How to Use Kreg Jig 720 + a Review
Learn everything about the new top-of-the-line Kreg Jig 720 pocket hole jig including all the features, how to use it, and my review.
Kreg just announced their brand new pocket hole jig – the Kreg Jig 720 and I got a chance to play with it. I am breaking down everything you need to know about this new jig – what makes it amazing and what I think about it!
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Table of Contents
- Parts of the Kreg Jig 720
- Features of the Kreg Jig 720
- Kreg Jig 720 vs Kreg Jig 720PRO
- Is the Kreg 720PRO worth it?
- How to use Kreg Jig 720
- Micro Drill guide for Kreg Jig 720
- Plug Cutter for Kreg Jig 720
- My review of the Kreg 720
- Where to buy Kreg 720
- Pocket hole 101
Parts of the Kreg Jig 720
The basic parts of the Kreg Jig 720 are as follows –
- The drill guide (this is removable and can be replaced by other drill guides) – guides the drill bit to help make the pocket holes. In the Kreg Jig 720, it is engineered to automatically move up and down and adjust to the workpiece thickness.
- Automaxx Clamp – holds the workpiece in place.
- Tension adjustment knob – to adjust the tension in the Automaxx clamp if needed.
- GripMaxxTM anti-slip material – helps keep the workpiece stable as you drill the pocket holes.
- Tool storage – for the thickness gauge and drill and driver bits.
- Material support wings – to support longer boards.
- Vacuum blade and adapter
- Stepped drill bit – to make the pocket holes.
- Depth collar for the drill bit.
- Square drive bits to drive the pocket hole screws
- Thickness gauge plus hex key.
Video Review of Kreg Jig 720PRO
I have a complete video below showing you all the features of the Kreg 720 and how to use it.
Features of the Kreg Jig 720
The Kreg Jig 720 has a whole bunch of features that make it easy and fast to make pocket holes.
Automatic Thickness Setting
Measuring the thickness of the workpiece and setting up the jig accordingly is extremely important for success with pocket holes.
The Kreg Jig 720 eliminates any possible errors by automatically adjusting to the thickness of the workpieces.
As the Automaxx clamp moves up and down, so does the drill guide and clamps down when it reaches the thickness of the workpiece.
This means that you can completely eliminate one step – setting up the pocket hole jig AND easily transition between pieces of different thicknesses.
Adjustable Clamp Pressure
The Automaxx clamp automatically senses the workpiece and clamps it in place. But sometimes, you might need more or less pressure. The knob on the side can adjust the clamping pressure so it is just right to keep the workpiece in place.
Anti-slip Pad
The inside of the jig is lined with GripMaxxTM anti-slip material which holds the workpiece securely as you drill the pocket holes. This is an extremely useful feature!
If you have used an older Kreg Jig for any length of time, you may experience with the workpiece moving as you drill the pocket holes. Increasing clamp pressure doesn’t always help and can mar the wood surface. With this new anti-slip material, the workpiece is very stable.
Horizontal Configuration
This is one of my favorite features! You can use it in the typical vertical configuration like the older K4 and K5 series jigs BUT you can also turn it over and use it in the horizontal configuration!
This is going to be an absolute game changer! Making pocket holes in large sheets is going to be so much easier!
Vacuum Blade and Port
Dust collection in any tool is always a welcome addition. Especially in the Kreg Jig where you are drilling holes and need to move the wood chips out of the way for repeatable good quality holes.
The vacuum blade that comes with Kreg 720 can capture dust as you drill the pocket holes. There is a port on both sides of the jig and the blade can be inserted from either side as needed. If needed, there is also a hose adapter in the package.
Important – when you insert the vacuum blade in the jig, ensure that the open side of the blade faces the workpiece to be able to pull the dust efficiently.
The best part – you can simply leave the vacuum blade in the jig while not in use (unless you are storing with the docking station material support wings).
Material Support Wings
The jig itself has built-in material support wings that can be easily folded out to help support wider material. It also provides more stability to the base. These easily fold back in for storage.
On-Board Tool Storage
There is on-board tool storage at the back of the jig for the drill bit, the driver bot and the thickness gauge. These are easily accessible and you don’t have to store them in a separate spot (and potentially spend time looking for them 🙂 ).
Drill Bit Settings
The drill bit comes with easy set markings for the most commonly used thicknesses. However the back of the jig also features a few other thickness markings that can be used to set the drill bit depth collar.
Mounting on a Workbench
It is important to have the jig on a stable surface as you drill the pocket holes. Under the material support wings, there are two mounting holes on both sides and accept any pocket hole screw.
Kreg Jig 720 vs Kreg Jig 720PRO
The main difference between the Kreg Jig 720 and the Kreg Jig 720PRO package is the additional accessories that come with it – the docking station material support wings, an adjustable stop, and the pocket hole jig clamp.
Here is a brief look at what each of these items –
Docking Station Material Support Wings
While making pocket holes, it is essential to keep the workpiece properly aligned in the jig. Wide material can wobble leading to incorrect locations and/or depth of pocket holes.
The material support wings can be attached to the jig with the included adapters for added stability of large workpieces. For large workpieces, these can be moved out as needed.
They also work to support the workpiece in the horizontal configuration of the jig!
