Woodworking Tools // Watch Before Buying
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- This video covers the worst woodworking tools I purchased early on. If you want to save money, watch this entire before buying. There are plenty of videos talking about what tools you should buy, but none talking about what you shouldnt buy. I wasted a lot of money starting out, let me help you avoid that before you buy something thats a waste.
Links to products mentioned
Kreg K4 - amzn.to/2OHdZhH
Dewalt Clamps - amzn.to/3a11GE7
Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3seeNIq
Japanese Pull Saw - amzn.to/3g5sHdA
Flush Trim Saw - amzn.to/3uGLPCI
Micro Jig Grr-rrriper - amzn.to/2QZyYNg
no clickbait, no annoying acoustic guitar, straight to the point, please never change
Thank you Tony I will do my best
Yes, well done
wait, why Wasn't there an acoustic guitar? 🤔
When the clickbait is more like an Easter egg.
Please to include annoying acoustic guitar in the future k thx
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you wearing the same t-shirt the next day for the sake of continuity.
That's all.
And they say the YT game is easy. That shirt didn't smell great!
😆
If you're telling us it's the next day there's really no point in wearing the pitstank shirt from the previous day.
Yep. I'm a "two lines past the third big line" measurer. So I switched to metric. Much easier to count in tens.
I use all the "sucky" clamps and I'm okay. I do very little wood working as I a m a different hobbyist and just make tables and simple cabinets but your advice is invaluable
I applaud you for switching to metric.
These are the neighbors clamps I borrowed, and still have years later.
Haha don’t lie, we all do it. I have a neighbors clamps I had for 3 years now
lol
Good thing I'm not that neighbor since I have a zero tool loan policy. You need to borrow my tools? Nope. I'll SELL you my crap tools, but you ain't borrowing anything from me.. Too many have grown legs and ran away..and most borrowers think once something gets lost or stolen it's not their problem anymore..
This reminds me to return a few clamps 🤫
@@martinoamello3017 Yes sir, I let a neighbor from across the street borrow my riding mower and was returned with a bent front axle. They were showing the house and their mower had broken down so they needed a quick favor. Their son returned the mower the next day and I confronted them and they claimed no knowledge of what had happened. I was mad enough to park an F-250 in front of their moving truck and and an SUV behind it so they couldn't do anything without an insurance claim. Funny enough, the dad came over and apologized and admitted he had hit a fence post and gave me $60 to replace it. That was enough to cover the part but not the labor. I agree, don't loan tools out unless you can afford to replace them with no objection or consequence.
Another tip in the tape measure category, buy shorter length tapes. When was the last time you measured a 25' board in the shop?
Especially the people that just have to have those Fatmax tapes. They weigh a ton. I've asked to quickly borrow a tape so many times for a quick 12-16" measurement and Hank or Billy shows up with a 30'-0" Fatmax tape that weights 50 lbs. I prefer the 12'-0" tapes with a 25'-0" in the drawer for the odd circumstance.
So true, I almost always use my short tape 👆
I have told numerous friends the same thing. I work in roadway construction, so I have to lug a 25footer around all the time. Many are just a pain because of the weight. For work in the shop, you can keep a bunch of smaller tapes for everyday use.
Mmmm…just as important to make sure that tape you buy is correctly calibrated….so an ‘inch’ on your rule is actually an inch!! Also, do not use several different tape measures on the same job. Tapes do vary!!
@Jeff van Welij not all of us are unable to lift solid tools, if you struggle with a tape measure you're probably in the wrong game 😉
Biggest mistake was any tool I bought with an imaginary use in mind. Expanding the selection for a specific purpose has always felt good. The “this seems like it will be useful eventually” purchases have rarely turned out that way.
Great tip!
I dunno. I always buy stuff on a whim thinking I may need that someday and I'm glad I did because I find I always have the right tool to do the job when it comes up. My girl always remarks how it's amazing I always have the tool lol.
@@BobMuir100 Ouch! That's rough. My tools will burn before something like that happens to me. 😂
I had my shed broken into and all my tools stolen, well almost all, some they didn't find.
All the ones I use regularly I have replaced but there are some that the need hasn't come up. One of the (small) advantages of having little money to put toward tools, you get much more selective.
I never buy tools that I can't make money with...
Being an actual paid safety guy, I definitely appreciate you promoting safety! 🤦♂️🤦♂️😂😂 Your videos have been great and taught me a lot. Thanks and please keep up the good work! 👍👍
Honest opinion - i find your style of deadpan comedic delivery hilarious. Keep it up, love the videos!!
Honest question - how are you so good at woodworking only 1 year in? Maybe I’ll do a video series where Daniel casually builds projects perfectly like it’s no big deal.
@@Lincolnstww ha, you are too kind! I think the camera magic hides all the mistakes and imperfections
Man I feel your pain on that mic. Twice in the past week I paused my recording software to look something up and then when I went back to finish I forgot to hit record again. Nothing like getting into your editing software only to find you only have half a video.
It’s the absolute worst. Thanks for stopping by.
Always listen to the Bear!! He knows stuff!!👍👍👍😃
I came for the tips and stayed for the bear!
Just a VERY, VERY simple solution
(almost) ! 😊😊
IF you forget to turn your audio back on more than twice, JUST WRITE YOURSELF A NOTE TO TURN IT BACK ON !
EASY PEEZY ! ! 😆
Not going to lie, when I saw the grriper in the thumbnail and in the shot through the whole video I was mad thinking “how is he going to say the grriper is a waste of money?” Huge sigh of relief at the end of the video though, you got me 😂
Great video - and sound advice. Completely agree with the Bessey corner clamp thing - I chucked mine as well. Only one cringe moment. At 6:09 in your video, the way you are sawing (toward the holding hand) is a recipe for a nice cut - trust me, I know this! Never cut or saw toward exposed soft bits.
