Remember when we all thought pocket hole jigs were just for quick fixes?

Saw a guy at the 2018 AWFS Fair in Vegas building a full walnut credenza with them, and the joinery was rock solid. Anyone else switched to using them for more serious casework now?

2 comments

2 Comments

johnson.paul3d ago

Wait a full WALNUT credenza? That is a serious piece of furniture. I always saw pocket holes as a shortcut for shop cabinets or face frames, not fine woodworking. Seeing them hold up on a big case piece like that would make me rethink everything. I guess if the joint is hidden and it's strong, why not use it. The old rules might just be changing.

carter.laura3d ago

Totally get what you mean about pocket holes just being for shop stuff. My buddy built this huge maple bookcase for his living room, and he used pocket screws for all the case joints (the ones you'd never see). He was so nervous about it, like waiting for it to fall apart. That was five years ago, and the thing is still solid as a rock, packed with heavy books. It really changed my view on what "real" joinery has to be. If it's hidden and it works forever, maybe the old guard just needs to chill a bit.