Shopsmith Forums

I know reible uses them, who else? Do you like/dislike them, pro and cons.

I was introduced to them a few days ago and I like the speed and strength of the joints we got with them making some quick cabinet carcasses I made for a friend's shop.

So far I am kind of impressed. He was telling me that the Shakers actually invented the joint and used them as far back as the early 1800's.

What say you?

Thanks in advance!

I have used the Kreg pocket system for years and really like the ease and strength. It is not for fine furniture where the joint will show but I have made ottomans corner cabinets and they all are hidden and can't be seen. I'm a fan

Dick, I wasn't around in the 1800s, but I'll take your word for it. However, the system has been in my shop for about 15 years. It makes good, strong joints. They were used on two Morris chair and ottoman builds. On the chairs, the screws connected the arms to the chair legs and were covered with the corbels. On the ottoman, they held the skirts to the legs and, were inside the underside.

I have used them on corn hole broads and really like them.

I have never tried pocket hole joints before, but I am not opposed to trying them. One question that I had is how strong are they for plywood where you attach two pieces at 90°? Say you have a cabinet carcass and you are attaching the back to the top, so end grain to face frame. I see them used for this on projects online and always wondered how strong this was in reality. My concern is the fact you would be drilling diagonally into the face frame through to the end grain. Isn't tearout and possible plywood delamination a concern here? Does it work well on 3/4" but not so well for 1/2" because of this, or are my concerns not valid? For solid wood, I expect the joint to be strong, but it seems to me that plywood at 90° may not hold that well. Just asking to try to understand since I have no experience with them.

When faced with the prospect of making 21 drawers for my wife's crafts cabinet, I went with 1/2" baltic birch and pocket screws. Another 1/2" piece of baltic birch for a false front, and the drawers look good and they're holding up fine.

I used the least expensive Kreg jig. I could've probably been more efficient with a more expensive jig.

So far I'm happy.

Joedw00
You used pocket hole screws on WHAAAT? I love typos!!
Bill V

I have used them on a variety of projects from face frames to attaching the legs to dog dish holders. They work well and I like them for projects that don't require fancy joints.

John

OK guys, thanks, that really helps. He left his jig (simple two hole) and I have done some joints in solid wood. They seem very strong even without glue.

I think I will order one and get some screws

Again, great knowledgeable group!

my dad uses the constantly and thinks highly of them . they are fast and easy to use .