On 9/23/2012 6:35 AM, Greg Guarino wrote:

If you look at the far clamp in the photo, you'll notice a small gap
between the clamp and the wood (see the shadow?). I re-examined the
clamps. Turns out the "pin depth" is adjustable. It was evidently set
too deep for the pocket hole and wouldn't allow the clamp to sit
flush.

Successfully using any tool is proper setup ... and you also have to
drill the pocket holes the proper depth for the material, which is where
a lot of folks mess up with pocket hole joinery.

Next time, instead of trying to hold the two pieces together, align them
closely; attach the clamp loosely; then push down on the top of the
clamp with one hand while tightening with the other, leaving just enough
slack to adjust the fit if necessary before screwing down for final
clamping pressure ... quicker done than the telling.

Once I perfected the technique of using this particular clamp, I've not
needed three hands for this operation, but I'm firmly convinced at some
point in the distant future woodworkers will indeed evolve to having
that third hand.

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