Joining softwood to hardwood

[Terry Ellis]

I've not been able to find information on how to do the following:
I'm building a table base. The legs are 5" square hard wood (receiving piece) the rails are 1.5" pine (through piece)
Since I'm screwing into the hardwood, I would think I should use fine threaded screws, but it looks like they only come in 1.5" length
That doesn't seem long enough. If legs were softwood, it would call for a 1.5" setup and 2.5" screws.
So, it looks like my choices are
A) 2.5" corse into the hardwood
B) 1.5" fine screws (will they hold?)

If B, what would the proper setup and stop collar be?

Terry

[Terry Ellis]

Here's the response from support for future reference

Thank you for contacting Kreg Tool! Unfortunately, we do not have a 2-1/2" Fine Thread screw for thicker hardwood material. In cases like this you would want to use the 2-1/2" Course Thread screws and when you are driving them into your legs I would suggest to do the following: Drive the screw in a ways then back it out then drive it back in a bit more and then back it out and repeat until the screw is fully seated in the pocket hole.

[KregCS]

Terry, 

Depending on the density of the hardwood you are using, the coarse-thread screws should work. However, it could cause your material to split. A safer option would be to set the jig up for 3/4" material and then use the 1 1/2" fine-thread screws. This would give you the most penetration while using the fine-thread screw. If you have any additional questions please let us know.  

[Glen S]

Screw wax goes a long way in hardwoods. Don't ask me how I found out!! LOL

[Mik Etn]

If wax is not available, try rubbing the screw-threads through a block of soap each time for lubrication.