Which Kreg Jig Should You Buy?

Are you confused about which Kreg Jig to buy? The options are overwhelming! This comparison will help you decide with confidence which pocket hole jig to buy.

Are you confused about which Kreg Jig to buy? The options are overwhelming! This comparison will help you confidently decide which pocket hole jig to buy.

What’s the Best Kreg Jig for You?

There are so many types of Kreg Jigs that it can be confusing to know which one to buy. They look similar and do similar things, but a few significant differences set them apart.

Which is better if you need to drill a lot of pocket holes? Which should you buy if you only want to make some repairs? Which is the most versatile? This side-by-side comparison of six Kreg Jigs will help you confidently decide which pocket hole jig to buy.

This article is not sponsored, but I did receive the tools mentioned in this article in exchange for my honest opinion for other how-to tutorials published on the site.

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Inspiration for this Comparison

I recently received this message from Roderick about Kreg Jigs:

There are so many different models, so I’m confused. There’s mini, micro, and all the rest. I’m just starting off with woodworking, and I have a limited budget and tools.”  – Roderick

I responded to his message and asked how I could help clear the confusion. This is Roderick’s response:

Here are the details of my confusion. There’s the R3, 320, 310, K4, K5, Mini, Micro, Heavy Duty(HD), 520PRO, 530 Micro Drill Guide, 310 Expansion Pack, 720PRO, 720, K5 Master, Docking Station, etc. To complicate things further, the HD is for materials 1-½” (38mm) and up (not limit), yet compatible with K3, K4, K4MS, K5 benchtop base… It will be very helpful to clear up the confusion.” – Roderick

When he explained it this way, I could see how beginners or DIYers of any skill level could be overwhelmed by all of the options.

In this comparison, we’ll look at the differences between the Kreg Jigs so that you can decide which jig is best for you.

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What is a Pocket Hole Jig?

Pocket hole joinery is an easy way for both beginners and advanced DIYers to join pieces of wood. A Kreg Jig or pocket hole jig uses a guide block with preset holes to drill angled pocket holes into a workpiece. A pocket screw, specifically designed to be used with pocket holes, draws the two workpieces together to form a strong joint.

I use my Kreg Jig for nearly every DIY project that I build. In fact, I created an entire resource center for pocket hole joinery. It’s loaded with helpful tutorials about pocket hole jigs, pocket hole joints, and tips for troubleshooting pocket hole joints.

What Kreg Jigs Have in Common

All Kreg Jigs include:

  • Drill guide
  • Drill bit
  • Drill bit stop collar
  • Square bit to drive the pocket screws

Many Kreg Jigs include a thickness gauge which also is used as a wrench to tighten the set screw on the stop collar.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Jig

Difference Between Kreg Jigs

What sets Kreg Jigs apart is a clamp. Some jigs require a separate clamp,like the Kreg Jig Mini, Kreg Jig R3, and the 300 Series jigs. Other jigs have a clamp built into the jig like the Kreg Jig 520PRO, Kreg Jig 720, and the Foreman.

The clamp determines how quickly and efficiently you can work.

  • Separate Clamp
    For jigs that require a separate clamp, you will need to position the jig where you want it on the workpiece, clamp the jig in place, and drill the pocket hole. Then you will have to start the process over again, unclamp, reposition the jig where you want it, clamp again, etc. Using a jig with a separate clamp can become tedious if you need to drill a lot of pocket holes. 
  • Built-in Clamp
    Jigs with a built-in clamp increase your speed and efficiency. Because the clamp is built in, you don’t have to fumble with a separate clamp. Simply position the workpiece, pull the clamp handle, and drill the pocket hole. It may not sound like a big deal, but jigs with a built-in clamp really do speed up the building process.
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Which Kreg Jig Should You Buy?

Kreg Tool has worked hard to make their current pocket hole jigs easy to use. Most of their new jigs include features that take the guesswork out of setting up the jig. For that reason, I would say nearly every jig on this list would be a good choice for beginners or first-timers.

