Rocket jig with 5/4 stock

[Lewis]

Hi,
I'm rebuilding the console on a boat using 5/4 ipe, and I'm thinking pocket hole joinery will give me strong joints and (because the screws will be inside) a fastener-free exterior. I have the Kreg Rocket jig, which has "pre-sets" for 3/4" and 1 1/2" stock, but not 1." Is there a quick and easy way to set up this jig for 1" stock, or am I stuck with trial and error?
Thanks,
Lewis

[Jesse McNew]

I don't have a Rocket Jig, but it seems like you could put the jig on the edge of the wood, then put the drill but through the jig (so that it is next to the wood). Then you can see where the screw would exit. Set it up so that the screw will exit in the middle of the wood, and set the bit collar so that it almost exits the wood, but not quite.

Not sure that first part was entirely clear... but you want to be able to see the drill bit next to the wood, almost like a cross-section.

[Dan F.]

With the rocket you will want to set it up for 3/4" material and then use a 1 1/2" screw. This will give you approximately 7/8" into your receiving piece leaving you with a really strong joint. Now the only problem that you may run into is with the material that you are working with.

Since IPE is so dense, a lot of times it is necessary to pre-drill your hole into the second piece. This can easily be done with a 1/8" drill bit. Using the pocket hole as a guide carefully use your 1/8" bit to go into your second piece. You can try not pre-drilling on some scrap pieces first since sometimes you do not need to depending on the moisture content of the wood. With these tips you should have no problems with your project.

[KregRep]

Great answer, Dan. Just for everyone's information... the "Rocket Jig" was a tool we discontinued several years ago. You may still find a few here or there at the retail level. The Rocket's replacement was the Kreg Jig Jr. (R3) which provides the ability to compensate for 9 different stock thicknesses from 1/2" to 1-1/2".

Rocket:

Kreg Jig Jr. (R3):

[Lewis]

Thanks, everybody! Very good advice; I feel confident I can make this project work. I'll post pictures of the Rocket jig setup and the project.
Lewis

[Jesse McNew]

Hey Lewis, maybe it's time to upgrade to a Kreg Jr.! (Kreg, you can send my commission check to PO Box... lol!)

Seriously, though... I have the Kreg Jr. as well as the Kreg K4 and they are both great products. I have only been a Kreg user for a year or so, but it's nice to see that Kreg is continually improving their products. Keep up the good work, guys!

Lewis: Good luck with the project!