This is my pocket hole workstation! Whether you’re new to woodworking or not you probably have or at least heard of pocket hole jigs. It’s one of the cheapest and most accessible forms of joinery in woodworking. And it’s only gotten more available with brands offering them now in their classic format, which is what I prefer.
I bought this one from Enjoywood and I did a tool video which includes all the reasons I like it.
But even though this is my favorite one, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. It has a tiny reference surface, common to all pocket hole jigs, as well as no on board tool storage. To solve both those problems, I built this pocket hole workstation!
Pocket Hole Workstation Templates and cut files!
Pocket Hole Workstation Template
Use this set of files to create the MWA Woodworks pocket hole workstation. This is NOT a project plan or set of build instructions. This is a printable template for a handheld router as well as files for use with CAD/CAM software for CNC cutting.
This product is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. You can immediately download your product off the order receipt page after the purchase. You will also immediately receive an email titled “Your MWA Woodworks order is now complete” that contains the download link in the “Downloads” section of the email.
Tools and Materials
Materials
3/4 MDF (approx 14″ x 48″ strip)
Hardware
My Pocket Hole Jig – https://amzn.to/3N4MBET
Loc Dogs – https://bit.ly/loc-dogs
Dog Hole Reamer/Chamfer tool – https://bit.ly/chamfer-reamer
48″ T Track – https://amzn.to/4atZT8O
(1) Threaded Knobs – https://amzn.to/40H3RHI
(1) 1.5″ T Bolt – https://amzn.to/428EQGP
*Disclaimer – As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Pocket Hole Workstation Features
It has a nice wide work area which helps support larger panels. One feature of this pocket hole jig is that the base is only ½” thick. What this gives me the opportunity to do is recess the jig into the work station. It sits flush in the recess as well as this t track that I use for adding a stop block. That makes repeatable cuts so fast.
I also added marks every 2 inches for spacing out my holes evenly. I didn’t bother to add a measuring tape because I just don’t think its practical, you don’t need to get that precise with these holes.
Over here I added tool storage because this area is really unused space so I decided to carry some tools on board. I have a space for the drill bit, stop collar and hex wrench, I also recessed in the depth gauge tool that comes with this pocket hole jig. Otherwise, I’m sure I’d end up losing it in the back of a drawer eventually.
And these tools are held in place by recessed magnets in the back.
Pocket Hole Workstation Best Feature
But the number one thing I love about this jig, you’ll notice these random holes all around, well they aren’t random! These are 20mm dog holes and they are spaced out in exact 96mm increments to match the grid of holes in my assembly table and also my MFT work station.
These are used to fasten the jig securely so it won’t slide around during use. Each of these dog holes has a little chamfer I added with this tool.
You can use a router for this but this is smaller and just chucks into your drill.
With that chamfer there, I can use these special Loc-dogs that go into the holes in the jig and through the holes in the table and then you can clamp them down using a hex wrench from above.
Two of these is all you need to secure it, but I added holes in different places so no matter where I use the jig I can fasten it easily.
I did add some finger grips up top and my logo because I didn’t know what else to put here LOL.
What I love about this design is that its pretty low profile so storing it away is easy.
Pocket Hold Work Station Construction
So, how did I make this? Well, I actually cut it out using my CNC. That was BY FAR the fastest and most accurate way to cut all these features I have on this and all I had to do was come back and square off these inside corners with a chisel.
BUT this IS achievable just using a handheld router and a template. After all a CNC is just a router being controlled by a computer.
So, if you want to make yourself, I’ll offer the vector file as well as the template files that way if you want to cut this on your CNC you can do that or you can print out the template attach it to your workpiece and cut it out with a router.
