setting the depth collar for 1-1/2 thick material.

[jay a martineau]

I have the Jr. model.

Setting the depth collar for 3/4 inch thick material easy and  clearly marked,  as is 1/2, 5/8, 7/8 and 1inch.

 I decided to use pocket holes to join 2x4's for a frame (1-1/2 thick stock). I was suprised by how UNCLEAR it was to me to read the correct collar depth.  anyone else experience this or am i just not seeing it. 

I got the job done by sliding the collar all the way to the bottom and doing some test joints.  No screws ends popped out and the joint was strong.  Still where is the correct depth reading?

There is a single depth line between the 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 marks is that the one? If that is the one then why is the 1-3/8 line further?

help.

Jay

[Pierre Vallee]

try a test of both and see which is best suited...

[Ken Darga]

I've seen some woodworkers use coins, as spacers for setups---

a nickle 1/16'' and a dime for 1/32''.  

They're okay for rough setups; however, the coins are .012 to .015'' thicker than the coins thickness, I've noted.

I don't used them for making accurate setups---they are suitable for spacing building material lumber.

The coins come in handy, when used singly or in multiples, for spacers,  when installing doors.

Brads and nails, will suffice nicely for some applications.  Use a micrometer or calipers, to get accurate measures, when making the selection.

For accurate ''thin'' setup gauges, I use ''brass shim stock'', 3/4'' wide---.016'', .032'' and .065'' thick.

The shim stock blanks can be obtained from Hobby Craft stores, or a well stocked ACE Hardware.  

The strips can be cut to a suitable length, to suit ones needs---3'' long works for me.

 

A hole can be added at one end, and inserted onto a split-ring, to keep them together, as a set.

Engrave each with it's applicable size, for an ''at-a-glance'' identification.

Keeping a set at the router table, is very useful for setups.

Works for me.

Rick said:

>>> ... who keeps nickels in a wood shop?  ...br/>

[Jens Jensen]

Hi Ken been a while since we chatted, Just finished a gun cabinet and a Victorian screen door. Now al I need is a bigger shop.  haha  Talking about shops what size shop do you work out of? Mine is only a 16x 24x 10 but has loft storage for wood so I did not loose any floor space to speak of.

[Ken Darga]

Jens,

My ''in the garage base shop'' is a single car size space.

An outside 10x12 shed that includes loft storage---

plus an under-deck storage for most lumber materials, sheet goods, 1x and 2x stock, trims, moldings, etc.

  I designed and built an under deck drain system---water drips between the deck boards, down onto sloped wave-form panels, which routs the water to troughs and down-spouts that exit the structure---all are not visible from the exterior.

  The exterior sides feature a single door and double door design---privacy lattice walls to allow air-flow, to keep wood and stored goods dry---electrical supply, motion control lighting, GFI's---includes space for a tv, frig and lounge chair---Electrical supply hook-up for power tools use, under the deck or outside---

pretty cool a very functional set-up. 

  Most of my tools and equipment are mobile set-ups, for ''on the job-site'' use---

 ''LOAD & GO''---take along what I need for the tasks at hand.

  

Jens Jensen said:

Hi Ken been a while since we chatted, Just finished a gun cabinet and a Victorian screen door. Now al I need is a bigger shop.  haha  Talking about shops what size shop do you work out of? Mine is only a 16x 24x 10 but has loft storage for wood so I did not loose any floor space to speak of.

[Jens Jensen]

That under deck storage sounds like a good idea if space is limited. I think I saw that wave material on a home show on tv

[Beverly New]

Measure 4 1/8" from the shoulder of the step drill and you will be set up for any 2 x material.  Sounds like alot, but it is right on the money for placement of the pocket holes.  Good Luck Jay!

[Ken Darga]

Jens,

I've seen the ''wave-form'' panel material used on  ''green houses''.

It is flexible and tough---the transparency allows sunlight to pass thru.

Very nice material.

  After researching the material, it was my #1 choice, to use for my project.

  There are other ''under deck'' panel systems on the market, that are used to cover the ceiling joists; however not my choice of design and construction.  Also, they're about $10 per sq ft, plus installation---too pricey for my needs.

Jens Jensen said:

That under deck storage sounds like a good idea if space is limited. I think I saw that wave material on a home show on tv