Wood thickness

[John Plummer]

I've read all the instructions about setting the adjustment markings on the drill guide and how to set the depth collar on the bit. I also understand how to select the proper screw. The instructions tell me to set base everything on the "thickness of the wood I'm using," but it doesn't tell me if the settings are based on the wood I'm drilling the pocket holes into or the thickness of the wood I'm screwing to. I might be, for example, screwing a 1X4 style into a 2x4 table leg. Which thickness do I use?

[John Schaben]

As far as the jig and collar settings, use the thickness of the wood you are drilling into. Screw length is dependent on the thickness of the piece the screw threads are going into. If they aren't the same, you need to flex off the screw length tables some. Sometimes takes a little experimenting if you are attaching a thin piece to a thicker one with the pockets in the thicker stock.

[james wilhelm]

John , as per your example, I would set the base for 3/4 " -  drill the 3/4 " board and use the screw for 1 1/2 board - 2 " screw , but I would try this on a piece of scrap wood first, hope this helps , JIM !1