Hardwood joints

[Tom]

I'm having a hard time tightening the pocket screws when using maple. Any suggestions?

[KregCS]

Dear Tom, 

I was curious as to what your material thickness is and what kind of screw you are using.  If you could let me know I would be able to better assist you.  

[Tom]

3/4" maple and 1 1/4" screws

[KregCS]

I'm assuming that they are fine thread correct?

Tom said:

3/4" maple and 1 1/4" screws

[Glen S]

Beeswax the threads.

[David Freed]

Are you sure your drill/driver is big enough? Is the battery still charging properly?

[Tom]

Using fine thread screws and a corded drill. I ran pilot holes in the receiving piece that helped

[KregCS]

Tom, 

When working with hardwoods like this there are a couple of things you can do to get your screws to drive easier.  One is like Glen said in that you can use some soap or beeswax on the threads to lubricate them.  Another option is that you can drive your screw about halfway in and then back it out some and then finish driving them in.  This will allow for the threads to clean out which will allow it to drive easier.  The other thing to check is if your drill has clutch settings.  If this is set too low it will not give you the proper torque to drive your screw into place.  

[Trace Farthing]

The above advice is smart. Another, thought...

Are you using soft or hard maple. The term "hardwood" usually applies to everything but conifers. Even balsa is a "hardwood." The short of it is that common maple is actually softer than pine so I'd use coarse thread screws.

[Tom]

I am using hard maple. The fine thread screws and beeswax helped.
Thanks to All