BONUS – they also work as storage boxes and are great to keep bits and screws at hand.
For storage, they can be folded up. The gray wing lock rotates and locks it to the jig. However, you cannot leave the vacuum blade in if you want to fold up and lock the support wings
Adjustable Stop
This is a little adjustable stop that attaches to the material support wings. If you have multiple boards that need pocket holes in similar spots, this adjustable spot makes it easy to get reproducible results!
Pocket Hole Jig Clamp
This is a little C-clamp that is specially made to hold the pocket hole jig to the workbench. There is a slot on both ends of the jig which accepts the clamp making it possible to use it in the vertical and horizontal configuration.
Is the Kreg Jig 720PRO Worth It?
While all the extra accessories included in the Kreg Jig 720PRO package can be purchased separately if you later decide you need it, it definitely ends up a lot cheaper if you purchase it as the PRO package.
In my opinion, the material support wings are a huge help and make using the Kreg Jig for larger projects a lot easier and efficient. If you have the budget, I would highly recommend the PRO package.
How to Use the Kreg Jig 720
Using the Kreg Jig 720 is pretty much like using any Kreg Jig, except there are a couple fewer steps.
Step 1 – Measure Thickness
- Measure the thickness of the board you are drilling pocket holes into using the thickness gauge.
While you may already know what thickness board you purchased, there are variations and it is always best to measure the thickness before you start building with it.
The thickness is not needed to set up the Kreg Jig but it is needed to set the drill bit depth collar
Step 2 – Set Drill Bit Depth
- Use the hex wrench in the thickness gauge to set the collar on the drill bit.
The included drill bit has easy-setting marks for the most common thicknesses. The depth collar can be moved to the required setting so the window is aligned with the marking and tightened.
For other thicknesses, use the back of the Jig to set the depth collar.
Step 3 – Clamp Workpiece
- Place the workpiece in the jig and clamp with the Automaxx clamp.
The position of the pocket holes is indicated by the lines at the top of the jig. You those as a guide while placing the workpiece.
- The workpiece is properly clamped when the handle is all the way down.
If you are unable to press the clamp all the way down, you can reduce the clamp pressure using the knob on the side. If the handle is all the way down but the workpiece is still moving, you can increase the clamp pressure. Be sure to release the clamp before adjusting the clamp pressure.
Step 4 – Drill Pocket Holes
If using, ensure that the vacuum blade and vacuum hose is installed and the shop vacuum is turned on.
- Using a power drill, drill pocket holes in the workpiece through the drill guides. Once the depth collar hits the drill guide, the pocket hole is done.
- Lift the drill out of the drill guide with the drill running to pull out any extra wood chips and get a clear pocket hole.
The pocket holes are done! You can proceed to attach them with the appropriately sized pocket hole screw. Take a look at my complete guide on pocket holes for all the details to attach.
Kreg has also released a couple of additional drill guides that can be used with the Kreg Jig 720 for even more applications and flexibility.
Micro Drill Guide for Kreg Jig 720
The micro drill guide separately available for the Kreg 720 and the drill guide can be easily swapped out for it.
It makes 25% smaller pocket holes and is perfect for
- Thinner ½” material – like that used for building drawers
- Narrow material – like 1×2 and 2×2 boards
- Hardwoods – because they are very dense.
You do need a pan head style pocket hole screw for pocket holes made using the micro drill guide.
Plug Cutter for Kreg Jig 720
This is a separate attachment as well and can be swapped out in place of the drill guide.
We love building with pocket holes but if they aren’t hidden, they can be unsightly. The pocket hole plug cutter makes perfect pocket hole plugs.
Yes, you can buy pre-made plugs but the advantage of this jig is that you can easily make plugs from scrap boards from your project so you can easily match the species and the grain.
My Review of Kreg Jig 720
I think this new Jig is a huge step up from the older K4/K5 line. Kreg has done a pretty awesome job in packing this jig with a whole bunch of neat features.
My favorite part is that the jig can be used in the traditional vertical configuration AND the horizontal configuration. No more trying to balance a huge sheet of plywood to make pocket holes.
And of course, the fact that the jig auto-sets the thickness with the clamp is definitely a huge plus in making the workflow a lot quicker.
Where to Buy Kreg 720
Kreg 720 can be purchased at any store that sells Kreg products. Here are the options to buy –
Also, checkout all the new Kreg products released along with the 720.
If you are ready to start using the Kreg Jig, I have 26 beginner Kreg Jig Projects for you!
More About Pocket Holes –
Also check out the Kreg Jig 101 for lots of pocket hole information!
How To Use A Kreg Jig 720
Learn how to use the Kreg Jig 720. Using the Kreg Jig 720 is pretty much like using any Kreg Jig, except there are a couple fewer steps.
Instructions
- Measure the thickness of the material you are using with the thickness gauge.
- Set the drill bit depth by using the hex wrench in the thickness gauge to set the collar on the drill bit.
- Place the workpiece in the jig and clamp with the Automaxx clamp.
- Using a power drill, drill pocket holes in the workpiece through the drill guides. Once the depth collar hits the drill guide, the pocket hole is done.
The pocket holes are done! You can proceed to attach them with the appropriately sized pocket hole screw. Take a look at my complete guide on pocket holes for all the details to attach.
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
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