Pocket holes and screws enough for 2×4 frame
digitallimit
| Posted in General Discussion on
I want to build a tall triangle/square like cabinet carcass from 2×4 due to cheap material and it will be in the garage. Would Pocket holes, screws and glue be good enough? I have thought about experimenting with dowels; however, not sure. I do not have any pocket hole jig, and very apprehensive to purchase a 99.99 jig. I can make a doweling jig, for this project and half lap joint the sides and dowel the front and rear pieces to the sides.
Matthais Wandel makes something similar to what I want to do; however, I do not have the capability to make mortise and Tenon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm8Cy60MYFg&t=334s
I am open to any suggestions. Thank you
Replies
I think they would be strong enough if your joinery is accurate and you choose good screws. For tool stands I might lean toward half laps if I couldn't M&T but, let's not wander. A Kreg mini (now called something else and much fancier) is about $20 with the bit, jig, stop and wrench. I have several pocket hole setups and the mini gets used at least half the time.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kreg-Kphj310-Pocket-Hole-Jig-310-Adjustable/1001107148?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-lia-_-129-_-benchtoptools-_-1001107148-_-0&store_code=1700&placeholder=null&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5ae827De5wIVTR-tBh3I4wVAEAQYASABEgI_AvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
For 2x4 garage shelving why bother with pocket screws? You can do this with long screws. If you are worried about screwing into end grain you can put in some wood cross-dowels. If you decide to half-lap the parts you can just glue it and screw it. Either approach will be sturdier than pocket screws.
@GeeDubBee
I was looking at the mini; however, since I have no clue where to start, was unsure of if would get used a lot.
@_MJ_
I wanted to practice with different construction methods. I was thinking using half lap on the sides, and use pocket screws to put the front and back on or even dowels. However, I was unsure if the screws or dowels would weaken the half lap joints.
I am new to pocket hole construction, so have no clue or experience on the strength and reliability. I have used dowels to build cabinet face frames; however, switched to biscuits since at the time I had access to a biscuit cutter, but I no longer have the access and didn't want to spend the funds on a specialty tool of that price. Would prefer to purchase something that would get used more.
I appreciate your comments... Please keep the suggestions coming.
@GeeDubBee
Was looking at this one...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kreg-Kreg-Jig-320-Kreg-Pocket-Hole-Jig-320-Adjustable/1001107158
I guess if I had access to a good tilting table drill press I could build a jig that would enable me to make a pocket hole jig.
IMO Pocket screws like the Kreg system are a poor choice for structural applications. Perfect for face frames that are supported by the base structure but I would not put a planer on a stand made with the Kreg jig.
@_MJ_
So go with: glue, dowel and half lap joints for structure?
Pocket holes have their place but IMO not for something like this.
Half laps or mortise/tenon glued and pinned with dowels will be extremely strong.
@rwe2156
I find wood working relaxing after a long day in the office, so I am very new.
Would you glue the dowel at the time of joint glue up? Or would you glue up and clamp, then come back and drill hole and install dowel?
Also, how should I clamp? Can I get away with clamps or should I glue up and clamp to a table top? I do not have a really good shop yet, and working off the floor.
Do you know of any references or youtube videos that would/could show me?
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