The New Home of BuildSomething

You'll find almost a thousand step–by–step plans plus how–to articles and videos to help you build, along with ingenious tools for every building task

We're glad you're here, and we're ready to help you build something with kreg!

Build Something
With
 
Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO
 
 

Advent Calendar

By Jaime Costiglio
advent-calendar-12
advent-calendar-21
advent-calendar-11
advent-calendar-10
advent-calendar-14
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

Make this fun Christmas decor using your Kreg pocket hole jig. The pocket holes make a perfect spot for a dowel with a holiday shape on the end to move along as we count down to the big day. Designed with a solid base and optional spot for a sign this advent calendar is fun for the whole family.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Jigsaw
    Jigsaw
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Scroll Saw
    Scroll Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Board , 2x2 , 72"
  • 1 Board , 1x5 , 4 1/2" scrap
  • 1 Board , 2x6 , 5 1/2" scrap
  • 1 Board , 2x8 , 7 1/4" scrap
  • 1 Board , 1x8 , 6 1/4" circle
  • 1 Plywood , 1/4" Thick , 5 3/4" circle
  • 1 Board , 1x6 , 4" star

Hardware & Supplies

  • 6 2 1/2" spax wood screws
  • 4 1 1/4" spax wood screws
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 1 Post , 2 x 2 @ 57"
  • 1 Base 3 , 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
  • 1 Base 2 , 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • 1 Base 3 , 1 1/2" x 7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
  • 1 Small circle sign , 1/4" x 5 3/4" diameter
  • 1 Large circle sign , 3/4" x 6 1/4" diameter
  • 1 Star , 3/4" x 4" star
  • 1 Sign dowel , 5/16" x 3"
  • 1 Star dowel , 5/16" x 4"
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Dimensions

    Overall dimensions 66 3/4h x 7 1/4" x 7 1/4"

    Step 1

  • Step 1

    Starting 2” from the end attach one pocket hole jig at center using the face frame clamp and drill a pocket hole. To make the next pocket hole line up the jig using the edge of the first hole as a guide. This will ensure about ¾” spacing between pocket holes. Repeat this process until you have 25 pocket holes.

    Step 2

  • Step 1 IRL

    Step 1 IRL

    Step 3

  • Step 2

    Attach post to base 3 at center using wood glue and at least 2 – 2 ½” countersunk wood screws. Considering predrilling so the post doesn’t split.

    Step 4

  • Step 3

    Prepare the remaining base 1 and base 2 pieces by attaching the smaller base 2 to the larger base 1 using wood glue and 2 ½” countersunk wood screws.

    Step 5

  • Step 4

    Attach the post / base 3 portion using wood glue and 1 ¼” countersunk wood screws.

    Step 6

  • Step 5

    To make the circular sign at top cut out the two wood circles. Paint as desired and then attach the smaller ¼” plywood circle to the larger back circle using super glue or wood glue. Drill a 5/16” hole into the larger circle and insert the dowel using wood glue. Predrill a 5/16” hole at the top center of the post and insert the dowel with the sign.

    Step 7

  • Step 6

    Cut out the 4” star from ¾” thick plywood (use pattern below). Paint as desired. Predrill a 5/16” hole at center bottom and insert the 5/16” wood dowel using wood glue.

    Step 8