Are pocket hole jigs right for me?

[Generic Eric]

Can you use pocket holes/jigs in any wood?  In the infomercial, it seems they use 1x6's from what I remember.  Are they effective with mdf? Plywood?

Thanks in advance

[yotsuya]

Can you use pocket holes/jigs in any wood?  In the infomercial, it seems they use 1x6's from what I remember.  Are they effective with mdf? Plywood?

Thanks in advance

Mine is adjustable to use with everything from 1/2 inch to full 2x4s. I haven't used it with MDF yet, but I plan to soon. It's worth picking one up, my friend.

[wp34]

I used them on my Pac Man cocktail build and am hooked (check out the link in my sig).  They make things much simpler.  I don't think I would use them on MDF but they work great with plywood.

[Louis Tully]

.

[yotsuya]

Yeah, that looks cool. I used it to build my stool... then a marquee box... next up, a desk, table, and some Tully Caberets...

[Generic Eric]

Thanks everyone.

[horizon]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

[Generic Eric]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

No clue.  I am geographically separated by 80 miles (lowes/menards) to 170 miles (lowes/hd/menards) from a supercenter that stocks that sort of thing, so it will be something from amazon or the manufacturers website.

[JDFan]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

No clue.  I am geographically separated by 80 miles (lowes/menards) to 170 miles (lowes/hd/menards) from a supercenter that stocks that sort of thing, so it will be something from amazon or the manufacturers website.

There is a factory outlet with approx same pricing and looks like they have free shipping on orders over $25 -- http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com/kreg/jigs-and-accessories/

[yotsuya]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

No clue.  I am geographically separated by 80 miles (lowes/menards) to 170 miles (lowes/hd/menards) from a supercenter that stocks that sort of thing, so it will be something from amazon or the manufacturers website.

Get AT least this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1422634875&sr=8-9&keywords=Kreg

Although I have invested in the clamps as well, so you might want to consider this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-KHC-PREMIUM-Face-Clamp/dp/B001DC9UR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422634936&sr=8-1&keywords=Kreg+Clamp%5C

[horizon]

So just putting it out there, if you're willing to use a clamp-able kreg system, this is the same price as the K4 kit:

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-DIYKIT-DIY-Project-Kit/dp/B00MAB7XQ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1422636847&sr=1-1&keywords=kreg+diy+project+kit

[yotsuya]

So just putting it out there, if you're willing to use a clamp-able kreg system, this is the same price as the K4 kit:

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-DIYKIT-DIY-Project-Kit/dp/B00MAB7XQ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1422636847&sr=1-1&keywords=kreg+diy+project+kit

That's a nice all around kit for shelf building and stuff, but it doesn't include the levered clamp that the K4 does.

[horizon]

Agreed.

I also found this:

http://www.ptreeusa.com/pockethole_jigs.htm

Go all the way to the bottom and work your way up for non-Kregg kits and pieces.

[BorgDog]

Agreed.

I also found this:

http://www.ptreeusa.com/pockethole_jigs.htm

Go all the way to the bottom and work your way up for non-Kregg kits and pieces.

I wish I had sprung for the K5 kit instead of the K4, but can't justify another one when mine works fine, but the front lock would be very helpful on large panels.

[Louis Tully]

.

[wp34]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

No clue.  I am geographically separated by 80 miles (lowes/menards) to 170 miles (lowes/hd/menards) from a supercenter that stocks that sort of thing, so it will be something from amazon or the manufacturers website.

When you put it that way I'm reminded of Dapper Dan being 2 weeks from everywhere in Oh Brother Where Art Thou?   

I realize it is a bit of a trip for you but if you happen to hit Menards when they have their "paper bag" sale it is a great time to buy some extra clamps or stock up on screws.

I have the Kreg K4 kit and have been real happy with it.  If you put a "bench dog" under a larger panel it helps to support the work piece as you drill.

[Generic Eric]

If you put a "bench dog" under a larger panel it helps to support the work piece as you drill.

Bench dogs are awesome!  FWIW I recommend those too.

[Generic Eric]

GE - which pocket hole jig are you planning on getting?  I saw that the DIY kit from Kregg is 99 or so at Home Depot, and a decent discount if you buy everything separate.

No clue.  I am geographically separated by 80 miles (lowes/menards) to 170 miles (lowes/hd/menards) from a supercenter that stocks that sort of thing, so it will be something from amazon or the manufacturers website.

