Pocket Holes not deep enough

[Trevor Roeder]

Material I used is 3/4" plywood & 1 1/4" pan-head course screws. I set the collar for 3/4" depth and after I drill pocket hole and I fasten a screw in it just doesn't go into the other material deep enough for a strong joint and the head of the screw is not below surface of pocket hole.

What could I be doing wrong?

Which head screws are better to use for 3/4" and thicker material?

Thanks,

Trevor

[KregCS]

Dear Trevor,

I was curious if you were setting your depth collar based on the tip and not the step of the drill bit.  If you could let me know I would be able to better assist you.

[Trevor Roeder]

I set the collar based on the tip of drill bit. Is that wrong, and if so where should it be set at?

[KregCS]

Dear Trevor,

The depth collar should be set based on the step of the bit and not the tip.  This would be where your issue is coming from since the bit is stopping a 1/2" short of where it should be.  Once you correct for this you should not have any issues.  If this is not the case please let us know. 

[Trevor Roeder]

Wow, I was way off then. Thanks for chiming in to help me correct this!

[Trevor Roeder]

I just did a test run and now the joints are much stronger, thank you again for helping me solve this!

[KregCS]

Trevor,

You are welcome!  If you have any other issues come up let us know.

[Daniel Haynes]

Trevor,

I am having the same issue, but I am not sure what you mean by the step of the bit. I am working on 3/4" wood as well. I have the bit in its holder as I adjust the collar. Going from the tip of the bit, the collar sits at and behind the 3/4" line. Can you explain some more?

[Daniel Haynes]

Sorry, that was meant for KregCS.

[Ronda McElroy]

Hi Daniel.

The step is where the bit goes from pointy to flat.  That "shelf" is what needs to line up with the markings with the collar in the groove.

Daniel Haynes said:

Trevor,

I am having the same issue, but I am not sure what you mean by the step of the bit. I am working on 3/4" wood as well. I have the bit in its holder as I adjust the collar. Going from the tip of the bit, the collar sits at and behind the 3/4" line. Can you explain some more?

[KregCS]

Dear Daniel,

I'm assuming that you are working with the two hole R3 Kreg Jig Jr. correct?  This setup is a little bit different so if you could confirm I would be able to assist you. 

[james wilhelm]

Daniel, If you are using the R 3 , there is a place in the bottom front of the case where you set the collar, sending you a pic. of mine , it shows the bit set for 3/4 " boards , hope this helps , have a good day , JIM !!!

[Daniel Haynes]

Thanks guys. I am using the 2 hole Jig R3. I wonder if I did not have the bit all the way forward in the hole. I will double check and get back to you. Kreg, in the meantime, if you have any other tips I would love to hear them.