The project originated with D. Poole Sr. as an effort to rethink the conventional pocket-hole jig by introducing automatic adjustment for material thickness. Early exploration drew inspiration from prior self-adjusting systems, including the Porter-Cable ramp-style drill guide, while pursuing a more integrated, manufacturable solution.

Mike conceived the patented double spur-gear mechanism that synchronizes the drill guide block and drill collar, automatically establishing drilling geometry based on material thickness. He led concept development, CAD engineering, and mechanical integration of the system within the auto-adjusting pocket-hole jig platform, refining the design through multiple in-house prototype iterations at PDI before directing mid-stage engineering refinements and prototype development at TTI. Functional assemblies were subjected to stress and cycle testing and approved by PDI founders R. Poole and D. Poole Sr.

Final-stage geartrain optimization, drilling validation studies, clamping mechanism integration, ergonomic refinement, manufacturing launch, production QA, pilot-build cycle testing, packaging and user manual design, product copywriting, and all primary renderings and animations were completed by Mike.