Can someone please suggest a way that I can ensure that my butt joints using 2 x 4s are properly aligned when fastened? The second picture is an exaggeration of the problem. I've tried clamping both pieces to the table, clamping the pieces to each other, blocking the short member from the inside, and probably a dozen other techniques. However, on some of the joints, the member being attached (the shorter or inside one in this drawing) will move ever so slightly and leave a less-than-desirable joint.
As far as I know, the problem is caused by the screw following the wood's grain as the screw is driven into the shorter piece. I pre-drill and countersink the wood screws, so I don't know what else to do to address the issue. If I drill any more, the screw will not hold. When I use my air nailer (which only goes up to 2"), the problem is not as bad as the nail appears to penetrate the wood without giving it as much time to move as inserting the screw does. Or something like that. Suggestions?
As far as I know, the problem is caused by the screw following the wood's grain as the screw is driven into the shorter piece. I pre-drill and countersink the wood screws, so I don't know what else to do to address the issue. If I drill any more, the screw will not hold. When I use my air nailer (which only goes up to 2"), the problem is not as bad as the nail appears to penetrate the wood without giving it as much time to move as inserting the screw does. Or something like that. Suggestions?