I noticed that too, haha never cut towards your hands or body.
I was gonna question him on the Kreg jig, but he's absolutely right. I built 19 kitchen cabinet doors last year and used pocket hole joinery. I bought the first Kreg jig that he showed, and decided to upgrade to the larger one. Should have done that from the beginning.
A lot of people including me make the mistake
He’s 100% right on. I did the exact same thing. There is night and day difference between quality of build of something built with the first one he showed and the second
Agree. I started with that mini and had no end of troubles with the bit walking or having issues keeping the faces flat when screwing together. I went with the K5 and have been much happier with it.
So glad it’s not just me on that cursed Kreg jig. I’m still using the cruddy one only because I don’t use it often(that’s probably why). My daughter used it the other day and held it in place with a vice. I kicked myself for not thinking of that myself.
I just binge watched 4 videos. You get right to the point, fill every moment with good info and add humor. Thanks!!!
I have the next better Kreg jig than his but I also use the first one a lot. There are just some things that you can not due with the larger jigs. I have had the Kreg jig since I bought the first one just after they invented it. Mine is all aluminum with the steal hole guides.Bought mine at a tool show in Grand Rapids.
I wasn't sure what was going on when I saw you starting with half of my gear on your bench, but you went and supported all my choices. I was lucky to miss most of the mistakes and land on better stuff. I did end up with a 90˚ clamp as a gift, but that got replaced with a bunch of 3/4" ply scraps turned into corner clamps. And 1000% agree on the Grrripper. They are not cheap and completely, absolutely worth it. They are very well made and let you make better, safer cuts. If you can't find the cash, put them on your gift list. Save quarters in a jar, something. I can't claim they are essential since people got along without them for a long time, but lordy are they worth having.
I felt the remark about the tape measure. I did end up buying one with the fractions and it has metric and I have found myself using metric measurements more now, it is just easier.
I'm too stubborn to switch over to metric
@@Lincolnstww make the change, it's like losing religion, everything just starts making sense.
Well said Scott. I had not seen your comment before I posted my own about that tape measure. In Australia we have been using metric for many years. Imperial is an obsolete system here.
President George Washington first proposed the US adopt the metric system as its system of measurement. Then in 1975, the United States passed the Metric Conversion Act. The legislation was meant to slowly transition its units of measurement from feet and pounds to meters and kilograms, bringing the US up to speed with the rest of the world. There was only one issue: the law was completely voluntary. Three countries use imperial measurements, USA, Myanmar, and Liberia.
Here in blighty we use both. Imperial for broad measurements... Say 4x2 or 100miles but metric for precision, imperial is just confusing, why say 3.937inches (don't even know what the fraction would be) when you could say 100mm. Then to try and divide that by say 2 1/2...my head would explode.
“Buy tools as needed, not as wanted.” Has been something I need to repeat to myself daily, especially now that I’m getting a tiny bit of momentum in the beginning of my woodworking. Oh and as a long time EMT I can’t help but say, anything safety related. BUY IT. Don’t skimp on it either. It’s a matter of when, not if, an accident will happen. USE A REAPIRATOR ETC
Can you recommend a stockist for that 'reapirator' .... I'm getting desperate!
Highly recommend Japanese hand saws, I never use my standard wood saw now, the Japanese pull saw is nice to use and gives me a more accurate cut.
Way back in my 1st shop class I was told that there is a real difference between hand saws. the rip is for construction work, but the good cross cut is a classic fine saw.
I tossed my crap push saws and moved over to Japanese pull saws 25 years ago and have never looked back.
I have both. Imo, if you don't have a powered saw, one can apply more force using a western hand saw for the bigger pieces.
Thank you for the video. I bought two micro jig grippers when I bought my first table saw. It really helped build my confidence using the saw safely. Keep up the great content. I really enjoy your no bs approach 👍😎🇦🇺
Thanks John
Why buy a gripper" or a push stick when you can make a push block "gripper" out of scrap and have a custom tool???????????????Accidently cut through it - just make another one and throw the bad one into the fire box. Ruin the "gripper" and you will have to spend a lot of money to replace it. I'd rather spend my money on lumber than things I can make with scrap.
I got down a Paul Sellers hole late one night and wound up buying a beautifully refinished Stanley #5 1/2 Jack plane within a couple days. I had no business dropping nearly $100 for a hand plane early on. Thank god someone (wood worker for years...) bought it off me for the same price. I literally drove straight to Woodcraft and bought a 6in Starrett combination square and use it all the time and I. Love. It. Every time I pull it out of my apron...which was another great first-ish purchase: an apron or tool belt. I’m not going to lie, I still feel like an imposter wearing a tool apron, but it is so much more efficient and enjoyable than looking everywhere for your most used tools.
Thats a great story. I haven't been able to take the plunge on an apron.
You have to be the most straight talking, no nonsense person in this segment. Thanks for the great content, subscribed.
Thank you, much appreciated on the sub and kind words
I loved the tape measure one. As someone who uses metric I was like "nope, don't have that problem". Great video as always sir.
Thank you!
That shows that you haven't really gotten used to the metric system. After a while, it works the same way. :D :D :D
@Aaron Hicks eh?
Yeah I always try to use metric but damn they make it difficult here.
Hehe. An Aussie here. I was thinking the exact same thing. Never had that problem!
