I don't participate in anything remotely similar to what was demonstrated in this video, yet I sat here and watched the entire thing. THAT is the value of good presentation and production. Great video sir! Thank you for sharing.
@@myratsalad The strength test. It's buggered. Type of wood, glue, screw, etc. ... so many other variables exist to make a blanket statement regarding which method is better. In the majority of situations it is the wood species that determines what methods are better ... the best method, varies, between wood species.
I did not expect to watch 18 min of this, but I have absolutely no regrets. The presentation is so engaging and lively, with real passion and professionalism, and the southpark style animation makes it perfect.
I teach for a living and you do an amazing job conveying information with both your demonstrations and explanations. The added humor never hurts and your pace is excellent. Thanks for posting this!
I love this guy! He's like a favorite mentor who has in-depth knowledge on about any subject. He keeps things interesting and flowing well, not bogged down with any extra talking just to hear himself talk like so many others. I hope his channel continues to grow and reach a very wide audience like it deserves.
👍 Yeah, you've nailed it there, fella. (groan 😣) *So many* video producers / instructors / presenters do that over-emoting thing, or waffling because they think we need to hear their internal dialogue, or going off-topic, or repeating themselves instead of simply explaining the task - and then performing the task. Each of these these habits, make for a poor video guide. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds these habits tedious, distracting, confusing or 'all of the above'! Nick gets it right. 🙂
What I like about pocket hole joinery is that it gets new people interested in and started on building wooden things. Once they are comfortable building those things, they might progress into stronger and more traditional joinery. Dowels, dovetails, mortises, etc. They buy a palm router and a basic bit set. They try rabbets, tongue in groove joints, and so forth. They add equipment as their wallet, interest, and skill level increases. Few have a six-figure income, and few of those who do have a small acreage where they can put up an insulated, climate-controlled 20x40 building with all mod cons for heirloom- level, production-rate woodworking.
Agreed. Pocket holes are non-threatening to newbies because it's so easy to get accurate alignment. Other forms of joinery may be stronger, and more durable, but they either require skills that new woodworkers don't yet have or equipment they don't want to buy.
@ Dowels require a bit more accuracy than pocket holes, you have to make the same holes in both pieces in exactly the same spot. Pocket hole is just line up and drill once.
2 года назад+8
@@TH3C4NN4BL3C0W Thanks! All my experience with dowels is from putting IKEA furniture together, and there all the hard work has already been done.
Pocket holes were what got me into woodworking. I was building a stand for some homebrew equipment and ran across the kreg pocket hole jig at home depot. It wasn't very expensive, so I picked it up and was amazed at how simple and elegant it was. From there I started looking into other joints and now I have a full woodshop. I'd say it was my gateway to a whole world of woodworking.
I've been using pocket holes since I started this hobby about 5 years ago. And they, basically, work fine. But .... this is the best explanation I've ever seen for them. You are an amazing teacher. Happy new year to you and yours.
I knew nothing about pocket holes, watched this video out of curiosity and walked away feeling like a graduate. Detailed and seamless. Probably the best workshop/DIY video I have ever come across.
My upvote goes for “informal experiment” and “to make it look scientific”. This is exactly what it is. And honestly said, in contrast to so many videos. And yet, the video is very useful. Thank you!
In the past I have spent many years watching “ New Yankee Workshop”, and thinking what a legend Norm Abram is. Today I watched this video, and have found my new Norm. Exceptionally informative, and excellently presented, by a man who obviously knows , and loves his trade. Thank you.
Great discussion thank you. As someone who has used pocket hole jigs for over a decade, my experience has always been good. I use them to build several kitchens and cabinet assemblies. But something I'd like to add is if you alternate screws from both sides of the board it is an extremely strong joint. I used that method on an outdoor bench made of walnut, and it's held together for 10 years with only four pocket screws in each leg, toed in. Those jigs are amazing.
This is very similar to an old method used by master furnituremakers to attach moldings to their pieces. They drove small brads at alternating angles, effectively hooking the parts together. This helped prevent the nail joints from pulling loose.
One thing someone would never want to do is to challenge your expertise. So I always look for your videos, the first thing when I turn on the computer. I appreciate the detail you present with each facet of the project you're dealing with. I think all good carpenters endeavor not only to know how to do joint or other techniques but why we do things in a certain way. I always learn more than I am willing to admit to, even though I have been in construction on large and small projects for a long, long time. Thank You.
this came out of nowhere on my feed but the presentation.. the tone, the examples. the Freaken crazy editing! And the simple yet straight forward information on things.. it's sooo good!! i love this dude's enthusiasm it's like as if i'm watching tv from the 1990's when educational shows or vhs cassets we're good in it's simplicity and how it was produce. i got such a nostalgic feeling out of this video. This is awesome! im so happy people like you exist in the world. can't wait to see more of your videos!
Excellent video Nick! One thing I would like to point out: Kreg states that you do NOT want the pilot hole to go through the end of the Pocket Board. I have been using a 3/32" bit with a 1/4" hex extension to ADD a pilot hole after clamping just before driving my screws. This has eliminated my splitting issues completely. However, I DO use the recommended depth of the pocket hole where the pocket bit from Kreg does not exit. This gives more structure to the Pilot Board so the head will not pull through under stress. Something to test in your copious amounts of spare time. LoL
There's a lot of woodworkers who seriously need to watch this episode. 1. Finally! Someone demonstrates and promotes the process of sizing end grain gluing as promoted by Tite Bond's own recommendations. I've seen all the videos a while ago saying how end grain gluing is quite strong, but I didn't see many of them actually size the end grain. 2. The drilling of the pilot hole to reduce potential for splitting is a no-brainer that intrigues me why it isn't included in kits or at least instructions.
You really are exceptionally good at explaining things. I always enjoy listening to you and I hope that you’re happy, safe and well. Thank you for being you! 😊
While I appreciate the sentiment, PBS does not have the global audience RUclips content creators do. And the tool companies who sponsor these programs have long since figured this out. There's a reason that there hasn't been a new woodworking show on PBS in twenty years.
