Tips for Beginners!

[KregRep]

*Current members, please respond to this thread with your best tips for beginners!  Things to remember, lessons learned, tips/tricks, purchasing suggestions, etc.  I'd like for this page to become the ultimate resource for someone getting started with Kreg Joinery*

At Kreg, our goal is for this site to be an powerful resource for Kreg Jig beginners and experts alike to share, learn, expand, grow, and absorb from other community members.  To get the most out of this site and the community atmosphere, a small foundation of knowledge can be very helpful!

The most frequently asked questions from individuals new to this site and to the Kreg Jig revolve are answered (at least in part) through the links below.  Odds are, if you're having a question about the tool/technique/site, you can find the answer here.  If you can't... please ask your question in the forums... there are many community members who would love to help you out!  If you think it's something that ALL new Kreg Jig owners will want to see, reply to this thread with your tips/tricks and suggestions to grow the list of links.

Thanks, good luck, and good woodworking!

-KregRep

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[Rick]

Can anybody help me how to start a thread discussion?

[Rick]

Thanks much James.  I noticed the software allowed two posters with the name "Rick."  Ugh!

[Reys]

Hello. Okay now, for the beginners, first thing first you need to select any simple project to get started. After that, find out which material like types of wood for woodworking for your project and then what tools you need for your project. The most important thing is, have a plan. Try to take a visit at http://shedplan-woodworkingguide.blogspot.com/ and hope it can help you a lot.

[KregBrady]

Don't wait until your first project to learn how to use it. Practice on leftover scraps to get the feel of how everything works together (the depth collar stop, jig height, etc.) to make a proper joint. Try joining like sizes of stock - say a 2 x 4 to a 2 x 4 - and different sizes, like a 1 to a 2 x 4. Remember that pocket screws can easily be removed and reused.

[KregBrady]

Grind 4 small flat spots around the stop collar, one each at the 12, 3, 6 & 9 o'clock positions.  It will keep the drill bit from rolling when you set it down. The flat spots do not have to touch each other to be effective.

[KregRep]

Great tips, KregBrady! I'd never heard the 'flat tpots on the stop collar' idea before!

[RC Eichacker]

 Would love to find a happy Kreg Jig owner to tell the Company that you would demonstrate the basic and advanced utilization of their product line in our August 24-26 Woodfest in Amana, Ia.  I am coordinator of the successful show "Woodfest", sponsored by the Amana Arts Guild.  We are looking for all kinds of woodcrafters who wish to display and sell their creations.  We have invited a series of commerical companies fully realizing the dates conflict with the IWF in Atlanta, GA.  If you are one of the above Kreg Jig user or any other wood talent and are interested, details can be found on website: amanaartsguild.com and then Woodfest.  If you wish to contact me, RC, email:  [e-mail] and I will respond.  The event is free public admission.

[Pierre Vallee]

easy: a) set the jig and the drill correctly (this is the most important) for the stock you are working with, b) clamp properly, c) do not overdrive the screws. There you have it: the abc of jig use

Of course all the other rules of woodworking go without saying; measure twice and cut one, and square et voila

[RC Eichacker]

Pierre Vallee said:

easy: a) set the jig and the drill correctly (this is the most important) for the stock you are working with, b) clamp properly, c) do not overdrive the screws. There you have it: the abc of jig use

Of course all the other rules of woodworking go without saying; measure twice and cut one, and square et voila

[RC Eichacker]

RC Eichacker said:  Did you read my call for demonstration help?  I know how to use it but looking for anyone to show expected 2500 visitors to the Woodfest.  Will keep searching.  Thanks RC

Pierre Vallee said:

easy: a) set the jig and the drill correctly (this is the most important) for the stock you are working with, b) clamp properly, c) do not overdrive the screws. There you have it: the abc of jig use

Of course all the other rules of woodworking go without saying; measure twice and cut one, and square et voila

[Max Taub]

I just tried the Kreg Jr. for the first time today. I am certain to make EVERY POSSIBLE error that can be made, and so I hope I can be of use by pointing them out as I keep learning how to use it.

My first few tries today to drill a hole with the jig weren't working at all. I had to push so hard on the drill that the jig and the piece were sliding in their clamps. Still couldn't get a proper hole drilled- the top surface was getting marred, the plastic on the jig where the drill comes out seemed to melt some and the hole still didn't get deep enough. I gave up. Then I thought to try our other drill. That worked! Lesson number 1- need a decent drill.

Then I tried making a joint. I have the right-angle Kreg clamp, but it didn't seem to have a wide enough mouth to clamp the pieces.Lesson 2- you've got to adjust the clamp!

Then I finally got the clamp in place and screwed the screw in. It barely got through into the second piece and didn't hold at all. Was their something wrong with the hole I drilled? No. Lesson three- check the screw size you need- turned out to be a 1 1/4 screw for a 3/4 inch piece, not the 1 inch I was trying.

Tried another hole. Went way too deep. Lesson 4- tighten the depth collar enough!

Like I said, if there is a mistake to make, I will make it- and try to share for the sake of other beginners at my level!

[Pierre Vallee]

well, as they say: 'when all else fails, read the instructions'. Having said that, there are things that Kreg does not tell you. One of the main thing to emphasise is: do not over-drive the screw. Another thing they should emphasise is to very carefully adjust not only the jig, but the drill for a) the stock you are using, and b) the screw you need to use. Another thing to remember is to use a highspeed drill.  As well, coarse screws for soft and fine screws for hardwood. Note that it is crucial to adjust the drill bit exactly, you do not want to drill too deep. Hm, I think I'll write the 10 Ps of a Project for Kreg Users, watch this space ;-)