One of the only tools that I regret buying was an El cheapo combination square. It was not square right out of the box. I tried to repair it but it would continually get out of square. I kept the metal ruler and threw the rest of it in the trash. I thought the Staretts are nice but way too expensive for my blood. I finally went with a blemished square from PEC for a really great price. The PEC squares are guaranteed to be accurate within 4 thousandth of an inch. Good enough for me. I also bought a nice combination square set from a company called Igaging. They make super accurate squares at a very good price. Highly recommended. Don't cheap out on a combination square like I did, you will regret it.
Great advice Gregg. I've heard good things about the PEC blemishes
I have both igaging and PEC blemished rules. Great stuff
Make friends with a machinist. They have the equipment and ability to check your square down to 0.001 in or less. And if you treat them right they can skim the head and make it dead nuts on. Full disclosure, I am a retired machinist of 45 + years and have done this several times thru the years. Plus all my precision tools come in real handy for setting jointer knives and fences.
Your anger and disgust with these wastes of money comes across very well, loud and clear. We’ve all been burned and it’s about time someone talked about it. Well done!
Thank you. I appreciate the thoughtful comment
@@Lincolnstww you got it! Looking forward to more videos from your channel
It takes a real man to admit his mistakes .I've made many in life including a few of the ones mentioned in the video as far as the others Let us just say I don't think any of us have that much time to waste on me recounting all of them so I will keep them to myself.
Another good tool, calipers. I use mine at work all the time and so I started using them in the wood shop. I definitely recommend dial or digital and skip the verneir style as they tend to be much harder to read on cheaper models (in my experience) and you really don't need super expensive calipers for woodworking.
I got the harbor freight digital caliper on sale for like 10-15 bucks I think. I half expected it to sit in my tool box for a year or so but I've used it quite a few times since I got it.
I use my calipers constantly. It's a great thing to have in the shop.
Harbor freight has an inexpensive plastic caliper. I bought several of them 5 years ago for $5 each. They come with a battery and can be switched between metric and standard with a push of a button.
Definitely agree on the hand saws; I've actually had the opposite experience with Harbor Freight clamps, though. I own both HF and DeWalt trigger clamps, and while the DeWalts are definitely a bit nicer for the reasons you mentioned, the HF trigger clamps otherwise perform just as well. I've used them in quite a few glue-ups with no real problems. Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh F-style clamps, though, are pretty notorious for the low quality of their bars, leading to twisting and slipping when clamped. I really like Taylor Tools for F-clamps; I'd recommend those instead.
I really liked my mini kreg jig and thought I was getting some great deal by not spending up for the bigger one. But by the time I bought the special clamp (which does work well), I ended up wishing I had just bought the bigger unit.
Very good video, everything was spot on.
Yes but you can do things with the mini that you just can not do with the larger ones. I bought the larger one first so I use the clamp that came with it for the smaller one. But I use the smaller one a lot.
During X-MAS Homeless Despot has a kit the is the large jig and the small jig minus the clamp for like 80 bucks. I just use a c-clamp instead
Well shit... I just ordered the mini jig yesterday, using an amazon giftcard no less. I'm always late to the party.
Great advice 👍. I'll be honest, I was getting the flame thrower warmed up when I saw the Grippper on the bench. I'm glad you also see it as a valuable tool, I've used mine for years.
Thanks Tom. Glad you liked the video and didn't need your flame thrower, there's always next time
Support the channel by visiting my Etsy Shop and using affiliate links in the video description. Do it - and I'll keep making videos. Also join our FB community group
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Again, loved the advice. Here's a tip when considering tape measures: go metric. The millimeter is wonderful. Fancy tapes even come with half a millimeter markings, which is right around the limit of what the human eye can perceive without accessories.
I will say the foot and inch are very convenient units, but the fractional system lends itself to too many issues. Keep an imperial tape for reference, but gosh, try out the millimeter. You will not regret it.
There are tapes with both systems on them, that's another option, although not ideal because you loose the option of looking at the tape from either orientation and getting your mils read.
I'll second this! I recently had a friend send me two Australian tape measures and the workflow around cutting is pretty much transformed; I can measure objects the length of a house to mm precision quickly and reliably. Cut's down on waste wood quite a bit!
Every country in the world bar two (USA and Myanmar) agree with you.
With regards to the metric system, there are two categories of countries: those that use the Metric System, and those who have landed on the Moon!! But seriously, metric is MUCH more precise in tight measurements. LOVE the VID's. Informative and Super entertaining.
I love your channel and your style!
One of my less useful purchases was a cordless random orbital sander. It does sand, but I found myself connecting it to the dust extractor all the time, and that needs to be plugged in for power anyway.
A different matter are things you buy for the joy of using them. I got myself the Festool Domino for X-mas, and while my brain says this is total overkill for me hobbyist DIYer, I do marvel at each joint I make with it, because it is so fast and so precise.
It really isn't about 'Price". Tool decisions should be made based on 'Value'.
Cordless sanders are great for contractor work outdoors - I use one regularly. In the shop, go corded.
Great video! I disagree about the clamps though. I use the Harbor Freight ones and they work perfectly. Yes they aren’t quite as fluid as the Irwins, but for 1/4 of the cost they work great.
If they work for you that's awesome!
Bro you’re way too honest to get a sponsor I think but you know what when you finally do get a sponsor I know it’s going to be something you actually believe in. your videos are great and thank you for all the information
You got me. I, indeed, thought you were going to trash the Grrripper. I have one and use it on nearly every table saw cut. I bought it after I grazed the tip of my middle finger against the spinning blade. It required a trip to the ER to repair the damage. I had never had a table saw accident in 50 years of woodworking. The Grrripper keeps my hand at a safe distance from the blade and it holds the work piece down and pushes it forward all at the same time. Great tool and far superior to any "push stick". Thanks.