@@WorkshopCompanion I certainly understand and agree. I guess what I was trying to convey is that I've never come across anyone on RUclips or elsewhere that is better at sharing knowledge and/or experience related to woodworking. I will be purchasing from your store to give back and show my appreciation. I have also already started sharing your channel with all of my woodworking buddies. I look forward to watching you reach 750,000 and then 1e6 subscribers. Thank you, sincerely, thank you!!
@@anthonybildhauser6412 And I do appreciate your feedback. We put a great deal of effort into the quality of our productions, operating on the theory that high quality will translate to viewership, subscriptions, and longevity. So far, it seems to be working.
this man reminds me of my old carpentry teacher from highschool. made learning fun, but shouldn't be underestimated as hes got a life time of experience in his field. i was really into that class too thus asked alot of oddly specific questions i swear that man always had an answer only told me to "quit over thinking it" a handful of times in the 4 years i was his student.
You sir are a national treasure. What I wouldn’t give to just sit with you and talk for hours over hot coffee. So rare nowadays to see teachers of your caliber. Thank you again.
Nick you are the Jedi Master of woodworking! I’m continually impressed by your expertise at unpacking and sharing so many layers of woodworking knowledge. I particularly appreciate you demonstrating the how and why without the use of expensive tools. I own a Castle Pocket hole machine and it is an excellent tool for cutting low angle/stronger pocket holes and the build in router cuts a really clean pocket hole. I used paste wax to minimize splitting with some success but not even considered drilling pilot holes as a better solution…. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Wonderful. I congratulate you. You go everything right, which is very difficult to do as evidenced my the numerous videos on RUclips that get it wrong. For example, you explained that beyond joint type, joint preparation and joint assembly (gluing)are a significant portion of strength. I also, liked how you demonstrated the alignment block to prevent drill press bit from deflecting down the face of the work piece. I hope people catch onto that tip. Perhaps a follow up video could discuss sheet goods? I find that pocket holes can be real problem solvers in this case particularly veneer core where a screw drive into the edge often splits or "mounds" the wood.
Thanks for saying. But the formula I use is as old as dirt and just as simple. Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em.
Full admission, I am most likely never gonna use this information for anything, I don't work with woodwork, I don't need to know anything about pocket holes, but it was without a doubt still a enjoyable and learning experience. Great content, keep it up! 10/10
Well done once again, Nick! A few observations I've made while visiting hundreds of cabinet shops and large cabinet manufacturers who make face frames: They don't use Kreg brand screws. Not only are they more expensive than the retail products from Kreg, but most of the production face frame screws have a smaller #6 screw shank and thread, with something approximating a #8 screw's head diameter. Also, the larger shops use fine threads for hardwood and coarse for softwood, as you mentioned, but custom shops will often use a hi-lo thread screw that's somewhat like an al-weather tire. I rarely see glue being applied to the pocket-screw stile and rail joints and I've never seen a shop that sizes the end grain. I'm not saying that it isn't a better method, it's just nothing I've ever observed. Also there's never a secondary predrilling. The Type-17 tips on the threads work fine because they ALWAYS build the face frames in a clamping table or fixture with pneumatic clamp rams over each joint, so the compression you mentioned is present. Another difference is that they usually use molding that has a 3/8" or 1/2" or 5/8" groove that houses the parts of the cabinet carcass. This makes installation of the face frame a quick and accurate glue and staple affair. Your tilting sub-table idea makes me happy to be a Shopsmith user! Scott
*Thank you very much for this very useful information!* *I don't understand your language, but I understand what you are doing and it improves my experience.* *Thanks again!* *Sincerely, Alexander CHEST'ER* 🤝
Click CC to turn on Subtitles/Closed Captions. Then click Settings ➡ Subtitles ➡ Auto-translate. Нажмите CC, чтобы включить субтитры/скрытые титры. Затем нажмите Настройки ➡ Субтитры ➡ Автоперевод.
You must be Russian. Some of the best woodworkers are in Russia. How are you? Glad to have you here. Вы, должно быть, русский. Некоторые из лучших столяров находятся в России. Как вы? Рад видеть вас здесь.
I never had the opportunity to see both my grandpa's. They both died way before I was born. But if I had the change to choose one, this guy rates highly. This clearness in explenation sooths me.
This was an amazing video. Honestly one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Deeply informative and just kinda jolly. Watching it felt like drinking hot chocolate
I have the massca m2 pro jig system. I prefer it over the mostly plastic kreg. Thank you for sharing about the pilot hole! I would hate to split and have to re-do any busted material. I always enjoy your videos, they're very informative and also comedic.
I can't believe I understand all of this. 1st time homeowner,. Never cared about wood working before, but have suddenly found it interesting. Learning to do things for myself, so first time doing this.
I'm a newbie to wood working. For my 2nd project, I just started building night stands today the plans call for pocket screws. I have the jig, but after watching this video, I've decided to just glue everything up. I'm sure the glued up night stand will be strong enough to hold my alarm clock, phone and a couple books and writing utensils without pocket screws. Thanks for this video. Very helpful.
Somehow, you are the only channel explaining this topic this clearly. I have a project I am using pocket holes to join and now it has been completely transformed. Excellent job, good sir, you have a new subscriber.
I love the way you explain things! You go over all the necessary details, including clearly naming the parts to be sure there's no miscommunication. Plus you're fun to watch! I like you.
You are the first one to talk about pre-drilling for pocket holes. I keep cracking white oak, even with fine threaded screws and couldn't find any source on pre-drilling. This was not overly pedantic. Your video was incredibly informative and helpful. Thank you.
I can consider myself a advanced woodworker who does from custom cabinetry to marquetry and carving and yet i feel like a student when i watch your videos , very informative and entertaining , i wish i had a tutor like you in my early years when i began working with wood , and i still would attend your classes even today , thank you for your effort and the time for making these educational videos ❤
Very helpful. Thanks for covering the importance of a pilot hole. The benefits & necessity of pilot holes don’t magically disappear or become unnecessary with pocket hole joinery. Just as you described, 5 out of 5 pocket screws driven into a hard wood face frame without drilling a pilot hole will lead to starting over building the face frame. Much better to take an extra minute to drill a pilot hole than to waste material, especially at today’s prices. Instead of “overexplained” per your title, it might read “properly explained.” Bravo & thank you.
