Pilot Holes for American Black Walnut Table Top Kitchens, doors, rails, stud, tables, chairs, stair cases, garden furniture etc... Find answers and ask questions here!

[Dougray Kiln]

Hi all,
basic question but I'm going to make an American Black Walnut table top and going to attach it to a metal stand. I'm thinking of using No.8 pan head screws @ 4.2mm and was wondering if a 3.5mm pilot hole would be OK or too small and maybe lead to cracking?
I've not worked with hardwoods before so thought I'd ask.
Cheers.
Dougray