Screws Breaking Through

[Eric Laeyendecker]

I'm in the process of making a bookcase headboard and am having some trouble joining my cabinet stock to the laminate sheet stock I'm using for the project.  The laminate stock is 3/4" maple.  The face stock is 1x2 solid maple.  I'm using 1 1/4" fine threaded screws which is what I believe is recommended if I'm reading the chart correctly.  I've had random screws just start to poke through and splinter the face stock.  I have the drill clutch set low as to not over drive the screws.  This is my first real woodworking project with pocket holes so I'm thinking it's something I'm doing wrong.  Any suggestions?

[Ray Lattman]

Set the stop on your drill to a little less than 3/4. I had the same problem using 1/2" stock and this worked for me. First try it on some scrape stock. Good luck P.S. follow James advise also

[Eric Laeyendecker]

Thanks for the replies!  I think that is what I'll do from now on is set the stop so I'm just short of the size wood I'm using.  I was extra careful while I was working today and still had 2 screws just start to split the face.  I will be back in the shop this weekend so I'll be able to try it with setting the collar a bit short.  I will definitely post pictures when I'm done.  I was a bit slow at first, but now that I'm doing it more I'm getting more confident that I'm not screwing up what I'm working on.  Definitely practice on scrap pieces!