Castle updates its screw pocket machine

New benchtop model, TSM-11, sells for about a third of the company’s basic model

Castle Inc. recently launched the TSM-11 benchtop screw pocket machine, an improved version of the company’s TSM-10 model that was licensed to Porter-Cable (model 552) for the last 10 years. The machine, which produces a low screw angle at six degrees to minimize joint shift, features an increased throat depth to allow access for thicker wood.

Portability and simplicity, as well as affordability, are also major highlights of this machine, according to Castle president Anthony Lynn.

“This machine addresses the need of the current economy, where people are looking to upgrade from hand-jigs to a more semi-automatic quick process of doing pockets, and it sells for about a third of our basic model,” says Lynn.

The hand-operated machine sells for $899, compared to Castle’s pneumatically-operated model that costs about $3,000.

The bench-top machine is designed for cutting pocket screw holes in cabinetry and furniture, made from high-pressure laminate, particle board, MDF, melamine and solid wood from a 1/2" through 1-1/2" thick.

Lynn says the machine creates the unique “Castle pocket,” which is more flexible in application than a standard pocket hole. The machine can cut a pocket in less than two seconds, be set up in less than five minutes, or be permanently mounted to a bench, according to the company.

“Since this operates at a six-degree angle, you don’t get a lot of shifting when you screw the joint together. And because you have a true pilot hole, the parts you’re working with don’t tend to separate when the screw goes through one end to another,” says Lynn.

The machine can be plugged into a standard outlet. It uses a Porter-Cable 1-3/4 hp router (model 6902) to route the pockets and laminate trimmer (model 7301) to drill the pilot holes. The machine weighs 59 lbs. and the necessary tooling is included.

Contact: Castle Inc., P.O. Box 750236, Petaluma, CA 94975.Tel: 800-282-8338. www.castleusa.com

This article originally appeared in the July 2009 issue.