Why Use A Kreg Jig For Edge Joining Over Other Methods

Why would you want to use a Kreg jig over other methods for edge joining? When choosing a Kreg jig to do edge joinery it’s just a strong method. Using pocket holes also gives you the ability to eliminate the use of clamps to hold your workpieces together when using glue. The sheer speed of using the Kreg jig makes it such a great choice.

Pocket holes in edge joinery might catch a little flack in the amongst members of the fine woodworking community. Members of this group tend to build with the more traditional methods.

Benefits Of Edge Joining Boards With Kreg Jig

• Strong Joinery
• Removes The Use Clamps When Glueing
• Speed
• Inexpensive

Other Methods Over Kreg Jig

• Dowel Joints
• Festool Domino
• Loose Tenon
• Straight Glue
• Tongue and Groove

When Will You Edge Join Boards With A Kreg

The most common project that comes to mind when you will want to be using edge joining with Kreg jig is a project like a coffee table. Or possibly you’re building your family a new dining table. I used my Kreg to build a lot of furniture at home. Here are a few examples:

• Coffee Table Tops
• Dining Table Tops
• Wood Flags
• Large wood clocks
• Barstool Tops
• So, So Many More BE CREATIVE

A lot of my work can be found on my Instagram Page @insidethekerf

What are some projects you used a Kreg jig in edge joining in or plan to start projects? Comment below and let us know! We would love to hear from you!

Process Of Edge Joining With A Kreg Jig

Below I am going to give a run of the down my workflow of how I do my edge joining with a Kreg jig. I break it down into nine steps to help you as the woodworker understand the process.

Your workflow could be completely different than mine. This is the method that I have found that works well for my workshop.

Step 1

For me, I always like to have a straight flat edge before I start any edge joining. This might not be necessary if your satisfied with how your workpieces look without that aspect. For this, I tend to use my jointer or you could use a jointer sled on the table saw.

Step 2

Next I will move on to finding the best orientation of the boards. This is done by aligning the grain in the best visual looking orientation as well as fixing any possible alignment issues.

Step 3

Draw a carpenter’s triangle. Once I found my ideal layout I draw what’s called carpenters triangle. This is what helps us coordinate our pieces back together after we finish the next few steps in the process.

Step 4

On to the drilling I set my drill collar to Kregs specified requirement as well the jig itself. I tend to use the Kreg R3 more than the other available Kreg jigs. Makes quick work on this step of drilling the holes into the workpiece. Now begin drilling your pocket holes at your desired spacing. There’s no special formula but I tend to shoot for 3-4” in from the end and about 10” between each pocket hole after that. This all varies depending on the length of the stock I could be working with or the type of project….

Step 5

Select the proper style of pocket hole screw and length for the project your working on. Using a longer screw will cause it to protrude the top surface. Choosing to short of a screw will cause for a weak bond between your workpieces and will cause failure at the joint.

Step 6

Now you’re ready to join the boards together. Align your boards back together by aligning your carpenter’s triangle marks or to your desired alignment. (add glue at this point if you desire)

Step 7

You can choose to use a clamp your pieces together or use brute force to hold them tight. In most case,s your pieces will begin to pull apart when you start to screw them together. Combat that by clamping or hand pressure. Taking the time to clamp in my experience is much easier than brute force.

Step 8

Begin using your drill or impact to screw your workpieces together for edge joining. Take your time to ensure that you don’t strip the hole out. The strength of the joint will decrease dramatically if the hole becomes stripped out.

Step 9

That’s it enjoy your beautiful edge joined boards all created with your Kreg Jig.

Edge Joining Boards With Kreg Is Really That Simple

In nine quick steps we were able to join our workpieces together and now we are ready to continue working on our project. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article I highly recommend picking up a Kreg jig if you haven’t yet. I really enjoy the Kreg R3 for my workshop. I like the portability to get it into tight spots where I want to put a few pocket holes.

There are many more Kreg jig systems to choose from this just happens to be the one that I have grown a liking to. Are you an avid Kreg jig user? What Kreg jig are you a fan of? Let us know below!

Conclusion

While there are many options out there when edge joining our workpieces together Kreg jig really has made the process smooth. I have edge joined projects in my home that have yet to have a failure. These are high use items as well. Our coffee table and dining table are both built using pocket holes created with a Kreg jig.

You can’t go wrong with a Kreg jig and pocket holes in your projects. They may cause a little uproar in the purest community of woodworkers but they are bomb proof joints.

Thanks for reading and be sure to share with friends that could use this great information.