Model R1 / R2 Rocket Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the ROCKET
vide you with the instructions and techniques for using the ROCKET and assem-
bling its parts. Please review the following information to become familiarized
with the tool before actual use.
1.
General (Fig.1)
If you are new to pocket hole joinery there are three simple elements that
apply to every pocket hole joint. To get the most out of your ROCKET
pocket hole tool you need to know how these elements work together:
A. Jig set-up position relating to material thickness
B. Drilling depth and control
C. Screw length and thread pitch
A. Jig Positions
There are three standard material thicknesses widely used in woodworking
today. They are...
1. 3/4" material found in furniture and cabinetry
2. 1/2" material commonly used in drawer box construction
3. 1-1/2" material used in light frame construction
(i.e. decks, patio furniture, home improvements)
The primary design of this tool is to place a pocket hole so that when the screw is driven, it emerges at or near the midpoint of the material thickness being drilled. As the standard
material thickness changes, so does the setting of the jig to successfully center the screw and achieve maximum joint strength. As shown in Fig. 1, jig Position 1 is for standard
3/4" thick material, jig Position 2 for standard 1/2" thick material and jig Position 3 for standard 1-1/2" thick material. Please review Fig. 1 above to become familiarized with the jig
parts and how to assemble for each of the three jig positions. Assembly of these parts should allow for the base plate to slide from front to back to allow for the pad on any of the
face clamps to slide in and out in order to clamp the workpiece to the tool.
B. Setting the Drilling Depth (Depth Collar Adjustment)
Each jig position has its recommended drilling depth (see Fig. 2 at right). For drilling in 3/4" material, Position 1, for example, set
the Depth Collar 3-1/2" from the Step of the drill bit (see figure 2A) using a folding rule or tape measure. Before chucking the
Kreg Jig Drill bit (KJD) into your drill, first, slide the Depth Collar onto the loose drill bit shank (the bit should not be chucked
into the drill). Measure and position the Depth Collar 3-1/2" from the Step of the drill. Tighten the setscrew with the Allen
wrench provided. Now chuck the KJD bit/collar into your drill.
NOTE: For best results we recommend using a corded electric drill rated at 2,000 rpm or above.
C. Screw Length
For each jig position you must select the correct screw length and thread pitch. Recommended screw lengths for each position are
shown below.
- For 3/4" material, Position 1 -- use a 1-1/4" long screw
- For 1/2" material, Position 2 -- use a 1" long screw
- For 1-1/2" material, Position 3 -- use a 2-1/2" long screw
2.
Drilling the First Holes (Fig. 3)
To drill your first pocket holes, first clamp the jig to the workpiece with a Face Clamp. For the majority of
woodworking joints, a 6" face clamp will do the job. For greater "reach" on larger dimension material, 9", 11"
and 18" face clamps are available. Second, use a woodworkers clamp to secure the material with the jig attached,
to your workbench as shown in Fig. 3. Insert the tip of the drill bit half way into the first Drill Guide. Start the
drill to full speed, and plunge the drill into the guide until the Depth Collar contacts the rim of the Drill Guide.
Back the drill out and let the bit stop turning. (Note: When drilling your first few holes you may notice some
blue plastic chips. This is normal and is a result of the tight tolerances placed on the KJD bit and drill guides.)
Repeat these steps for the second Drill Guide.
CAUTION: NEVER ATTEMPT TO HOLD THE JIG IN YOUR HAND WHEN DRILLING. THE TOOL MUST BE
CLAMPED TO THE WOOD FOR THIS STEP. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE TOOL(S).
3.
Verify Pocket Hole Depth
Material thickness variations occur from time to time (for example, 1/2" plywood that is not exactly 1/2" thick). To verify the correct
drilling depth for a given position first drill a sample pocket hole in scrap material that is the same thickness as the actual workpiece,
drive a screw into the hole and then hold it up to the mating workpiece to make sure that the tip of the screw does not travel too far and
exit the surface of the mating workpiece as shown in the photo at right. To compensate for variation in material thickness you can
make a slight adjustment to the depth collar (from the standard settings in Fig. 2 above) to drill a slightly deeper or shallower pocket
hole as shown in Fig. 4.
