New Kreg Jig K5 coming fall '13

[builderbob]

Hey peeps!  I just saw that Kreg announced their new K5 jig!  It has the auto adjust clamp, front handle and some other cool features!!!  Can't wait!
http://www.kregtool.com/Kreg-Jig-K5-Prodview.html

B

 

[Glenn in Shailer]

...beaudy...was just about to pull the pin and grab the K4, but now I'll wait for the K5.

Cheers

 

[Michael Kellough]

Why did they ever think it was a good idea to put the clamp handle in the back anyway? (K4)

The built-in support and storage look nice but will it fit into a Systainer?
I store the K3, clamps, and screws in a Sys 2. I keep the K3 mounted
on a slightly oversize piece of plywood so it's fast to clamp to a table.

 

[builderbob]

Why did they ever think it was a good idea to put the clamp handle in the back anyway? (K4)

The built-in support and storage look nice but will it fit into a Systainer?
I store the K3, clamps, and screws in a Sys 2. I keep the K3 mounted
on a slightly oversize piece of plywood so it's fast to clamp to a table.

I also have my K3 in a Sys 2 but I take the removable guide out. I'm guessing it's about the same size as the others which have all been relatively close in height.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Why did they ever think it was a good idea to put the clamp handle in the back anyway? (K4)

The built-in support and storage look nice but will it fit into a Systainer?
I store the K3, clamps, and screws in a Sys 2. I keep the K3 mounted
on a slightly oversize piece of plywood so it's fast to clamp to a table.

I also have my K3 in a Sys 2 but I take the removable guide out. I'm guessing it's about the same size as the others which have all been relatively close in height.

The guide block stays in on mine, even with a piece of 3/4" ply underneath but I do have to set in all the way down in the chute. (Classic Sys 2 with guide block to front of Sys)

Come to think of it, removing the guide block might be better. Then there's no chance it will be left in the wrong position when you start drilling holes. Hasn't happened to me yet but having to think about where it belongs before drilling is a good policy.

 

[builderbob]

Why did they ever think it was a good idea to put the clamp handle in the back anyway? (K4)

The built-in support and storage look nice but will it fit into a Systainer?
I store the K3, clamps, and screws in a Sys 2. I keep the K3 mounted
on a slightly oversize piece of plywood so it's fast to clamp to a table.

I also have my K3 in a Sys 2 but I take the removable guide out. I'm guessing it's about the same size as the others which have all been relatively close in height.

The guide block stays in on mine, even with a piece of 3/4" ply underneath but I do have to set in all the way down in the chute. (Classic Sys 2 with guide block to front of Sys)

Come to think of it, removing the guide block might be better. Then there's no chance it will be left in the wrong position when you start drilling holes. Hasn't happened to me yet but having to think about where it belongs before drilling is a good policy.

Michael that's exactly why I do that. I left it in one time at the lowest setting and started drilling....oopsie!

 

[semenza]

The auto adjust clamp will be great when going from true 3/4" or  stock to various "3/4"" sheet goods.

Yup. Definitely be looking to upgrade.  Watch for  a K3 in the classifieds  this fall  [wink]

Seth

 

[GarryMartin]

Hey peeps!  I just saw that Kreg announced their new K5 jig!  It has the auto adjust clamp, front handle and some other cool features!!!  Can't wait!

http://www.kregtool.com/Kreg-Jig-K5-Prodview.html

B

Not sure I'm over the moon about the 1/4" vacuum connection though...  [wink]

 

[Kev]

Can't wait for the K6 [wink]

Honestly though, this appears to be a bit more sophisticated ... I'll wait for user feedback to see if it's robust.

 

[Gene Howerton]

Wish they would put it in a systainer or at least have an option for that purchase.  I'll pass, I had the vacuum connection for the Festool hose printed on a 3D printed machine and that works great, no dust!  I'm not buying until they introduce one with a systainer.

 

[zapdafish]

Why did they ever think it was a good idea to put the clamp handle in the back anyway? (K4)

I heard it was something like patent issues. Another company put it in the front first and they were forced to stop using that configuration.

 

[semenza]

Huh, I just noticed that the K3  (front handle)  came out after K4 (rear handle).  I had a K4 then upgraded to K3 when it came out.  Odd reverse numbering.  ???  So K4 , K3 , K5  :

Seth

 

[Kev]

As I haven't had the need, only a desire, I've read quite a few opinions on the Kreg jigs. Most seem to feel the K3 is a better format, but with breakages to the clamping mechanism being it's downfall. I'm hoping the K5 is all about addressing this.

 

[fdengel]

Not sure I'm over the moon about the 1/4" vacuum connection though...  [wink]

Appears it is 1-1/4" (thankfully) - where they list it at the top looks like there was a typo and the "1" got left out...  closer to the bottom of the page they indicate it is "standard 1-1/4".

