any special drill bits etc to predrill and countersink on ipe decking..or can use usual with a corded drill?? also, what kind and length of recommended screws??
many thx
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I use trimhead SS 1-3/4" from GRK
Predrill the IPE but not the framing, with a bit jusst barely oversized
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I used 2 1/4" square-drive trimheads, and found that I needed to countersink for the head. I dug out a 30-40-yr-old adjustable Stanley Screwmate designed for old-fashioned woodscrews -- the oldfashioned head, shank, & pilot style countersink. The replaceable twist drill gave me my oversize hole, and the shank-hole cutter was perfect for the head.Stainless GRK is special-order around here, so I haven't gotten around to trying them. Their standard Climatek trimhead is the best I've ever used, so I'd go with Piffin's recommendation.AitchKay
Speaking from recent experience (mostly finished drilling, countersinking and plugging 1,000 sq. ft. ipe deck) I found the insty-bit quick change set the best option.
They have it at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Insty-Bit-Drilling-Systems-Countersink/dp/B000QF38E4/ref=sr_1_41?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1220623529&sr=1-41 , Rockler and some local hardware stores.
I tried about six different bit setups, and any set that had the countersink simply mounted on the drill bit instead of the one piece hex-type shaft, the countersink would invariably start locking up in the holes and the bit would spin freely.
For replacement bits (9/64 for the screws I use from McFeely's) the insty-bits replacements work the best followed by the ridgid bits from HD (several others I tried from Bosch, Hitachi, Milwaukee all had slimmer shafts between the flutes, and broke much more frequently.
All in all, I'd say I went through about three or four of the countersinks, and about 10 replacement bits.
Matt
The best countersinks I've found are by Snappy
http://tinyurl.com/29v3pd I like them because the countersink part locks onto the hex shaft and doesn't spin on you like others often do.We use #10 x 2.5" screws. http://tinyurl.com/5qd9wyhttp://woodsshop.com/
thank you all!!
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