Dear Mr. Engler. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I greatly appreciate your videos. Your presentation style is terrific and your content is most useful. I am a self-taught woodworker ( thanks to yourself and others on RUclips ) and your years of experience have a worth beyond measure. Please keep the tutorials coming. Cheers and good health! Robert C.
Wow! _Really_ impressed by your work, Nick. 👏 I'm a teacher, and not much of a woodworker - I'm not even a Woodwork/'shop' teacher. So, it's the steps we're taken through, that I like most: they're _intuitive!_ • Set the context. • Pose a question. • Clarify the terminology. • Describe, then perform the activity, step by step - *not too slow* to bore experts - *not too fast* to confuse newbies (or folk with a non-English language background). • Explain technical aspects along the way. • Repeat the activity. • Consider the results. (Now I read over this, it has elements of the scientific method - which underlines why I think Nick's approach is excellent. 🙂) It's easy to whiz through some steps, and easy to throw jargon around - and both of these habits are common in many other how-to channels.
I very much appreciate your kind words and analysis, but I'm not sure all that goes through my head when I prepare a script for a video. As I said to another viewer, my teaching method can be described in three short phrases: Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em; tell 'em; tell 'em what you told 'em.
Woodworking is actually my job! I've see many people on the internet using pocketholes, and i was really curious. You explained it very well! Since we make everything with machines, our main joint is the dowel. We even drill all the holes on a cnc. With regular cabinets for kitchens and custom living room cabinets where the screws will be hidden, we even use dowels without glue for alignment, and then just screw them together.
I first tried pocket hole joinery about 15 or 16 years ago. I was assembling a toy box for my new-born niece when it dawned on me that I had built the whole box using stub tenon joinery. That's fine for most furniture, but a toy box may be subjected to "extreme" conditions. I had seen pocket holes advertised and thought I would give them a try. I drilled pockets holes (right thru the tenons) on the inside faces, applied glue and clamped the assembly until everything was tight. I was surprised when more glue squeezed out as the screws were tightened. The toy box is still together today. Thanks for another informative, entertaining video.
I've done several workshop and kitchen cabinet installations using pocket holes for the face frames with no issues, but the frames of built-in cabinets don't have a lot of severe loads or stresses. The toybox story is surprising; thanks for sharing.
It's easy to see that you're a very skilled tutor. This is so well explained that it's like you're covering all of the important points in a textbook for an exam. Amazing video and instruction. 10/10 I've done 7 years of further education and you're as good as any lecturer I've come across.
Finally, someone talks about pilot holes for hardwood. Thank you! I'm new to woodworking and just couldn't find anything about whether you really don't need pilot holes when using a pocket hole jig. Now I know!
Wow, you're not funny, not animated, not even attractive, but I couldn't (didn't want to) stop watching your lesson on pocket joints. Truly a master teacher. You got my subscription.
Great info, as always. What I particularly like about your vids is the thoroughness of your instructions. Too frequently with others, my viewing experience amounts to "Wait. What?"
11:40 I suspected there would be a complication so I am happy I never bought that kit. Also, I prefer to buy decking screws that usually do not split pine and hold 500 pounds each, and also like using those cabinet screws. So far I am loving the Power Pro brand at Lowes, #9 3 inch box for $50, 2.5 inch and 1.5 inch all number 9 for pine, rare to split wood. I am showing everything I build.
I have spent a lot of time looking at the theory of different joining things by different methods and without doing anything. I thought this was THE BEST video and explained a lot of things properly making sense, as well as being accurate and concise.
Just started woodworking in the past few weeks after wanting to for a long time. I opened this video and was immediately ready for class! Nick just seems like he was made to teach about wood! I wish i could have had a shop class with Nick!
I have been building things like I used to build tree houses, no glue, and an excessive amount of screws and thick wide wood so it does not kill me. I think if I ever want to go for that better look I will buy the DeWalt biscuit. But I do hear that the biscuit does not hold weight well vertically versus a domino, but I have no idea what project requires vertical hanging with a joint.
Absolutely excellent video!! Being female & in my 60's, shop class was not an option we were allowed to take. So I really really appreciate the extra info. SUPER helpful! I remember when I started doing my own molding on a chop saw & trying to find out what a "Kerf" was & how to account for it... literally took me hours to find someone who talked about it. I want to attach a shelf type chair rail to my wall studs & kept thinking why am I not making a pilot hole for the screw tip into the stud? I know from awful experience that "self tapping" screws split wood BUT everything I kept seeing said no need or didn't talk about it. I used a pocket hole jig to attach extra framing around a door where there was no room to swing a hammer and no actual framing (it is a mobile.. don't ask *sigh*) it worked great. So I figured it would give the "shelf" chair rail a bit of extra strength. I installed picture rail into the studs and it holds a ton of weight so why not the chair rail? BUT I needed more of the actual physics of doing it & most videos don't show that. You did & it was presented very well in full details, excellent editing & a LOT of examples. BEST 18 mins I have spent in a long time!!
Thanks for that. I love the science of woodworking as well as the art. Spent years teaching "Wood as an Engineering Material" at the University of Cincinnati.
Thank you, Nick! We need more instructors like you with your experience! I relate, as you are my generation, and am enjoying woodworking in my retirement! Keep teaching us!!!
One of the best videos I've ever seen on RUclips. Keep up the good work sir. Mark Nicholson (Retired) Former, US Army - EFMB, Combat Medical Specialist
I just starting getting into carpentry and bought my first Kreg pocket joint jig. I just wanted a tutorial on how to use it properly but this is exactly what I needed. Great information!
I'm taking on a relatively large woodworking project with few resources and no prior experience. I need all the help I can get ... and this video helped give me a lot of the confidence I was missing. I'm feeling a lot better about the pocket joinery in my project now!
Just acquired a bunch of secondhand tools now that I'm moving to a place with a garage, and am excited to begin a new hobby. The best part, I think I found my Guru for questions now. Great, informative videos that broke it down super easy.
