Joining 3/4" stock to 2 3/4 vanity post, which depth? Which screw length?

[Sam Nattan]

Hi all,
I saw a bathroom vanity that i wanted to attempt, but before i jump in, I wanted to make sure my plan to secure 3/4" stock to the 2 3/4" vanity posts using my kreg jig. Thanks in advance for any feedback,
SN

[Sam Nattan]

I spoke to kreg jig, they said i can join the pieces, using the pocket hole set at 3/4" for the 3/4" wood and fasten with the 2 1/2" screw.

[Ken Darga]

Sam,

It's a good practice to make sample test pieces from scrap material, of equivalent material thicknesses---

double check your settings and screw length---

before attemping the final joining of your finish pieces.

You want it to be clear in your mind that the results are satisfactory.

PS---I've used 1-1/2" long screws, for joining 3/4 stock to 2-1/2" stock---

the joints were solid.

[KregRep]

I agree with Ken (as usual). If the 3/4" pieces fit flush with the face of the thicker piece, then you'll need to go back to a standard (1 1/4") screw. If there's an offset, though, that allows you to drive in a longer screw.

I would drill a pocket hole in a piece of scrap 3/4" stock, and then drive in a screw, letting it protrude from the end/edge of the board. Then hold it up against the thicker stock in it's approximate position, and see where the screw lands.

As Ken said, it's always a good idea to test/experiment when you're joining pieces of different thicknesses.

Even with short screws, you'll get great strength in your assembly as you draw all the parts together.

KregRep

[Ken Darga]

PS---

The greater quantity of screw threads that engage into the workpiece, the greater holding power.

Longer shanks resist pullout and ensure maximum engagement.

I strive for all the screws threads to engage into the work-piece.

If only the leading tapered end of the screw is engaged, the screw will lose its holding power---

and "strip-out", with minimal torque.