Mike,
Under the 'FWIW' banner, and from the 'answers' I've read, here's my input
for somebody who has *never* before used the 'Pocket Hole' technique . . .

The 'technique' has been around for a long time. It is only relatively
recently that commercial jigs & special drill bits have made it 'consistent
and marketing made it highly visible.

To me, the justification for an expensive 'kit' is how much use it will get.
I started off with a $10.oo adjustable 'two-hole' jig. A '2-step' bit came
from MLCS for about $3.oo. A 'set' of 'Big Foot' Vice-Grip type clamps from
Harbor Freight were already at hand, plus many, many other clamps! I used it
assemble 3 'Memorial Flag Cases'. Later, I got a small Kreg 'Single Hole'
jig for $10 because it *might* come in handy in close quarters. I haven't
used it yet.

Bearing in mind that I don't build furniture, or cases, or 'face-frames',
the $13 'kit' was good enough for what I needed. The 'special' screws are
available from many sources. My choice is Stainless Steel. Plus, if your bit
has a 'pointed' rather than 'flat' rebate, even those are not necessary.
{Yes - I know you can split the wood, but that's why today's drills have a
clutch. On a decently made joint, 'snug' is really all that's needed.}

Obviously, your requirements may be much different. If nothing else, this
'route' will give you a good learning tool before a significant investment.

Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop





"Mike" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi everybody, I'm looking for a recommendation on a good starting
pocket hole jig kit. I've looked up the different models that Kreg
offers, but I'm not sure how much I'd need to get started.

The smallest kit (for around $50) looks pretty bare - is there enough
here to start off with, and is it upgradeable?

The next size kit (around $80) looks like it's got everything you'd
need to get started - any reason why this would not be a good place to
start?

The master kit gets pretty pricey - is it really worth spending that
much?

Any opinions/thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike