Put together a Kreg kit

[tearapin]

Recently I used a Kreg Pocket hole jig. Even though i watched the TV commercials for years for some reason I thought it was a "as seen on TV" rip off. Bad assumption.

I want to put together a Kreg kit. The Rip Cut seems good but I am not sure.

Also which Kreg kit would be good for general repairs and an occasional joint?

As always, all opinions are welcome.

 

[PCustoms]

Also which Kreg kit would be good for general repairs and an occasional joint?

I've got the basic jig and a single bit:

$20 at HD. I bought it to get into a tight spot for a repair, its Ok for occasional use, ***** when I go into "production mode" and start making a large face frame.

 

[LEVE]

I have the rip cut, and it works as advertised. I've also Kreg Jig and shelf pin hole jig as well as a couple of their clamps.

I'm in the process of making a desk for my computer area and have used the Kreg Jig and clamp extensively.

So far I haven't found a bad product from Kreg. I'm still exploring some of the other jigs and how I could incorporate them into my woodworking. So far, they've helped make my lack of skill a non-issue.

What type of joints are you wanting to make?

 

[tearapin]

I have the rip cut, and it works as advertised. I've also Kreg Jig and shelf pin hole jig as well as a couple of their clamps.

I'm in the process of making a desk for my computer area and have used the Kreg Jig and clamp extensively.

So far I haven't found a bad product from Kreg. I'm still exploring some of the other jigs and how I could incorporate them into my woodworking. So far, they've helped make my lack of skill a non-issue.

What type of joints are you wanting to make?

Just repairs on furniture and an occasional project. Nothing big or complex.

 

[ddawg16]

I'm like PCcustom....I have just the basic kit....I use the dog **** out of it when I'm making face frames. Not sure all those other jigs would do me much good.

I also use biscuits....which might explain why I don't need all the other jigs.

When it comes to wood working tools.....

Pocket Hole
Biscuit cutter
Lots of clamps
Table saw
Routers (notice, multiple)
Drills
Compound Miter saw
Jig Saw
Skill Saw
Lots of clamps

And....lots of clamps

 

[Slednut]

Talking about clamps these are also handy when it comes to assembly.

 

[Jawn]

I've got the basic jig and a single bit:


$20 at HD. I bought it to get into a tight spot for a repair, its Ok for occasional use, ***** when I go into "production mode" and start making a large face frame.

I have the one step up... about $40, but is easier to set up on the part to be pocket-holed. Add a Kreg branded vise-grip style clamp (so it snaps into the Kreg tool) and pocket holes are super quick and easy to do.

I've probably done hundreds of pocket holes with it.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

A few yeas ago I bought the master pocket jig set, the shelf pin jig and the rip thig. I love the pocket jig set use it a whole lot. Shelf thing works better as a pair so get 2. Can't stand the the rip fence thing, I tried using it multiple times and I don't get a straight cut like I do with a clamped straight edge.

I noticed a jig for kitchen cabinets hinges at Kirkwood a few weeks ago.

 

[tearapin]

These are the clamps to get?

View media item 70151

 

[Finky198]

I've been meaning to buy the jig its in my eBay list...

I don't have the rip fence thing saw the video recently. Hmmm I've always just clamped a level as a guide. With a wormdrive saw and 2'-8' levels and two quick clamps. I can cut just about any panel product from sheet rock to 3/4 marine ply. Perfectly straight on a pair of horses. All tools you probably already own.

The size of the saw is more about feed rate not nescesarily the quality in my case.
It can be done with any saw the right blade and technique tho.

 

[csp]

These are the clamps to get?

View media item 70151

That clamp wouldn't work for two parts attached perpendicular to each other, like in Slednut's photo above. You'd want this type.

The type you have pictured would be great for clamping face frames.

 

[cheechi]

I've got the basic jig and a single bit:

this style, are you meant to line up the edge of the blue plastic with the edge of the board? or is there an offset measurement?

I only have the 'master' kit or whatever and use the benchtop part of it most of the time.

 

[MaineGuide]

I have the R3 jig and one of the automatic clamps, I would consider that combo to be a very good, multipurpose setup. I just used mine for a quick face frame and 2 shaker style drawer fronts without getting my heavier machines setup.

 

[quattro_sinko]

I've owned and used the Kreg Master for the last 15 years or so. I use pocket screws to join virtually all of my non-mitered interior door and window case, extension jambs, cabinet carcasses, and occasionally drawer boxes. I also use them whenever possible when working with composite trim (exterior). (I only use them when the holes can be hidden or concealed) I'd estimate I've probably drilled and pocket screwed over 10000 connections. Once you get comfortable with pocket screwing you will be amazed at the versatility of the set-up, and be stunned at the different ways they can be incorporated into whatever you are fastening.

I recently stepped up to the Kreg Foreman and smile every time I bore holes.

I rarely use the clamps for fastening any more. With practice, you can anticipate the "drag" experienced when fastening, by starting the pieces to be joined slightly out of flush (the piece getting screwed into needs to be slightly ~1/32" lower) you can reliably get joints to finish flush without clamps. YMMV

 

[ddawg16]

While the above clamps are 'good'....I find they are not 'good' enough.

I actually clamp it 2 ways....one vert and one inline with the board being attached. The vert clamp assures alignment and the other one pulls the pieces together so there is no worry of 'drag'.

I'm pretty **** about alignment. Using my method, I end up with basically 0 lip.

 

[quattro_sinko]

Like I said, I drill a lot of pocket-holes
The choice to use clamps or not may change over time, and may depend on the materials being fastened. The system itself is terrific.

(Full disclosure: I have NO affiliation with Kreg, just a very satisfied customer)

EDIT: Nuts! I tried to attach a GIF (video) of "production" pocket-hole drilling, 404 holes in under an hour, clip shows 1 hole every 2.5 seconds. Uploader converted it into a jpeg.