Quality Frustrations

[A.Smith]

Hi,

I recently purchased a Kreg Jig. Assorted screws and clamps. In total £150 (approx.$250)

I have read instructions cover to cover and know I am using the correct screws.

These are my problems after drilling a dozen holes in 18mm MDF.

1. None of the holes are clean with 'fash'  around all the edges.
2. At least two screws started to bulge the wood and one screw became visible along the edge.
3. The white plastic plugs do not fit and in my view are too tight. Tried tapping them in but they are clearly too big.

I securely clamped everything. I have made good at the weekend and now at paint stage. Sorry but I didn't think to take photos (too annoyed at the time).

Not a good start. I cannot afford to buy tools that disappoint. However, I am prepared to be educated on the use of the Kreg Jig but I do consider myself to be a competent DIYer!

Regards,

Andrew Smith

[Carlos]

no pictures?

[A.Smith]

OK,

I already apologised for not taking any pictures.

Also, since Kreg recommend 2000 rpm drills + cordless preference. Is there a Forum page where owners can list the various cordless drills that reach 2000 rpm?

Unfortunately, I bought my new Bosch drill a few weeks before the Kreg Jig and I can't afford another drill. However, it would be useful to know what Kreg Jig owners have 2000 rpm drills and their make and model. Hopefully UK owners might come forward with this information.

Do 2000 rpm cordless drills exist?

Regards,

Andrew

[bob moore]

Hi Andrew, i'm in the Uk.

Admittedly i haven't used the Kreg jig much as yet, but i have a Dewalt 18v cordless, i use a low torque setting, say no 2, and it seems to work fine. Hope this helps.

 

regards

[Ken Darga]

The ''2000rpm'' is making reference to ''drilling the hole'' vs driving the screw. 

Those are 2 different operations.

bob moore said:

Hi Andrew, i'm in the Uk.

Admittedly i haven't used the Kreg jig much as yet, but i have a Dewalt 18v cordless, i use a low torque setting, say no 2, and it seems to work fine. Hope this helps.

 

regards

[A.Smith]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for responding.

I'm pretty sure my new Bosch at 1600rpm will do the job also. I feel sure that my problem is poor quality MDF and not drill speed. I would also reiterate that from the thousands of great reviews the Kreg Jig is just fine. The problem clearly lies at my door.

My point is that Kreg whilst addressing a quality issue recommended a drill speed of 2000rpm. I would be interested to know how many cordless drills actually achieve this speed and what models they are.

So far my list is zero. Unless you De-Walt is as fast as this?

Regards,

Andrew

 

[John Schaben]

Hi Andrew - I doubt the issue is all you. I use a corded deWalt with a 2500 rpm speed and still get feathering/tearout on the holes. Not so much usually on MDF but it's significant on soft woods.

With many companies, marketing strategies tend to be a bit optimistic, and I don't find Kreg to be an exception. While this sells products, it also develops unreasonable expectations.

MDF is a very dense material and, as such, isn't terribly friendly to self tapping screws. Where wood fibers can flex some and make room for a self tapping screw, the glue and resins in MDF have nowhere to go. Therefore, you get bulges/eruptions. If clamped tightly, it can sometimes remain hidden until the glue sets up and no ones the wiser but it is there. The only way I can think of to eliminate it would be to drill small pilot holes after clamping which, of course, negates any speed advantage of the system.

As far as plugs fitting goes, check them with a micrometer. I'm guessing you may have a 3/8" drill bit and 10 mm plugs.

Please don't get me wrong, I think the Kreg is a great system, I've just developed a realistic set of expections as to what I can get from it.

A.Smith said:

Hi Bob,

Thank you for responding.

I'm pretty sure my new Bosch at 1600rpm will do the job also. I feel sure that my problem is poor quality MDF and not drill speed. I would also reiterate that from the thousands of great reviews the Kreg Jig is just fine. The problem clearly lies at my door.

My point is that Kreg whilst addressing a quality issue recommended a drill speed of 2000rpm. I would be interested to know how many cordless drills actually achieve this speed and what models they are.

So far my list is zero. Unless you De-Walt is as fast as this?

Regards,

Andrew

 

[Ken Darga]

I use a corded drill, when drilling pocket holes---

this one is a variable speed model---1000 to 2500rpm.

It's an older model craftsman--- (when they made industrial grade tools).

  I use this drill, primarily for drilling that dictates a high speed.

Drilling at a higher speed, will produce smoother cuts.

And use a cordless drill/driver, with adjustable torque, for driving in the screws.

Having 2 separate drills, is the way to go, for Kregs joinery methods.

  I've tried drill speeds of 1500rpm, and they've produced satisfactory results, 

in some cases.  

I generally make test a piece, so as to determine, if I'm getting satisfactory results.

  Drilling at high speed, is akin to using a fine tooth circular saw blade, to obtain smooth cuts.

You don't get smooth cuts, using a 16-24 tooth blade, cutting fine materials.

The bigger teeth act more like ''chippers''.

Drill bits generally only have two cutting edges---

therefore, in wood, you need to use a higher speed rpm.

  I've found that MDF quality varies---some are smooth---the particles are more dense/closer together, and

some are more coarse.  Sometimes, you can see the difference by closely examining the cut ends.

When selecting MDF, sort thru the materials, examine the cut ends.

  When drilling thru holes in MDF, it's best to use a ''backer'' board, so as to prevent blow-out, on the back side.

Works for me.

 

[Jason]

I have had issues with getting the head of the screw to fully seat in 1/2in. Material but I'm sure it is Just some necessary tweaking. I cut with a Milwaukee 18v and have never had issues with any tear out. I cut and clean out the hole by pulling the bit out about an inch or so then re-engage the bit, do this once or twice while cutting depending on the material. I use the mini kreg joint though which has a special window to clean out the debris.