I've been using pocket holes for years and I though I knew everything there is to know about them. Until I watched your video. My main beef with PH's was that the joined board tends to move when you drive in the screws and cause the boards to not be flush. Clamping the boards on the bench while screwing does remedy this but unfortunately with some assemblies, it's impossible to clamp the boards firmly enough to stop them from moving (like in edge to face 90 degree joints for example). But your explanation of the lack of pilot holes and how to make them fixes that problem for good. Thank you very much Nick.
Awesome information I came through with your this video. Mostly people explain a lot but the demonstration you did with that encyclopedia on pocket hole joinery is a huge help for many of us who are gathering courage to finish some tasks around the house with some professional drive. Kudos to you for sharing that humongous information. You rock!!!
Excellent pocket hole information. Loved the presentation. Subscribed! Minor note at 7:55, the right arrow ( > or greater than) symbol should be the left arrow (< or less than) symbol.
Thanks for the video. Yesterday I preassembled a shelf using pocket holes, end to long grain, to hold the shelves. I planned to glue them later, but decided not to. Today, I think I'll add the glue. I have the Kreg clamping jig that makes it fast to drill holes, but when I join longer boards, I use the manual jig like you showed that requires a clamp and I put them in pigeon toed for more strength. For narrow boards, like my 3.5 inch shelves, I don't have room for putting them in at an angle from each other.
Good to see that you deal with metric on an equal footing rather than complain about it. I generally use inches and feet (because I'm an old fart) but I know I have to make adjustments with plywood. Really enjoy the channel and the plans I've bought so far have been pretty clear and easy to follow.
The global supply chain will eventually do for us what we don't seem to be able to do for ourselves -- convert us from fractionophiles to meterminds. Your comment concerning plywood is spot-on; we're no longer getting just 4' x 8' sheets, in many cases they're 1.25 m x 2.5 m. Bought a counterbore drill the other day that was clearly etched 3/8" right on the shank, but it miked at .3937" -- 10 mm. Thanks for your kind words.
I'm not sure why RUclips suggested I watch this video but I'm glad it did. I have used pocket holes on a bunch of different projects but I still learned a lot from this video. Someone told me about pocket holes one time so I ordered a kit but have almost no woodworking training aside from 9th grade shop class 25 years ago. I typically work with metal but occasionally I violate the sanctity of my metal shop by using some tree carcass and learned pretty quick that none of my welding equipment or techniques work on wood no matter how hard I tried so pocket holes and epoxy seems to be the easiest way to connect 2 pieces of wood together with the least amount of wood tools and be able to hide the evidence when making a frame.
What a great video!! Valuable information!! Some of the best woodworkers I’ve ever saw was during my deployment in Afghanistan in 04-05. This one guy in a small village in the Kandahar Province did everything by hand. No power tools whatsoever. Drilled holes with hand crank drill, saws etc!! It was a joy to watch him. But that village got hit pretty hard by the taliban because we were there and suffered a lot of casualties due to that! Love your videos man!!
Geez, who'd have known screwing some wood boards together could require so much knowledge. As a plumber I didn't care about carpentry, but now I have so much respect for it.
Sir, thank you for this. Most comprehensive video on this subject I’ve seen, while still being very entertaining. I wasn’t bored at all and for someone with adhd that a sign of a great teacher.
This guy is the shop teacher everyone wishes they had. Love the videos.
Thanks for the kind words.
yes, yes... I knew some of those words
I was just thinking that haha. Brilliantly presented!
Fr fr on God. This Boomer's pedagogy be bussin.
Unironically we had teachers like this, except very few kids actually paid attention. Shop was just monkey class with vice grips and lathes.
I don't participate in anything remotely similar to what was demonstrated in this video, yet I sat here and watched the entire thing. THAT is the value of good presentation and production. Great video sir! Thank you for sharing.
Exactly this!!
It also helps when the guy presenting looks like he's always on the edge of a major breakthrough lol
When someone who is ignorant of the subject proceeds to give praise before being skeptical. It's like there is no fruit such as the cherry.
@@myratsalad The strength test. It's buggered. Type of wood, glue, screw, etc. ... so many other variables exist to make a blanket statement regarding which method is better. In the majority of situations it is the wood species that determines what methods are better ... the best method, varies, between wood species.
@@ejrupp9555😂
I did not expect to watch 18 min of this, but I have absolutely no regrets. The presentation is so engaging and lively, with real passion and professionalism, and the southpark style animation makes it perfect.
Thanks for saying.
Exceptional explanation, loved every second. Truly a skilled tradesman and a skilled teacher
Thanks for the kind words.
Of all the woodworking channels, I like yours the best. You explain things really well. Thanks.
Most welcome.
I teach for a living and you do an amazing job conveying information with both your demonstrations and explanations. The added humor never hurts and your pace is excellent. Thanks for posting this!
Most welcome. I was a teacher once myself.
@@WorkshopCompanionyour doing a great job, new subscriber here
@@1deaver Thanks...and welcome!
@@WorkshopCompanion. Ok, I see. You were a teacher once, and now you're an extraordinary teacher.
ThanX for the highly educational videos.
@@senatorjosephmccarthy2720 Most welcome. University of Cincinnati, by the way. Taught wood as an engineering material.
I love this guy! He's like a favorite mentor who has in-depth knowledge on about any subject. He keeps things interesting and flowing well, not bogged down with any extra talking just to hear himself talk like so many others. I hope his channel continues to grow and reach a very wide audience like it deserves.
I second that.
👍 Yeah, you've nailed it there, fella. (groan 😣) *So many* video producers / instructors / presenters do that over-emoting thing,
or waffling because they think we need to hear their internal dialogue,
or going off-topic,
or repeating themselves instead of simply explaining the task - and then performing the task.
Each of these these habits, make for a poor video guide. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds these habits tedious, distracting, confusing or 'all of the above'!
Nick gets it right. 🙂
What I like about pocket hole joinery is that it gets new people interested in and started on building wooden things. Once they are comfortable building those things, they might progress into stronger and more traditional joinery. Dowels, dovetails, mortises, etc. They buy a palm router and a basic bit set. They try rabbets, tongue in groove joints, and so forth. They add equipment as their wallet, interest, and skill level increases. Few have a six-figure income, and few of those who do have a small acreage where they can put up an insulated, climate-controlled 20x40 building with all mod cons for heirloom- level, production-rate woodworking.
