hey ba, don't slate me for this because i aint a joiner.
will the pro turbogold do the job??
i use em but i don't know if they will do what you want.

if/ when you find your answer could you let me know??

I also pilot the edge of MDF but don't recall screwing into the edge of any 12mm. For hinges into 18mm I use 3.5mm screws with a 2.5 pilot, keep the screws as long as possible. For holding 18mm carcases together I use screwfix's Powerdrives, 4mm clearance & CSK, 3mm pilot into endgrain & biscutes. I have also resorted to drilling for 5mm dowels, glueing them & screwing into those.

I doubt that the turbos etc will be anygood into the side of MDF but work well into the face.

Keep the screws as far from the ends of the board as possible.

Jason

thank dj ive tried gold but not turbo gold[i would never critisize anybody d j giving usefull suggestions just thanks]

thanks big e do they split [delaminate the layers when screwing into the end grain near to the corner!

thanks jason i use mdf to make cupboard carcassing ect and securing the shelve and carcasses  with scews and glue where battons cannot be used!

just trying to remove the tedium of countersink pilot then screw
as it happens you dont need to use a countersink  bit just use srewdriver bit its perfect size for no6 screws

and thanks for trying a turbo gold jason its just cleared that bit up

it just happens my spot board is 12mm mdf so i have tried one of the turbogold and it split after about four turns. tried it away from the edge and it still split. so in answer the turbogold won't do it.

I only bought the SS ones for a specific job but did manage to snap a few heads off, don't know about the plated ones.

Jason

Pilot is the only way into side of board, diameter same as the root of the screw (think thats the term) and use fully threaded screws.

I use one drill with clearance/csk snappy bit and another with pilot snappy and change to snappy magnetic screwdriver bit. Makes life a bit easier, bench gets too cluttered if I use 3 cordless at the same time.

Never liked the clearance hole from flip-over bits as you cannot vary it for the depth of wood so I use these in 4,5 & 6mm http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=32603 and the SF hex recess bits in smaller sizes for pilot into second piece of wood.

Jason

thaks jason

i am just surprised there is not a specialist mdf screw that wont delaminate the mdf
i think the actual clearence or a no 6 screw is 3.2[1/8"]so the 3mm is a bit tight  if i am neer the end and cant find a3.2mm i just use a 3.5 pilot hole push glue into the hole and screw in which gives you maximum grip
as i say a 3mm gives the maximum possible grip with least effort
just like you want to use the least possible no of drills for ease of assembly

surprised nobodys developed a multihead r/angled screwdriver where you hold it verticaly drill the pilot rotate in your hand a quarter turn countersink another quarter turn screwin another quarter turn shot off ouzo another quarter turn start again

Hi BA

Its good to know there is respect for women!

Last time I checked - 10 minutes ago I was one  

I don't post much  - but I lurk-a-lot.

Brilliant site though -   but needs more women