Screw-Pocket Drilling Jig
T
HIS JIG MAKES IT SIMPLEto drill screw pockets for securing a
tabletop to its apron. Start with a 1-in.-sq. by 4-in.-long hard-
wood block, and drill a^3 ⁄ 8 -in. hole in the end of the block as deep as
your drill will reach. Draw the profile of the hole on the side of the
block, and decide how deep and at what angle (usually 25 ̊ or so) you
want your pocket. Then draw a line across the block to define the
pocket, and saw the pieces in two along this angled line. Glue the
sawn-off waste onto the other side of the block, as shown, to re-create
a square corner. Now clamp the block to a scrap piece, and test-drill a
pocket. Trim the end of the block to make the pocket deeper, if
necessary. After you’ve drilled the pockets in the apron, finish by
drilling screw-shank holes through the pockets with a hand-held drill.
—E. G. LINCOLN,Parsippany, N.J.
PORTABLE POWER-TOOL FIXTURES
- Glue on waste block and trim
guide to increase boring depth. - Drill
block. - Lay out pocket
and cut blank. - Clamp guide to
workpiece to drill
pocket holes.