What do I need to get started?

[Shelia Norris]

I'm in the process of looking for my first Kreg jig (I got another brand - it was cheaper & I sincerely regret the purchase) and am very confused by all the different products available, so I'm coming to the experts. 

Realistically, which products should a beginning woodworker get to have a good start and to be able to actually use the jig to its best degree.  I plan to use it for everything from drawers to a sewing armoire I have my eye on.  I've already created some drawers with the other jig so I guess I'm not a total beginner.

[Dave Adshead]

My Ridgid corded drill no load speed is 2,700 RPM and makes a nice clean hole. The other thing to remember is that when you drill the hole is that do not push the drill all the way to the end in one plunge. You need to plunge in and out a few times to keep the hole clean. I also use the vacuum hose adapter.

[Shelia Norris]

No, this is strictly for personal use, but who knows?

Jayme Hennek said:

I would start with the K4 unless you are going to do some commercial jointery then you might need a larger set

[Shelia Norris]

It looks like something the Imperial Stormtroopers used in "Star Wars".  Of course, their's were boring black.  But seriously, thank you for the suggestion.  I think I saw something like it at Home Depot, I'll check it out.

Dave Adshead said:

My Ridgid corded drill no load speed is 2,700 RPM and makes a nice clean hole. The other thing to remember is that when you drill the hole is that do not push the drill all the way to the end in one plunge. You need to plunge in and out a few times to keep the hole clean. I also use the vacuum hose adapter.

[Gio]

I am a beginner wood worker and I purchased theKreg K$MS Kreg Jig Master System and 674 Screw package deal and I would say that it is a good start. I would like to know what drill to buy. Can you buy a good corded clutched drill or do you need both the corded and cordless for the screwws themselves.

 

Thank you

Dave Adshead said:

If you have the budget, I recommend the K4 Kit. After my first project I purchased a corded drill that is over 2000 rpm for drilling. Kreg recommends it and I now know why. Less tear out and more control!  I use my cordless clutched drill for putting the screws in. Good luck.

[John Schaben]

Hi Gio - Both is best, especially just starting. No corded drill I know of is clutched so it is easy to over drive the screws. If the budget doesn't allow both, you can get on with just the cordless. The lower rpm just means the holes aren't cut as cleanly as they could be. Conversely, If you develop a good touch, there is no reason not to drive the screws with a corded drill. I routinely use my impact to drive the screws but wouldn't recommend that to anyone starting their first project.

Gio said:

I am a beginner wood worker and I purchased theKreg K$MS Kreg Jig Master System and 674 Screw package deal and I would say that it is a good start. I would like to know what drill to buy. Can you buy a good corded clutched drill or do you need both the corded and cordless for the screwws themselves.

 

Thank you

Dave Adshead said:

If you have the budget, I recommend the K4 Kit. After my first project I purchased a corded drill that is over 2000 rpm for drilling. Kreg recommends it and I now know why. Less tear out and more control!  I use my cordless clutched drill for putting the screws in. Good luck.

[Dave Adshead]

Hi GIO: I already had a cordless drill when I purchased my high speed corded drill so I now can set the corded drill for drilling and the cordless for putting the screws in. You can use the High speed drill clutched drill for both operations. When you switch from drilling to putting the screws in you MUST make sure that you adjust your clutch setting to an extremely low setting. If you forget this step you most likely will strip the hole or in softwood end up going too deep.

[John Schaben]

Not sure what that means... you have a corded drill with a clutch????

Dave Adshead said:

Hi GIO: I already had a cordless drill when I purchased my high speed corded drill so I now can set the corded drill for drilling and the cordless for putting the screws in.

?You can use the High speed drill clutched drill for both operations.?

When you switch from drilling to putting the screws in you MUST make sure that you adjust your clutch setting to an extremely low setting. If you forget this step you most likely will strip the hole or in softwood end up going too deep.

 

[Mike Kahle]

The new toolbox setup with the master and the clamps and screw is actually a real good deal, just wished they had it when I first got into kreg... and they need to add a few other things to it...

As for drills, if it is a budget thing, I recommend the cheap black and decker firestorm 18v drill. it is variable speed and works great, plus it isnt an arm and a leg to replace the batteries... either around christmas or new year I will always find a drill or a small combo package on sale for around 50-60 dollars and will buy it. I get two new batteries and an extra drill and whatever else is packaged in the combo kit. right now I have 2 flash lights a stud finder 3 drills and 2 circular saws.... and a stack of batteries good and bad... I do recommend that if you do go with a B&D firestorm drill, buy the after market B&D charger. it is better than the one that comes with the drills and combo sets, it doesnt over charge and will trickle charge when the battery is full, where the one that comes with the drills will over charge and kill the batteries. They also make a radio with a charger built into too, have one and works well but I dont trust that it will not over charge. So I use the after marker charger only.

[steve kidd]

shelia, you asked what you needed to get started. did you mean tools other than kreg? i would get a good miter saw and a good table saw. also get a cordless drill, dont mess with a corded one, but get a 18 volt or larger. also get the face clamp and 90 deg clamp and a couple 3 foot bar clamps. a speed square is also a good tool to have. and get lots of screws, you will use many more screws than you think you will. i get mine from amazon by the 1000 box, much cheaper in the long run. if you are planning on using mainly 3/4 inch stock just get the 1 1/4 screws, fine or corase thread depends on the wood you will be using. hope this helps, if not contact me and i will try to help out as much as i can.

[Shelia Norris]

It looks like I have most of the tools needed for this, I just need the Kreg jig, clamps, and a proper drill.  I want to thank everyone for answering this question for me.  I'm sure there are lots of new users and new woodworkers out there who will be helped by this post. 

[Dave Adshead]

Good luck. Just remember when purchasing a drill it must be rated at 2000 RPM or faster.

[Reys]

First thing first, you need to know what project you want to construct. After that, only then you will know which materials is suitable and what tools you need to have for your project. You can't just choose any kind of materials and you can't just buy any tools. You MUST know and understand what you are building. Have a review at http://shedplan-woodworkingguide.blogspot.com/