That said, there are several things you’ll want to consider when deciding which Kreg Jig you should buy. Things like how you will use a pocket hole jig, how many pocket holes you need to drill, how often you will use it, what materials you plan to join, where you build, and more.

How Will You Use It?

Will you use your pocket hole jig primarily to build DIY projects like furniture, or will you use it to make repairs? 

  • Repairs
    If you plan to use a Kreg Jig for repairs, then you’ll likely only have to drill a few pocket holes at a time. In this case, a jig that requires a separate clamp might be a good choice for you.
  • Build Furniture
    If you plan to build furniture, you’ll likely need to drill many pocket holes for each project. In this case, a jig with a built-in clamp might be a good choice for you.

How Many Pocket Holes?

If you only need to drill a handful of pocket holes, then a jig that requires a separate clamp might be a good choice. If your project requires drilling many pocket holes, you may want to consider a jig with a built-in clamp.

How Often Will You Use It?

If you plan to use a pocket hole jig only occasionally, a Kreg Jig that needs a separate clamp might be a good option. If you plan to use a pocket hole jig frequently, you may want to consider a jig with a built-in clamp.

What Materials?

What materials you join most often can help you decide which jig to buy. 

I often use boards like 1×2s, 1×3s, 1×4s, etc., to build my projects.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to Wood Sizes

Jigs like the R3 have a drill guide with preset holes that are spaced for 1×2s. The drill guides of the 320 can be easily adjusted to drill pocket holes on 1×2s and 1×3s. The drill guide on jigs like the 520PRO and 720 have preset holes spaced for 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s

Preset drill guides make drilling pocket holes on these boards quick and easy

Kreg pocket hole jig drill guide with three holes

In contrast, with the Kreg Jig Mini, you would have to set the drill guide the correct distance from the edge of the board, drill one pocket hole, then reposition it to drill the second pocket hole. This could become time-consuming if you need to drill a lot of pockets on boards like 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s.

Where Will You Build?

A jig like the 720 is designed to sit on a flat surface like a workbench. Jigs like the Mini, R3, 320, and 520PRO are portable. Portable jigs don’t need a workbench and can be used just about anywhere, like in your shop, driveway, or backyard.

Other Considerations

Another consideration is if you want to hide your pocket holes with pocket hole plugs. You can buy store-bought plugs, or you can buy a pocket hole plug cutter. A plug cutter kit is available for the Kreg Jig 720.

Related: How to Make Pocket Hole Plugs

What if I Buy the Wrong Jig?

What if you buy a jig that requires a clamp, and you end up using it more often or drilling more pocket holes than you thought you would? In that case, consider upgrading to a jig with a built-in clamp. 

Then keep your new jig in your workshop and move the other jig to your toolbox. That way, you’ll have a pocket hole jig wherever you take your toolbox, like the backyard or when you’re helping a buddy with a DIY project.

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Kreg Jig Models

Mini

  • Clamp: Requires a separate clamp
  • Jig Style: Portable
  • Best For:
    • Repairs
    • Drilling a handful of pocket holes
    • Drilling pocket holes in plywood

The Mini is the least expensive of all the Kreg Jig models. It requires a clamp and drills one pocket hole at a time. It works well for making repairs and drilling holes in plywood.

Using a Kreg Jig Mini to drill a hole in a 1×3

Drilling one hole at a time could become tedious if you were building a project with 1×4s. 1×4s require two pocket holes. This means you would need to position the jig, clamp, and drill the pocket hole. Then remove the clamp, reposition the jig, clamp and drill the second pocket hole.

Jigs like the 520PRO and 720 have guide blocks with preset holes for boards like 1×4s.

The Mini is designed for ¾” material. It can be used with other material thicknesses like 1-½”. For 1-½” material, you would need to measure and position the jig the correct distance from the end of the board.

Other portable jigs like the R3, 300 series have settings to properly position the jig for these thicknesses. These settings eliminate the need to measure, making them quicker, easier, and more accurate to use.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Jig Mini

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Jig Mini here.


