Woodworking 101--Tools and Tips

[EOC_Jason]

Technically it's a "pocket hole jig", but Kreg brand is the most popular. That is what I use, Home Depot usually has a nice starter set at Christmas for $99, I think this year they included the container of assorted screws along with the K4 + single.

It's pretty fool-proof, there are charts online you can print out that tells you what depth to set and what screw to use depending on the thickness of the two materials you are joining.

 

[rlitman]

Rich: i've seen a few of you members use this jig for those sideways predrilled screw holes and I think it's called a KREG? or what is the brand of yours and do you like it and would you recommend it or another brand or name? or maybe others could answer this while Rich is working on his project?

nice work and also agreed it's nice to see you using that AWESOME BENCH you built.

Kreg is THE name in pocket holes. They make the jigs, the drill bits, and the screws, all meant to work together.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c13/kreg-jigsreg/

 

[drivesitfar]

JASON & RL: sounds like the KREG is the tool to buy even though i don't buy many NEW TOOLS. thank you both very much.

 

[rlitman]

JASON & RL: sounds like the KREG is the tool to buy even though i don't buy many NEW TOOLS. thank you both very much.

Well, I guess it depends on what you're looking to do with it. I don't actually own one, and it's not in my plans, as I prefer to opt for either traditional joints or biscuits, but I certainly wouldn't look down on anyone who chose to use a more modern method.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Like rlit man, my preference is usually M&T joints but I find that the pocket hole jig (and Kreg is the way to go), can be so fast to construct. I also find it is perfect for plywood carcass construction. So if building a nice piece of furniture, I use a traditional joint. But if it is quick and dirty, but still needs to be very strong, Kreg is it.
BTW, you can find studies in the common WW magazines that compare joint strength. M&T is always the winner but pocket holes are a close second. I found that surprising, but if in a magazine, it must be true.

 

[rrich1]

Rich: i've seen a few of you members use this jig for those sideways predrilled screw holes and I think it's called a KREG? or what is the brand of yours and do you like it and would you recommend it or another brand or name? or maybe others could answer this while Rich is working on his project?

nice work and also agreed it's nice to see you using that AWESOME BENCH you built.

Like stated its a pocket hole jig. I have the kreg k4 model. You can build a lot of things with pocket holes and they have their place in woodworking. Obviously during my gaming table build I used mortis and tenon but my vanity build had pocket holes and it's sturdy as can be.

Pocket holes can be covered up and not seen. These will be hidden as well even though they are on the outside. I could have made a dado in the top but pocket holes were so much easier and are plenty strong. All of my deck furniture is also built with pocket holes and nothing has failed in 3 years.

Porter Cable came out with a pocket hole jig that I believe auto adjusts so you dont have to adjust it manually going from let's say 1/2" to 3/4" material.

Also pocket holes are great as clamps. If you are joining two pieces together with glue, pocket holes
Can be made to pull the parts together and keep production moving.

Pocket holes are great for cabinet work as well.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[PFSard]

JASON & RL: sounds like the KREG is the tool to buy even though i don't buy many NEW TOOLS. thank you both very much.

I see these at Estate Sales. Not frequently. I bought my Kreg K4 NIB for $20.00 at one.

 

[EOC_Jason]

All good points and all very true. There are lots of different ways to join wood, I have a biscuit joiner & dowel jig too that I use... It just kind of depends on what you are making and how much time you have... I've been wanting a dado blade, every time I see one at an estate sale someone seems to grab it first.

The upside to pocket holes is you can usually finish the joint pretty quick. Drill hole and screw...

The downside with pocket holes is, well, the hole that is left... You can either buy filler plugs or use dowel rods and trim / sand.

As someone else mentioned, it ***** the wood together tight, so you can glue them first for extra strength and once screwed together no need to clamp.

One instance where a pocket hole saved me time was I wanted to add a fixed shelf into an existing location. To use other methods I would have had to disassemble some which was NOT an option, likewise this was up against a wall so I didn't even have access to one exterior side. I drilled the pocket holes in the underside of the shelf, started a few screws in it, held it in location where I wanted and had a level on the shelf too. zip, zip, zip... done.

