Reddit mentions of Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System (K4 Jig)

I'll probably get run out of town for saying it, but, if you're going to do more of this kind of a project, get yourself one of these or one of these.

No pocket screws aren't as strong as joinery, but for these kind of projects they're fast and work well enough and they'll last longer than the plates/L brackets you used.

If you have clamps already, I really like this one:
http://smile.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG

If you're going to use it semi-regularly, being able to set it once and then make 20 similar holes is very handy.

If it's just a one-time project, then one of the smaller ones work, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG

its this thing. I just bought it for other furniture projects and everyone seems to love it as an alternative to biscuit or other joint methods

Ok, plenty of tips. Some are because I'm stupid and learned the hard way and others are specific to this project.

1. Get a Kreg Jig. Dont cheap out and get the $30 one. I started with that one and although it works just fine, when your doing a bunch of them, the master kit is soooooooo much easier and faster. Halfway through the project I got the Master Kit for about $90 and its well worth the money.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1418682780&sr=1-4&keywords=Kreg+Jig&pebp=1418682786524
   
   
2. This is probably common knowledge for wood workers / construction guys but apparently when you buy wood, its not the measurements you buy. A 2x4 is not actually 2" x 4" turns out its 1-1/2" x 3-1/2. When I went to H-Depot to find 1x10 board, I was miffed why it was in fact 1x9-1/4. I had to re-cut half my wood to fit.
   
   
3. Although I am glad I used the cheapest stuff I could find, I would probably go to a lumber yard to get better quality wood next time. Its kinda warped on the drawer face.
   
   
4. These plans don't really have any kind of drawer mechanism. The drawer just sits on wood. Next time I make something with a drawer, I will include a drawer slide. This also may be just because Im not good at it, but it doesn't slide easily or cleanly.
   
   
5. Clamps. Make sure you've got plenty. When I started the project I had 2- 12" clamps and ended up ordering 3 more 36" clamps. Pipe Clamps are better, but I ordered some cheap ones (link below) When I ordered them they were $9 each with free prime shipping. Wait till they go back on sale.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NQ17PI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
6. Back to the Drawer. I just remembered. I believe the plans called for a piece of plywood as the bottom of the drawer. When I cut it down and tested the fit, it was too tight to actually go in the drawer hole. I ended up cutting it down to fit the inside of the drawer and gluing it in place. It ended up "ok" but I wish I had done a better job on this.
   

What is your budget?

A Kreg Jig would be a nice gift for someone starting out, although most people in this sub would turn up their noses at the sight of one.

Edit: also clamps, you can never have enough clamps. If you have a harbor freight nearby these are really cheap and work well enough.

Yeah this one

There's a smaller one for $40 that's supposed to work well too.

Wood is always the best material! Here's what I've learned so far on how to make non-ugly wood-based things:

-1) Plan, plan plan plan plan plan plan. Take measurements. Draw. Scratch your head. Go to the store and measure the wood you'll be using. Draw some more. Swear a bit. Nothing will save you if you don't plan out your design well.

0) Measure thrice cut once - Don't get antsy with your cuts. Make sure you have the right measurement, then make sure again. Mark your cut with a pencil and mark the WHOLE length of the cut, not just the beginning. Use a triangle and a clamp as a saw guide. Cut a SMALL notch in the wood and ensure you're on your mark. Make sure before your cut you know which side of the cut your saw blade is supposed to be on or your length will be off by the width of the saw blade.

1. [Kreg pocket hole jig] (http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=pd_cp_hi_3) - this thing is amazing. It creates screw holes that are unobtrusive and easy to hide. You can go in at an angle instead of straight-on. Get the screws too.
   
   
2. Random orbit sander - people like smooth things and nicely sanded wood takes a finish much better. Sand every surface you intend on finishing and keep sanding it until it's as smooth as a baby's bottom. EDIT: Use breathing protection such as a dust mask.
   
   
3. Prestain - This is needed for some porous woods like pine.
   
   
4. Wood stain + polyeurethane - I use the kind that is combined. I don't know if others will think I'm a heathen because of that but I do. I don't use the brushes but instead use the white sponges. I can't find them though. Use at least two coats and LET IT DRY inbetween. Don't get anxious. Also, if you live with a woman don't forget to ask her what colors work best with the room. Take her with you to get the stain if necessary.
   
   
5. Steel wool between coats - This removes minor imperfections like bubbles and small hairs that get stuck in the coat of stain.
   
   That's all the suggestions I can come up with for now. It shouldn't be difficult. Scout out your wood supplier beforehand so you can see what you have to work with. You can probably find legs like those on the table in the picture at Lowes pretty easily. A nice top shouldn't be hard to find there either. You can either screw the legs directly into the top if you find a thick enough one or get some thinner boards for side pieces and form a frame to put the top on.

What made you get that jig compared to the Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System? I know the Pocket Hole System costs about $50 more but it seems like it would be easier to use.

It's called a pocket hole jig, pretty awesome for putting together sheet goods like plywood and MDF. Here's a link to the exact one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1479227901&sr=1-4&keywords=kreg+jig&linkCode=sl1&tag=beerrevidude-20&linkId=72358611c9542c75cabc9db98d64e696

For future builds: http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG

Pocket holes are a great way of fastening boards together like this. This guy does some nice pieces using a pocket hole jig:

http://www.diypete.com/how-to-build-a-farmhouse-style-coffee-table/

Like this set, https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2691-22-18-Volt-Compact-Impact/dp/B001F7BIMG/ ?

Will the Kregg drill bit fit?

Looks good. Try using this:
Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System www.amazon.com/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_z9z8wb79TPCTJ

Kreg Jig.

edit: more specifically the Pocket Hole System