Pocket Holes - Bit won't bite unless I press super hard?

[Phillip Rosin]

Using the Kreg R3. I have been mostly working with plywood, but recently started making poplar frames. I purchased a new bit recently and assembled three or four cabinet boxes with it. I then moved on to the face frames, which I am making with poplar. This bit will not go in unless I press SUPER hard and it still takes a while. The wood isn't burnt, but this does not seem right. Both of my bits behave the same way (I tried my old one too). They just won't bite without major force behind them. Should these bits dull out this fast, or did I maybe get one that wasn't sharpened well? I am still frustrated that the first one seemed to dull out so quickly. First I tried with my cordless, but then I grabbed my 2700rpm Dewalt. Did not matter. The bit just will not bite at all. Has anyone else had this issue? Am I doing something wrong that is causing them to dull quickly? I even find on basic birch plywood that I have to apply a bit of force every now and then or it just sits there and spins without going anywhere. My coordless runs around 1500 rpm at full tilt. As mentioned, my Dewalt hits 2700. Where should I be aiming for? Should I ever need to press with considerable pressure to get the bit to go in? Am I just having bad luck with bits? Thanks so much for your feedback. I supposed I should grab a new bit and send these two to Kreg to be sharpened... but I don't feel like I should have managed to dull 2 bits already. 

[james wilhelm]

PHILLIP , I would call Kreg customer Service in the morning , sure they will help solve this problem for you  !!!!! I have been using  the same bit for two years  now , drilling holes in ply , poplar, pine and oak  and it is still cutting good with out a lot of pressure  !!!   I have the K4 , R3 , micro ,  HD , mini , and the deck  jig , I have only had a problem with the HD. bit and broke the tip off  and Kreg replaced it for free , they are very good with their service , just call them at 800-447-8638 and they will help you with this problem , hope this helps , JIM !!

[Phillip Rosin]

Thanks Jim! It is really strange that I am having trouble with both bits. Makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong... but I don't know how I would be... Out of curiosity, do you know roughly what RPM you drill at? If not exactly, does it seem like relatively fast or lightning fast? (first analogy that popped into my head)

[james wilhelm]

PHILLIP , I use a corded drill , think it runs at about 2400 RPM,S  , I all way,s  get the  drill up to speed  before I make contact with the wood  and have no problem,s   !!!  Like I said  you should call customer service  in the morning and tell them the problem you are having with the bit,s  and I am sure they will take care of the problem , I don,t think you are doing any thing wrong  and may have ended up with some bad bit,s !!!!!!   Kreg CS  will work with you and fix the problem  , they are willing to help and fix the problem  , have a good day , JIM !! 

[Tim Grace]

I do have an occasional problem with my Skil 18v (1400 rpm). I find that it is usually when the battery has less than a full charge.  I get the drill up to speed before contacting the wood.  I do have a new bit, but haven't had to use it yet (almost a year and probably close to 2500 pocket holes).

[Phillip Rosin]

Thank you for all the information. I called Kreg and spoke with Ryan, who was great. They are sending me replacement bits and I will also be sending them my current bits for sharpening. 

[james wilhelm]

Phillip, glad you have your bit problem solved, hope the new ones work good for you , Kreg CS is very good , JIM !!

[Phillip Rosin]

Wow! What a difference. I don't know what was wrong with the bits I had, but I just used one that they sent me and it goes through solid wood like butter. I did note that, unlike the two I had, they sent me bits without the hex shank. That is fine with me. Not sure if there is any difference other than the shank. I am going to send them my current bits so they can take a look. If nothing else, I'll now have 4 bits on hand. 

[james wilhelm]

Phillip, great news, glad you are back to drilling holes with no problem,s , , dose not make a differance on the shank,s , as I have both types  and the both work , have a good shop day , JIM !!!