Just to test this^{I have before too, but it didn't hurt to do it again}, I went to the lumberyard and the 2 hardware stores and down in town.  The one I didn't bother to ask because I go there most and know where to look, and didn't see any.  The guy at the lumberyard looked at me like I had 3 heads.  The gal at the other hardware store didn't know what a jig was.

I realize it is a bit of a trip for you but if you happen to hit Menards when they have their "paper bag" sale it is a great time to buy some extra clamps or stock up on screws.

This is sound advice



Geographical oddity indeed!  The seed catalogs rate us in a unique temperate zone.  There fruits and vegetables that won't grow here, but will just 20 or so miles south.

[wp34]

Geographical oddity indeed!  The seed catalogs rate us in a unique temperate zone.  There fruits and vegetables that won't grow here, but will just 20 or so miles south.

That's awesome!  Clooney should have won an Oscar for that one.

[8BitMonk]

Used a Kreg jig on all my cabs which are MDF. Much quicker and incredibly sturdy. 

[yotsuya]

Used a Kreg jig on all my cabs which are MDF. Much quicker and incredibly sturdy.

Good to know. 

[Le Chuck]

Used a Kreg jig on all my cabs which are MDF. Much quicker and incredibly sturdy.

Concur.  Kreg screws work fine on MDF.  Space Base is done from 1/2" stock and is pocket holed.  No issues.  Rock solid. 

[yotsuya]

Used a Kreg jig on all my cabs which are MDF. Much quicker and incredibly sturdy.

Concur.  Kreg screws work fine on MDF.  Space Base is done from 1/2" stock and is pocket holed.  No issues.  Rock solid.

 

[wp34]

Used a Kreg jig on all my cabs which are MDF. Much quicker and incredibly sturdy.

Good to know.   

I've not had great luck screwing into MDF so I was not sure how well the Kreg jig would work. 

[BobA]

Use the kreg jig and screws on MDF for 6 or 7 years and they work great.  Just make sure that the jig is properly adjusted before drilling the holes.

[Louis Tully]

.

[kiel0909]

kreg and 3/4 MDF is my plan for my build. are you doing any pilot holes in the 2nd peice of wood to prevent any bulging?

[Le Chuck]

kreg and 3/4 MDF is my plan for my build. are you doing any pilot holes in the 2nd peice of wood to prevent any bulging?

You can, there can be minor bulge if you don't.  It's usually low enough that a few passes of sand paper and its flush again tho.  YMMV. 

[JDFan]

kreg and 3/4 MDF is my plan for my build. are you doing any pilot holes in the 2nd peice of wood to prevent any bulging?

You can, there can be minor bulge if you don't.  It's usually low enough that a few passes of sand paper and its flush again tho.  YMMV.

And if you do pre-drill be sure to limit the depth you drill (It's real easy to drill all the way through the side by mistake if you're not careful ) 

[Vigo]

With the Kreg jigs, do you use their screws exclusively?


I have also been mulling over buying one these as an alternative. similar price and all metal.



http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-pocket-hole-jig

[Le Chuck]

With the Kreg jigs, do you use their screws exclusively?

I do, they do a better job of pulling the pieces together in my experience and they seat very well into the pocket, whereas the head on a wood screw isn't flat underneath and will drive through.   

[Vigo]

With the Kreg jigs, do you use their screws exclusively?

I do, they do a better job of pulling the pieces together in my experience and they seat very well into the pocket, whereas the head on a wood screw isn't flat underneath and will drive through.   

Thanks, LC. I think I would have to play around with different screws, just because it is my nature.




A couple more alternatives -

Harbor Freight.



With a 20% off coupon, it is $55. They have been running 25% off coupons lately too.

The $200 porter cable one seems cool, it automatically adjusts to the thickness of the wood, but it is $200ish

[Le Chuck]

If you're getting anything electric get a biscuit joiner

[Vigo]

That thing ain't electric, it is just beefy. Biscuit jointer is on my list though.

[JDFan]

With a 20% off coupon, it is $55. They have been running 25% off coupons lately too.

Here's a printable coupon for the 20% if anyone needs one - http://instore.thread.co/retailmenot/harborfreight.com/offer/PH234ARMUVBZDKXLRML4FPKFCY?click_id=86A60367-0632-841E-6F71-D4B16522E89B&uq=M5CMJNJKPBCMFJ2DEIKW6FNBAE&df=PTQCR63ZZVGKNO7GJC5XBY3OTU