazon (Spain). 

You can easily clamp this to the work surface.  Spacing is automatic.  But this has to be done prior to assembly in most cases.  The piece is about 30” long and will not fit inside many assembled cabinet boxes. 

I also bought the CMT jig for dowel cabinet construction.  Not as fast as Dominoes in narrow width, but might be just as fast on wider spans.  It was my choice to go with dowels.  Not better maybe, but a choice.

By and large, I have found CMT products to perform excellently.  A good, simple piece.  It is made from a sheet of 1/2” thick phenolic (reinforced with some sort of fabric).


Addendum:  Re-reading, I think we are talking about a different type of hole pattern.  Sorry for the confusion.

Since this type of construction is used more in Europe than in the USA, you might want to look at Amazon.de or Amazon.es.  (Germany and Spain).  These sites will work with your Amazon account.  The German site will translate to English and is easy to use.  Freight costs were not bad and shipping was quick.  You might try Amazon.UK also.  No translating required.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2023, 04:46 PM by Packard »