Couldn't agree more, especially about the Japanese pull saws, and the Gripper. Thanks for posting. BTW, I subscribed, your delivery is very good, don't change that.
Thank you, I appreciate the sub. Ill do my best to keep the videos consistent.
Lol, you did get me - I saw the Micro Jig and was nervous!
I love that thing
Same! I'm new to wood working and had just picked one up. I saw it in the video and was like "oh man, did I just waste my money??" Nope!
I love your videos. While I appreciate watching people do refinishing, I learn a lot from you about tools, because I have no one else to talk to about it. I find the worst tool I have ever bought was a screw extractor to get out rusted screws. Stupid. Doesn't work. Blech. And I had no idea measuring tapes existed with the fractions on it. See? I learn something from you every time. Thanks!
I bought the $44 Kreg years ago and used it countless times when the K4 came out I bought one and your comments are spot on, it is by far the way to go! The cheaper one works but the K4 is much easier and faster. The tape measure tip is excellent I’m pretty good with fractions but when I ask others to help I get one line past 1/2” mark.
Yeah the tape measure is just an insurance policy
TBH, I don't like tape measures that show the fractions, just makes it harder for me to read, but, I have been using tape measures for 36 years, so it's imbedded pretty deep at this point...
Have one of the original Kreg jigs that i bought at a woodworking show in Grand rapids . It's made all of aluminum and steal inserts. Still use it today...
Going to be honest, if you said the Gripper sucked I was going to unsubscribe! I bought the Kreg Rip-Cut, it broke and I never called Kreg for the part to fix. I made a home made circular saw guide instead. Humor is on point!
I've heard from a lot of people that Rip-Cut is not good.
Have to agree on the Gripper. Hard to overstate how much more control you have with those things over homemade push blocks. that rubber tread makes great contact with the wood and keeps your hand well way from the blade.
Totally agree
Kutir Measuring Tape. My favorite for cabinetry. Standard & metric. 2 sides readable. Fractions noted. 12’ tape, very handy.
I have both Kreg jigs you discuss here. Two different applications. I sometimes use Kreg screws to hold together 2x4's out in the chicken coop. You cannot use the tabletop jig for the end of a 10' 2x4. The little one works great. I also hold it in place just fine with an ordinary F style clamp. Great video, thanks for sharing.
The K4 isn't great for when you have to add pocket holes to a partially assembled piece. Last-minute changes like are where the smaller clamp on jigs shine.
When I saw the microjig I was about to discount everything you said. Great piece of kit and glad you like it too.
My biggest regret is a cordless miter saw. It's powerful but I've never once needed it to be cordless. I have also found myself running out of juice when I needed it. Now that I have a shop I also need extra room behind it I can't spare.
Ouch, yeah that sounds like a bad one. I'm not sure I'm ready to broadcast to the world all of the dumb power tools I bought starting out. Like the miter saw I got from a grocery store......
Same here with a cordless random orbit sander, seemed like a great idea but it chews through batteries and more importantly, unless you enjoy sawdust in every possible spot in your shop you still need to hook a vacuum up and suddenly are just as tethered as you were before...
@@alexkitner5356 but you CAN sand with it off-site. Thats why i bought all my tools cordless again now. Well, not the miter and such.
Honestly, I have owned my current miter saw for 5 years and I don't think I've ever cut an actual miter joint.
@@retroMartin agreed but for my work I'm 99% in my shop so isnt as helpful. I have also added a cordless circular saw, Sawzall and router and those I find to be more advantageous for use in and outside the shop. With the sander it certainly is nice for outside work but in that case I'm less concerned about dust collection and am not usually tied off to a hose like I am when I'm doing finish work inside.
As a beginning woodworker, you are spot on. I have the cheap Kreg jig. It walks on you. Even with the nice dewalt clamps. Which are great. My Suizan pull saw is my favorite saw. I reach for it before a power saw if I only have one or two cuts to make.
I literally laughed out loud about the Kregg comment. I'm to have to correct that very mistake. The smaller Kreg is not terrible, but once you use it 2 or 3 times, you're going to get the K4. If you're reading this, the man knows what he's talking about. Just buy the K4. Great channel, great info. Subscribed.
Thank for the sub John. The smaller Kreg is a suitable tool, but when comparing it to the K4 its not very close.
OmFG! that Kreg jig conversation is literally my autobiography. I bought the cheap one and it said on my shelf for about 3 years cuz I literally couldn't bring myself to fiddle around with it. I'm in the process of making a new workbench and I bought the upgraded model workstation that's a step up from the one you displayed here and that thing is literally a dream to work with. I drilled more pocket holes in 2 days than I ever did the previous 3 years of owning the other one for the exact reason you said.
If anybody else reading this, this man knows what he's talking about.
I also have had the exact same experience that you described with the Harbor freight clamps. The big metal f clamps, are great until they start to rust then they are garbage
hahaha we've all been there with the little one
”Ha - gotcha!" Actually made me lol. Thx for that
Ha thank you!
I watched your vid out of curiosity, I'm a carpenter of 35 years experience, I do interior woodwork, your video was pretty good, accept for the recommendation of the Gripper, it does not perform as advertised and is potentially dangerous in as far as it does not have good adhesion on the wood going through the table saw and can get you in trouble fast, if you must use it, keep the rubber feet clean with denatured alcohol.
