31 Replies

I use the harbor freight pocket hole jig. I think it’s made better than the Kreg jig. It’s all metal, no plastic parts at all. It’s worth a look if you are wanting a pocket hole jig

I discovered pocket hole joinery back when I was teaching shop in the early 90’s. Great stuff. Bought the Kreg set up and built a display/storage unit for around the HVAC unit in our hot tub house.

Had a young man working for me at the time, so he got to learn some how to use the set up.

Built in four units, then moved in and assembled. All pocket screws. This is before the final finish and glass shelves and brackets.

I just bought the kreg K4 kit today actually.

Yeah i have the K3 and love it. Here is a photo of what i did to give mine extra support for large panels.

https://pic.craftisian.com/o/20141119_124911_bubrqa!

Not to brag or anything, but here’s what I built with my pocket hole jig. All the structural framework is pocket holed, with plywood skin covered in fiberglass

Needs refinishing though. I promised the wife it would be done in time for the annual camping trip that year, and just barely made it. I’d like to sand it back down, and apply some fairing compound to smooth it out more, and then shoot about 3 coats of white on the whole thing, including the door so it matches :-)

Very cool. Looks awesome. white would look good.

Nicely done. You can add white to epoxy then just cover the whole thing, that’s what I would do anyway.

Sweet looking camper. Nice job

Thanks :-)

That thing is awesome! Do you have a web site with build info? I’d really like to do something like that.

Yes, go to www.tnttt.com. there’s lots of good ideas there. In hindsight I wish I had paid more attention to the other build journals there. I see places I could have improved

I got one for christmas, and used it for the first time today, it is awesome!

I bought a Kreg about three months ago and use it when I can and love it. I know a guy who considers himself a “master woodworker” and every time I have mentioned pocket screws you would think I said something bad about his mother. Is there something about them that purest don’t like? I am relatively new at this so I don’t know.

The pocket screw thing has been around since ever and was used to fasten tops to aprons but for joining two boards especially end grain to edge grain I don’t think its the right application .
I won’t knock it as a lot of guys use it and it heavily promoted but there are much better ways to make a joint .

It’s new to me technology, but, while I was putting together a jig/form around the unit it self for large pieces I went with my old tried constructed methods. I see it has some great uses, but for some things if traditional joinery is going to be way stronger, then that’s what I will use.

Pocket screw definately has it’s place.When the budget won’t allow for traditional joinery, then theirs the screw.

For cabinetry, nothing straightens out curved “potato chip” looking plywood like a good dado.We find you just can’t be as accurate with screws because they “walk” the material around.

True Steve66 , however they have a place and time where to use screws. Nevertheless nothing beats quality craftsmanship jointery.

Here’s my kreg system jig mounted on my workbench for big pieces like plywood. This is my first project with the tool and it seems to be ok. I use glue as well as the screws. It takes a bit of attention to detail when setting it up, but once set it’s very fast and easy to use.

I like the bench addition for larger pieces

Yes it’s a great addition, and it’s just like all my other jigs, scraps but handier than a pocket in yer underwear!

Here is mine.

Nice I need to make one. I’ve see the newer ones have the clamp lever on the other side now much better when doing larger pieces.

Yes the newer style looks better and seems to have lost tye reach around aspect. Giving a much quicker drill time

Not worth buying a new one tho.

I did a job where you couldn’t get a cabinet into the room .So I Kreg jigged everything, finished it complete and assembled it on site. Awesome jig! Another plus is everything is alot smaller and compact for delivery when its KD.

My Kreg pocket hole jig is one of my favorites. Built all my cabinets for my kitchen with them. Doors, faceframes, you name it. Solid joints!!

In my opinion not a good use for structural joints.

I built storage shelf’s for the basement using my kreg jig. And I have serious weight on the shelves. No issues and its been 10 years.

Having now completed 5 major pieces of furniture I have to say I will use it a lot more for the speed and ease of use.