Used the HD yet?

[Larry Crouse]

I've not purchased one yet but was looking to see others results so far..

[Troy]

Here's my first experience using the HD bad boy.

This is my first wood project which, like most amateurs, is my first work bench. It's a heavy duty style bench, with the top being made from 4 pieces of mdf. To reinforce the mdf, the plans called for using 1.5" pieces of pine glued around the edges. And while the plans didn't call for it, I thought this would be a perfect use for the HD. So while I was a little nervous about doing something that wasn't part of the work bench plans, I'm really glad I did because it worked out great.

Here's some photos of the project:

Here's the bench. The table top is made of 4 pieces of mdf which are about 3.5" thick altogether. At this stage it's upside down. So after I sand and stain the bottom, I'll flip it over and then secure it to the rest of the bench.

Here's a shot of the pocket holes. Like I said, this was something I wasn't sure about doing because, the plans didn't call for it, it was my first wood project, and my actual first use of the HD. I was really happy when it worked out like it did. :)

This was my one and only issue. User error caused an mdf blowout in one of the holes. I had my drill clutch set at 17 thinking the material could handle it. I learned you really have to be careful with mdf. (my apologies if the damage is hard to see in the photo)

Okay, so there is my first use of the HD. And my opinion about the whole experience is that the HD is a well designed, and incredibly useful tool. It's rock solid and, for an amateur like me, was very easy to use right out of the box. Oh and be sure to have plenty of screws on hand. I was having so much fun using the jig, that I think I used more screws then I needed to. lol

-- Cheers!

[Jim Gordon]

Very nice bench!

[Troy]

Thanks Jim! Ditto on your playhouse my friend. And your granddaughters have cool taste because I dig that wild color scheme. :)

[Betrice Hovey]

Woodcraft had a special event "poker run" on Saturday and Kreg HD was a featured presentation and I went with the purchase in mind.  I  got 15% off both the jig and screws.  My project is to build a chicken shed for the girls!   Probably will put it together in a few weeks and will submit photos.