Sunday, February 15, 2009

Building with an initial set of hobbyist woodworking tools

Ok, I was going to call this post "Kreg Jig projects" but why not tie it to a previous post? Plus, buddy Adam suggested demonstrating what is possible with a minimum number of tools. Rather than coming up with a new project, or taking pictures after the fact, I Googled around and found this Reader's Digest / Family Handyman project that does a great job of building a cabinet with pocket screws and a minimum of tools: http://www.rd.com/18356/article18356.html This is a good project showing how to hide the screws and use them to full advantage. Plus, the list of minimum equipment is similar to mine. Sure, Kreg isn't the only game in town, but they are one of the most widely available. Any pocket screw jig kit would work. Kits like Kreg's Rocket (currently called the Junior) kit includes a starter pack of what you need for your first project. Well, ok, probably not enough screws if the project is half way ambitious: 1 1/4" square drive screws with washer heads will work for all most all of your needs, starting out.
This jig is the cheapest full featured one I could find, but not sure I can recommend it over Kreg.
In parting, a few links to good pictures, to help get your creative juices flowing. Here is a great way to completely assemble a kitchen base cabinet with pocket screw joinery. And This great video came with the Kreg jig pro kit I got from my brother Greg and sister-in-law Tracy for Christmas 4 or 5 years ago. (Thanks again!) This Lowes project requires a few more tools, but demonstrates that even chair making isn't beyond pocket screw joinery.

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