What should be my next tool?

[GPowers]

I second the suggestion of a Kreg jig.  Maybe the single most used accessory in my shop (other than drill/driver bits).

If you do not have the Kreg Jig, you should. It gets my vote.

Plus it runs the range for $20 to over $200, depending the kit you buy.

 

[pghmyn]

To answer some questions and address some suggestions:

I have a Kreg jig, however it is the one where you have to manually clamp the jig to the surface each time you want to drill a hole. It is slow, but it works for now. I do eventually want to buy a few hand planes, specifically a block plane and a jack plane. Those are down the road tools, though

I have clamps, but I could always use more. I would really like to start buying some here and there whenever I find good deals.

So far I have not come up with any cons to putting the dado stack on my list. So, that will be what I go with. But, thanks to your suggestions, I know which tools will come next on my purchase list (personally). But first thing on my list is a new table saw. I have which one picked out, just need to get the money to pay for it.

 

[rmwarren]

I know that the Domino 500 is out of the budget for the originator of this thread but I would far rather use the Domino than the Kreg for things like the ceiling ladder thingy - the Domino is quick, simple and works every time.

Peter

Pocket screws are not "quick, simple and works every time"?  ???

RMW

 

[tiralie]

I have a Kreg jig, however it is the one where you have to manually clamp the jig to the surface each time you want to drill a hole. It is slow, but it works for now.

For 100.00 the Kreg K4 Pocket hole jig will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Tim

 

[pghmyn]

I have a Kreg jig, however it is the one where you have to manually clamp the jig to the surface each time you want to drill a hole. It is slow, but it works for now.

For 100.00 the Kreg K4 Pocket hole jig will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Tim

I was thinking about making a jig out of the one I have soon. But if that fails, I will eventually get the better kit.

 

[Julian Tracy]

For a good quality dado set, look into finding a Dewalt or Delta set on Ebay or at one of the various small online tool retailers.  NOT woodcraft or rockler as those sets have been discontinued and are no longer stocked in regular retail outlets.  The Dewalt and Delta are identical and are made in the UK and as I recall, quite a good quality for the price at the time ($125?)

Because they are old stock, I'd venture you could source a set for $55-80 and it'd be the best money spent on a new dado set I'd think.

As far as soffits go, I'm trying to figure out why you guys would use pocket screws OR the Domino for such a purpose???  2x framing lumber and 3 1/2" nails or screws is how they are done in the real world.  Not as though they are subject to any stress.  Man it had to take a huge amount of time pocketing that soffit together! 

That's almost like cutting drywall with a TS saw, though I'll bet many here have done that!

JT

 

[Jesse Cloud]

This is probably uncalled for as your mom would not likely buy you a used tool.  But, just in case you come to buy one for yourself.... this is the one tool I would never buy used!

The reason is that they will eventually need to be sharpened and they are expensive to sharpen, as you must sharpen each blade in the set to keep them a consistent height.

Whatever you decide, you got a lot of good advice!

 

[flair woodworks]

I think that a Kreg jig is quicker and easier than a Domino because there is no need for glue and clamp time with long clamps.

 

[Kev]

Kreg Jig is a great christmas present

Also things like good quality glue guns, sharpening accessories, safety gear ... safety glasses and some comfortable muffs, etc.

... all of them beat underwear  [big grin]

 

[upscale]

Pocket screws are not "quick, simple and works every time"? 

I have a Kreg 3 master system, but often finding myself going to the Domino if only for aesthetics sake. However, one thing the Kreg has over the Domino is the ability to take it apart easily. Glued Dominos? Not so much...

 

[upscale]

... all of them beat underwear  [big grin]

I don't know about that. Depends on how comfortable those underware are AND who happens to be giving them to you. 

 

[Stone Message]

Pocket screws are not "quick, simple and works every time"? 

I have a Kreg 3 master system, but often finding myself going to the Domino if only for aesthetics sake. However, one thing the Kreg has over the Domino is the ability to take it apart easily. Glued Dominos? Not so much...

That is true but then we do different types of woodwork; almost everything I make gets the glue treatment and I like to avoid screws.

Peter

 

[Alan m]

i have a domino  and a kreg jig.
i usually domino  but it is very handy to have the kreg. sometimes i use both. domino for strength and kreg to hold it there while the glue dries.
i woulnt be without both.
the kreg has really helped out on a few jobs and save a lot of time

 

[RONWEN]

Pocket screws are not "quick, simple and works every time"? 

I have a Kreg 3 master system, but often finding myself going to the Domino if only for aesthetics sake. However, one thing the Kreg has over the Domino is the ability to take it apart easily. Glued Dominos? Not so much...

That is true but then we do different types of woodwork; almost everything I make gets the glue treatment and I like to avoid screws.

Peter

Exactly the point.  It's almost silly to compare Kreg & Domino, as handy as pocket hole joinery is it's not something you'll find used in top line fine furniture.  As far as that goes some purists wouldn't consider floating tenons anymore than screws in their designs.  I really like both systems but realize you can always see pocket holes (even if filled) but floating tenons disappear into the furniture.