The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Project Book

[Daris R.]

I don't believe in reviewing or giving opinions on woodworking books unless you can legitimately say you've built at least a couple of items from the book. I've completed the end tables in this book, and currently I'm working on the framed mirror project. Now that I have presented my only credentials, and gotten that out-of-the-way; I have to say that I really enjoyed this book!  If you're newer to the Kreg Jig you'll definitely enjoy it!

Danny Proulx is the author of this book and he has done a great job assembling real world projects. As a new Kreg Jig owner it was great to find a list of projects that I could pick from using the jig that would teach me how to properly use the tool. Not only did it show how to use the tool, it showed ways to use it that I would have never thought possible. One example was to edge join boards without glue up, no biscuits, or any dowels. Using pocket holes worked great, and it will definitely be a trick that I use in the future. The author includes an index and a list of suppliers in the book. Which is always a big help when building projects from a book.

The book includes 11 projects that you can build:

• Basic Cabinet
• Tall Bookcase
• Quilt rack
• Window Bench
• Chest of Drawers
• Kitchen Display and Storage Cabinet
• Coffee and End Tables
• Sofa or Hall Table
• Framed Mirror
• Pendulum Wall Clock
• Child's Wall Clock

My only criticism is that I believe the author prefers the style of showing some of the Kreg pocket holes, and then finishing them with inserts of a different style of wood to accent the piece. It may have been the authors motive to simply demonstrate that it's an option, but for the life of me I can't imagine why anyone would prefer that style of finishing.

If you're interested in checking this book out; Amazon has it for a very reasonable price. I'll include a clickable link at the bottom of this article if you want to see more about it. 

You can also check out more info at my other site woodlogger.com

The Pocket Hole Drilling Jig Project Book (Popular Woodworking)

[Tom Schultz]

I'm in the process of building the chest of drawers from this book. Made a couple minor changes to the plan, and I'm going to do Shaker style raised panel drawer faces for a bit of a different look. Building it out of Baltic birch plywood. So far, it's turning out great. I'll post photos when I'm done.

[Ken Darga]

Book 1, is very good.

It describes pocket hole joinery very well.

One just has to peruse it---

make their first joints on practice pieces---

then proceed with making projects.

Kreg pocket hole joinery makes it very simple and easy,

for the beginner wood worker,

and as well as the skilled wood worker.

If one can cut wood, drill a hole and drive-in a screw,

the rest comes will practice.

Most will learn the most, ''by doing''.

[David Roberts]

It is a good book and helps to point out the different possibilities with pocket hole joinery. I'd like to see a volume 2. Although with more and more free plans available online, not sure how much a second book would sell.

[David Roberts]

Showing off the joint does display a bit of craftmanship. Don't think it is "stupid".  Utilizing different wood plugs helps to make projects unique and instills pride in one's work. Also don't think of it as a "beginner joint".  True, beginners may utilize this joint as an intro into woodworking.  But skilled cabinet makers utilize this joint as well. Also saw an episode of woodsmith shop where they talked about pocket hole joinery for the entire episode.  Wouldn't call them beginners.

[RCW]

Just like why anybody wants to show off any kind of joinery I guess. It's all stupid and that includes dovetail and finger joints. A joint is only good for one thing and that is joining wood together. Since pocket joinery is sort of a beginner type of joint you are right to question showing it off.