Use and Care Manual

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Why do I need to use a 2,000+ rpm drill to make the
pocket holes? What brand do you recommend?
A drill that is rated at 2,000 RPM or above is considered a woodworking drill.
RPM’s below that are normally seen in metal-working drills. The higher the
RPM, the cleaner the hole and the longer the drill bit lasts. A 1,500 RPM drill
will do the trick, but you will see slightly more wear on the bit over time.
Most of the major tool manufacturers produce a drill above 2,000 RPM.
Do I need to drill all the way through the edge of the
workpiece?
No. We recommend setting the depth collar so that the tip of your drill bit
rests approximately 1/8” from the base of the jig for 3/4” material. Why you
ask? By not drilling all the way through the edge you won’t have to deal with
the possibility of having a burr that you will need to remove before joining
your pieces. The self-tapping tip of the pocket hole screw will easily drill
through the last 1/8” of an inch and drill its own hole into the second
workpiece, drawing the pieces tight without having to pre-drill.
Do I need to drill a pilot hole into the second workpiece?
No. The self-tapping tip of the pocket hole screw accomplishes this task
for you. Even in very hard woods like hickory and maple no pre-drilling is
required which saves an immense amount of assembly time.
Can I use pocket holes in melamine and MDF?
Yes. They are usually a little more finicky than simple hardwoods so here are
a few suggestions that we find helpful…
1. Make sure you’re using a sharp drill bit.
2.
SLOW DOWN! Use a slower feed rate while both drilling the pocket hole
and driving the screws.
3. Set the clutch setting on your driver to a light setting to avoid overdriving
the screw.
4. Use a
coarse thread, self-tapping screw with a washer head for maximum
holding power.
5. Try to place pocket holes at least an inch from the end of your workpiece.
(The workpiece may split if the screw is driven too close to the edge)
General FAQ