I am using my new Kreg K2000 pocket screw jig for the first time, and I have a problem that is not covered in their FAQ. I am joining the mitered sections of a 12 sided polygon made of 1/2″ thick by 3 3/4″ white oak sections (~8″ on the long side). Based on the recommendations in the manual, I purchased the 1″ fine screws for these joints. I drilled the holes with no problems, but I never get any significant resistance when driving the screws. The joints seem to hold somewhat tight, but the screws just spin when I drive them. I had to set my drill clutch near the lowest setting to keep the screws from spinning, and they certainly don’t seem to be drawing the joint together, because they never grip.
What am I doing wrong? Does it have anything to do with the fact that my 12-sided polygon results in 15 degree miters. Therefore the screws are being driven almost parallel to the grain. Any advice would be appreciated. I sent this same question to Kreg, but I thought I might find the answer here faster. Thanks.
Craig
Replies
You hit the nail on the head. End grain does not provide much grip for screws or glue for that matter. A longer screw would help some but may not be possible do to the thickness of your stock. I would put the screws in by hand so you can have better feel of the bitting power of the screw.
Scott C. Frankland
Scott's WOODWORKING Website
"He who has the most tools may not win the race of life but he will sure make his wife look like a good catch when she goes to move on."
I wonder if you used the coarse screw, it might grab more. Also the screws that I am familiar with are 1 1/4 or 1 1/2". I did not know there was a 1" pocket screw. Maybe a longer screw? More thread length. I dont know if the thin mitered pieces will take a longer screw. Maybe youll ave to use a bit thicker stock.( 3/4" stock takes 1 1/2 screws easily.) Good luck. Bob
Craigmoe
I would go with a longer screw and a Spax or sheet-metal that has threads all the way if you aren't using that already.
Luck...
sarge..jt
Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Make up some test pieces and use the longest screws you can. On 1/2" stock drill depth and screw length needs to be set carefully.
Thanks for all the suggestions. This morning I tried a 1 1/4" fine screw instead of the 1" length. First I inserted one of the screws into the hole to see how far it protruded and confirm that it wouldn't punch through the surface. It was close, and I was concerned it might cause a bubble or split the wood, but it worked well. To be safe I shortened the depth of the collar on the drill bit slightly. This keeps the head from burying itself completely in the pocket, but I touched it with my dremel grinder and made it flush very easily. I was able to assemble all 12 pieces with no problem. Thanks again.
Craig
Glad it worked out. Have you noticed there are two types of screws. with a builtin washer and without, also different thread pitch. Be careful where you buy from, prices vary a huge amount!! ( I use http://www.coastaltools.com ) I'm on the east coast and most of the time I get next day with reg. ground shipping.
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