Wouldn't dowels also be really easy?
Agreed. Pocket holes are non-threatening to newbies because it's so easy to get accurate alignment. Other forms of joinery may be stronger, and more durable, but they either require skills that new woodworkers don't yet have or equipment they don't want to buy.
@ Dowels require a bit more accuracy than pocket holes, you have to make the same holes in both pieces in exactly the same spot. Pocket hole is just line up and drill once.
@@TH3C4NN4BL3C0W Thanks! All my experience with dowels is from putting IKEA furniture together, and there all the hard work has already been done.
Pocket holes were what got me into woodworking. I was building a stand for some homebrew equipment and ran across the kreg pocket hole jig at home depot. It wasn't very expensive, so I picked it up and was amazed at how simple and elegant it was. From there I started looking into other joints and now I have a full woodshop. I'd say it was my gateway to a whole world of woodworking.
I feel like a master of screwology now
The better explanation of the pocket hole technique just doesn't exist on a planet earth! Thank you!
I've been using pocket holes since I started this hobby about 5 years ago. And they, basically, work fine. But .... this is the best explanation I've ever seen for them. You are an amazing teacher. Happy new year to you and yours.
Thanks for saying -- and to you and yours as well.
I knew nothing about pocket holes, watched this video out of curiosity and walked away feeling like a graduate. Detailed and seamless. Probably the best workshop/DIY video I have ever come across.
Thanks for saying.
My upvote goes for “informal experiment” and “to make it look scientific”. This is exactly what it is. And honestly said, in contrast to so many videos.
And yet, the video is very useful. Thank you!
This may be the single most informative woodworking video I’ve ever seen. It’s like a masterclass in pocket holes. Thanks so much!
Most welcome.
In the past I have spent many years watching “ New Yankee Workshop”, and thinking what a legend Norm Abram is. Today I watched this video, and have found my new Norm. Exceptionally informative, and excellently presented, by a man who obviously knows , and loves his trade. Thank you.
Most welcome. And thanks for the kind words.
Great discussion thank you. As someone who has used pocket hole jigs for over a decade, my experience has always been good. I use them to build several kitchens and cabinet assemblies. But something I'd like to add is if you alternate screws from both sides of the board it is an extremely strong joint. I used that method on an outdoor bench made of walnut, and it's held together for 10 years with only four pocket screws in each leg, toed in.
Those jigs are amazing.
this is an interesting tip! I'll have to give it a try sometime!
This is very similar to an old method used by master furnituremakers to attach moldings to their pieces. They drove small brads at alternating angles, effectively hooking the parts together. This helped prevent the nail joints from pulling loose.
Wouuu! Finally, what I thought would never happen: somebody who really knows and… understands what he is talking about!!!
Congratulations!!!
One thing someone would never want to do is to challenge your expertise. So I always look for your videos, the first thing when I turn on the computer. I appreciate the detail you present with each facet of the project you're dealing with. I think all good carpenters endeavor not only to know how to do joint or other techniques but why we do things in a certain way. I always learn more than I am willing to admit to, even though I have been in construction on large and small projects for a long, long time. Thank You.
this came out of nowhere on my feed but the presentation.. the tone, the examples. the Freaken crazy editing! And the simple yet straight forward information on things.. it's sooo good!! i love this dude's enthusiasm
it's like as if i'm watching tv from the 1990's when educational shows or vhs cassets we're good in it's simplicity and how it was produce. i got such a nostalgic feeling out of this video. This is awesome! im so happy people like you exist in the world.
can't wait to see more of your videos!
Thanks for the kind words.
Excellent video Nick! One thing I would like to point out: Kreg states that you do NOT want the pilot hole to go through the end of the Pocket Board. I have been using a 3/32" bit with a 1/4" hex extension to ADD a pilot hole after clamping just before driving my screws. This has eliminated my splitting issues completely. However, I DO use the recommended depth of the pocket hole where the pocket bit from Kreg does not exit. This gives more structure to the Pilot Board so the head will not pull through under stress. Something to test in your copious amounts of spare time. LoL
Suggest you read my reply to David Powell; you'll find it interesting.
This channel is so wholesome. I adore it. You’re like the Bob Ross of woodworking.
Best pocket hole video on the internet. Thank you sir.
Most welcome.
There's a lot of woodworkers who seriously need to watch this episode.
1. Finally! Someone demonstrates and promotes the process of sizing end grain gluing as promoted by Tite Bond's own recommendations. I've seen all the videos a while ago saying how end grain gluing is quite strong, but I didn't see many of them actually size the end grain.
2. The drilling of the pilot hole to reduce potential for splitting is a no-brainer that intrigues me why it isn't included in kits or at least instructions.
Thanks for saying.
You really are exceptionally good at explaining things. I always enjoy listening to you and I hope that you’re happy, safe and well. Thank you for being you! 😊
Aw, shucks...(drags toe in sand)...;-)
Absolutely the best woodworking channel on the internet. Nick should have his own show on PBS. I'm surprised no one had picket him up.
While I appreciate the sentiment, PBS does not have the global audience RUclips content creators do. And the tool companies who sponsor these programs have long since figured this out. There's a reason that there hasn't been a new woodworking show on PBS in twenty years.
@@WorkshopCompanion I certainly understand and agree. I guess what I was trying to convey is that I've never come across anyone on RUclips or elsewhere that is better at sharing knowledge and/or experience related to woodworking. I will be purchasing from your store to give back and show my appreciation. I have also already started sharing your channel with all of my woodworking buddies. I look forward to watching you reach 750,000 and then 1e6 subscribers. Thank you, sincerely, thank you!!
@@anthonybildhauser6412 And I do appreciate your feedback. We put a great deal of effort into the quality of our productions, operating on the theory that high quality will translate to viewership, subscriptions, and longevity. So far, it seems to be working.
this man reminds me of my old carpentry teacher from highschool. made learning fun, but shouldn't be underestimated as hes got a life time of experience in his field. i was really into that class too thus asked alot of oddly specific questions i swear that man always had an answer only told me to "quit over thinking it" a handful of times in the 4 years i was his student.
I like oddly specific questions. They tend to have actual answers.
