Kreg screw vs biscuits

[Bob Dahlberg]

OK, I am new to Kreg--got a kit for Christmas from my daughter.  My usual practice in joining 1" boards, edge to edge, was using #20 biscuits and glue, which has been satisfactory  so far.  What is advantage  of Kreg system?

[Kerry Drake]

Well, you don't need to use clamps, so its faster.  I think its easier than biscuts myself, but I have used both within the last 2 months.

[Jens Jensen]

With biscuits there really is no wiggle  room form alignment ,I no that for a factor.

[Rick]

This is both good and bad.  Biscuits align well up-and-down, and that is their strength.   Biscuits also allow side-to-side movements which really helps to speed up assembly.  At times I have used both biscuits and pocket holes, alternating them every 3-6 inch, using biscuits for alignment and pocket screws for clamping. 

I think it is great to have both options.  Years ago, all I had was dowels. 

The biggest strengths of pocket screws are the ability to screw across the grain for strength, and not to need to clamp and wait while the glue sets up.

Jens Jensen said:

With biscuits there really is no wiggle room for alignment

[Bob Dahlberg]

Thanks.  I would like to look at the link.  I am now in process of building 4 poker tables, somewhat modeled after the one I posted on this service.  My poker buddies want them.  Most difficult part is getting a tabletop, glued and TRUE.  Email address is [e-mail].

[Denny de Baltz]

If you're building the octagon style poker table I would go with the Kreg Jig, that way you don't have to be so creative with getting good solid clamping pressure at odd angles. You could probably build an octagon with in a half an hour of making your cuts and be ready to move on to the next stage instead of waiting in a mass production situation you are finding yourself in.

[Bob Dahlberg]

Best response I received--you hit the nail on the head (is that a woodworker's cliche?) when you mentioned the most difficult task of clamping the octagonal surfaces of the table.    Thank you.  Bob

Denny de Baltz said:

If you're building the octagon style poker table I would go with the Kreg Jig, that way you don't have to be so creative with getting good solid clamping pressure at odd angles. You could probably build an octagon with in a half an hour of making your cuts and be ready to move on to the next stage instead of waiting in a mass production situation you are finding yourself in.

[Richard Sands]

Colonel,

I am also new to the Kreg system.  I have found good information in the Kreg K3 Manual.  Kreg is revising it into a K4 Manual but I do not see that online yet.  So, I suggest looking at the Kreg K3 Manual most of which applies to the K4 http://www.rockler.com/tech/RTD10000075AC.pdf 

Your poker table is great.  For the ones which you are going to build, I think you could use Kreg edgejoining and edgebanding and other applications and techniques.

Semper Fi!

[Denny de Baltz]

Bob, I'm glad my comment was of used to you! Good luck and post pictures of all your progress if you can find the time to do so!