I like both and both have their uses in building furniture. One doesn't replace the other so be warned you'll probably want both eventually.
A nail gun will require an air compressor, which will run at least $50 as well as a hose (another $10-20). Nail guns are great for applying trim pieces and light duty joining of wood. Pocket holes can be used for a number of types of joints and are generally much stronger than a finish nailed joint. You can hand nail trim on, but pocket holes are not something that you can recreate easily.
I would recommend that you start out with the smallest Kreg jig set, which runs about $20. It does everything the more expensive sets do, it just takes a bit longer. You do have a cordless drill right? I also suggest that you purchase a couple of quick grip clamps to hold the pieces flush when fastening joints. They will come in handy for a lot of other uses when building projects.
Dan K
Wed, 12/08/2010 - 19:25
I like both and both have their uses in building furniture. One doesn't replace the other so be warned you'll probably want both eventually.
A nail gun will require an air compressor, which will run at least $50 as well as a hose (another $10-20). Nail guns are great for applying trim pieces and light duty joining of wood. Pocket holes can be used for a number of types of joints and are generally much stronger than a finish nailed joint. You can hand nail trim on, but pocket holes are not something that you can recreate easily.
I would recommend that you start out with the smallest Kreg jig set, which runs about $20. It does everything the more expensive sets do, it just takes a bit longer. You do have a cordless drill right? I also suggest that you purchase a couple of quick grip clamps to hold the pieces flush when fastening joints. They will come in handy for a lot of other uses when building projects.