Kreg Jig Beginner - Won't Drill

[A. R. Hawkins]

I am new to the Kreg Community and was enjoying the new experience and possibilities!  I read, and followed, all the directions and successfully created 7 pocket holes.  When I started to drill the 8th pocket hole the drill would not go through the wood (using 3/4 inch pine).  I thought maybe I bent the tip of the bit--so I went to buy another one--still, the drill will not penetrate the wood.  Does anyone have any idea why this might be happening?  I am sure it is somehow user error...but can't figure out what I might be doing wrong.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Andréa

[Larry L.]

could the drill guide hole be plugged?

Did you check the drill guide hole for shavings?

A) When you say the drill would not go through the wood do you mean the drill would not start to drill?

B) do you mean that the tip of the drill bit does not stick through the wood?

If you mean that the tip of the drill bit does not stick through the wood it isn't suppose too.

take the drill guide out of the holder take the drill out of the drill and stick the drill into the holder and see if it comes out.

good luck let us know what you find.

Larry

[A. R. Hawkins]

Thanks to everyone for the sugesstions and to James for his trouble shooting last night! I successfully completed the cornice I was building! BTW...I am a her... :-)

Best,

Andréa



James Waller said:

AR informed me while we were chatting that he found out his old drill wasn't producing enough rpm's to drill into the wood. He tried another drill and it worked fine.

I posted the problem/solution to the "Tips for Beginner's" discussion.

[Larry L.]

when it comes to woodworking you are just a woodworker no gender.

But having said that welcome Andrea.
I have ask lots of questions here and they have been answered.
good group of people.

[Charles Andrews]

THE DRILL IS IN REVERSE

[Jens Jensen]

why would he drill 7 holes if it was under power that did not make sense at all and not being able t drill 8 th hole

[Tim E Daniels]

Jens Jensen said:

why would he drill 7 holes if it was under power that did not make sense at all and not being able t drill 8 th hole

If the first drill was marginally capable, it could be something as simple as hitting a more "green" area of the wood.

[Jens Jensen]

that makes more sense

[Johnny Giles]

Yep...I've had that happen.  :p

Charles Andrews said:

THE DRILL IS IN REVERSE

[John Schaben]

Battery powered drill?

[Tonia Roberts]

That was my guess, but you beat me there.  I have done that more than once.

Charles Andrews said:

THE DRILL IS IN REVERSE

[Ken Darga]

Personally, I use a dedicated drill, 2000-2500rpm, to drill my pocket holes, makes for smoother operation--- 

problem solved.

KIM (keep-in-mind)---raising/removing the drill/bit periodically, removes the chips that accumulate from within the drilled hole.

When a drilled hole fills with wood chips, it doesn't perform satisfactorily---doesn't cut---with any type of bit;

that is, unless one is using a hand boring brace and bit.  The flutes on the bits, carry away most of the chips.

 

Standard drill bits, feature a fluted design, so as to carry the chips to the outside surface; however, they don't always remove the fine chips/particles that accumulate at the bottom of the hole, when drilling in a downward direction.

 

When using ''speed-bore'' bits, its a must, to raise the drill periodically, so as to clean-out the hole, or at least remove most of the chips (wood particles).

 

Practicing on a scrap piece of wood, until one gets the hang of it, before proceeding to the final tasks, is  a good way to learn.  (I never drove a race-car at full speed around the track, until I got a good feel for the auto, its power, and the track.  Man, I sure miss those ''speed-shift'' stick trans vehicles.  Dang autos today---I can get a faster running start, on foot).

[mo khan]

AR,

If it's a cordless drill you have to drill the holes with the setting on "drill" which disengages the clutch. Make sure the battery is charged and the drill is not in reverse.