 

[Bob Heine]

I bought the Kreg K4 Jig kit from Rockler for 15% off or $85 (a gift for a relative). The Kreg kit, which came with a plastic case, looks like this:

http://www.rockler.com/kreg-jig-k4-pocket-hole-system

I decided to buy my own Pocket Hole Jig kit but I did a little searching for a used one. No luck on a Kreg but it turns out Harbor Freight sells one. The HF kit is metal and more adjustable than the Kreg (including two different angles for thick or thin wood). I used a 25% coupon to buy it for less than $50. The shipping was also cheaper ($6.99 vs $11.99). The HF kit, which comes in a cardboard box, looks like this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/portable-pocket-hole-jig-kit-96264.html

Turns out my relative already has a Kreg kit so I now have both. I actually use the HF tool more often than the Kreg.

 

[ez-duzit]

...Pocket holes are great for cabinet work...

Garage cabinets, maybe.

 

[jimreed2160]

It is nice to hear the praises of the pocket jig. Anything that makes ww more fun is great in my book. I have been considering adding one but I really like biscuits. If I did face frame stuff, I think it would be a necessity.

 

[jimreed2160]

Way back in the day I ran a marketing support group for Burroughs Computers and had to hire 15 support technicians. One of the brightest I recruited was John Q. He flew in F-111s during Vietnam as the ECM officer--programmer in the sky I called him. Ran all countermeasures, navigation, and ordinance delivery. Many hot missions and quite a few in Pack 6--the heavily guarded area around Hanoi and Haiphong. He was brilliant at his work and we spent many enjoyable hours working together solving technical problems. I have been trying to reconnect with him for the last few years and just found out today that he passed away earlier this summer.

RIP, JQ. We loved you.

 

[jimreed2160]

Today's mail

Today was rainy and gray but the sun finally came out. Things really picked up when Mr. Mailman brought me a prize. It was an early type 2 Stanley #45. This plane has a few knocks but never rusted much. I thought it could stand a little dust up and cleaning. So here it is--Stanley #45 combination plane, ca. 1886-1887.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: thanks a TON for all the KREG JIG conversation. yep i have some basic needs that i could use that on maybe in my fence and deck building too.

Jim: very sorry for your loss and i bet he's talking to you now that he knows you were looking for him.

just curious since you own so many many many planes don't you already own one or two or three or ... of those?

cheers and hoping your snow has melted cause you guys down there usually have 75 and sunny when i have 40's and drizzling rain all day.

 

[jimreed2160]

just curious since you own so many many many planes don't you already own one or two or three or ... of those?

cheers and hoping your snow has melted cause you guys down there usually have 75 and sunny when i have 40's and drizzling rain all day.

I have been running the AC all week but it turned cold last night so the heat is on now. ?!!?!?!?!

As for the #45--yes, I have a few but just cannot resist when one of these orphans turns up. After some repair I will release it back into the wild.

 

[CRSINMICH]

jim: Nice catch - a Type 2 No.45! Those don't show up every day. I'm with Drives, I knew you'd already have some. In fact, when I picked up this Colt #50 cam action cabinet clamp yesterday, my first thought was that you'd already have several. I'd really like to see your collection of vintage tools someday.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Not a woodworking tool. Just a really cool looking tool from the age when they were made more decoratively than they needed to be. It's an HK Porter HYPOWA bolt cutter. Check out the HKP piercings on the ends of the handles. This came from he same estate sale where I got the Colt clamp.

 

[jimreed2160]

CRS--I am with you on decorative tools. Not all things were good back then, but I sure wish we had more design in current tools. They all look pretty boring when compared to the stuff from late 19th century.

 

[CRSINMICH]

CRS--I am with you on decorative tools. Not all things were good back then, but I sure wish we had more design in current tools. They all look pretty boring when compared to the stuff from late 19th century.

I'm glad you mentioned that. I think we sometimes get a little carried away and forget that over the years we made our share of **** too.

 

[Unruh]

JASON & RL: sounds like the KREG is the tool to buy even though i don't buy many NEW TOOLS. thank you both very much.

