Kreg Pocket Hole Jig!

[Becky B.]

I just bought one of these jigs and am giddy!
Amazon.com: Kreg K4MS Jig Master System: Home Improvement
It's the best thing since sliced bread. I want to shout it from the rooftop that this jig is the BOMB!! I don't know what woodworking hole I've been in, but I still have my ancient jig that uses dowels. It's going on the vintage woodworking auction!!! Just sayin'!!!

[Lumatic]

I share yur joy, even though I haven't the foggiest idea what you are talking about .

[Becky B.]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I share yur joy, even though I haven't the foggiest idea what you are talking about .

Ha! Ha! If you ever build anything out of wood that needs joining, you'll think back on my joy & wish you had one!!!

[HiHoAgRV]

I've been using one during Dolly's refirb. The only challenge I've had is holding the faces flush when driving the screw. Square it up, LOTS of clamps on a sturdy surface help alot.

[Bill M.]

Becky, I know where you are coming from!!!

I got dowel jigs, drill press, 2 plate joiners, mortising bits, but when I drove my first screw into a oak face frame and watched how tight it pulled up I knew the old stuff was history for a lot of uses.
Have been using the Kreg for several years now and still finding new applications for it.

HiHO...Do you have the Kreg clamp for holding the joint? It is a vise grip with round plates mounted on it and it does a super job of holding the faces flush and in place while you dirve the screw. And the joints are sorta self squaring if you make a square cut to start with. You pretty much need everything that comes in their kit to make it work well. I pretty much just lay the frame loose on the bench with a corner overhanging and use the Kreg clamp. Takes about 30 seconds to line it up by hand and close the clamp.

[wkerfoot]

I agree that holding the pieces flush is the biggest problem, but I believe that Kreg has a clamp which solves that problem.

Bill

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I've been using one during Dolly's refirb. The only challenge I've had is holding the faces flush when driving the screw. Square it up, LOTS of clamps on a sturdy surface help alot.

[TG Twinkie]

I really like the Kreg system. I always try to clamp both pieces firmly to a flat surface before driving the screw.

[Aviator]

It works great. I have been using one in my woodshop for a couple of years. I got mine at one of the traveling woodworking shows.

[Roadrunner]

Becky, you are absolutely right. I have been making cabinets for years...it wasn't until I ran across the Kreg Jig that the whole process became faster and more efficient. In the recent restoration of "Island Girl" I rebuilt all the cabinets using the Kreg Jig. What an awesome tool. Picked mine up at Lowe's. I'd recommend it to all thinking about making their own cabinets.

[HiHoAgRV]

Don't get me wrong...I'm with Becky on this being a cool tool!...the only weak link I have found is if you rely on the screw to pull the joint up tight, the offset angle of the screw WILL pull an offset in the joint.

The joint has to be clamped flat and tight...then it's 100% success!

A final thought...thick glue in the joint can cause the same problem...it has to be clamped tight, if the screw compresses the glue the joint will offset.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I've been using one during Dolly's refirb. The only challenge I've had is holding the faces flush when driving the screw. Square it up, LOTS of clamps on a sturdy surface help alot.

Yep, key comment there Vernon.

I'm surprised how often I use my Kreg in rough framing when I need exacting results. But it really shines to produce strong finish work.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

I've been using one during Dolly's refirb. The only challenge I've had is holding the faces flush when driving the screw. Square it up, LOTS of clamps on a sturdy surface help alot.

Get the Kreg clamp. It has big round faces and holds the parts square. Well worth the cost and it can be used for many other things.

[Pahaska]

Kreg has two sizes of drill bits. The larger size uses the washer-headed screws. For smaller work, the smaller bit size uses the smaller-headed screws and can be used in work as thin as 1/2" thick. The bit guide for the larger bit size is blue and the guide for the smaller bit size is black.

I often use the smaller size in cabinet doors where I am going to rout a notch for a plywood back. I can place the smaller holes closer together to leave more clearance for routing.

[desertair27]

Can anyone recommend which kreg jig to get?
I'd like to be able to build some cabinets bed framing etc.
I'm guessing the master system at $150 is going to be the one but I'd like to hear what you guys have. Less expensive would be nice.
Woodworking is totally new to me so excuse my ignorance.
Thanks
Mike

[Roadrunner]

Mike I rebuilt the cabinets in our "78" out of mahogany using the Kreg Jig. Best tool I ever bought. You do not need the master system. I purchased mine at Lowes for 39.95 with some extra 1 1/4" screws. It makes construction so much quicker and accurate.

Bob
TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

[Skatiero]

I watched the keg infomercial and was so intrigued. You mean it really works like the commercial?!

[Pahaska]

If you don't want a complete set, I would get the smaller diameter bit and the black guide block because it can be used on 1/2" stock where the larger diameter bit used with the blue block is a bit too much for 1/2" stock. With the smaller bit you can't use the washer-head screws, but the cylindrical-head screws are plenty strong enough. I have both blocks/bits and use them depending on material size.

[65CV]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Mike I rebuilt the cabinets in our "78" out of mahogany using the Kreg Jig. Best tool I ever bought. You do not need the master system. I purchased mine at Lowes for 39.95 with some extra 1 1/4" screws. It makes construction so much quicker and accurate.

Bob
TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

Sweet Cabinet work.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by desertair27

Can anyone recommend which kreg jig to get?
I'd like to be able to build some cabinets bed framing etc.
I'm guessing the master system at $150 is going to be the one but I'd like to hear what you guys have. Less expensive would be nice.
Woodworking is totally new to me so excuse my ignorance.
Thanks
Mike

Hi, I bought the same kit that Roadrunner bought because all of my framing and cabinet work was done with 1 X 2s. [two hole guide] Read my blog and see the pictures; "2005 Safari remodel"

[Crusty]

I like it so much that I bought a thousand pocket hole screws with the square drive socket from McFeely's and I use a long square drive bit in my screw gun. I've always used one of the blue Kreg jigs and the vise grip clamps designed for holding the pieces together flush is almost a necessity (at least they're very handy). I also keep wooden dowel stock handy for plugging the holes and a small Dozuki flush cutting hand saw for trimming the dowels flush.