Pocket Screws or not, frame and panel home chest

Can you post some picture so we have a better idea of your project? I’m terrible at descriptions. :(

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...

Having built 3 chests using pocket screws…I say do not use them if they will be visible. I made my blanket chests with a pocket hole skeleton and secured panels on the inside. Check them out on my project page. Some visuals may help. But again, I say no pocket holes if they will be seen.
- Jay

-- Jay - http://www.jayscustomcreations.com or YouTube.com/jayscustomcreations

I love pocket holes myself, as long as they are not seen

I would suggest making the groves on the table saw

-- I have the Saw Dust Fever

If I’m getting it correctly, you have pretty much a door making router bit kit with the small “tenon” that fits into the groove. Instead of beefing it up with unsightly pocket screws, buy a cheap doweling jig and strengthen it with a couple of those, then it is invisible.

For your loose panels in the 1/4 ” groves you can put it all togather and than caulk the panels into the groves from the inside. Use clear silicone caulk and wipe the joint smooth with a wet finger. Keep your finger wet and wipe off the excess on a shop rag.

-- Nils, So. Central MI. Wood is honest.Take the effort to understand what it has to tell you before you try to change it.

or you can buy a set of under size router bits made for plywood. I got my set from Woodcraft. Made by Whiteside.

-- Handcrafted by Mike Henderson - Channelview, Texas

Thanks folks! I am currently on the road, so I cant post any pics. I think I feel good enough to continue!

-- Brian

I for one, and I think many others, made their first project(s) way burlier than nescessary. I used enough screws in some of my early cabient/chests to support an elephant :) Pics would help, but generally tennoning is pretty strong and you don’t need screws as backup, but I echo the doweling if you are concerned.

If you don’t want to buy a new router bit for the panels, you can shim it, I have done that usually as a backup for not being very exact. You could also use a table saw and make a couple passes and adjust the fence one blade length to get the right size channel

Pocket screws will make the construction look novice for sure.

I’d pass on pocket screws in favor of tenons or dowels.