11
Common Board Sizes
Nominal Size
1x2
1x3
1x4
1x6
1x8
2x2
2x4
2x6
2x8
4x4
6x6
6 Tips to Reduce Wood Splitting
Test Pieces
1
Test the joint with scrap pieces cut from the same stock as your final workpiece.
Make sure you're using Kreg Screws
2
Kreg screws feature sharp, self-tapping tips that slice through the wood fibers.
Use the Right Screw Type
3
Use fine-thread screws in hardwood. These #7 screws displace less wood than the #8 coarse-
thread screws that are used for softwood, plywood, MDF, and particleboard.
4
Drive Progressively
Drive the screw half-way in, back it out to clear excess wood fibers from the hole, and then drive
the screw all the way in.
5
Reduce Friction
Apply bee's wax or other lubricant to the screw to reduce the friction as the screw enters the
workpiece.
6
Clamp Correctly
Center the clamp pad on the joint line to apply equal pressure to both workpieces and keep them from
shifting. Firm clamping pressure forces the screw to slice through the wood instead of splitting it apart.
800-447-8638
Actual Size
⁄
" x 1
⁄
"
3
1
4
2
⁄
" x 2
⁄
"
3
1
4
2
⁄
" x 3
⁄
"
3
1
4
2
⁄
" x 5
⁄
"
3
1
4
2
⁄
" x 7
⁄
"
3
1
4
4
1
⁄
" x 1
⁄
"
1
1
2
2
1
⁄
" x 3
⁄
"
1
1
2
2
1
⁄
" x 5
⁄
"
1
1
2
2
1
1
⁄
" x 7
1
⁄
"
2
4
3
1
⁄
" x 3
1
⁄
"
2
2
5
1
⁄
" x 5
1
⁄
"
2
2
Tips
Nominal Size vs. Actual Size
At a lumberyard or home center you'll see labels on
lumber such as "1x6" and "2x4." These "nominal"
sizes once described the dimensions of rough-cut
lumber before it was milled to finished or actual size.
Actual size is always smaller than nominal size.
The board-thickness marks on your Kreg Jig
the actual thickness of the board. For example, a
1x4 is actually ¾" thick, so you'll set your jig to the
¾" mark.
2˝
Nominal
(2˝ x 4˝)
®
4˝
3½˝
1½˝
Actual
(1½˝ x 3½˝)
refer
Length