I except your evaluation
Another item that first time woodworkers May want to consider if they are using table saws it feather boards. Thanks for the great video
The orange Jorgensen squeeze clamps are awesome because they’re nice and chunky but also you can flip the ends and connect them together to make larger clamps. Highly recommended. Totally agree about the HF clamps (F style pretty good, black squeeze suck).
Ill have to check out the Jorgensen, people starting to see more and more of those in shops on YT
I’d second the vote for Jorgensen clamps. I worked in multiple cabinet shops over the years and they were standard issue in my experience. Between those and pipe clamps you could do just about anything, though it’s pretty nice to have cabinet clamps as well if you can afford them. Thanks for the video! I also appreciated the Kreg jig advice. I’ve never owned one and now I won’t own 2 ;)
They're the best on the market at the moment, imo.
Let me know if you have any questions about the tools/accessories mentioned. Links for all items discussed in the video description above
Where did you purchase those 90 degree clamping squares?
@@joshnewman2685 www.fastcap.com/product/oscar-square
@@joshnewman2685 Seems to me you could easily make some of those from plywood or MDF. Cut the corners of. Cut some rectangles in them. Voila! Done
@@russmartin4189 I think he said that didn't he?
I would like to see you do one of these videos on an expanded clamp options. for example pipe clamps from HF or the 1/2" vs 3/4" pipe clamps compared to parallel clamps and weather band clamps for edging or trim is worth the investment vs blue tape. I know I spent way more then I should have thinking the speacilty clamps were needed when getting into larger projects.
I own the Grrrripper. It works great and compared to a new finger it’s priced competitively. Money well spent. Great channel.
Great video. My biggest regret was my router and trying to get a middle of the road router. I wish I went with a large 1/2" collet router with a plunge base and a small trim router from the beginning. My first router was the worst of both worlds.
ouch, it does seem like the 1/2" plunge and trim is the ideal starter package. I use my trim router all the time. Although routers genuinely scare me
I like the idea of doing a little video on routers.
Thanks for the video. I've been carefully building my workshop from ground zero over the last 3-4 years. I have reached many of the same conclusions you have regarding brands, cordless vs corded, hand saws, pocket jigs and safety equipment. Confirmation of my research is comforting. I still have a few tools to pick up and I will be looking to your channel for advice.
Excellent glad you we see eye to eye on most things!
This man deserves more subscribers! Great video! Found your channel recently and honestly one of my favourite and best channels I have seen!
Thank you for the kind words John. Glad you're enjoying the content. It takes a lot of time and effort so it's reassuring to hear positive feedback. Cheers
I agree with you on all but the Japanese saw. They are fine for softwood..but they quickly start shedding teeth on figured hardwood. Yes, the blades are replaceable, but the cost adds up..quickly. I stay away from the hardened toothed "modern" saws for the same reason..their teeth will break too. My personal choice is an old school resharpenable panel saw..so far mine has been with me for 20 years and still performing well.
Great channel too...keep the good info coming my friend!
The small Kreg jig & the contractor saw fit in my tool box perfectly for when I go to other people's places to fix stuff.
Great advice, I got a nice Japanese pull saw on Amazon for £8, makes cuts so much easier and gives me confidence as a beginner.
Good stuff!
Outstanding! Great advice. I started measuring in metrics a year or so ago. It is a sh$t load easier than using the two lines before the big line next to the number method. Makes doing the math much easier too.
I've considered it Steven, but I'm stubborn and hate change. Thanks for watching glad you like it!
Metric is fine however here in the states most of the materials are imperial sizes so in order to use metric you have to start by converting the material measurements and then try and find metric router bits ect. Just not worth it to me.
A couple of things, 1st) totally agree about the Japanese saw, I bought one on sale from Woodcraft a couple of years ago. It was a "I'm curious and it's on sale for cheap, so why not?". Best spur of the moment purchase EVER! Love that thing. And 2nd) about the tape measure, that's a good piece of advice! But if you're american, still don't hesitate to go metric. It's just so much nicer to not even deal with fractions in the first place and it's really not complicated to make the change. By far the hardest thing was putting a sticky metric ruler onto my planer, but I took my time, was super anal about getting it on perfect and it worked out great.
Also, just discovered your channel and holy crap, its great! Looking forward to more videos!
I get what you are saying about the Kreg walking, sometimes the K4 isn't practical for pocket holes on a wide piece of wood, the only way to do it is with the clamp and jig. I have the original, one hole jig and an Irwin clamp and it's never walked on me. I guess knowing how to clamp properly is what people need to learn. I just built a rustic table top with 1x10's and drilled 50 holes, never walked once.
I just lay my bigger panels hanging off the bench and bring the K4 to the panel. No annoying clamps necessary
I have the kreg k4 and r3 and I use the r3 much more. They just come in handy for different purposes. I agree with general sentiment but the small r3 jig is still a great and useful tool.
Especially for large panels or adding pocket holes to existing projects.
true
I have to say i lost confidence in the Kreg product line. Old Kreg unit, USA made is a work horse, I ordered the 770 pro (i believe that is the correct name), made in china first unit .. one of the holes werent even drilled out returned second unit the plastic literraly cracked when drilling the third pocket hole. Now 9 out of 10 times i blame the archer, this time it definitely is the arrow
You can disassemble the K4 and use the pocket guide block like an R3.
Chisels are a good one to avoid the cheaper, beginner models on. Often, the steel quality is inferior and won't retain an edge for long, the bevel isn't shaped properly requiring significant work to square it up, and more than once I've had cheap plastic handle ones given to me as gifts that break when tapped with a mallet. If you do a lot of precision hand work, you want a tool that is square, will maintain its edge for a while, and can stand up for those times you need to make an indent.
