Different thicknesses?

[David White]

Before I get into the shop and spend time experimenting with scrap wood I want to know if anyone has already figured out the correct settings for joining two different thicknesses of boards.  I am specifically interested in joining a 3/4" board to a 1/2" board.  One could setup the jig as if two 1/2" boards were being joined.  Even though the screw is not in the center of the joint the world wouldn't end.  However I like precision and that wouldn't cut it.  My guess, before testing, would be to set up for a 3/4" joint but to use a 1" screw rather than the 1 1/4".  I searched the Kreg info and can not find this issue addressed anywhere.

Anyone want to save me some time?

[Douglas Golding]

A picture speaks a thousand words!! Great diagram Kurt!

[Douglas Golding]

I like the chart Dan. Can you just verify that it is correct where (and perhaps summarise why) it shows the jig settings fluctuating (ie, decrease, increase and decrease, etc,) as it goes across the page whereas it only shows the corresponding thickness of the attaching workpiece as increasing.

Douglas Golding said:

Dan said:

This thread has already been referenced, but it has some good info in it

Attached is a pdf file that you may come in handy.

[Scott C Alexander]

I just did this my self, while making the vanity. The drawer sides are attached to the drawer front, sides are 1/2" front is 3/4" make pocket holes in 1/2" and use 1" screws to attach.

[Robert]

According to the drawing, we use the Kreg setting for the thickness of the wood we're drilling into, and the screw length for the wood we're fattening to? This is how I interpret it.

[Laura]

I just made drawers using the pocket hole setting for the thickness of the wood into which I was putting the pockets (3/4"), and the screw length for the wood to which I was fastening (1/2"), and it worked great - as long as I used a gentle touch, and didn't overdo it. (I had 2 tips pop slightly through.) Go easy on a lower power (my drill has two settings for power - I used #1), and still drilling the moment it tightens.
It doesn't always work to drill into the thinner stock - my 3/4" drawer fronts & backs sit between the 1/2" drawer sides. I don't understand why the Kreg site doesn't address this. This is a pretty common way to make drawers.