Table tops - Kreg Owners' Community2024-03-29T07:29:13Zhttps://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A191095&feed=yes&xn_auth=noMike, there is a review of bi…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-04:2900167:Comment:2124692011-05-04T18:25:57.154ZKevin McNultyhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KevinMcNulty
Mike, there is a review of biscuit jointers in the recent edition of Wood Magazine if you are interested in buying a jointer. Turns out mine got a low rating. Darn.<br></br>
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<cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops#2900167Comment208261"><div><p>thanks. I have thought about trying biscuits and will look into a joiner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regarding dowels, I have a pretty good jig (Dowelmax). It is pretty precise and takes the guess work…</p>
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Mike, there is a review of biscuit jointers in the recent edition of Wood Magazine if you are interested in buying a jointer. Turns out mine got a low rating. Darn.<br/>
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<cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops#2900167Comment208261"><div><p>thanks. I have thought about trying biscuits and will look into a joiner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regarding dowels, I have a pretty good jig (Dowelmax). It is pretty precise and takes the guess work out of lining up the holes accurately. I like to use dowels as it allows me to assemble the project before using the keg screws to ensure that everything lines up true. </p>
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</blockquote> What is the best prctice to …tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-04:2900167:Comment:2108762011-05-04T00:41:49.265ZEloy Gonzalezhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/EloyGonzalez
What is the best prctice to joint three beams or boards?
What is the best prctice to joint three beams or boards? thanks. I have thought about…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-02:2900167:Comment:2082612011-05-02T19:08:49.223ZMike McGuirehttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/MikeMcGuire
<p>thanks. I have thought about trying biscuits and will look into a joiner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regarding dowels, I have a pretty good jig (Dowelmax). It is pretty precise and takes the guess work out of lining up the holes accurately. I like to use dowels as it allows me to assemble the project before using the keg screws to ensure that everything lines up true. </p>
<p>thanks. I have thought about trying biscuits and will look into a joiner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regarding dowels, I have a pretty good jig (Dowelmax). It is pretty precise and takes the guess work out of lining up the holes accurately. I like to use dowels as it allows me to assemble the project before using the keg screws to ensure that everything lines up true. </p> DOWEL JOINERY:
I've used dowe…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-02:2900167:Comment:2068612011-05-02T03:22:13.915ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>DOWEL JOINERY:</p>
<p>I've used dowels on many projects/repairs over the years.</p>
<p><br></br>It's very tedious to make precise aligned matching drilled holes,</p>
<p>so that the pins match perfectly with the aligned holes, when the pieces are assembled.</p>
<p>I try to be obtain accuracy of +/- 0.005", of an edge/surface---</p>
<p>this requires precision measuring and drilling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>BTW---0.005" is the width of a ''scribed line'', on a Starratt precision…</p>
<p>DOWEL JOINERY:</p>
<p>I've used dowels on many projects/repairs over the years.</p>
<p><br/>It's very tedious to make precise aligned matching drilled holes,</p>
<p>so that the pins match perfectly with the aligned holes, when the pieces are assembled.</p>
<p>I try to be obtain accuracy of +/- 0.005", of an edge/surface---</p>
<p>this requires precision measuring and drilling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>BTW---0.005" is the width of a ''scribed line'', on a Starratt precision scale.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Drilling pilot holes, for a dowel pin, requires a brad-point drill bit, for better accuracy. </p>
<p>Drilling holes without using a ''brad point drill bit'', requires drilling the initial hole using a 1/16" dia drill bit, then progress to a larger size bit.</p>
<p>Cabinet makers (brad-point) drill bits, are my top choice, for precision drilling in wood products.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Standard drill bits, will ''wonder off'', their intended straight path---</p>
<p>thus the purpose of using a pilot drilled hole, starting with a 1/16" size.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are various ''dowel drilling jigs'' on todays market.</p>
<p>Most common are 3/8" size.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dowel Dia:</p>
<p>I generally use a dowel dia of 1/3 of the material thickness---</p>
<p>i.e., for 3/4" thick stock, I use 1/4" dia dowel, to be adequate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dowel Depth:</p>
<p>I target the dowel engagement of 1/2 of material thickness of the object I'm joining---</p>
<p>i.e., 3/4" thick material, I generally make it 3/8" deep.</p>
<p>Any deeper, is more difficult to achieve nearly perfect results/alignment.</p>
<p>NOTE: I drill my pilot holes 1/16'' deeper than the dowel engagement depth, so as to provide space at the bottom of the hole for the access glue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fluted/grooved dowels, are the best choice---</p>
<p>(make or buy)---</p>
<p>the leading edge of the dowels needs to be chamfered.</p>
<p>An adequate amount of glues needs to be in the joined hole, so that when clamping pressure is applied,</p>
<p>the glue will exit thru the grooves on the dowels, for stronger joinery.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On several occasions, I've had to drill holes, for doweled joinery, using a hand drill or powered drill.</p>
<p>For this use, I mounted a ''bubble'' on the top end of my drill.</p>
<p>Keep an eye on bubble, so it remains in the center of the vial, while drilling.</p>
<p>(I do have one power drill, that is factory fitted with a bubble on the top of the drill and a level on the top surface---VERY handy feature).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>BISCUIT JOINERY:</p>
<p>Much easier, simpler and faster over doweled joinery.</p>
<p>All one needs in a biscuit plate joiner and some biscuits.</p>
<p>Follow the manufactures directions and have at it.</p>
<p>Biscuit joiners are available from $100 and on up.</p>
<p>A $100 model will suffice for the occasional DIY projects, for 3/4" thick lumber stock.</p>