R3

  • Clamp: Requires a separate clamp
  • Jig Style: Portable
  • Best For:
    • Repairs
    • Small furniture projects
    • Drilling pocket holes in plywood
Using a Kreg Jig R3 to drill a pocket hole in a 1×3

The R3 is a step up from the Mini. It requires a clamp and drills two pocket holes at a time. It works well for repairs, small furniture projects, and drilling holes in plywood.

The drill guide spacing is preset for 1×2 boards. So if you’re using other boards like 1×3s or 1×4s, you’ll need to drill one hole, then reposition the jig to drill the second hole.

The advantage of the R3 over the Mini is that it has positioning sliders that offset the jig for other material thicknesses like 1-½”.

Hands holding a Kreg Jig R3

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Jig R3 here.

Check out my comparison of the R3 and 320 if you’re having trouble deciding between them.


300 Series

  • Style: Requires a separate clamp
  • Jig Style: Portable
  • Best For:
    • Repairs
    • Small to Medium furniture projects
    • Drilling pocket holes in plywood

The 300 series requires a separate clamp and works well for repairs, small to medium furniture projects, and drilling holes in plywood. You can also use it for larger furniture projects. Just keep in mind that it requires a separate clamp which will increase your build time.

Using a Kreg Jig 320 to drill pocket holes in a 1×4

310 vs 320

The 300 series jigs include the 310 and 320 pocket hole jigs. The difference is the 310 has one drill guide, and the 320 includes two drill guides and a drill guide spacer.

The 310 is similar to the Mini. The 320 is similar to the R3. They are so similar that I wouldn’t be surprised if Kreg eventually discontinued the Mini and R3.

The 300 series is budget-friendly and a good way to get into pocket hole joinery. 

The advantage of the 300 series is the drill guides. 

The drill guides simply twist apart. This means a single drill guide can be used by itself for drilling one pocket hole at a time in projects like plywood

Hands twisting apart a Kreg Jig 320

Two drill guides can be used side by side for drilling pocket holes in a 1×2. Or it can be used with a spacer in between the two drill guides for drilling pocket holes in wood like a 1×3. 

You can buy additional spacers for even more customization.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Jig 320

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Jig 310 here and a Kreg Jig 320 here.

Check out my comparison of the R3 and 320 if you’re having trouble deciding between them.

Video

Here’s a quick video that shows how to set up and use the 320.


520PRO

  • Style: Built-in clamp
  • Jig Style: Portable
  • Best For:
    • Small to large furniture projects
    • Drilling pocket holes in plywood

The 520PRO replaced the discontinued K4 and is a step up from the 300 series. The 520PRO is probably the most versatile of all the Kreg pocket hole jigs.

The compact size makes it particularly attractive for those of us with small workshops.

Related: My 12×13 Small Woodshop Layout

The 520PRO has several features that speed up the building process. It has a built-in clamp and can drill two pocket holes at a time. The 520PRO works well for small to large furniture projects and drilling holes in panels and plywood.

Using the built-in clamp on a Kreg Jig 520PRO

The drill guide on the 520PRO has preset holes spaced for 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s. You can use the 520PRO either vertically or horizontally

The vertical position is good for drilling pocket holes in the end of boards like 1×3s and 1×4s. The horizontal position is good for drilling pocket holes in large panels and plywood.

Drilling pocket holes on a piece of plywood with a Kreg Jig 520PRO

520PRO Accessories

Clamp

The 520PRO is portable, but you can purchase an optional clamp to attach it to a workbench.

Docking Station

You can also purchase a docking station. The docking station transforms the 520PRO from a portable jig into a benchtop jig.

The docking station includes a clamp and two material support wings. The clamp attaches your 520PRO to your workbench.

The docking station wings provide extra support for wide or long workpieces. Also included is a material stop that attaches to the wings. The stop allows you to precisely drill pocket holes in the same spot on multiple workpieces.

The wings are also storage compartments. You can keep the clamp, material stops, drill bit, driver bit, and more in the storage wings.

Micro Pocket Drill Guide Kit

The Micro Pocket Drill Guide Kit creates pocket holes that are 25% smaller than regular pocket holes. These smaller pocket holes are great for:

  • Smaller projects
  • ½” material

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Jig 520PRO here.