You sir are a national treasure. What I wouldn’t give to just sit with you and talk for hours over hot coffee. So rare nowadays to see teachers of your caliber. Thank you again.
Most welcome, and thank you for the kind words.
I've done construction for 30+ yrs. What an excellent teacher and presenter you are. 😊
Thanks.
Nick you are the Jedi Master of woodworking! I’m continually impressed by your expertise at unpacking and sharing so many layers of woodworking knowledge. I particularly appreciate you demonstrating the how and why without the use of expensive tools. I own a Castle Pocket hole machine and it is an excellent tool for cutting low angle/stronger pocket holes and the build in router cuts a really clean pocket hole. I used paste wax to minimize splitting with some success but not even considered drilling pilot holes as a better solution…. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Most welcome.
I subscribed for the title alone.
Now I'll just have to watch the video. 😊
Wonderful. I congratulate you. You go everything right, which is very difficult to do as evidenced my the numerous videos on RUclips that get it wrong. For example, you explained that beyond joint type, joint preparation and joint assembly (gluing)are a significant portion of strength. I also, liked how you demonstrated the alignment block to prevent drill press bit from deflecting down the face of the work piece. I hope people catch onto that tip.
Perhaps a follow up video could discuss sheet goods? I find that pocket holes can be real problem solvers in this case particularly veneer core where a screw drive into the edge often splits or "mounds" the wood.
Thanks for saying. But the formula I use is as old as dirt and just as simple. Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em.
Full admission, I am most likely never gonna use this information for anything, I don't work with woodwork, I don't need to know anything about pocket holes, but it was without a doubt still a enjoyable and learning experience. Great content, keep it up! 10/10
Well done once again, Nick! A few observations I've made while visiting hundreds of cabinet shops and large cabinet manufacturers who make face frames: They don't use Kreg brand screws. Not only are they more expensive than the retail products from Kreg, but most of the production face frame screws have a smaller #6 screw shank and thread, with something approximating a #8 screw's head diameter. Also, the larger shops use fine threads for hardwood and coarse for softwood, as you mentioned, but custom shops will often use a hi-lo thread screw that's somewhat like an al-weather tire. I rarely see glue being applied to the pocket-screw stile and rail joints and I've never seen a shop that sizes the end grain. I'm not saying that it isn't a better method, it's just nothing I've ever observed. Also there's never a secondary predrilling. The Type-17 tips on the threads work fine because they ALWAYS build the face frames in a clamping table or fixture with pneumatic clamp rams over each joint, so the compression you mentioned is present. Another difference is that they usually use molding that has a 3/8" or 1/2" or 5/8" groove that houses the parts of the cabinet carcass. This makes installation of the face frame a quick and accurate glue and staple affair. Your tilting sub-table idea makes me happy to be a Shopsmith user! Scott
Hey Nick, DIGG just shared a link to this vid! Did you get a bump?
You are the only person I’ve ever seen that could make a 20 minute video about pocket holes so interesting. We must protect you at all costs lol.
*Thank you very much for this very useful information!*
*I don't understand your language, but I understand what you are doing and it improves my experience.*
*Thanks again!*
*Sincerely, Alexander CHEST'ER* 🤝
Click CC to turn on Subtitles/Closed Captions.
Then click Settings ➡ Subtitles ➡ Auto-translate.
Нажмите CC, чтобы включить субтитры/скрытые титры.
Затем нажмите Настройки ➡ Субтитры ➡ Автоперевод.
Your English usage to comment was pretty good for not understanding english.
@@moos5221 "...for die not..."?
@@Mavrik9000 fixed, ty, no clue how that word got in there
You must be Russian. Some of the best woodworkers are in Russia. How are you? Glad to have you here.
Вы, должно быть, русский. Некоторые из лучших столяров находятся в России. Как вы? Рад видеть вас здесь.
I never had the opportunity to see both my grandpa's. They both died way before I was born.
But if I had the change to choose one, this guy rates highly.
This clearness in explenation sooths me.
What a great teacher.
Thanks.
I don't know why the RUclips recommendation algorithm decided to show me this video, but it's wonderful and I"m glad I'm here.
This was an amazing video. Honestly one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Deeply informative and just kinda jolly. Watching it felt like drinking hot chocolate
I should tell my wife what you said. She rolls drunks in the park to support her Godiva habit.
Yep. Thought I was gonna watch some and put it in my list to finish later. I just couldn't click away. I'll be back for more videos.
I have the massca m2 pro jig system. I prefer it over the mostly plastic kreg. Thank you for sharing about the pilot hole! I would hate to split and have to re-do any busted material. I always enjoy your videos, they're very informative and also comedic.
Thanks for saying.
I can't believe I understand all of this. 1st time homeowner,. Never cared about wood working before, but have suddenly found it interesting. Learning to do things for myself, so first time doing this.
I thought this was going to be a joke that RUclips recommended to me but now I just wanna take shop
I'm a newbie to wood working. For my 2nd project, I just started building night stands today the plans call for pocket screws. I have the jig, but after watching this video, I've decided to just glue everything up. I'm sure the glued up night stand will be strong enough to hold my alarm clock, phone and a couple books and writing utensils without pocket screws. Thanks for this video. Very helpful.
Most welcome.
that hammer twirl. i trust this man w my life.
Your attention to every detail and thorough concise explanations are magnificent. Enjoy every video you make immensely.
Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks Nick. I think pocketholes are strongest when the screws are in sheer and weakest in the direction with the screws in tension.
Nick hits the centroid of factual information, entertainment, easy to understand, don't_waste_my_time perfectly.
Yay ! Proper teaching!
Somehow, you are the only channel explaining this topic this clearly. I have a project I am using pocket holes to join and now it has been completely transformed. Excellent job, good sir, you have a new subscriber.
Thank you...and welcome!
“We measures everything in kilograms to make everything look scientific” 😂
I love the way you explain things! You go over all the necessary details, including clearly naming the parts to be sure there's no miscommunication. Plus you're fun to watch! I like you.
Thanks. We try.
I hate holes in pockets 😬😂🍻
You are the first one to talk about pre-drilling for pocket holes. I keep cracking white oak, even with fine threaded screws and couldn't find any source on pre-drilling. This was not overly pedantic. Your video was incredibly informative and helpful. Thank you.
