Pocket Hole Jigs....do I need a big fancy one?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Pocket Hole Jigs....do I need a big fancy one?

WhatMel

2 posts

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#208319 6-Feb-2017 22:56

Hi there,
I make signs out of reclaimed timber and I'm wanting to change the way I attach peices of timber together.
In the past, I've joined them by nailing a thin price of timber across the back but this causes the sign to 'stick out' from the wall when attached and also adds to the weight.
Soooo I've been doing some Google research and came across pocket hole jigs.
Either Kreg or Join-a-Jig seem the way to go....but since I really only want one for one simple task (joining timber together to make it wider for a sign), and I'd always want the same sized hole/depth etc, I'm reluctant to buy a huge big fancy contraption.
I'm new to woodwork and doubt I'd be able to screw the timber together myself though!!
I've noticed there is a mini kreg. Would this be easy enough to use for that purpose or would it be too hard to get the depth/angle right?
Or is there some other tool that would help me to be able to drill the prices of timber together?
Thanks in advance for your help.

WhatMel

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1716267 6-Feb-2017 23:39

Oh no.....I'm still researching and have now come across biscuit jigs and dowel jigs....I am SO confused! :)

richms

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#1716293 7-Feb-2017 07:13

I have a join a jig and it twists when drilling so things dont always end up where you want them to go. Ive not seen that happen in any videos of people using the kreg, but I didnt notice it in the ad for the join a jig either so perhaps they all do it do a degree.

Richard rich.ms

cshwone

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#1716301 7-Feb-2017 08:01

The Kreg K4 system is good for your purposes. It is also cheaper to buy from Amazon and import rather than buying a Join-a-jig which does seem a bit flimsier than the Kreg. The Rolls Royce of jigs is (to me) the Porter Cable 560 which is a lot more flexible and sturdier (heavier) for serious work but a bit more expensive.

Where appearance matters - ie furniture making, that's when biscuits and dowels hold there own giving a flush finish both sides.

Cheers,

richms

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#1716303 7-Feb-2017 08:26

Biscuits, dowels and similar all require clamping and glueing which slows the speed you can go at down.

I ordered a kreg thru youshop but it arrived too late for that project and went into a box somewhere while cleanign up so cant give a definitive difference between the 2.

Richard rich.ms

Disrespective

1926 posts

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#1716321 7-Feb-2017 08:48

I'd be buying a biscuit jointer if you are able to clamp parallel with the join to ensure the ends align after glue up.

Biscuits will add a lot of strength with much less time than a dowel/pocket hole jig, but often take some finessing. This finessing can be useful though if you don't cut your biscuit holes *exactly* in the right place.

What sort of accuracy do you need? +-1mm is what I expect from my biscuit joints after glue up. I'd expect similar from dowels, but the time invested in perfectly aligning the holes to eliminate the need to trim the ends after glue up would irritate me.

wazzageek

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#1716333 7-Feb-2017 09:02

From the sounds of it, I'm a plus one on using a biscuit joiner, I expect that a biscuit tool.would be a lot less frustrating than using a jig (one machine, versus jig and a drill).

How big do the signs end up being?

mdf

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#1716396 7-Feb-2017 10:31

I've got a Kreg pocket jig and it works great for it's intended purpose - which is basically 90 deg joins with hidden (ish) screws.

I'm not sure exactly what you're doing, but it might be joining boards parallel to each other? If it's that, a biscuit joiner is the way to go.

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BlueOwl

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#1716410 7-Feb-2017 10:59

As with most things, it depends.

If the signs are going to be outdoors, then a biscuit joiner and glued joints might not be so good - they're really designed for interior cabinet work with dry timber. On the plus side, the biscuit joint is hidden and you don't get the unsightly holes that a pocket screw jig produces.

There's also a "floating tenon" type of joint which is like a biscuit joint, but with a much heavier insert - like a flat dowel. I think Festool sell jigs and tools for these, but they're very expensive.

If it's for outside work, then the pocket jig might be better - you can use stainless screws and you'll be able to take the joint apart in the future if you want to replace a piece or make repairs.

I haven't used pocket jigs, but I've done many biscuit joints ( as well as proper tenons and dovetails ).

richms

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#1716412 7-Feb-2017 11:03

The festool thing is called a domino and is much $$$, and the joining stick things are pricey too, but I saw one youtube woodworker making his own out of wood.

I bought a ryobi biscuit joiner but have only had a play with it, not actually built something since everything in the garage is pushed into a pile in the middle. First thing will be a birdhouse so will see how it goes on that vs just screwing boards together.

Richard rich.ms

Kickinbac

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#1716457 7-Feb-2017 12:08

You can buy the simple Kreg jig, think its called the junior for about $75 but you need to clamp it in place and it's designed for a kreg clamp.

The K4 or K5 have a good clamping system but cost more but easier and quicker to use.

When joining board they need to be clamped securely so the boards don't move when the screws go in. Kreg have all sorts of clamps to help with this.

You have to use the proper kreg screws for the system to work and you can't buy them at your local hardware store. (the 'join a jig' screws from Mitre 10 would work if they stock them). The screws have to be the right length for the timber thickness.

If you are anywhere near Tauranga you could trial mine to see if suitable. I have the K4 and junior and a few kreg clamps.

If your into sign making, search for Jimmy Diresta on you tube. He also makes other cool stuff and so many techniques to learn.

JonnyCam

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#1716478 7-Feb-2017 13:02

This thread reminded me I had a Kreg in my amazon cart for a while, but while looking, I saw this other brand, which is on sale for $30 usd. (down from $50)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00563TOTO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Amazon says $57 NZD shipped

MikeAqua

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#1716501 7-Feb-2017 13:34

How thick are the boards you make signs from?

Mike

richms

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#1716504 7-Feb-2017 13:35

JonnyCam:

This thread reminded me I had a Kreg in my amazon cart for a while, but while looking, I saw this other brand, which is on sale for $30 usd. (down from $50)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00563TOTO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Amazon says $57 NZD shipped

Clamping area looks quite small so it might twist like the joinajig does.

Richard rich.ms

SepticSceptic

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#1717195 8-Feb-2017 13:36

Biscuit cutters are OK but can have some gaps around the points and bottom cavity of the joints, and best used with an urethane based glue that will foam up inside the joint to give a better join / seal. Something like gorilla glue, which is also outdoor rated.

Dowels need to be 100% perpendicular in all directions, and the matching hole perpendicular, otherwise a real PITA.

Cheers