On Sep 18, 11:30 am, 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?

Try drilling your pocket holes near the inside of the rails so they
sit further back from the end of your stiles. I pretty much use only
coarse thread screws b/c the washer head is larger and they don't pull
through the pocket as much. Also, it *seems* that I have more success
(less splitting) when I set the clutch and drive them in as fast as I
can spin them. Maybe it drills out the hole better or something. And
definitely, definitely follow the clamping tips that others have
posted.

Or you can just go buy a Domino.

JP