Pocket Holes Not Smooth

[JIM HOWE]

I am having problems with "CHADS" remaining on the rightside of the pocket holes.  I'm using a DeWalt cordless on a K3 block mounted and have switched drill bits several times.

I'm drilling into 1x4 Poplar wood skirts pockets (against the grain), a problem and when I drill the skirt pockets for the legs (with the grain), there are no problem chads. 

Very annoying.  I've rasped the chads down, so I could at least count each hole as a good VOTE.  Could it be the Poplar wood spirits??????

[Jay Boutwell]

Jim, most likely it is the wood grain.  When you drill across the grain it will often result in wood grains being lifted and actually not cut with the drill bit.  When it is cut with the grain there is no grain resisting the cutting with the drill bit,  meaning that the wood fiber is actually cut with the bits cutting edge where as across the grain the fibers tend to raise up and more or less torn out .  Different woods react in different ways when cut either by bit or by a blade some more severe that others.   On these types of wood I hit it with the obrital sander after I drill the pocket holes and before I assemble it.  Figure it this way by comparing what wet or green lumber cuts and drills like as compared to that of a dry seasoned wood.  On some woods the grain is what is commonly known as "wild grain" is actually almost like being curly and will resist clean cuts in some directions even with the sharpest of blace of bit. You might also check the moisture content of your wood.

[JIM HOWE]

JAY,  Thanks,  you hit it right on the head.  I just tried your idea with the sander and it worked.  Saving me a lot of time.  Great infomation for a rookie of 81 to remeber.  No more CHADS for me.  jim

Jay Boutwell said:

Jim, most likely it is the wood grain.  When you drill across the grain it will often result in wood grains being lifted and actually not cut with the drill bit.  When it is cut with the grain there is no grain resisting the cutting with the drill bit,  meaning that the wood fiber is actually cut with the bits cutting edge where as across the grain the fibers tend to raise up and more or less torn out .  Different woods react in different ways when cut either by bit or by a blade some more severe that others.   On these types of wood I hit it with the obrital sander after I drill the pocket holes and before I assemble it.  Figure it this way by comparing what wet or green lumber cuts and drills like as compared to that of a dry seasoned wood.  On some woods the grain is what is commonly known as "wild grain" is actually almost like being curly and will resist clean cuts in some directions even with the sharpest of blace of bit. You might also check the moisture content of your wood.

[Fins59]

I have same problem.  I mainly use just plain old SPF (spruce, pine, fir) boards. 

Wondering if anybody's found a bit or something to actually get into the hole a little, without deforming it, and quickly smooth out those "chads".

Maybe Kreg can come up with a little drill driven tool to perform this task.

  Maybe Dreml has a bit that would work....have to check my kit and see whats in it.