kreg jig or biscuit jointer - Woodworking Talk

ponch37300 · 05-29-2009, 05:35 PM

I would like to get one of the two to fasten face frames of cabinets and other joints. I've never used a biscuit jointer. I have used a kreg jig before. There is a used porter cable 557 biscuit jointer at a local pawn shop for 110 bucks that looks to be in good shape. The kreg jig is 99 for one kit and 139 for the deluxe kit. So price being pretty close to the same which one do you prefere, or are they used in two totally different situations? Guess I'm just trying to figure out which one I would use the most and be better for me. I'm sure that each tool has it's purpose in woodworking but I can't afford both of them right now so would like to get one. Thanks

firefighteremt153 · 05-29-2009, 07:11 PM

If I had to choose between the two, I would get the Kreg master system. I think it will serve you better than the biscuit joiner. I have both and I can't remember the last time I even open up the case to my biscuit joiner but I use the Kreg jig quit often.

KevinK · 05-29-2009, 07:17 PM

I have and use both, but for your purposes the kreg jig would be more appropriate. Besides there is always time to buy the biscuit jointer when you more funds. I would either go with the PC or the Lamello, but another option is the domino by festool. Just thinking of your future options :)

Good Luck

Kevin

mrk5318 · 05-29-2009, 09:21 PM

I recently saw a kreg jig setup in lowes that only cost $39.99. I don't know if it will have all that you are looking for but it came with the bit and the guide piece. They also had the kreg clamp for I think $19.99.

firehawkmph · 05-29-2009, 10:15 PM

Mrk,
I have both also. I use the Kreg jig about 50 times for every time I use the biscuit joiner. Nothing wrong with the p/c, but the kreg is much more versatile and a lot quicker. Also, 110.00 for a used p/c sounds like too much. I didn't pay a whole lot more than that for a new one.
Mike Hawkins

**Leo G** · 05-29-2009, 10:17 PM

Simple.

Kreg Jig.

ponch37300 · 05-29-2009, 10:27 PM

Thanks for making it "simple" guys! Looks like I'll be getting a kreg jig. I looked at the pc biscuit joiner on the home depot site and it said they are 220 brand new so I thought 110 wasn't that bad but I'll just get the kreg instead. Thanks again for your help.

cabinetman · 05-29-2009, 10:34 PM

You really don't need either. I don't want to be the party pooper, but what ever happened to traditional joinery? Take the money and buy a good book on joinery, and learn woodworking. Isn't that what this is all about?

**Leo G** · 05-29-2009, 10:41 PM

Maybe he wants to make money too.

cabinetman · 05-29-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

Maybe he wants to make money too.

I made money without them.

**Leo G** · 05-29-2009, 10:56 PM

I have made a lot more with the Kreg jig than with "nice" joinery. When I make things for myself or other family members I use joinery. When I am competing for a job I need to limit joinery to things that matter. Mostly, the Kreg jig is used on face frames. And I glue all my FF to the carcasses (that are dadoed and glued). Having M&T would be a waste of time. If someone specifically asked, and was willing to pay, then they would get it.

cabinetman · 05-29-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

I have made a lot more with the Kreg jig than with "nice" joinery. When I make things for myself or other family members I use joinery. When I am competing for a job I need to limit joinery to things that matter. Mostly, the Kreg jig is used on face frames. And I glue all my FF to the carcasses (that are dadoed and glued). Having M&T would be a waste of time. If someone specifically asked, and was willing to pay, then they would get it.

Face frame joints don't have to be earthquake proof. Using PH's or biscuits may hold the joint until you glue to the carcass, but once on where are they going to go?

We all have different types of clients, and if I delivered a cabinet with pocket holes, I'm sure the client would expect to see an IKEA sticker somewhere. Definitely not custom. Go to frameless construction and do without the hassle of the FF.

**Leo G** · 05-29-2009, 11:30 PM

I hate frameless. I think it is a cheap copout of a cabinet. Designed to be quick, cheap and material efficient.

cabinetman · 05-29-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo G

I hate frameless. I think it is a cheap copout of a cabinet. Designed to be quick, cheap and material efficient.

Isn't that why you use pocket holes and biscuits?

**Leo G** · 05-29-2009, 11:45 PM

I use pocket screw to speed things up. It is still a quality cabinet, just sped up construction. I don't use pocket screws when I build Euro cabinets, I use stop dadoes. I use full dadoes on my FF cabinets, exposed ends are just glued, sometimes I use screws on the hidden ends, sometimes just glue. I am in it to make money and build a good quality cabinet that will last 25+ years. No need to make heirloom quality kitchen cabinets. All my furniture is full joinery, usually mortice and tenon and dovetails. No need to build a kitchen cabinet to those standards, at least until somebody requests it and wants to write the check for me. This is a business for me, not a hobby.

johnep · 05-30-2009, 12:43 PM

Cost out your time per minute. Make one cabinet with pocket holes and another with classical joinery. That should give you an answer.

Is a chap on utube showing that he can cut freehand dovetails quicker than setting up a jig.

Me, pocket holes best thing I found out on the forum. Particularly if you have few tools etc.
johnep

ponch37300 · 05-30-2009, 01:05 PM

Thanks for the help guys. By classic joinery do you mean mortise and tenon? I did a couple of projects with these joints in high school but we had a nice mortising machine that I don't have now. I wouldn't mind doing mortise and tenon joints but just thought I would use pocket holes for now since they are easy and hold good.

Leo or cabinetman...could you please give a quick description of frameless/ faceframe cabinet construction? Thanks for your help.

**Leo G** · 05-30-2009, 06:08 PM

My standard face frame cabinet construction

My latest Euro cabinet construction - blind dadoes

ponch37300 · 05-30-2009, 11:24 PM

Thanks for the pictures Leo. I will have to find a book and improve my knowledge of cabinetry. Anyone know of a good book on cabinetry? Thanks again for the help.

Also what size screws do you use the most for your pocket holes? And where is the best place to buy the screws? Thanks guys.

johnep · 05-31-2009, 05:12 AM

Look on the Kreg site. Generally use two different screw threads for hard and soft woods. Screws for pocket holes usually have built in washer under head and Robertson square drives.

Should be available from your usual supplier.

johnep