Setting up for a perfect pocket hole joint is simple:

1. Measure Material Thickness: Accurately measure the thickness of the board you will be drilling the pocket holes into. Do not use the nominal thickness (e.g., a "1x4" is actually 3/4" thick).
2. Select Thickness in Calculator: Choose the matching thickness from the dropdown menu.
3. Select Screw Type: Choose 'Coarse-Thread' for softwoods (like pine) and plywood, or 'Fine-Thread' for hardwoods (like oak or maple).
4. Use the Recommended Settings: The calculator will display the correct screw length to use and the proper depth setting for your pocket hole jig's drill bit collar. Set your jig and collar to these specifications.

• Pocket Hole: An angled hole drilled into one board, which allows a screw to connect it to a second board.
• Pocket Hole Jig: A tool that guides the drill bit to create the pocket hole at a consistent, shallow angle (typically 15 degrees).
• Drill Bit Collar: A stop that is fixed onto the drill bit to control the depth of the hole, ensuring it doesn't go all the way through the material.
• Coarse-Thread Screw: Screws with wide threads that bite well into softwoods and man-made materials like plywood and MDF.
• Fine-Thread Screw: Screws with narrower threads that are less likely to split dense hardwoods.