Edgejoining - Kreg Mini MKJ Instruction Manual

Edgejoining

Edgejoining, or assembling workpieces edge to edge such as for
a solid wood tabletop is easily accomplished with pocket
hole joinery. In traditional edgejoining, the workpieces
are only glued together and then pipe clamped
overnight to allow for the glue to set-up. With
pocket hole joinery one simply glues and
screws to assemble one layer at a time. This
process can be immediately followed by sanding
and trimming to size without delay.
Standard Dimensions
Materials to be edgejoined are typically solid wood. The general rule of thumb is to
not edgejoin a board that is wider than 5" to avoid any cupping or bowing that could
occur with changes in moisture levels. It is recommended to alternate the growth
rings of the individual boards being joined to head off any potential problems.
Steps to Edgejoin a Tabletop
1. Plane wood to same thickness. Rip to width and joint edges.
It is important to plane your wood to the same thickness to assure a flush top that
requires minimal sanding. Once your boards are ripped to length, it is recommended
to joint the edges of the board to create a tight joint line.
2. Drill pocket holes into edge of boards.
Layout your boards on a workbench. Alternate grain direction and choose the best
face on each board. Layout pocket hole placement approximately every 6-8 inches
across the length of the board with pencil lines (note you will not have to drill pocket
holes into the first board in the sequence).
3. Clamp flush and drive screws.
On the first board, place a Face Clamp
joint line directly over the pocket hole. Make
sure that the large pad of the clamp is on the
face side of the joint line to keep the
workpieces perfectly flush. Assemble one
screw at a time, moving the clamp directly
over each pocket hole while assembling.
(Alternating grain direction)
on the
TM
Joint Line
Face
Large Pad
28 28
28 28 28