On Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:30:03 -0700, carbonejim
wrote:

Read this post a few days ago (http://groups.google.com/group/
rec.woodworking/browse_thread/thread/8a4d5bc71492e299/8b79c952a07a3eeb?
q=kreg+pocket+screws&lnk=ol&), now I'm putting together face frames
and want to give feedback and ask for tips.

I'm using 3/4" cherry on rails and stiles. Drilling the pockets in
the rails. The torque on my drill is very low (at 4 of 20 setting.)
I'm using Kreg 1 1/4" fine tooth screws. I'm having two issues:

1: If I don't pre-drill 1/8" holes in my stiles to accept the pocket
screw, the stiles will split almost everytime at the ends.
2: When I pre-drill, I think my angle has been a lilttle off which
results in the faces mis-aligning. This will lead to much more
planing/sanding to even them up. Should I clamp both pieces down
really hard?

Any advice?

-Jim

Are you using the face clamp and the 90 degree clamp? I've used mine
to put together dozens of face frames, most of them cherry and have
never had a stile split, with a torque setting of 8 on a 19.2V driver.
And never had any misalignment, without any predrilling. Predrilling
the holes, not only not necessary, can cause problems.

I'm truly surprised, with a .125" pilot hole that you are getting
enough bite on the screw to slip the torque clutch much less to cause
a split. Major diameter on the thread is only .156"

Frank