It’s crazy how this just came up. I’m a teacher and one of the parents asked what would be a good gift for me for Christmas. I told her, that instead of getting 10 or so gift cards from random places, one big one from Lowes would be awesome. She got a lot of the parents to chip in and I used that gift card to buy me a new Kreg set up. It is really slick and easy to use. I don’t think it replaces mortises and tenoning, but it can definitely add another bullet to the chamber.

 

[EOC_Jason]

ALL: thanks a TON for all the KREG JIG conversation. yep i have some basic needs that i could use that on maybe in my fence and deck building too.

Funny you mention that... I'm pretty sure Kreg makes a jig for doing decks. It allows you to screw in from the side and also consistently spaced... I know I've seen a video on it...

 

[turbowoodworker]

Just google Kreg deck jig. It is a completely different system but puts the screws in diagonally thus hiding the fasteners

 

[joeysh03]

I've used the Kreg deck jig and hated it. Smallest spacer is 1/4". So once the wood dries out you are left with large gaps.

 

[thursday]

I'm looking for a spoke shave for spoon carving. I've never owned or used one, I'd prefer something European, American, Japanese. Does anyone have any personal recommendations? Or what to look for when purchasing one?

 

[CRSINMICH]

I'm looking for a spoke shave for spoon carving. I've never owned or used one, I'd prefer something European, American, Japanese. Does anyone have any personal recommendations? Or what to look for when purchasing one?

thursday: Since you haven't had any experience with spokeshaves I'd recommend a Stanley 151. They're everywhere and inexpensive. It's American made but you could also get an English version if you like. Spokeshaves are fun to use but learning to use one effectively will take a little practice but not too much. Learn how to get a really sharp edge on the blade and how to set it to your liking. After you get some experience with it, you can go after more expensive ones. A 151 will be good for shaping and rounding the handles of spoons but you'll need a shave with a convex sole to do the interior of the bowl. Have fun!

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: anybody use these Camo screws to install their deck boards? i've heard good reviews about them, but i haven't used them yet. I own the tool and some screws so i might do an experiment on a few old boards before i put down my new cedar ones.

thanks for any thoughts

 

[jimreed2160]

The postitve power of peer pressure

OK. I went to the post office but the truck swerved into the Lowes parking lot on the way home. Since I was there, I had to go in to browse. And they had a really nice Kreg display.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jim: I was just at Home Depot buying some lights and forgot to look at the KREG JIG. have you used one before or will this one break your CHERRY?

on sale or just FOR SALE?

cheers and looks like you already have it's own dedicated tool box for it too!

 

[jimreed2160]

thurs--Spokeshaves are strange beasts. The best ones I have ever used are the original wooden ones. They work like a refined draw knife. The cutting angle is low and they take long wispy shavings.

To me, metallic spokeshaves are like badly made handplanes with long handles. The blade is bedded like a plane but most of them are hard to adjust and have huge mouths.

Give me a wooden one any day. Set the blade close for a thin shaving on one end and more open on the other for a slightly thicker shaving. That way you can regulate the shaving thickness by moving the shave sideways. On something like a spool handle, the cutting area is only about 1/4 inch wide and this technique works like a charm.

If you decide to go that way, look for a good vintage wooden one on line. Last time I looked they were inexpensive. Or get a kit from Lee Valley.
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=49710&cat=1,50230

Good luck with your spoon project.

 

[jimreed2160]

Jim: I was just at Home Depot buying some lights and forgot to look at the KREG JIG. have you used one before or will this one break your CHERRY?

on sale or just FOR SALE?

cheers and looks like you already have it's own dedicated tool box for it too!

Yes. I am a first timer and wanted to try it out today but the shop was 52 degrees. No need for their special clamp because I have a shop full of clamps. And thanks to my cleanup, I found a recently emptied toolbox that is just the right size for the jig and screws. I need to make some shop furniture stuff and the Kreg will get an audition soon.

 

[rossddvm]

Yes. I am a first timer and wanted to try it out today but the shop was 52 degrees. No need for their special clamp because I have a shop full of clamps. And thanks to my cleanup, I found a recently emptied toolbox that is just the right size for the jig and screws. I need to make some shop furniture stuff and the Kreg will get an audition soon.

