Question about pocket hole screws in oak

[Nick Decker]

New to pocket joinery and I've run into a question. I'm trying to form a perpendicular joint with two pieces of 2x2 oak (1.5" square, of course), so a T-shape, basically.

Using the chart and setting the jig and drill bit at 1.5", it specifies a 2.5" screw. Only problem is that I don't see 2.5" screws with the fine thread, for hardwood.

I tried it with a 2.5" coarse thread, and now know why you shouldn't do that. Tried it with 1.5" fine thread, setting the jig and drill bit for 3/4" boards, and that worked, but only got maybe a half inch of screw penetrating into the second board.

Can anyone tell me what the best settings would be to get more screw into the joint?

Thanks,

Nick

[KregCS]

Nick, 

When you are working with thicker hardwoods like this, it does make it a little more difficult. The settings we have found to work the best in this situation is to set everything up for 1 1/8" settings and then use the 1 1/2" fine-thread screw. This will give you about 7/8" into your other material, leaving you with a strong joint.  If you have any other questions please let us know.  

[Nick Decker]

Thanks! I'll set it up that way and give it a try.

[Chris McNamara]

Hi,

Just a comment on hard woods. I use alot of jarrah as it is fantastic to work with but have found that the wood kicks back against the screw every time. I tried pre drilling a pilot hole and that worked okay but was still not getting 9o degree square joints.

To overcome this I am now always using a glue, clamping for 2 - 3 hours and then fastening while using a right angle clamp (awesome clamp by Kreg) and have found this works really nicely. Kreg jig set for 3/4 inch (19mm) and 1 1/4 inch (32mm) fine screw.

Would love to hear from other peopple working with jarrah.

Chris.