Pockethole "beards"

[Glen]

I am very new to the Kreg experience having purchased my k4ms just a few weeks ago. I wish that I had discovered this fine product earlier in my life.

One thing that annoys me a little is the "beard" that is left when I have drilled my pocket hole. Is there a way to prevent this ?

I'll be grateful for any advice.

[David Dean]

Well Glen some time's it's the bit some time's it's the grain of the wood that make's the beard's as for my self I just sand them off and go on sorry that wasnt much help.

[Glen]

Thanks for that Dave, it's good to know that I am not alone

[Rita B.]

I am new to it too and just recently was able to plug the holes (with helpful suggestions from this site) and they do sand down well. 

[Glen]

Haha just read your answer Rita as........was able to plug the holes with helpful suggestions.

Thanks for the early morning smile. :)

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Glen,  welcome to the kreg jig and the big world that it opens for you.  Something I  do when the drill bit left a rough surface was to use sandpaper rolled onto a bolt chucked into a drill and sanded it smooth.

The way I did it was to take a bolt about 4 to 5 inches long that was about a 5/16 dia.  I cut a the head off and then cut a slot up the middle of one end.  In this end I would wind sandpaper ( strip type like emery cloth) onto the bolt and chuck it in the end of a drill.  then I would sand the pocket hole smooth.  If you intend on putting in a plug then don't sand it as it will be come too large for the plugs.  it does clean up most of the rough wood inside the pocket hole. 

[Glen]

Nice tip Jay, thanks

[Ken Darga]

The drill bit should be up to full rpm, before making contact with the wood.

Get the drill speed up to ''max rpm'' BEFORE the bit makes contact with the wood.

When the bit makes contact with the wood, at a low rpm, or when the drill speed is started at a low rpm,  

is generally when the tear-out occurs.

Drill a few practice holes, in some scrap wood pieces, with the drill bit exposed/not in the drilling guide block, and observe closely what occurs.

Now you'll get the picture of what occurs in the drilling guide.

When drilling holes using a drill press, does one place the bit in contact with the material, then turn on the drill?

OR

Do you turn on the drill, allow it to get to full rpm, then make contact with the work-piece?

Same with a hand drill.

When drilling with a ''spade bit'', make contact with the drill point "TIP"---

bring the drill up to max speed, then proceed to drilling out the hole.

The only time when drilling a hole, and placing the bit to the work-piece, 

then start rotation of the drill bit, 

is when using bits that feature a ''screw-like'' or "auger'' type lead---

such as the hand-brace boring bits.

Also---

when making saw cuts with an electric saw; such as a circular saw, table saw, jig saw, chain saw, or the like, 

bring the tool rpm up to speed, "BEFORE" the saw teeth make contact with the work-piece.

This is the recommended method.

There are some exceptions, but that is when cutting other materials and the specific tools employed.

[Rita B.]

Thanks for that info Ken.    I have always felt my power tool usage is "getting it done" but also felt that there is most likely a better way or more efficient method of getting the best from the tool.   I have a bad habit when making my pocket holes of backing out before reversing my bit rotation.   I am certain that is probably contributing to my "beards". 

 

Glen, happy to bring a smile.  If you could see some of things I have attempted, you would be rolling on the floor LOL!

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

"Do not reverse" the drill bit rotation when extracting the drill bit from the drilled hole.

When you reach the bottom of the hole, keep the bit rotating as you're lifting the bit out of the drilled hole/drilling block.  

Also, keeping the drill bit rotating allows the flutes to expell the wood chips.

Rita Baske said:

>>>...   I have a bad habit when making my pocket holes of backing out before reversing my bit rotation.   I am certain that is probably contributing to my "beards". 

.../p>

[Jay Boutwell]

I had an elderly cabinet maker tell me that using either hand tools or power tools it is similar to dancing or playing music by ear.  You have to develop a rhythm and listen to the beat of the music.  If you are getting ahead slow down and if you are getting behind speed up.

What he meant was listen to the sound of the tool and when it changes its sound adjust your speed to suit what is occurring.   if drilling and the drill is lagging lessen the pressure on the drill and or increase the power.  When driving screws and the drill lugs down lessen the amount of power or you are going to over drive the screw or break it off.  If drilling a hole and the sound you first hear when you start the bit remains the same through out the drilling depth your speed is right.   He must had a point as I practice a lot of what he said and I do not have too many problems using tools.

[Glen]

Thanks all for the sound advice. I will remember these hints when I drill my next pocket hole (which will probably be today).

[Ken Darga]

Jay,

As Glen said--- "sound" advice.

There are many who are tone-deaf.

Jay Boutwell said:

>>>... develop a rhythm and listen to the beat .../p>