I’m going to break down and start using the Kreg jig. I think it makes sense for the work I do. Mostly cabinets, face fames and doors.
I’m looking for advice on what to buy, as far as a kit to start with – also screws et al.
Looking to save money but I also want to get everything a starter set would need.
thanks
Joe
Replies
Joe, the "big" Kreg kit is on sale now, I heard. Case, some screws, and a whole bunch of parts. About $130.
I use 1-1/4" fine thread washer-head screws made for this application most of the time. For softwood or joining thick stock you could look into longer or courser screws. Piffinscrews work in a pinch but they tend to wedge open a split.
In the FHB video archives there's a short video on the basics. Unfortunately Rob, the editor, didn't let me rehearse first ;-)
Should I buy it from their site or a store? I've got a 20% off one item at Rockler, would that be my best bet?
The Kgeg Jig is "K3" I bought it at 10% discount at Rockler, so 20% sounds better.
Sorry, can't help you there--
they sell at lowes
I've had good luck with Coastal Tool
http://www.coastaltool.com/a/ab/kreg/kreg.htm
I bit the bullet and bought the Kreg foreman. cost around $750. I got the pnuematic one, you can get the electric motor set-up for same price
man, its a pleasure to assemble an intricate face frame. I find myself using pocket screws for many other things as well
if you can afford it its a huge upgrade for any shop. no clamping the wood between the jig and the bench, just place the wood and pull the lever
I have the K3 set. It has all the basic needs covered.
We use either 3/4 or 5/4 stock so 1 1/2" coarse screws do
most every thing for me.
I strongly suggest to not use 1 1/2" screws on 3/4" stock. Over time when the wood moves you WILL get stress cracks. I use my kreg jig everywhere I can for the last 2 years. Be carefulDerek Weiss [email protected]
"When the job is perfect, we're almost done."
I'll keep an eye out. I've been using them for about two year myself. no cracks
so far. Mostly pine in my case, perhaps that's the difference.
Yeah you won't have any problems with pine. But maple, oaks, walnut and sometimes popular you will. The fine thread screws make a difference during assembly also. Derek Weiss [email protected]
"When the job is perfect, we're almost done."
With pine you will probably be ok. With hardwood, even poplar, 1-1/4" fine thread screws are much safer. After 8 years and plenty of cracks early on, I learned the hard way.
>>I strongly suggest to not use 1 1/2" screws on 3/4" stock<<What Henley failed to mention is that the 3/4" stock we use is 13/16, not 3/4. I've been using 1 1/2" screws in it for years. No cracks.Steve
<<the 3/4" stock we use is 13/16>> Post sanding? :)
JMadson
You will love the Kreg.
I would buy some extra screws. we use the 2" screws alot for attaching countertops.
I would also get an extra long jaw pliers. Very handy. I some time use them with the Kreg system too. LOL
Seriously I have found many uses for the long jaw clamp.
Don't skimp on getting extra screws, you will find yourself using them everywhere.
Rich
your going to go plunk down a 135. go home use this thing for 5 minutes and be so ticked off at yourself for being so tight with your money for so long,that it will ruin your day.
don't worry in a couple days the feeling goes away,and get to thinking where all you can use the kreg.
i wish i would of bought it before the biscuit jointer.
YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T
MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE
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I know I want the system, at first I didn't know what exact pieces I wanted though.
I agree with you, I overanalyze all of my purchases, I hate it. I'm going to rockler tomorrow and be done with it.
Thanks everyone!!!!
So... did you get it? Which one? Do you like it?
C'mon, spill it.
Man, patience!
No, not yet. With the holiday weekend, I didn't have time to get up to Rockler. Probably go on thursday morning. I'll update then.
Joe
Man, patience!
LOL. well, alriiiggght!
I'm pretty sure I'll be getting the K3 which is selling for $139 on Amazon. I'm going to wait until I have a job that I feel justifies the expense. I've bought a few tools lately and yet things are a little slow.
Ok, I'm an idjit.
I should have bought that a long time ago. I'm building a small cabinet for my kid's school. Perfect application for the Kreg. I'm going to cut my time in half for the construction part.
I got it Rockler with a 20% off coupon. $139.99 down to $112. Seems like a great deal.
Someone in an earlier post to this thread gave a website. Check it out. The shipping was cheap and you could get a free assortment of screws. Seemed like an Ok deal.
Joe
alwaysoverbudget is 100% right ... first kitchen I did fully custom I did face frame with the Kreg and I'll never go back. I can't imagine how awesome the big Kreg tool is. Trying to bid a job now to cover the cost of one!Just buy the kit ...buy extra, big o'l clamps tool
I bought the K3 kit in '06, and by the end of the first day, was wondering how long they had been legal and why I hadn't been informed sooner! - lol
The only downside was that I didn't have to wait overnight for my glued up faceframes to dry. Instead of knocking off early, I could immediately install the faceframes. So much for the cold beer on a hot summer afternoon. - lol
The K3 kit comes with an assortment of screws, but - if you mostly work with 3/4" stock - you'll probably want (need) to buy at least one box each of the 1-1/4" fine and coarse thread screws. The coarse thread screws get used on plywood or soft wood, and the fine thread screws are for hardwood.
Take the time to set the drill bit depth stop so the tip just penetrates the end of the piece you're drilling.
If you're using a cordless drill to run in the screws, set the clutch to break away just as the screw "bottoms" out. Overtightening can snap a screwhead and/or split the workpiece. Mine works best at 10 - 12.
Edited 4/11/2009 10:35 am by Dave45
I've had mine since they were made of cast aluminum in the olden days. Now they are plastic...
Anyway, the sinple two hole jig, 2 bits, 2) 6"or8" square drives(no magnetic bits needed), 2 or 3 various clamps.(just glorified vice grips) is all you need. BUy the screws in bulk. way, way cheaper. Louis and Company is a start, maybe Mcfeeleys
Unless you see youself consistantly making a lot of face frames, then I would easiily justify the up grade. The semi automatics are good. I have a friend that has the fully pneumatic(clamp and drill) he loves it. Easily moved around.