Sizing Shelf Pins

The sleeves go with the 1/4" pins or paddles and give it a more finished appearance. One gotcha with sleeves though, is then the pins fall out more easily, but if your shelves are flat and your holes are straight thats not a problem.
 
I always use the sleeves, because it looks so much more 'finished'... and have found that the pins go in easily part of the way, and 'lock' in once they're all the way in place and are quite tight.

I think they also sell the pins and sleeves in standard and metric, which may account for a loose/tight fit.
 
gary,

i tried the router and hated it....the bits would always burn the wood. i was going to try an upspiral bit to help with cleanout, but then i saw this.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5876

fairly cheap, and fool proof. takes less time than with a router and it's quiter.

i used this alot before i bought my boring machine

chris

almost forgot, it comes with a 5mm bit or a 1/4" bit.....also you can buy the appropriate bit for using the sleeves for each size. i prefer the look of the 5mm because it's a little smaller
 
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Gary:

I also used the Rockler drill jig Chris suggested to build a triple bookcase for the home office. I had a liitle tearout issue with the veneer on the oak ply. I think I reduced that by changing the drill speed - can't remember if it worked better faster or slower (sorry). :doh:

I think the holes look "ok" without the sleeves, but I'd consider using the sleeves on my next shelf pin project.

Hope this helps.

Jim
 
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jim i had some issue with tearout too, it was worse on cheaper plywoods and better on nicer veneers. i was going as fast as i could, because for me time is money, so i would think slow would be better.
 
Often I use shelf pins, Never have I used the inserts, I made a jig from some scraps of 1/4" peg board. I skip every other hole making my incruments 2" apart I use a stop block on the drill and bore exact 1/4" holes. Sand a bit and finish properly the results are smooth holes with a slight bit of finish inside that makes for a tight 1/4" fit. Looks good, works fine, why bother with the inserts?
 
I use the 1/4" pins without the inserts and have not had any problems. I use a home made jig and the DrillRite bit from Woodcraft. This bit has a brad point type of bit and tear out has not been a problem. I do use a high speed drill with the bit.
 
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