Manual pocket hole jigs work fine for assembling occasional face frames and cabinet carcasses, but if you need to make these joints every day, you may want to consider a more stationary “production” approach. Shop Fox offers an answer in its new W1833 Pocket Hole Machine. Powered by a 1/2HP universal motor under the front table, the machine bores a single pocket hole with each pull of a lever, into workpieces ranging from 1/2- to 1-1/2-in. thick. Cutting action happens by means of a standard 3/8-in.-dia., 6-in.-long stepped drill bit, which is replaceable.
The machine features an extruded aluminum fence plus two “swing” stops and a hold-down made of high-density polyethylene. Shop Fox reports that the hold-down clamp is a patented design that accepts any workpiece within the thickness range without needing further adjustment. The machine measures 18-in. wide, 27-in. tall and 29-in. from to back, with a 14- x 25-3/4-in. footprint. It weighs 56 lbs. The W1833 Pocket Hole Machine is available through Shop Fox distributors now, and its suggested list price is $810. Learn more about Shop Fox tools by clicking here.