Check out my comparison of the 520 and 720 if you’re having trouble deciding between them.


720 Series

  • Style: Built-in clamp
  • Jig Style: Benchtop
  • Best For:
    • Small to large furniture projects
    • Drilling pocket holes in plywood

The 720 series replaced the discontinued K5 and is a step up from the 520PRO. The 720 series works well for small to large furniture projects and drilling holes in panels and plywood.

The 720 series is significantly larger than the K5 pocket hole jig that it replaced. In fact, it’s too tall to fit in my tool storage cabinet. I would need to reconfigure the layout of my shelves to get the 720 to fit. I use 720, but I would say that it’s just a little too big for a small workshop.

Related: How to Use a Kreg Jig 720

Drilling pocket holes on a 1×4 with a Kreg Jig 720PRO

720 vs 720PRO

The 720 series is available as the 720 and the 720PRO. The difference is the 720PRO includes a docking station and a clamp to attach the jig to your workbench. The docking station is also available as an accessory if you want to upgrade your 720.

The docking station wings provide extra support for wide or long workpieces. Also included is a material stop that attaches to the wings. The stop allows you to precisely drill pocket holes in the same spot on multiple workpieces.

The wings are also storage compartments. You can keep the clamp, material stops, drill bit, driver bit, and more in the storage wings.

Time-Saving Features

The 720 series has several features that speed up the building process. 

  • Clamp
    The built-in clamp automatically adjusts to the thickness of the material. That means you can switch from ¾” material to a 2×4 to a ½” plywood without making any adjustments to the drill guide. Put the material in the jig, push the handle down, and the guide instantly adjusts to the thickness.
  • Drill Guide
    The 720 series can drill two pocket holes at a time. It has preset holes spaced for 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s
  • Vertical or Horizontal
    You can use the 520PRO either vertically or horizontally. The vertical position is good for drilling pocket holes in the end of boards like 1x3s and 1x4s. The horizontal position is good for drilling pocket holes in large panels and plywood.
  • Dust Port
    The dust port keeps your work area tidy and helps to clear chips from the pocket holes.
  • Onboard Tool Storage
    The onboard tool storage area keeps all of the most-used tools at your fingertips. This area has storage for the drill bit, material thickness gauge, and driver bits.
Pressing down on the auto-adjusting clamp on a Kreg Jig 720PRO

720 Series Accessories

Docking Station

The 720PRO includes a docking station and a clamp to attach the jig to your workbench. The docking station is also available as an accessory if you want to upgrade your 720.

Micro Pocket Drill Guide Kit

The Micro Pocket Drill Guide Kit creates pocket holes that are 25% smaller than regular pocket holes. These smaller pocket holes are great for:

  • Smaller projects
  • ½” material

Plug Cutter Drill Guide Kit

The Plug Cutter Drill Guide Kit makes plugs to fill pocket holes. The plugs are cut from leftover scrap wood from your project, so they will exactly match your project.

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Jig 720 here and a Kreg Jig 720PRO here.

Check out my comparison of the 520 and 720 if you’re having trouble deciding between them.


Foreman

  • Style: Built-in clamp
  • Jig Style: Benchtop
  • Best For:
    • Large furniture projects
    • Professionals, high output workshops

The Foreman is a step up from the 720 series. The Foreman works well for large furniture projects. The Foreman drills pocket holes in one step. The workpiece is clamped in place when you pull down the handle, and the built-in drill makes the pocket holes.

The Foreman is large and expensive. The tool is probably more than the average DIYer would ever need. I think it’s better suited for professionals who make a living from building. I have a Foreman, and it’s just too big for my small workshop.

Related: 9 Clever Ways to Make Your Small Workshop Feel Bigger

Drilling a pocket hole with the Kreg Foreman

Where to Buy

You can buy a Kreg Foreman here.

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Jig vs Jig Side-by-Side Comparisons


Kreg 520 vs 720

The Kreg Jig 520 and 720 are both excellent pocket hole jigs. They have several similarities, but they also have features that set them apart. Here’s how they compare side by side.

