How deep should the pocket hole go?

[Samir Patel]

I just got a Kreg Jig, and I'm trying it out on some test pieces for the first time.

I'm using 3/4" stock, and it measures pretty much right on 3/4".  I set the drill block to 3/4 inches, and set the collar on the bit by lining the 3/4" marking on the base to the step of the drill bit.

When I drill the hole, the smaller part of the drill bit comes out from the bottom by a lot...more than half of the smaller section is coming out.  I know it can be off a little, but this seems like a lot!!  I'm sure there's something bone-headed I'm missing.

What should a successful pocket hole look like?  The drill bit shouldn't come out of the bottom, right?  Is that for all stock widths?

[Samir Patel]

One thing I should add is that the hole came out a little off-center, but not by much.  I re-checked the drill block, and then 3/4" line is flush with the receiver (or whatever it is called).

[Samir Patel]

I uploaded pictures here:

http://kregjig.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1...

[John Schaben]

Hi Samir - The pilot should NOT exit the pocket board. It should also be centered although a little either way can be expected as the thickness of the wood could vary. Exiting is usually because the stop collar isn't set correctly. Offcenter is the jig is not set correctly. You adjust the stop collar from the STEP of the drill bit. Measure the thickness of the wood to set the jig. If the thickness is off you can try to interpolate the correct setting.

[Jason Eure]

Samir- When drilling pocket holes I have never had the drill bit go thru that far. The most I have experienced a hole the diameter of pencil lead. My first thought is that the collar (drill stop piece on drill bit ) is not tightened enough and is sliding.

[Jens Jensen]

Im sure your collar slipped if this is the settings you started out with ,Thats all it could be as far as I can judge.Was the board all way down in jig or was it raised up some. Maybe had some scrap wood or sawdust to raise the board being drilled

[Samir Patel]

It must have been the stop collar slipping.  I tried it again this morning, making sure to tighten the collar well, and it worked like a charm.  The bit didn't come out of the bottom at all.

Thanks so much!!