Glad to have been of help.
I will never see pocket holes the same 🙂
I can consider myself a advanced woodworker who does from custom cabinetry to marquetry and carving and yet i feel like a student when i watch your videos , very informative and entertaining , i wish i had a tutor like you in my early years when i began working with wood , and i still would attend your classes even today , thank you for your effort and the time for making these educational videos ❤
Your toning and diction is amazing. I wish there were more people on RUclips who talks their language properly.
Kind of you to say.
Never done woodworking. Never intend to. But by god if I didn't just watch this, because it's fascinating in its own right and you're just precious.
Thanks for the kind words.
Came across this video at random. The way he explains and shows you the topic is just so comprehensive. Outstanding sir. Subscribed!
Thank you...and welcome!
Very helpful. Thanks for covering the importance of a pilot hole. The benefits & necessity of pilot holes don’t magically disappear or become unnecessary with pocket hole joinery. Just as you described, 5 out of 5 pocket screws driven into a hard wood face frame without drilling a pilot hole will lead to starting over building the face frame. Much better to take an extra minute to drill a pilot hole than to waste material, especially at today’s prices. Instead of “overexplained” per your title, it might read “properly explained.” Bravo & thank you.
Most welcome...and thanks for the kind words.
Dear Mr. Engler. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I greatly appreciate your videos. Your presentation style is terrific and your content is most useful. I am a self-taught woodworker ( thanks to yourself and others on RUclips ) and your years of experience have a worth beyond measure. Please keep the tutorials coming. Cheers and good health! Robert C.
Thank you for those kind words.
Wow! _Really_ impressed by your work, Nick. 👏 I'm a teacher, and not much of a woodworker - I'm not even a Woodwork/'shop' teacher. So, it's the steps we're taken through, that I like most: they're _intuitive!_
• Set the context.
• Pose a question.
• Clarify the terminology.
• Describe, then perform the activity, step by step - *not too slow* to bore experts - *not too fast* to confuse newbies (or folk with a non-English language background).
• Explain technical aspects along the way.
• Repeat the activity.
• Consider the results.
(Now I read over this, it has elements of the scientific method - which underlines why I think Nick's approach is excellent. 🙂)
It's easy to whiz through some steps, and easy to throw jargon around - and both of these habits are common in many other how-to channels.
I very much appreciate your kind words and analysis, but I'm not sure all that goes through my head when I prepare a script for a video. As I said to another viewer, my teaching method can be described in three short phrases: Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em; tell 'em; tell 'em what you told 'em.
Woodworking is actually my job! I've see many people on the internet using pocketholes, and i was really curious. You explained it very well!
Since we make everything with machines, our main joint is the dowel. We even drill all the holes on a cnc.
With regular cabinets for kitchens and custom living room cabinets where the screws will be hidden, we even use dowels without glue for alignment, and then just screw them together.
I thought I knew how to use pocket holes but you taught me a lot more in this video. The best explanation I have seen.
Thanks.
I first tried pocket hole joinery about 15 or 16 years ago. I was assembling a toy box for my new-born niece when it dawned on me that I had built the whole box using stub tenon joinery. That's fine for most furniture, but a toy box may be subjected to "extreme" conditions. I had seen pocket holes advertised and thought I would give them a try. I drilled pockets holes (right thru the tenons) on the inside faces, applied glue and clamped the assembly until everything was tight. I was surprised when more glue squeezed out as the screws were tightened. The toy box is still together today. Thanks for another informative, entertaining video.
I've done several workshop and kitchen cabinet installations using pocket holes for the face frames with no issues, but the frames of built-in cabinets don't have a lot of severe loads or stresses. The toybox story is surprising; thanks for sharing.
It's easy to see that you're a very skilled tutor. This is so well explained that it's like you're covering all of the important points in a textbook for an exam. Amazing video and instruction. 10/10
I've done 7 years of further education and you're as good as any lecturer I've come across.
Those were vey kind words, much thanks.
stumbled across this in autoplay - and INSTANT subscribe. You are a great teacher, explainer, and so funny to boot! Keep up the great work
Must have watched over 20 videos on this topic but for the first time now, I understand the WHY of pocket holes
Truly a great teacher 👏🏼
Thanks.
Finally, someone talks about pilot holes for hardwood. Thank you! I'm new to woodworking and just couldn't find anything about whether you really don't need pilot holes when using a pocket hole jig. Now I know!
Glad to help.
Wow, you're not funny, not animated, not even attractive, but I couldn't (didn't want to) stop watching your lesson on pocket joints. Truly a master teacher. You got my subscription.
Excellent video! Great presentation. No fuss, no messing around. And jam-packed with accurate, useful information.
Thanks for saying.
Great info, as always. What I particularly like about your vids is the thoroughness of your instructions. Too frequently with others, my viewing experience amounts to "Wait. What?"
11:40 I suspected there would be a complication so I am happy I never bought that kit. Also, I prefer to buy decking screws that usually do not split pine and hold 500 pounds each, and also like using those cabinet screws. So far I am loving the Power Pro brand at Lowes, #9 3 inch box for $50, 2.5 inch and 1.5 inch all number 9 for pine, rare to split wood. I am showing everything I build.
I have spent a lot of time looking at the theory of different joining things by different methods and without doing anything. I thought this was THE BEST video and explained a lot of things properly making sense, as well as being accurate and concise.
Thanks for the feedback.
Just started woodworking in the past few weeks after wanting to for a long time. I opened this video and was immediately ready for class! Nick just seems like he was made to teach about wood! I wish i could have had a shop class with Nick!
Thanks for the kind words.
I have been building things like I used to build tree houses, no glue, and an excessive amount of screws and thick wide wood so it does not kill me. I think if I ever want to go for that better look I will buy the DeWalt biscuit. But I do hear that the biscuit does not hold weight well vertically versus a domino, but I have no idea what project requires vertical hanging with a joint.