Jim, I plan on working in my shop today so I was going to turn the thermostat up to 50. We have had lots of subzero temps lately and 50 will feel good wearing a hoody. I don't hand heat well though, so I suspect you are comfortable in temps that have me drenched in sweat.

 

[EOC_Jason]

If they still have the holiday tools out in front they might still have some of those Kreg bundles available...

Jim: I was just at Home Depot buying some lights and forgot to look at the KREG JIG. have you used one before or will this one break your CHERRY?

 

[turbowoodworker]

Hey Jim,
I may be missing something from your lone picture but the pic only shows the small portable jig used for edges of very large pieces, think plywood carcass.
The real value in the Kreg jig is the fixed piece that you mount to your bench (or a removable plywood plate).
See the pic from Rockler:

edit: link did not work, see Amazon link below

 

[turbowoodworker]

Sorry that link was bad. Try this one or just google it. You really need that stationary jig, and if your set doesn't have it, I would return it for the complete set (which BTW will include the the little jig in your picture).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DYFISG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[drivesitfar]

Jason: if HD had them in their holiday displays that are still there in the store i must have walked by them several times cause NEW TOOLS just don't catch my eye. the stuff i post on my Drivesitfar's WTF is this tool thread in vintage tools catches my eye often though. yep i need to look into these KREG JIGS that is for certain cause i can see several uses for it.

Turbo: i just clicked on your link and it didn't work. can you check it?

thanks

 

[turbowoodworker]

Drives, see my edit. The Amazon link worked for me but the Rockler one did not so I removed it.

Just google Kreg and you will see the picture.

My point is this: The stationary three hole fixture is stable when mounted to a bench and your workpiece gets moved to the correct position. This is the preferred method unless you are putting pocket holes along a large piece of 3/4" ply. That is when that little two or even one hole fixture comes into play. It is held to the workpiece with the included clamp. It works OK but the fixed jig is much better. BTW, I don't think I have ever used the clamp on Minijig.

When doing face frames or cabinet parts, you can really rock and roll moving small parts through that stationary jig. In a matter of minutes, all your joinery can be processed and ready for glue.

I have seen drawers made with pocket hole jigs. At first I was very skeptical as to strength. Then I tried it. Very strong joints. And if you plan right, you can hide the joints on the outside of the back and front piece. The drawer front then covers the pocket holes. (I still use dovetails or box joints for most drawers but where it doesn't matter and speed is important, it is a nice trick.)

As A sidenote, I bought a two hole HF jig along time ago. I found that the metal bushings left cut material (shavings) from the edge of the step drill bit. It was like the metal was very soft. I never saw that with the real Kreg jig and I suspect the HF bushing will wear poorly. I'm not sure it matters much, just an observation.

 

[jimreed2160]

ross--I am afraid my blood has thinned to turpentine consistency here in FL. Anything below 60 degrees sends me into shivers. Glad to hear that you are rocking the cooler temps.

Turbo--I hear you. The small pocket jig was my way of dipping my toes in the water. If this thing works well, I am sure there is an upgrade in my future.

But today is too chilly for anything but napping. I asked the kitties and they agreed.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I found a clip someone saved from the BF ads... It was basically the Jig, plus a clamp, plus a larger set of screws (they didn't include those previous years).

 

[drivesitfar]

Turbo: thanks for the Amazon link and it's got a 5 star rating with almost 700 reviews so i guess it works. thanks for mentioning a possible downside to the cheaper HF version cause as you and I know you usually get what you pay for especially when buying something brand new.

Jim: It's a CAT'S world and we all just try to enjoy what they let us have isn't it?

Jason: since this is a Woodworking thread you might want to show your little load of FREE LUMBER and your story if you have time. WELL DONE!

thanks for all the thoughts on the Kreg too.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Jim, not trying to be an overbearing smart *** and tell you what to do but I would return that kit before you use it and get the real deal, the Kreg K4 set. You will likely not use that mini jig. I appreciate all the screws in that kit but you will be happier with the full set of jigs. Research it elsewhere. I think overall you will save yourself money and not end up buying parts of that set twice.

I've seen how you work in your shop. I feel like I know your style well enough to make this suggestion, buddy