New fun tool....

[NM_Shooter]

I'm building a lofted bed for my college kid.  To hang the "joists" for the mattress platform, I bought a Kreg (sp?) pocket hole jig.  What a hoot to use.  I should have bought one of these a long time ago. 

[rick91351]

Are you talk'n 'bout their pocket hole jig?  I will give it five out of five  cool thumbs up.  In drawer and cabinets cuts time and really firms them up. 

Then they also have a four out of five      thumbs up cool for their jig for drilling for shelf bracket pins.

Kreig also make a cool jig for mounting hardware for drawer slides.

rlr     

[mgramann]

I got one not too long ago myself.  I made some outdoor tables based on the show that introduced me to the jig, The Woodsmith's Shop on PBS.  I also just made some nightstands.  I think I'm going to tackle making my own cabinets using this tool. 

Did you get the one with the built in clamp, or the smaller 2 hole version?

[NM_Shooter]

I got the mini one... just a two hole version that you need an extra clamp for.  I should have bought one of these a long, long time ago.  I think I know what my brother is getting for Christmas.

This thing has made me able to make this loft bed I am working on look really clean.  I'm already considering it for other uses.

[rick91351]

I have the larger one.

A couple hints with the Kreig screws and Kreig pocket holes ....  When working on cabinets and drawers on the bit collar set it a little shy of what your stock measures.  The screws tend to be just a little proud and you can feel just the tips exiting the wood.

Hint number two fight the urge not to have to still clamp things.  Thinking you can just pull it down tight with the screws will result in shifting when you are in glue up and assembly.       

Hint number three protect your bit.  Those those puppies are expensive.  $18.00 from Rockler.

Hint number four do not forget you have that tool and use it.  I have fought a couple cabinets assemblies and then I remember use the Kreig jig.  Dang you can teach an old dog new tricks....       

[mgramann]

Good advice Rick.  Hint one and two I have personally experienced.  Proper clamping not only gives you clean lines-it also prevents the screws from splitting the wood.  This was especially important when working with 3/4 inch cedar.

Here are pics of some of my projects so far...



I have the two hole version which cost about $40-money well spent.

[NM_Shooter]

Sweet looking work!