Absolutely excellent video!! Being female & in my 60's, shop class was not an option we were allowed to take. So I really really appreciate the extra info. SUPER helpful! I remember when I started doing my own molding on a chop saw & trying to find out what a "Kerf" was & how to account for it... literally took me hours to find someone who talked about it. I want to attach a shelf type chair rail to my wall studs & kept thinking why am I not making a pilot hole for the screw tip into the stud? I know from awful experience that "self tapping" screws split wood BUT everything I kept seeing said no need or didn't talk about it. I used a pocket hole jig to attach extra framing around a door where there was no room to swing a hammer and no actual framing (it is a mobile.. don't ask *sigh*) it worked great. So I figured it would give the "shelf" chair rail a bit of extra strength. I installed picture rail into the studs and it holds a ton of weight so why not the chair rail? BUT I needed more of the actual physics of doing it & most videos don't show that. You did & it was presented very well in full details, excellent editing & a LOT of examples. BEST 18 mins I have spent in a long time!!
Thanks for that. I love the science of woodworking as well as the art. Spent years teaching "Wood as an Engineering Material" at the University of Cincinnati.
Thank you, Nick! We need more instructors like you with your experience! I relate, as you are my generation, and am enjoying woodworking in my retirement! Keep teaching us!!!
That's the plan.
One of the best videos I've ever seen on RUclips. Keep up the good work sir.
Mark Nicholson (Retired)
Former, US Army - EFMB,
Combat Medical Specialist
Thanks.
I just starting getting into carpentry and bought my first Kreg pocket joint jig. I just wanted a tutorial on how to use it properly but this is exactly what I needed. Great information!
Thanks for saying.
I have used pocket holes before. This is the best explanation of how to use them I ever saw. FINALLY I understand how to use them properly.
Thanks for saying.
I'm taking on a relatively large woodworking project with few resources and no prior experience. I need all the help I can get ... and this video helped give me a lot of the confidence I was missing. I'm feeling a lot better about the pocket joinery in my project now!
Glad to have been of help.
14:40 "Start the drill and bore the pockets slowly, giving the chips time to escape the carnage."
Get this man a Pulitzer.
I love your shorts, but it makes me so happy that you also make full length videos for more detail and examples.
Just acquired a bunch of secondhand tools now that I'm moving to a place with a garage, and am excited to begin a new hobby. The best part, I think I found my Guru for questions now. Great, informative videos that broke it down super easy.
I know absolutely nothing about woodwork but I still watched this whole video, the way you explain things is interesting and weirdly relaxing.
My wife often tells me I'm a good cure for insomnia.
Best woodoworking channel I've ever found. Literally taking notes every video this is dope 🙏
I've been using pocket holes for years and I though I knew everything there is to know about them. Until I watched your video. My main beef with PH's was that the joined board tends to move when you drive in the screws and cause the boards to not be flush. Clamping the boards on the bench while screwing does remedy this but unfortunately with some assemblies, it's impossible to clamp the boards firmly enough to stop them from moving (like in edge to face 90 degree joints for example). But your explanation of the lack of pilot holes and how to make them fixes that problem for good. Thank you very much Nick.
Glad to have been of help.
A master wood worker at work. Thank you.
Most welcome.
Awesome information I came through with your this video. Mostly people explain a lot but the demonstration you did with that encyclopedia on pocket hole joinery is a huge help for many of us who are gathering courage to finish some tasks around the house with some professional drive.
Kudos to you for sharing that humongous information.
You rock!!!
Thanks for the kind words.
Excellent pocket hole information. Loved the presentation. Subscribed! Minor note at 7:55, the right arrow ( > or greater than) symbol should be the left arrow (< or less than) symbol.
I only seen 2 minutes of this video and I already know that I love this guy.
Addicted to Nick’s videos. Better than all of the other woodworking content out there in RUclips land.
Aw, shucks...
Thanks for the video. Yesterday I preassembled a shelf using pocket holes, end to long grain, to hold the shelves. I planned to glue them later, but decided not to. Today, I think I'll add the glue.
I have the Kreg clamping jig that makes it fast to drill holes, but when I join longer boards, I use the manual jig like you showed that requires a clamp and I put them in pigeon toed for more strength. For narrow boards, like my 3.5 inch shelves, I don't have room for putting them in at an angle from each other.
Good to see that you deal with metric on an equal footing rather than complain about it. I generally use inches and feet (because I'm an old fart) but I know I have to make adjustments with plywood. Really enjoy the channel and the plans I've bought so far have been pretty clear and easy to follow.
The global supply chain will eventually do for us what we don't seem to be able to do for ourselves -- convert us from fractionophiles to meterminds. Your comment concerning plywood is spot-on; we're no longer getting just 4' x 8' sheets, in many cases they're 1.25 m x 2.5 m. Bought a counterbore drill the other day that was clearly etched 3/8" right on the shank, but it miked at .3937" -- 10 mm. Thanks for your kind words.
I'm not sure why RUclips suggested I watch this video but I'm glad it did. I have used pocket holes on a bunch of different projects but I still learned a lot from this video. Someone told me about pocket holes one time so I ordered a kit but have almost no woodworking training aside from 9th grade shop class 25 years ago. I typically work with metal but occasionally I violate the sanctity of my metal shop by using some tree carcass and learned pretty quick that none of my welding equipment or techniques work on wood no matter how hard I tried so pocket holes and epoxy seems to be the easiest way to connect 2 pieces of wood together with the least amount of wood tools and be able to hide the evidence when making a frame.
Thanks for sharing...and the kind words.
What a great video!! Valuable information!! Some of the best woodworkers I’ve ever saw was during my deployment in Afghanistan in 04-05. This one guy in a small village in the Kandahar Province did everything by hand. No power tools whatsoever. Drilled holes with hand crank drill, saws etc!! It was a joy to watch him. But that village got hit pretty hard by the taliban because we were there and suffered a lot of casualties due to that! Love your videos man!!
Thanks for sharing.
Geez, who'd have known screwing some wood boards together could require so much knowledge. As a plumber I didn't care about carpentry, but now I have so much respect for it.
As you well know, there is much more to sweating a good joint than just heating up the pipes. Same here.
Sir, thank you for this. Most comprehensive video on this subject I’ve seen, while still being very entertaining. I wasn’t bored at all and for someone with adhd that a sign of a great teacher.
Thanks for those kind words.
I'm not even a woodworker, but I find such good quality educational video to be fascinating