With a lot of people I've worked with, they say at first that they hate the experience and the results when using hand tools in woodworking, when really it's just that they've been using the cheap hand tools. Once they upgrade, they get better results and enjoy woodworking overall that much more.
I have 2 sets of chisels one is a very good set for real work the other is a few Chinese wonders used for prying etc.
Years ago, I was in a Sears during a phenomenal sale. They had a Craftsman portable table saw that came with a very nice base that had wheels on one end so it could be lifted and rolled around. It also had an outfeed extension at the back. The table is 36 in wide by 20 in deep, but the last 5 inches on each side can be extended out 10 inches giving a total width of 56 inches. It looked like a good deal, especially at the sale price. For the most part, I have been very happy with it, EXCEPT the miter slots are some weird proprietary T-slot so I cannot use anything that has runners that fit standard miter slots which means I can't change my miter sled, use feather boards, or any other accessory that fits standard miter gauge slots.
You got me with the Grrripper fakeout. I was ready to be angry hahaha.
My tip is around those "single use tools" for that one particular job when you know in your heart you will never use it again - do EVERYTHING in your power to find a way to do it without spending that money!
Great tip!
I just discovered your channel this evening and I’ve really enjoyed your videos. Keep up the good work. Also, sweet shop.
Thanks Joe. I appreciate the kind words.
You are mostly right about the cheap keep jig. I have on and it sucks to use with clamps however, I came up with a different system that works great. I use a hold fast and my wood working bench. It's fairly fast and the piece I am working on doesn't move around at all clamped to the bench.
I like the little pocket hole jig. I got the Minecraft one and it is quite easy to use. It takes less space than the big one, and if you have long pieces of wood to drill in, it is not convenient at all to make them stand on the big jig. Same for boards. Plus, I use the separate clamp all the time in my shop, not only for pocket holes.
For the Antipodeans among us: I have *never* had a good experience with Ozito tools. They just ... suck.
Happy to hear if other people have had good experiences, but if you're looking to buy near the bottom end, it's *really* worth it to go one rung up and get Ryobi or similar.
I've used some ozito for some tools that I dont use much and are relatively simple power tools with a cord. Hard to f up simple corded power tools
I'll be honest I had to google what Antipodeans was - I learned something today
@@Lincolnstww We are down here in the upside-down land.
Ozito brand was in sale in the UK few years back before Home Base chain bankrupt. Some Aussie corporate bought them and tryed to resuscitate a corpse.
Having made the mistake with the Kreg tool myself, I 110% agree with you on that! This is a really great video I wish I had seen when I was getting started.
That's the main reason I made this video. For some reason no one likes to talk about the bad buys.
Have to slightly disagree on the Kreg jig. They are two different jigs, and they work best in different scenarios. The smaller one fits into tight areas if needed and can be more easily clamped onto big pieces like sheets of plywood. Also, using the separate Kreg clamp isn’t a total waste because it’s actually a really useful tool by itself, especially the auto-adjust version. The K4 is a better tool all around, but the small Kreg jig is still extremely useful IMO.
OK, hurt my feelings on the HF quick clamps and the Kreg 320. Not really but I have been using the Kreg 320 with the HF clamps and have made some nice projects. Of course, never buy anything full price at HF. My biggest regret right now is buying the drill and driver impact set instead of just buying the drill to save a little money. I saved $50 or $60 at the time and regretted it ever since. Your perspective on this video is very interesting. Nice work. Thank you.
Thanks MM. I got a bit stuck in my driver a couple months, really need to fix it
Totally agree with the Keegan pocket hole jigs. I went the “cheap” route with the little kit and then bought the clamp. It’s very cumbersome to use. Agree with Harbor Freight spring clamps - great. Disagree with the F-style clamps - they fall apart easily. Nowhere near as good as the Besseys. I bought the Micro-Jig push pads, but they’re expensive. I would recommend buying grout floats. They work just as well and are way less expensive.
I like that FastCap lefty right tape measure for 8 bucks.
They make great products
I personally found the Gripper extremely useful. I feel so much safer when dealing with smaller pieces in the table saw. The gripper push pad not so much.
Unfortunately, good safety equipment is often quite expensive compared to many cheap tools. Too many woodworkers place safety equipment on the Wish List for later, when they can afford it. Safety equipment has to be made a priority.
make all of mine from scrap and that is free. They work just as good and I've never been hurt. Have all of my fingers too and I've been woodworking for the past 60 years.
I watch videos constantly, yours are among the best, IMHO -- I have learned a TON! Please keep making them.
I love the Harbor Freight quick release trigger clamps. They are the lightest clamp I have and for what I use them for, they work great.
I'm sure in some in some applications they are more than adequate
"I like to do things differently on this channel"
-proceeds to only talk one of your ears off instead of both...
That made me lol well done
Although the Kreg clamp is kind of expensive, I do like the self-adjusting one. Very useful other than just for clamping Kreg products. I also have Irwin squeeze clamps as well as harbor freight squeeze clamps. I do prefer the irwin's, but for the price difference harbor freight is a good value.
For one reason or another I dont use that kreg clamp ever. Good info though
@@Lincolnstww Use the Kreg clamp you showed all of the time and I have several... Like the newer ones best though...
I think there is a place for HF clamps. Sometimes, you just need to hold something in place. For example using traditional wooden clamps to hold up a board. And that wooden clamp needs to be clamped to the table. That's where HF clamps shine. Also, I couldn't live w/o my Microjig Gripper. It's so useful because you can hold pieces steady due to it's "wing" that can be adjusted up or down to maintain contact with the surface of the tablesaw. Overall, you're spot on!
