Is Kreg pocket hole joinery sufficient to support my project?

[Angie Overton]

I am building a work bench for a pilot friend of mine that will be in her hangar. It will hold a metal brake that weights 380lbs. Plus I will be building a shelf that will sit on the bottom shelf of this work bench to hold the fingers for the machine. They are quite heavy themselves. Right now my plan is to use pocket hole joinery. I am curious if this will be sufficient. Below you will see a sketchup drawing of the bench. I'm using 2x4 lumber for the rails and 4x4 for the legs. There will be 2x4 bracing under the bottom shelf and the top of the bench. The top and the shelf will be out of 3/4" birch ply. My intention is to use 2 1/4 pocket hold screws

I'm also wondering if I could use pocket holes from underneath to secure the shelf and the top? That way I would have no screws showing. Would this work? What size screws would I use?

[james wilhelm]

HI Angie, you may have to go with a 2 1/2 " screw as they do not have a 2 1/4 " , If you  have one I would use the Kreg HD JIG   for the 2 x 4,S , the screw,s are a bit heavier   and stronger  if you are concerned about the weight !!  The HD will work with your K-5 Jig  and is about 60.00 , but you can use  your K-5  and 2 1/2 " screw,s  !!  And yes you can screw the top and shelf  from the bottom and the back side of 2 x 4 ,s with 1 1/4  " screws  so no screws show , hope this helps  happy wood working , JIM !!

[Angie Overton]

Thanks Jim. I will have to look into the HD Jig. I have the K-5 jig now. I'm not sure where I got 2 1/4 screws LOL. I do plan on using the 2 1/2. Good to know I can use the 1 1/4" screws from under. I know I can counter sink them from the top but I'd prefer none to show. I appreciate your reply

[james wilhelm]

You are  welcome  Angie, Try to help where I can , I have the R -3 , K -4 , HD . the mini   and the micro.  , they all work very good for me , happy wood working  and have  nice day , JIM !!

[KregCS]

Angie,

James is correct; you can use 2 1/2" screws and it should offer enough support. However, when attaching the 3/4" shelf, remember to change your jig to the 3/4" settings and use 1 1/4" screws.  This will ensure you have the strongest joint. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at 800-447-8638 or [e-mail]

[Angie Overton]

LOL.... I've made the mistake of not changing the jig to the correct settings. Thanks for the reminder. 

KregCS said:

Angie,

James is correct; you can use 2 1/2" screws and it should offer enough support. However, when attaching the 3/4" shelf, remember to change your jig to the 3/4" settings and use 1 1/4" screws.  This will ensure you have the strongest joint. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at 800-447-8638 or [e-mail]