So Im a complete newbie and I was so excited to get started and build my own furniture. I did not expect it to be easy, but I'm starting to feel like it's impossible. I started with saw horses, because I figured I'd need them and wouldnt care how they looked. Well that was bone-headed because I can't even figure out how to clamp the pieces together for drilling.
However I can't at this point even figure out how to clamp a 90 degree angle. Do I need a special clamp or am I just this dumb?
Also, I have a 19 volt craftsman drill. It's fully charged, and I have the torque set to high. I have no idea what the numbers on the front dial mean and this info is not covered in the manual. At this point it's set to 20 out of 22 I think. I'm attempting to countersink screws in a joint. The guage or whatever of the countersink bit is 8. The guage of the screw is 8. Countersinking works fine, but only through the first 2x2 and not into the adjoining piece of wood. When I then attempt to screw the joint together, 90% of the time the screw gets stripped. 50% of the time it also stops after the pilot hole ends and will not go any further. By some miracle I got the first saw horse complete, but it has several screws sticking half way out of it. The second one I can't even complete the second set of legs. I have broken one bit, and have another screw stuck right next to it that wont even enter the second piece of wood.
Help please! I'm about to sell all the tools I just bought and try to forget I ever thought I could do this.
magziem
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 08:39
Sorry the last post was so negative. :) I really am excited about this, but after 4 hours have one wobbly saw horse and another pile of now scrap wood full of bits and screws, lol. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out what Im' doing wrong :)
mommadahlan
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:10
Hi magzie,
I may be giving you terrible advice but maybe if you countersink a little deeper into the first 2x2( maybe halfway). then follow-up with a regular drill bit into the second piece of wood. Tape off the length of the second drill bit so you dont drill in to far. I struggled with the same problem as well.
OkieJoe
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 11:43
Don't get too frustrated! You can do this! Not sure exactly what you mean by a 90 degree joint, are you trying for a butt joint like this :
or are you trying for a joint that for lack of a better word looks like a 't'? In either case, predrill using a 1/8 inch drill bit, long enough to penetrate both pieces of wood and go about 75% or so of the full depth of the screw length. I'm going to guess that you have a combination countersink/predrill bit. Often the bit isn't long enough to penetrate all the way through 3" or so of 2x4 you are using for the sawhorses. Try a longer bit, and then if you want to countersink, use the countersink bit in the same hole and make the countersink to hide the head. Also, if you are stripping out the head of the screws a lot, you might consider driving more slowly by only partially depressing the trigger on your drill, or turning the dial down to about 8 or 10 and see if that doesn't help. Phillips head screws are notorious for stripping, which is why lots of folks have switched over to square drive screws. Another way to help prevent is to be sure you are using the proper sized bit, probably a #2, but check to be sure. Also, put your weight in a direct line w/the screw and driver, and lean on it. Stripping usually happens when the wood is stronger than the force you are putting into it, so don't be shy about putting some muscle into it and pushing the screw in.
magziem
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 12:51
Thank you! I'll definitely get some longer bits and try that. I am trying for the butt joint and the 't' in different spots. My countersink bit is only about 1" compared to 2.5" screws, so that makes sense. Any advice on clamping? I just cant visualize how to do it. I think Id be able to use a bit more muscle if I had something holding down the boards. I tried earlier to find videos on you tube, but I'll try again now that I have some of my patience level back
OkieJoe
Tue, 01/04/2011 - 13:22
As far as clamping goes, you might try something like this:
you can get at Orange for about $2.50. Clamp each board to outside and then it will hold the boards in place while you drill. Get a couple of 2" or 3" spring clamps for cheap, or if you don't already have some, a set of small 12" or so quick clamps would be helpful. I use something similar all the time when making boxes or gluing up things. Helps keep things square, and will let you focus on joining the boards, not holding them in place. BTW, these are Simpson-Strong Tie 90 degree angles. They are usually over in lumber at Orange.
Hope this helps.
mom2garrett
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 16:44
You might also try
You might also try lubricating the screws. Spit, a bar of soap, a candle, beeswax, or a wax toilet seal will work just fine. Another option is to use square drive or torx screws.