Pocket holes vs Domino

[Oso Rojo]

Seth made a comment in another thread about a pocket hole jig used in conjunction with a Domino and it got me thinking. I've used biscuits and pocket holes for many years, but I never trusted biscuits to replace tenons the way Domino can.

So when would you use Domino and when would you use pocket hole?

Thanks,
Bernie

 

[semenza]

Seth made a comment in another thread about a pocket hole jig used in conjunction with a Domino and it got me thinking. I've used biscuits and pocket holes for many years, but I never trusted biscuits to replace tenons the way Domino can.

So when would you use Domino and when would you use pocket hole?

Thanks,
Bernie

Hi,

    I use them together when building things such as cabinet boxes or pretty much anything else  that will allow for the pocket holes to be completely hidden. On a cabinet box  I alternate the placement of PH and Dominos along the edges. The Dominos  align the edges and keep the parts together hands free while putting the screws in.  I also glue the edges. The screws provide the clamping. The combo makes assembly real easy, especially if working alone. And no need for a bunch of clamps on the boxes.

Seth

 

[sancho57]

What Seth said

 

[Sparktrician]

Seth made a comment in another thread about a pocket hole jig used in conjunction with a Domino and it got me thinking. I've used biscuits and pocket holes for many years, but I never trusted biscuits to replace tenons the way Domino can.

So when would you use Domino and when would you use pocket hole?

Thanks,
Bernie

Hi,

    I use them together when building things such as cabinet boxes or pretty much anything else  that will allow for the pocket holes to be completely hidden. On a cabinet box  I alternate the placement of PH and Dominos along the edges. The Dominos  align the edges and keep the parts together hands free while putting the screws in.  I also glue the edges. The screws provide the clamping. The combo makes assembly real easy, especially if working alone. And no need for a bunch of clamps on the boxes.

Seth

+1!  I really like the fact that the dominoes keep things lined up properly when assembling cabinets and the pocket hole screws provide plenty of clamping pressure while the glue sets up.  

 

[GPowers]

If you can hide the pocket holes, I use then other wise Dominos  [big grin]

 

[Oso Rojo]

Interesting point guys! I'm glad I asked the question. I had never really thought of pocket holes as clamping, but that's a great point.

 

[gnlman]

Hi. If you don't want to purchase a Domino then a dowel jig will work just as well....maybe not quite as fast....You can buy a pretty decent jig in the 200 dollar range. I have made all my drawers in my shop so far with the Jessem jig and pocket screws. I even made up a little jig for my DC hose for the Jessem now that I understand the importance of collecting dust. Dowels for alignment and strenght, pocket screws for clamping and strenght as well....works very well and is very strong!!
Greg

 

[RussellS]

Repeating what others have written.  Pocket hole screws CLAMP the pieces together.  Other clamps are not used.  This could be very important.  Dominos require you to use clamps for the glue to dry.  The hiding aspect is important too.  Pocket hole slots and screws are not attractive.  You always want to hide these.  Fine if its the side of a cabinet covered by another cabinet or end panel.  But if its a free standing cabinet, I would hate to have pocket hole slots even on the inside!  Yuck.  Dominos would be the choice.

 

[tjbnwi]

What Seth said.

Tom

 

[jacko9]

Once you get into woodworking, you'll accumulate a ever-growing supply of clamps in which case all you need is a Domino for fast and easy joints.  I don't need the extra processing step of pocket holes and screws since I can clamp any assembly quickly and the glue sets quick enough to reuse the clamps while the project fully gains strength.

Jack

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Recently had to use pocket hole screws to hold together two loft bed frames that were dominoed with the DF700XL. Each frame was 67" long. My largest Besseys are 50". Pic below is one of the frames.

 

[jacko9]

Recently had to use pocket hole screws to hold together two loft bed frames that were dominoed with the DF700XL. Each frame was 67" long. My largest Besseys are 50". Pic below is one of the frames.

I agree, I just happen to have accumulated a lot of 72" clamps so I understand that people that don't have these expensive clamps pocket screws are a good option.

Jack

 

[semenza]

See clamp stretchers here  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/bessey-clamp-stretchers/new/#new

Seth

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thanks, Seth. Great idea!

 

[semenza]

Thanks, Seth. Great idea!

Festup's idea , not mine.

Seth

 

[Sparktrician]

See clamp stretchers here  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/bessey-clamp-stretchers/new/#new

Seth

Bessey offers their own version called the KBX20 Extender. 

 

[sonicfedora]

Sure it's great to use clamps and not have to worry about the hassle of pocket holes for clamping but in the field I almost always use PHs for clamping if I can hide them.  I did a job the other day and as I was packing up I thought I should grab some clamps.  Realized I'd need to bring ALL of my clamps and grabbed the Kreg instead.