Right now I use a lot of pocket screws. It's fast and simple.

I use them for box construction and face frames.

However, I have been using kreg which is far too angled and has a lot of tear out. So looking at upgrading to castle or similar.

I do know someone selling their m and t setup (benchtop mortiser and 3/4 shaper with cutters) for $600. The castle handheld machine (110) is around the same price. His setup isn't anything special, just some cheesy ish Delta equipment. He is retiring so I know he used this setup a lot and it obviously works. I don't have the money to a foot pedal version yet and I haven't seen any on auction.

But it has me wondering what other cab people do. I would think there is no way to beat the speed of a pocket hole machine, especially with a foot pedal. And from what i see the low angle of the castle machine works really well. And, of course, self clamping.

So I guess just wondering what you guys do. And if speed difference is pretty minor. If clamping is differences are pretty minor. If any differences in quality are minor. Etc.