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Any woodworkers out there that can tell me which pocket hole jig I should buy
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:31 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:31 pm
There are a ton more options than I care to research. Is the one linked below acceptable for most applications, including shelf and furniture making? It's crazy how expensive these are.
Home Depot
Home Depot
12
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:48 pm to Black n Gold
I have a Kreg similar to that. It has worked fine when I needed pocket screws. All of them probably take a little getting used to if you've never used one, but after practicing 3-4 times on a scrap piece of wood I had the action down and went straight to mounting a shelf in a cabinet that turned out great. It is one of those tools that I rarely need, but when I do it is awesome.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:51 pm to Black n Gold
I use that exact jig in my shop, and it works great. Like TU Rob said, I would practice on some scrap wood first, but it's pretty easy to get the hang of.
Just make sure you secure the jig and wood to your workbench. I opted to use my bar Clamps instead of the kreg clamp, and they work just fine as long as I have it clamped solid and don't get overly forceful drilling the pocket holes.
ETA: as to your question on if it's suitable for cabinets and furniture--I personally think it would be fine as long as you select the appropriate screws and hole depth. I use it to make small boxes, and it works fine. I do, however, use an electric screwdriver to screw the pieces together because the included bit is too long to get into really tight spaces.
Just make sure you secure the jig and wood to your workbench. I opted to use my bar Clamps instead of the kreg clamp, and they work just fine as long as I have it clamped solid and don't get overly forceful drilling the pocket holes.
ETA: as to your question on if it's suitable for cabinets and furniture--I personally think it would be fine as long as you select the appropriate screws and hole depth. I use it to make small boxes, and it works fine. I do, however, use an electric screwdriver to screw the pieces together because the included bit is too long to get into really tight spaces.
This post was edited on 1/20/22 at 2:54 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:52 pm to TU Rob
At that price, I figured I would just make one. After watching a few videos, it was a definite 'frick that'.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 2:55 pm to Cowboyfan89
Is there anything unique about their proprietary screws, or will standard wood screws work in most applications?
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:07 pm to Black n Gold
IMO spend the money and get the bigger jig. I have it mounted on my work bench and it's insane how much time it cuts down vs that one you linked.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:07 pm to Black n Gold
quote:
Is there anything unique about their proprietary screws, or will standard wood screws work in most applications?
Nah you can find similar screws. I bought some with a Torx head when the ones with my kit were all used up.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:09 pm to Black n Gold
you need the type of screw head they have. A tapered head doesn't work as it splits the wood under any force. And you'll want the square drive. There are other brands of that type of screw, but you won't really save money The long bit that comes in the kit is required due to the angle you drive the screw. I have that exact kit and use it when I need pocket holes.
However, don't over use pocket holes. They are not a strong wood joint. They are good for simple cabinet boxes and face frames. I've also used them for drawer boxes with false fronts. But as I got more into woodworking, I rarely use that jig.
However, don't over use pocket holes. They are not a strong wood joint. They are good for simple cabinet boxes and face frames. I've also used them for drawer boxes with false fronts. But as I got more into woodworking, I rarely use that jig.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:10 pm to reds on reds on reds
quote:
IMO spend the money and get the bigger jig.
I have the K5 and use it a lot.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:17 pm to Jon A thon
quote:
However, don't over use pocket holes. They are not a strong wood joint. They are good for simple cabinet boxes and face frames. I've also used them for drawer boxes with false fronts
This would be the extend of what I am planning on using them for. I've been getting by in these situations by mostly using rabbet joints and wood glue, which is pain in the arse for several reasons.
This post was edited on 1/20/22 at 3:19 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:24 pm to Jon A thon
quote:
However, don't over use pocket holes. They are not a strong wood joint. They are good for simple cabinet boxes and face frames.
What he said. It's basically a reinforced butt joint, which is the weakest joint you can use.
But they work great for those applications. And yes, you need specific screws for pocket joinery. Any ole screw isn't going to work.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:44 pm to Black n Gold
Delete
This post was edited on 1/20/22 at 3:47 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 3:49 pm to Black n Gold
A Kreg as you’ve posted. You can always add to it as needed. I have the K3 kit and from what I gather they longer make this model. McFeely’s is a good source for numerous types of wood screws - order their catalog online.
This post was edited on 1/20/22 at 5:11 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 4:34 pm to Black n Gold
quote:
proprietary screws
McFeely's has a big selection, any woodworking equipment website will have them as well.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 4:59 pm to Black n Gold
I have a 720 pro and kind of wish I didn't get it. It works great to make pocket holes, I just find myself trying to NOT use pocket holes. I should have bought more clamps.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 6:39 pm to armsdealer
quote:
It works great to make pocket holes, I just find myself trying to NOT use pocket holes.
I try to make as much stuff as I can with no metal fasteners. I used to use mine for most projects, but as I've gotten better and have more free time, I haven't used mine in at least 2-3 years.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 8:48 pm to Black n Gold
If you are going to actually build several things with pocket holes then get the 720 pro. The convenience of using it over the one you pictured is worth it.
Posted on 1/20/22 at 8:57 pm to Black n Gold
Do you have any other tools? Like a table saw or router table?
I have a kreg that works well, but as others have said, there are better ways out there.
For instance, a box joint jig for the router table. Gets the same job done but will end up with a much stronger joint.
Dovetails and half laps are good as well and can also be done with a router.
Of course if you don’t already have the other tools, the kreg is a great accessory to have
I have a kreg that works well, but as others have said, there are better ways out there.
For instance, a box joint jig for the router table. Gets the same job done but will end up with a much stronger joint.
Dovetails and half laps are good as well and can also be done with a router.
Of course if you don’t already have the other tools, the kreg is a great accessory to have
Posted on 1/21/22 at 8:01 am to Black n Gold
i would get the $100 with the built in clamp.
I've used the one you showed and someone gifted me the $100 version. I'm glad I got that one now.
I've used the one you showed and someone gifted me the $100 version. I'm glad I got that one now.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 8:20 am to reds on reds on reds
quote:
IMO spend the money and get the bigger jig.
I agree 100%. If you are going to do more that one job using pocket holes, spring for a bigger/better jig. Thank me later.
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