Inserting pocket screws into 2x4

[Ed]

Hello all,

I'm new to this community and I'm really hoping someone can help me with my dilemma...

I'm building a gate out of 2x4 and I've mitred the angle out of 2 45 degree angles ( I know it's really 1.5"x3.5") and I'm using the R3 Kreg pocket jig.... I know it's a small one but its all I have until I can afford the bigger K4 model....

I've realized that you should put 2 pocket holes one on each side of the joint line...but the problem I'm having is that after I have put the the first pocket hole 1/2" in from the heel...I've done that but how while I'm dealing with the 45 degree how do I position the jig 2.5" in from the toe...

I'm sure it's something really simple but I've done a few practice attempts with no success

As shown in the pic diagrams attached

[KregCS]

Ed,

The best solution would be to do like James has in the picture.  This way you will have holding power from each direction.  However, as you can see, the jig has to be a certain distance away from your edge, causing the drill hole to go through the side of your material.  This can be accomplished by putting the angled side down into the jig.  I have drawn a sketch of what this will look like and posted it below.  If there is room, you can also put both pocket holes on the same side.  If you have any other questions, please let us know through this forum or through our email/phone contacts. 

[Ed]

Hi KregCS,

I have to admit I don't understand your drawing.. If the jig is standing up on the workpiece how am i going to drill pocket holes????

[KregCS]

Ed,

The jig does not have to be standing up as it can go in any direction. The idea is that your slide arms of the jig will go over the angled cut as shown in the drawing instead of your normal square cut end.  You will then clamp the jig on to the 2X4 and drill your holes.  Depending on the positioning you may or may not have room for the whole pocket hole.  It may tear out the side like the right pocket hole in James' picture above.  I have put another picture below that hopefully helps.

[james wilhelm]

Hi ED, I think the sketch that the Kreg CS  is showing is using a k 4 jig, you have a R 3 jig , I don,t under stand it either , HA!!  I  am sending you some more pics. that show you how your  jig is set up  to drill the holes !!!  He is correct in saying that  the hole  will go through the side of your board  a bit , but also sending   a pic , to show it can be plugged and sanded off to look nice !!!  Also sending a pic. using the K 4  like the sketch shows , I also have one of them !!!  I think you under stand what I already  told you and hope the new pics. clear it up for you , they also show little white marks on the jig that should line up with the mark for you holes on the board , I did use 2 1/2 " screws and they did not come through the board !!  I have been using Kreg jigs for about 6 years and doing wood working for 25 + years , if you have any questions feel free to just ask and I will try to answer them , hope the new pics. help and ave a good day , JIM !!

[Ed]

Helps a lot JIM

[Ed]

I really want the K4 JIM.... But money is tight right now.... I've got so many projects they could use the handiness of that jig ...

[james wilhelm]

Hi Ed , hope your project work,s out for you , Know what you mean about money being tight , would like to up grade a few of my tools also , have a good day , JIM !!

[james wilhelm]

KregCS , I looked at your pic. below  and it shows tear out on both holes, do not under stand that , when I did the test board  I only had tear out on the one hole , and it was easy to plug !! Could you explain to me why your pic. shows tear out in both hole,s , thank you in advance for your time , JIM !!

KregCS said:

Ed,

The jig does not have to be standing up as it can go in any direction.  The idea is that your slide arms of the jig will go over the angled cut as shown in the drawing instead of your normal square cut end.  You will then clamp the jig on to the 2X4 and drill your holes.  Depending on the positioning you may or may not have room for the whole pocket hole.  It may tear out the side like the right pocket hole in James picture he posted above.  I have put another picture below that hopefully helps.

[KregCS]

James,

Depending on how wide your material is and their placement, there could be room for one, both or neither of the pocket holes before tearing out through the side.  This is especially true when drilling both of holes on the same side.  This depiction was more of a worse case scenario to show what could happen. 

[james wilhelm]

Kreg CS : I under stand what you are saying , but in this case the member was using 2 x 4 s and even if you put both holes on the same side , there would only be tear out on the one hole , plenty of room for two , as my pic. shows !!!  The sketch just seemed misleading to me, that is my own personal opinion, thank you for your reply to my question , have a good day , JIM !!!

KregCS said:

James,

Depending on how wide your material is and their placement, there could be room for one, both or neither of the pocket holes before tearing out through the side.  This is especially true when drilling both of holes on the same side.  This depiction was more of a worse case scenario to show what could happen. 

[Ken Darga]

Nice job, James,

Your description and photos are very clear.

Thanks for posting, and your photo, so that others can see what it actually looks like.

Sometimes, computer generaded graphics don't show a "true" picture.

[james wilhelm]

Thanks Ken , just trying to help other wood workers out when and where I can , old saying here a picture is better then a thousand words, JIM !!

Ken Darga said:

Nice job, James,

Your description and photos are very clear.

Thanks for posting, and your photo, so that others can see what it actually looks like.

Sometimes, computer generaded graphics don't show a "true" picture.