4.
Assembly / Driving Pocket Hole Screws (face frame example)
Remove the Face Clamp from the Rocket Guide Body and place the large pad of the clamp on the face side of the joint. Be sure
that both pads are equally balanced over each workpiece at the joint line. Adjust the closure pressure until the two parts are
firmly secured. The Face Clamp will keep the face surface of the two pieces flush with each other during assembly. It is
recommended to drive the screws with a cordless drill/driver that has an adjustable clutch. Start with a light clutch setting and
adjust torque as necessary to seat the pocket hole screw. Because the hardness varies among wood species, plywood and
composites, drive a few "test" screws to select the proper clutch setting on your drill for the material you are assembling.
Tips for getting the most out of your pocket hole tool:
•
For safety, clamp parts to a work surface before drilling pocket holes. **NEVER HOLD THE TOOL AND PARTS IN YOUR HAND WHILE DRILLING.**
•
Always verify Depth Collar measurement with jig position set-up (1, 2 or 3) prior to drilling actual workpieces. Make sure that the setscrew is tight.
•
Use a sharp KJD drill bit for best results, especially in hardwood veneer plywood. (Bits can be sent to Kreg Tool for sharpening 800-447-8638.)
•
Avoid drilling into dirty or used material you suspect has buried metal debris from previous fasteners.
•
After drilling pocket holes, turn the part upside down to allow any remaining debris to fall out. Any debris left can become "trapped" under the head of the pocket hole screw when
driving, and the screw will "false" bottom out inside the pocket hole, thus not fully seating. This can leave the rim of the screw head slightly above the surface of the pocket holed
workpiece.
•
Use a corded electric drill with a speed of 2000 rpm or higher for drilling pocket holes.
•
Drill test pocket holes in scrap material of the same thickness as actual workpieces and drive "air" screw to verify the distance the screw will travel into the second workpiece.
•
Use a cordless (battery) drill/driver with an adjustable clutch feature to drive screws.
•
Use "F" fine thread screws in hardwoods, and "C" coarse thread screws in softwoods, plywood/composites.
** FOR MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND USEFUL TIPS AND TECHNIQUES VISIT WWW.KREGTOOL.COM **
®
Pocket Hole Jig. This guide will pro-
Position 1, 1-1/4" (32mm) screw
Position 1, 1-1/4" (32mm) screw
3/4"
3/4"
(19mm)
(19mm)
FINE THREAD
COARSE THREAD
Position 2, 1" (13mm) screw
Position 2, 1" (13mm) screw
3/8"
3/8"
(9.5mm)
1/2"
(9.5mm)
1/2"
(13mm)
(13mm)
For use in hardwoods such as
oak, maple, hickory, cherry,
walnut and birch.
For increased holding
power in softwoods such as
pine, plywood, particle
board and MDF.
Position 3, 2-1/2" (64mm) screw
Position 3, 2-1/2" (64mm) screw
1 1/2"
1 1/2"
(38mm)
(38mm)
5/16"
5/16"
(8mm)
(8mm)
Depth Collar Settings
Depth Collar Settings
Fig. 2A 3/4" (19mm) Material, Position 1
Fig. 2A 3/4" (19mm) Material, Position 1
Depth Collar
Depth Collar
Setscrew
Setscrew
KJD Bit
KJD Bit
Fig. 2B
1/2" (12.7mm) Material, Position 2
Fig. 2B
1/2" (12.7mm) Material, Position 2
Fig. 2C
1-1/2" (57mm) Material, Position 3
1-1/2" (57mm) Material, Position 3
Fig. 2C
4 1/4" (108mm)
4 1/4" (108mm)
Drilling the First Holes
Fig. 3
Woodworker's
Rocket Kreg Jig
Clamp
Workbench Top
3/4"
3/4"
(19mm)
(19mm)
Pilot
Pilot
3 1/2" (89mm)
3 1/2" (89mm)
Step of the drill
Step of the drill
3 5/16" (84mm)
3 5/16" (84mm)
6" (152mm)
Face Clamp
Step of Base
Plate this way