Beginner of beginner's question??

[John]

I just completed my 1st project, the 2x4 workbench.  Bought a new Milwaukee drill for making the pilot holes and used my 12v Black and Decker to drive the screws.  I made a few practice joints with scrap 2x4's and had at it.  I over drove 1 or 2 screws trying to get the right setting on the drill.  The you tube video said to put the torque as low as possible and some screws didn't even make it the hole before it stopped so I had to play with it.  I understand the smooth part of the screw would then give little movement to the joint.   I have NO experience so i took my time and triple checked every measurement.  My biggest question is that I did not get a consistent "pulling" of the joint together, especially the top piece of the MDF.  I had that on the floor and screwed into it.  It is solid, very usable but not as "flush" as I expected.  Is it just the inconsistency of the 2x4's or something else?  Used the 1 1/4 coarse as directed.  I also saw a homemade video where the guy said you occasionally have to back them out a little if it "pushes the material and then tighten it down again.   Just looking for a little insight before my next project.

 

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and expertise!

John

[John Schaben]

Hi John - I'm not a fan of MDF and screws anyway,, actually not much of a fan of MDF at all except for router templates. I suspect what happened is the MDF "erupted" around the screws and left a small hump between the 2x support and MDF top. That even happened to me using #6 screws in the stuff. About the only way to avoid it I know of is to drill pilot holes for the screws. Kinda dicey and counterproductive for pocket holes.

[John]

Thanks John,  overall I am happy with it and it is definitely usable.  I play to experiment with different woods before my next project as I wasn't to fond of the MDF myself.