Finally, don't forget to duplicate your mono track to the left channel so folks can hear it as dual-mono (stereo)
You make a lot of great points. Totally agree. Someone else pointed out the audio, not sure how I didn't catch that. I'll fix it on the next on the one. Thanks for mentioning it! I'm an filming/editing newb....no clue what I'm doing for the most part.
Exactly the advice I just gave a friend, about Kreg. K4, K5, or the newer kits-NOT the “starter kit!”
You can’t get the K4 in to drill holes when repairing a chair so both Kreg jigs do have a purpose to some woodworkers.
The k4 is a better bang for your buck when starting out. You dont need both.
Agree, i use it for in place repairs
also, I don't see how people think it's easier to take a massive peace of wood to the jig, rather than carry the tiny wee jig to the wood. the hand clamp is solid, it's just much easier.
@@tonycummings4588 I couldn't agree more. That's what I have and how I work, and I have never once wished for the K4. I have no desire to be trying to balance large pieces of timber in the K4 jig. Much, much easier to lay the timber down and attach the jig top the timber.
@@tonycummings4588 With the K4 you can remove the pocket hole jig from the clamp assembly and bring it to the wood when using longer stock.
For the weekend DIY'er and woodworking hobbyist, the best tip I ever got was to never buy a tool until you actually NEED it for a specific project. I suppose this might not apply to basic tools like hammers and screwdrivers, but this will stop you from buying a needless biscuit joiner or rabbeting bit set just because they happen to be on sale at Home Depot. Sure, Festool makes great stuff. But if you're the kind of DIY'er who is bounces from building garage cabinets to decks to decorative coat racks, this tip will keep you from wasting money on tools you'll rarely (never) use.
Great advice
Personally, I try to avoid buying any "specialty" tools until I've had to rig a jig of my own for a project at least 3 times (that I can readily remember)... I may only do dovetails (for instance) once a year... SO there's no need to bother over a dovetailing set-up for no more than I'm going to need to do... I do have use for it, BUT unless I'm about to pound out dovetails on the regular, there's little or no real benefit over custom cutting every single one of them entirely on my own... On the other hand, should I have a sudden market for multitudes of dovetail-jointed boxes and chests of drawers, I could "jump off that bridge" and make the choice for a dedicated dovetailing utensil, just to speed up something that can go on and on when done entirely "freehand"...
Finally, it's worth investigating a "specialty tool" on the suspicion of making life generally easier if you should find it in decent condition used. Garage sales and flea markets are often the source for inspired buys when I'd scoffed at something for years... AND on the occasions I found something that sounded or looked good initially, only to find out it's "ambitious garbage", I haven't wasted a fortune to find out and there hasn't been a great deal of time lost without knowing. ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464 Good point, I live in a fairly rural area with generations of farmers- so the thrift stores are packed with vintage tools in excellent, working condition. Just found a Jorgensen 24 in. HD bar clamp, a 1928 Stanley Combo Square (nearly mint condition) and a handful of smaller nose clamps for a grand total of: $3.
I will make sweet love to a deal like that all day long. 😌
@@almostsmartq674 Yup... AND once in a while, even if there isn't a lot of need, there's just "one of those deals on something you don't walk away from"... Like a vintage combination Stanley Jointing plane for $3 and it only needs a little TLC... or a Power Planer with a perfect set of cutters and a missing power cord for 5... Almost any power tool's worth $5 with a little work, even if all you want is to "fix and flip it". There's some easy profit for opening it up, cleaning it out, replacing brushes if necessary and a new cord... 200-300% profit in about 2 hours, which can be done with a small table in front of a TV on a sh*t-weather day you don't want to work wood...
AND you can stretch the budget for the stuff you DO want or need... ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464 Right on point, I get an honest sense of enjoyment just thinking about old tools seeing new life. As well as a healthy profit doing something relatively simple to pass an off-day. Just one those things I wish my wife could understand. 😆
Worst mistake I made - and it went on for decades - was using measuring tools marked in inches. I worked in a shop where they used metric measurements for the greater accuracy (Yes, FAR more accurate!) and after that first hour or two adjusting to the change, I never looked back.
Measure everything in millimeters (forget centimeters, meters, etc) and use millimeters only. You will be amazed at the improvement in parts fitting so perfectly. You will never mess with inches, and all the fractions thereof, again. I know most will dismiss this because "'murcans don't use metric", but this old veterans is as American as they come. However, I can tell the difference between night and day, which is what the change was like in my work overall.
Yeah you got me. I always am happy to use my microjig pushblock. That extra 4 seconds to move the guard around on it is totally worth it, and I usually plan my cuts out about 90% better because I have to think about where I am setting it.
Haha I enjoyed your video, and agreed with your suggestions. I was waiting to hear your reason for the Micro Jig Gripper being on the list - you got me though. The Gripper is awesome!
Thanks Jon. I'm enjoying your videos. Ill trade you my grrriper for a couple of your planes?
@@Lincolnstww Sweet man, thanks for checking them out. It's all new to me, and definitely still a work in progress.
Man, I've already got a Gripper, and I do like those handplanes!
@@JonFordWoodworks right there with you. Sometimes it’s best to learn on the fly. Although there have been a lot of profanities tossed around during editing.
@@Lincolnstww Yeah, sometimes you got to just jump on end the deep end. I've been trying hard to watch my language too - by default it's pretty bad! I need to figure out how to bleep myself when I slip. The way you did it was hilarious!
I’ve been very satisfied with the Harbor Freight trigger clamps. For the price and function they have served me well. I’m anxious to try a more pricey one to see what I am missing.