<p>For joining 1/2" thick stock, this requires more skill and a more precise biscuit slot cutter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Biscuit slots can be done on a table router, using the appropriate cutting tools.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>NOTE:</p>
<p>Since investing in the KREG pocket hole joinery tools, I seldom use dowels.</p>
<p>Unless, under some special circumstances; such as making/repairing small cross-section items, where</p>
<p>a pocket hole will not work, then I use dowels/wood pins.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br/> <cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A205152&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment206247"><div>Not sure Ken. I am not an expert woodworker by any means. I have never tried biscuits. I have used dowels on a lot of projects with much success. What are your thoughts on the differences?<br/> <br/><br/><blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A201775&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment201775"></blockquote>
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</blockquote> Not sure Ken. I am not an ex…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-02:2900167:Comment:2062472011-05-02T02:08:01.669ZMike McGuirehttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/MikeMcGuire
Not sure Ken. I am not an expert woodworker by any means. I have never tried biscuits. I have used dowels on a lot of projects with much success. What are your thoughts on the differences?<br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Ken Darga said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A201775&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment201775"><div><p>Why does one choose dowels over biscuit joinery?</p>
<p>Advantages: _ _ _</p>
<p>Disadvantages: _ _…</p>
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</blockquote>
Not sure Ken. I am not an expert woodworker by any means. I have never tried biscuits. I have used dowels on a lot of projects with much success. What are your thoughts on the differences?<br/>
<br/>
<cite>Ken Darga said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A201775&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment201775"><div><p>Why does one choose dowels over biscuit joinery?</p>
<p>Advantages: _ _ _</p>
<p>Disadvantages: _ _ _</p>
</div>
</blockquote> Gary, I use Dowelmax. I like…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-02:2900167:Comment:2062462011-05-02T02:05:35.056ZMike McGuirehttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/MikeMcGuire
Gary, I use <a href="http://www.dowelmax.com/" target="_blank">Dowelmax</a>. I like it a lot. <br></br>
<br></br>
<cite>Gary roofner said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A201775&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment200286"><div>What dowel jig do you use Mike<br></br><br></br><cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite><blockquote><div>I don't know if there is any advantage but I typically do as you describe above - every other one in the opposite…</div>
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Gary, I use <a href="http://www.dowelmax.com/" target="_blank">Dowelmax</a>. I like it a lot. <br/>
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<cite>Gary roofner said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-tops?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A201775&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2900167Comment200286"><div>What dowel jig do you use Mike<br/><br/><cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite><blockquote><div>I don't know if there is any advantage but I typically do as you describe above - every other one in the opposite direction and it worked really well. I usually use dowels as well which is probably overkill but makes it even stronger.</div>
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</blockquote> Thanks for your replies......…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-01:2900167:Comment:2051522011-05-01T14:39:47.954ZLarry Younghttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/LarryYoung
<p>Thanks for your replies....... I have been alternating the pockets in opposing directions as a matter of routine.... It may or may not make any difference .....but it can't hurt either. I have also been putting a thin layer of glue on as well ( thanks Ken). I can't believe how nicely the boards come together using this jig !! I'll try and snap a couple of pics as I go along and after I'm done I'll try and figure out how to attach them to this discussion.....…</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies....... I have been alternating the pockets in opposing directions as a matter of routine.... It may or may not make any difference .....but it can't hurt either. I have also been putting a thin layer of glue on as well ( thanks Ken). I can't believe how nicely the boards come together using this jig !! I'll try and snap a couple of pics as I go along and after I'm done I'll try and figure out how to attach them to this discussion..... lol</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Larry</p> Why does one choose dowels ov…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-01:2900167:Comment:2017752011-05-01T11:47:49.982ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Why does one choose dowels over biscuit joinery?</p>
<p>Advantages: _ _ _</p>
<p>Disadvantages: _ _ _</p>
<p>Why does one choose dowels over biscuit joinery?</p>
<p>Advantages: _ _ _</p>
<p>Disadvantages: _ _ _</p> What dowel jig do you use Mik…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-01:2900167:Comment:2002862011-05-01T04:34:09.007ZGary roofnerhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/Garyyroofner
What dowel jig do you use Mike<br/><br/><cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite>
<blockquote><div>I don't know if there is any advantage but I typically do as you describe above - every other one in the opposite direction and it worked really well. I usually use dowels as well which is probably overkill but makes it even stronger.</div>
</blockquote>
What dowel jig do you use Mike<br/><br/><cite>Mike McGuire said:</cite>
<blockquote><div>I don't know if there is any advantage but I typically do as you describe above - every other one in the opposite direction and it worked really well. I usually use dowels as well which is probably overkill but makes it even stronger.</div>
</blockquote> You know, I'm just starting…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-05-01:2900167:Comment:1974642011-05-01T02:09:30.608ZSkipper Smithhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/SkipperSmith
<p> You know, I'm just starting out with this woodworking stuff myself. </p>
<p>But that sounds a bit logical to me. If you <strong>do</strong> decide to stagger the pockets,</p>
<p>let us know how that works out.</p>
<p> You know, I'm just starting out with this woodworking stuff myself. </p>
<p>But that sounds a bit logical to me. If you <strong>do</strong> decide to stagger the pockets,</p>
<p>let us know how that works out.</p>