520 vs 720: What They Have in Common

The 520 and 720 both have a built-in clamp and preset holes for 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s. They’re great for building small to large projects and may be used horizontally or vertically, making them versatile for various uses, including drilling pocket holes in plywood. An optional micro drill guide is available for each model.

520 vs 720: Differences

The 520 is a portable pocket hole jig, while the 720 is more of a stationary jig that is better suited for use on a workbench.

The 720 is quicker to use because the drill guide automatically adjusts to the thickness of the material, and it clamps in one step, whereas the 520 requires you to manually adjust the drill guide and squeeze multiple times to close the clamp.

The 720 is larger than the 520, and for me, the 720 is just a little too big for my small workshop.

The 720 is also taller than the 520. While comparing these jigs’ sizes, keep in mind that I’m short (5′ 4″). When drilling pocket holes with the 720, I need to lift my drill to clear the clamp housing of the jig. If I need to make a lot of pocket holes, repeatedly raising the drill is more tiring on my shoulder than with the 520, which I don’t have to lift as high.

The 720 has an onboard tool storage area, making it easy to access your drill bit, material thickness gauge, and driver bits. The 520 does not have a tool storage area.

The 720 also has a dust port which keeps your work area neater, and the 520 does not have a dust port.

The 720 has an optional drill guide for making your own pocket hole plugs, and the 520 does not.

Obviously, with all of these extras, the 720 is more expensive than the 520.

Which is Right for You?

If you need a portable pocket hole jig that is easy to use, the 520 may be a good option. If you have a larger shop and want a jig with all the bells and whistles, the 720 may be better. Both jigs are great options, so consider your needs and budget when making your decision.


Kreg K4 vs K5

The K4 and K5 were phased out when the 520 and 720 were introduced in early 2021.

If you want a K4 or K5, you’ll probably have to purchase a used one on the second-hand market, such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, garage sales, and so on.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to Buying Used Woodworking Tools

These two jigs are available as a baseline model, the K4 and K5, as well as a Master System that includes additional accessories. For this comparison, I’ll be comparing the base models.

K4 vs K5: What They Have in Common

Both the Kreg K4 and K5 have a built-in clamp, which is handy for holding your workpiece in place while you drill. They both have preset holes for common board widths, such as 1x2s, 1x3s, and 1x4s.

Both jigs work well for small to large projects and have the option of removing the drill guide for making repairs. And finally, they both offer optional drill guides for micro, HD, or making pocket hole plugs.

K4 vs K5: Differences

The K4 and K5 are both great jigs, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision.

The K5 has support wings which can be helpful when clamping wide or long workpieces. These wings also double as storage for your drill bit, driver bits, and other accessories. The K4 lacks tool storage, and wide or long workpieces could rock side to side on its small base.

Additionally, because of the support wings, the K5 has a larger footprint than the K4, which means it’s not as portable. However, the wings can be removed if needed.

Another key difference is the built-in clamp. The K5’s ratcheting clamp is self-adjusting, while you need to manually adjust the K4’s clamp to the thickness of the material.

The K4’s clamp is positioned at the rear of the jig, so you’ll have to reach behind to close it. The front-mounted clamp on the K5 makes closing it more convenient.

The K5’s workpiece stop is one of my favorite features. The stop makes drilling repeatable pocket holes in multiple workpieces is a breeze!

The K5 also includes a dust collection port to keep your work area clean. Finally, the K5 has a spring-loaded pin that locks the drill guide in place, whereas the K4 requires you to turn a threaded pin to tighten and loosen.

The K5 has more features, but it is also more expensive.

Which is Right for You?

The K5 is a great option for those looking to do some serious woodworking. It has a number of features that the Kreg Jig K4 does not have, such as support wings, spring-loaded guide block pin, and front-mounted clamp. It also has a workpiece stop, which is ideal for making repeated pocket holes. The K5 costs more than the K4, but it’s worth the investment for serious woodworkers.