 

[Scott in San Diego]

Huh, I just noticed that the K3  (front handle)  came out after K4 (rear handle).   I had a K4 then upgraded to K3 when it came out.  Odd reverse numbering.  ???   So K4 , K3 , K5  :

Seth

I'm waiting for the K9...But I heard it might be a dog.  [big grin]

 

[semenza]

Huh, I just noticed that the K3  (front handle)  came out after K4 (rear handle).   I had a K4 then upgraded to K3 when it came out.  Odd reverse numbering.  ???   So K4 , K3 , K5  :

Seth

I'm waiting for the K9...But I heard it might be a dog.   [big grin]

That project was dropped. The K9 unit was always lazing around the shop. Just couldn't get it to work  [big grin]

Seth

 

[semenza]

As I haven't had the need, only a desire, I've read quite a few opinions on the Kreg jigs. Most seem to feel the K3 is a better format, but with breakages to the clamping mechanism being it's downfall. I'm hoping the K5 is all about addressing this.

On mine the threaded insert that is press fitted into the clamp body will not hold well enough to be able to just turn the nut for clamp capacity adjustments. So to adjusting it is a nuisance , that must be the common breakage. It still does the clamping function just fine, however.  I will probably try some epoxy on the insert.

Seth

 

[osufever]

I have a question that I'm hoping you guys could help answer for me.

I'm looking to get either a K4MS or K5 when it comes out in September.  (I actually just bought the K4MS for $118 because the sale ends Sunday but I'm waiting to open it until I make up my mind which one I want).

My question:  Is the front-mounted handle and the ratcheting clamp a big enough reason to lose the face clamp, portable base, mini jig and 3" square driver that's included with the K4MS? (In addition to a more difficult process to clamp the K5 to the workbench as compared to the K4.)

Even if the K5 is $129 (every store has the K4MS listed at $139 except Kreg's website where it's $149), are those upgrades enough of a reason to get the K5 as my first Kreg Jig or would a beginner like me who's only looking to use the jig for a few projects a year better off getting the K4MS and all those extras?  (Especially if the K4MS is cheaper than the K5.)

I understand that my question may not be able to be answered until the K5 is released, but I thought I'd pose the question anyway.  I apologize if my ramblings don't make sense but I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks!

 

[Kev]

I have a question that I'm hoping you guys could help answer for me.

I'm looking to get either a K4MS or K5 when it comes out in September.  (I actually just bought the K4MS for $118 because the sale ends Sunday but I'm waiting to open it until I make up my mind which one I want).

My question:  Is the front-mounted handle and the ratcheting clamp a big enough reason to lose the face clamp, portable base, mini jig and 3" square driver that's included with the K4MS? (In addition to a more difficult process to clamp the K5 to the workbench as compared to the K4.)

Even if the K5 is $129 (every store has the K4MS listed at $139 except Kreg's website where it's $149), are those upgrades enough of a reason to get the K5 as my first Kreg Jig or would a beginner like me who's only looking to use the jig for a few projects a year better off getting the K4MS and all those extras?  (Especially if the K4MS is cheaper than the K5.)

I understand that my question may not be able to be answered until the K5 is released, but I thought I'd pose the question anyway.  I apologize if my ramblings don't make sense but I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks!

[welcome]

Your question makes sense.

Simple answer is ... ask yourself if reaching behind whatever your work piece is will be inconvenient, if not - the 4 is fine.

To me both the back and front clamping versions have job specific benefits. I was looking to buy a 3 and a 4, but issues with the 3 tured me off the idea so I've been sitting on my thumbs. I'll get a 4 and a 5 when they 5 is released now.

Kev

 

[semenza]

I have a question that I'm hoping you guys could help answer for me.

I'm looking to get either a K4MS or K5 when it comes out in September.  (I actually just bought the K4MS for $118 because the sale ends Sunday but I'm waiting to open it until I make up my mind which one I want).

My question:  Is the front-mounted handle and the ratcheting clamp a big enough reason to lose the face clamp, portable base, mini jig and 3" square driver that's included with the K4MS? (In addition to a more difficult process to clamp the K5 to the workbench as compared to the K4.)

Even if the K5 is $129 (every store has the K4MS listed at $139 except Kreg's website where it's $149), are those upgrades enough of a reason to get the K5 as my first Kreg Jig or would a beginner like me who's only looking to use the jig for a few projects a year better off getting the K4MS and all those extras?  (Especially if the K4MS is cheaper than the K5.)

I understand that my question may not be able to be answered until the K5 is released, but I thought I'd pose the question anyway.  I apologize if my ramblings don't make sense but I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks!

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

For me the front handle makes a real difference. I use pocket holes  for cabinet boxes. The large panel size would be (was) a real nuisance having to reach around to clamp/ unclamp.

I also really like the vac attachment.

As far as the face  clamp goes it really depends how you use pocket holes and what you make. I have the Kreg clamps in various sizes as well as the right angle clamp, and hardly ever use them.  The most used is the one that holds the portable base to a work piece, and for me , even that is rare and could be done with almost any other quick clamp.  I am sure others use the Kreg clamps all the time........ just depends.

The 3" driver is really no big deal to get.

I am not sure that the K5 would be more difficult to attach to a work surface? It appears to have holes for mounting screws.

Seth