They are a nice step up for sure
The blue HarborFreight trigger clamps seem to be ok. The older black and gray ones would break way too often and/or slip. Lifetime warranty but who cares if you have to go back to the store all the time.
@@jaroot2 I agree that the blue ones are fine. I learned long ago that you can’t have too many clamps and when I’m in HF I often leave with some kind of device to hold my material.
Your videos are educational and have moments of absolute brilliant comedy! Big fan!
Glad you like them!
The rockler pocket screw face clamp doesn't hold the material flush. It allows the boards to shift vertically. The kreg vice grip with the wide pads that was shown in this video works so much better, you just have to hang the material off your workbench to use the clamp.
The kreg right angle clamps that use a pocket hole for one leg of the clamp don't work with plywood. To get enough pressure to keep the pieces from shifting blows out the pocket on plywood.
I heard that kreg right angle clamp is awful
Agree with all those points. In addition, I still haven’t used my biscuit jointer after two years. I’d say I could live without my big box store own label combination square too. Buy quality or don’t bother for stuff like that: There are better, cheaper single-function squares out there.
Wow. You just dropped a lot of truth bombs in there. Couldn't agree more
Definitely need to drop some bucks on the combi square. I don't use my biscuit jointer that often, but still consider it a vital tool.
Irwin and DeWalt are part of Stanley Black and Decker. It's very possible that the clamps are the same except for the labels. I haven't seen the Irwin clamps so I can't be sure they are the same as DeWalt but I have seen other Stanley products that are identical to the DeWalt versions.
Wouldn't surprise me at all
Watched til the end just so I could complain that you told people not to buy a grrrrripper. Thanks for letting me down
No problem!
You are an awesome human being - a real role model for all of us.
That mini Kreg jig was intended to be used in close quarters where the larger K4 won't fit.
it does great for for those applications. If a someone was just starting out and choosing between the two I would still suggest the K4.
I would suggest the k5. On the k5 you can remove the boring sleeve and clamp it wherever you need it for tight spots.
I started woodworking about 8 months ago, and I would agree with everything except the harbor freight quick clamps.. I actually preferred them over the Irwins that I have because they put the release as a thumb button which is more comfortable to me than the finger trigger that Irwin uses
It if works it works!
The HF quick clamps are good. You just have to know what your using them for. You're probably not going to be able to put enough clamping pressure to hold something in line when doing pocket holes or something similar but they work fine when trying to keep something from flying up in your face
@@chuckmaddox6725 yeah, they have their use for something like that but I don't trust them for anything whereI need pressure and to fully secure something. They break and loose grip too easy. It's worth keeping a few around though for this use with how cheap they are to buy.
I too enjoy my HF quick clamps. They definitely don't feel high-quality, but they feel good enough for a seasonal hobby.
Having made it past 4th grade I never had an issue reading a tape. My go to tape for the shop is a Stanley 16' with both imperial and metric
Ouch you got me
I'll put in a kind word for Harbor Freight ratchet clamps. When you need 20 clamps - and you sometimes do - they're a good option with the caveats that they are medium strength, and not quite as convenient on the release as some others. (I have a mix of Irwin, Yost, and HF clamps.) If one breaks, or the bar becomes notched and doesn't slide well, swap it for a new one. (I believe HF will swap them out at any time - I don't think they even require you have a receipt.)
Interestingly, I have found that the extra small HF clamps work better than the Irwin mini clamps which don't seem to hold well. The HF clamps are more likely to not work at all, but most do and are MUCH cheaper. I gave up on the Irwin's in favor of a bucket of HF minis.
Interesting, maybe the irwins aren't the same quality as the dewalt. I love the dewalts
@@Lincolnstww Actually, I think some of the DeWalts use the Irwin mechanisms; kind of looks like it from the outside. (They're both Stanley-Black & Decker brands.) That doesn't mean there can't be differences; small changes in bar dimensions, profiles, and stiffness can have a dramatic effect on performance as you go up in clamping pressure. (The HF clamps aren't high pressure - good for 80 -100 lbs max I'd say. Medium duty according to DeWalt. That's all most jobs need, but everyone should have a few 300+ lbs clamps just in case.)
I don't think anybody puts much quality into their mini clamps (4"). They're all pretty light duty, low-bidder items. (HF actually uses screws to hold the case together on theirs, where the Irwins' case sides clip on and occasionally unclip when stressed.)
The smaller Kreg jig definitely has its uses. I have used it many times in situations where the larger, mounted one wouldn't work. You don't need a special clamp, any C clamp works great with it.
Very true. I have both. The small Kregg jig is great for getting into tight spaces, use in the field or doing repairs to something that has pulled apart and reinforcement is required.
The K4, which has been discontinued, had a removable drill guide and so could be used either way I believe.
We're talking beginners tools, you don't strike me as a beginner
When I started with pocket holes, I bought the cheapest $10 one I could find from Milescraft, plus a similar clamp from Harbor Freight. It completely sucks to use since it's even more difficult to align, but I feel like I missed that sweet spot of "way too expensive yet still sucks to use", since it was only like $20 for the jig and clamp.
Its a lesson we all learn at some point
Like they say, "you gets what you pays for"...
I bought a couple of the bessey 90 degree corner clamps and I agree, they are cumbersome to use. thanks for the tip.
Good quality saw blades are a must. They will make a cheap saw cut good and they last long than cheap ones.
Between putting on a new blade and using some paste wax on my table saw, it almost felt like somebody was pulling the wood through from the other side. Lol
Very true Doug. And sharp ones!