The Kreg Jig K4 is a great option for those who are looking to do some basic woodworking. It is cheaper than the K5, but it does not have some of the same features. For example, it does not have support wings, and it has a less convenient rear-mounted clamp.

Ultimately, the decision of which jig to buy depends on your needs and budget.


Kreg R3 vs 320

If you’re looking for a quality pocket hole jig that is both portable and affordable, the R3 and the 320 are great options.

The 320 was released in 2019, whereas the R3 was introduced several years before. They have a number of things in common, but they also have some differences. Take a look at how they compare.

R3 vs 320: What They Have in Common

The Kreg R3 and 320 are both small, easy-to-use jigs that can be taken with you on the go. They work well for making repairs, working with plywood, and building small furniture projects. Keep in mind that they both require a separate clamp to hold the jig in place, which can increase your build time.

R3 vs 320: Differences

The 320 is more versatile than the R3 because its drill guides twist apart. A single 320 drill guide may be used to drill one pocket hole at a time in materials like plywood.

You may drill two pocket holes in a 1×2 using a pair of 320 drill guides side by side, and you can add a spacer between the drill guides for drilling holes in 1×3s. Extra spacers are also available to fine-tune the hole spacing even more.

The R3’s drill guide spacing, on the other hand, is preset for 1×2 boards. So if you’re using materials like 1×3s or 1×4s, you’ll need to drill a hole and reposition the jig to drill the second hole, increasing your build time.

Overall, the 320 is quicker to use and can more easily handle a wider range of materials than the R3.

Which is Right For You?

Ultimately, it comes down to budget, personal preference, and what you will be using the jig for most often. If you’re still undecided about getting the R3 or the 320, and your finances allow, go with the 320.

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Kreg Jig Comparison Chart

MiniR3300 Series520PRO720 SeriesForeman
Cost💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲
ClampSeparateSeparateSeparateBuilt-inBuilt-inBuilt-in
Jig StylePortablePortablePortablePortableBenchtopBenchtop
Project SizeSmallSmall-MediumSmall-MediumSmall-LargeSmall-LargeLarge
Hard-to-Reach RepairsYesYesYesNoNoNo

My Kreg Jig Recommendation

If you’re still undecided which pocket hole jig to buy, I would recommend the 520PRO. It’s the most versatile of all the Kreg Jigs.

It has a built-in clamp and preset holes spaced for 1×2s, 1×3s, and 1×4s which speeds up the building process. You can use the 520PRO either vertically or horizontally.

The compact size is perfect for a small shop. It’s portable, but you can add a docking station to transform it into a benchtop tool.  

I think the 520PRO is the best bang for your buck.


Which Kreg Jig to Buy for Beginners?

The Kreg 320 is a perfect pocket hole jig for beginners.

I used to say the R3 was the ideal Kreg Jig for beginners. However, since the 320 model was released in 2019, I recommend it as an excellent way for beginners to get into pocket hole joinery.

They are both great jigs, but the 320 is more versatile, faster to use, and can work with a wider range of materials than the R3.


Kreg Jig Recommendations

Top Pick

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
 520

Photo Credit: Amazon

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 520PRO


Top Pick

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 720

Photo Credit: Amazon

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 720PRO


Top Pick

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320

Photo Credit: Amazon

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320


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Final Thoughts

There are so many types of Kreg Jigs that it can be confusing to know which one to buy. They look similar and do similar things, but a few significant differences set them apart. I hope this side-by-side comparison of six Kreg Jigs will help you confidently decide which pocket hole jig to buy.

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!


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4 Comments

  1. Thanks so much! Very informative. I’m thinking of upgrading my R4 to the 520PRO, but I didn’t see anything about a dust port. Does it not have one? It’s fine If only doing a few holes, but when you have several, the dust port is a must.

    1. You’re welcome, Tanya. The 520PRO does not have a dust port. You may want to stick with your K4 if it’s still working well. The 520PRO is a good jig, but your K4 has a few advantages, like the dust port and the clamp. The K4 takes one step to clamp, whereas you need to squeeze the handle several times to close the clamp on the 520PRO.

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