New Kreg Jig K5 coming fall '13

[osufever]

Thanks for the quick responses and warm welcomes! I have a couple more questions about your answers if you don't mind.

[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

I understand the benefits of the front clamp and would ultimately prefer the K5's design, so what job specific benefits does the back clamping K4 offer that the front clamping K3K5 doesn't? 

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

How often is reaching behind the board inconvenient?  Or rather at what size board does it become a nuisance to reach around to clamp and unclamp?  Would using the portable base be a simple solution for large panels?  (Especially if it's just me moving and repositioning the panels by myself with only a simple flat workbench to work on?  I'm looking to eventually upgrade my workbench as needed but I don't have any table vise clamps or anything other than basic C-clamps to help hold boards in place while I work.)

As for the clamps, what would you recommend to help hold two boards in place while joining them together, whether it's a 90-degree joint or a flat one. (I'm sure there's an actual term for both of those so please excuse my newbieness.)

 

[Kev]

I understand the benefits of the front clamp and would ultimately prefer the K5's design, so what job specific benefits does the back clamping K4 offer that the front clamping K3K5 doesn't? 

I would imagine a 600mm (2 foot) or wider board would start to become extremely inconvenient with a rear clamp. Others could have a different opinion.

 

[semenza]

How often is reaching behind the board inconvenient?  Or rather at what size board does it become a nuisance to reach around to clamp and unclamp?  Would using the portable base be a simple solution for large panels?  (Especially if it's just me moving and repositioning the panels by myself with only a simple flat workbench to work on?  I'm looking to eventually upgrade my workbench as needed but I don't have any table vise clamps or anything other than basic C-clamps to help hold boards in place while I work.)

As for the clamps, what would you recommend to help hold two boards in place while joining them together, whether it's a 90-degree joint or a flat one. (I'm sure there's an actual term for both of those so please excuse my newbieness.)

I would say about 24" wide x more than 12". At that point going around or over starts  to be a nuissance. If this is a once in a while thing , then it is no biggie. I think that reaching around for the bench mount clamp would actually be more convenient than the portable for large panels.  With the front mount clamp and the vac running I can unclamp slide the panel and re-clamp all with one hand. Keeping the drill ready to go in the other. I have support for the work piece to the left and right on the K3. The vac running will actually  help hold even a large panel upright while sliding it for the next hole.

As far as holding pieces together while putting screws in .........  This is where  how you work or what other tools you have comes into play. I use Dominos with pocket screws. The Dominos keep everything aligned while the screws go in.  The Kreg right angle clamp does work pretty well for the purpose.  I don't think that comes with the set you mentioned though?  Rockler has some nifty  pocket hole clamps  for joining pieces flat. 

This pic shows my set up. Everything is attached to  a piece of 3/4" plywood which is then clamped to the bench when in use.

[attachimg=#]

Rockler Pocket Hole Clamps

 

[copcarcollector]

The Rockler clamps also work for 90 degree joints. I have used mine once so far with good results.

 

[semenza]

The Rockler clamps also work for 90 degree joints. I have used mine once so far with good results.

[doh]  [doh]  Oh , yeah, that too.

I need to upgrade to the quick release type.  I got the first generation that you need to unscrew rather than push the release button.

Seth

 

[osufever]

[thanks]
Thanks for all the help guys!

I think I'm going exchange the K4MS for the K5 once it's released and some hands-on reviews can be found from non-Kreg employees.  It seems like the K5 is worth getting even if it means losing those extras to get the added features of the K5.

In case anyone else searches and finds this thread, here's how I reached my conclusion in addition to the great advice above:

Face Clamp - I already have an assortment of clamps and it appears there are better options for 90° joints anyway.
Portable Base - only needed for boards thicker than 3/4" since the guide block and included spacer block covers 1/2" and 3/4" thick material.  I seriously doubt I'll ever use a 1" or thicker board that'll be too big to use the full jig.
Mini Jig - Don't think I'll ever need it but it's $8.95 on Amazon if I do.
3" square driver - Pretty sure I have a driver bit that covers that.  Even if I didn't, driver bits are cheap.

Overall, the front handle, ratcheting clamp and extension wings seem to be the better value in the long run.  Hopefully the K5 works as good as it looks!

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[polarsea1]

I've had the version with attached wings, clamp in back and no dust collection for years and haven't kept up with the newer stuff. What is the T-track for? support? Do the other pieces on the track come with the K3 set? Looks like a nice setup. I use mine for the same purpose - domino and screw cases together. A little dust collection would be nice too.

How often is reaching behind the board inconvenient?  Or rather at what size board does it become a nuisance to reach around to clamp and unclamp?  Would using the portable base be a simple solution for large panels?  (Especially if it's just me moving and repositioning the panels by myself with only a simple flat workbench to work on?  I'm looking to eventually upgrade my workbench as needed but I don't have any table vise clamps or anything other than basic C-clamps to help hold boards in place while I work.)

As for the clamps, what would you recommend to help hold two boards in place while joining them together, whether it's a 90-degree joint or a flat one. (I'm sure there's an actual term for both of those so please excuse my newbieness.)

I would say about 24" wide x more than 12". At that point going around or over starts  to be a nuissance. If this is a once in a while thing , then it is no biggie. I think that reaching around for the bench mount clamp would actually be more convenient than the portable for large panels.  With the front mount clamp and the vac running I can unclamp slide the panel and re-clamp all with one hand. Keeping the drill ready to go in the other. I have support for the work piece to the left and right on the K3. The vac running will actually  help hold even a large panel upright while sliding it for the next hole.

As far as holding pieces together while putting screws in .........  This is where  how you work or what other tools you have comes into play. I use Dominos with pocket screws. The Dominos keep everything aligned while the screws go in.  The Kreg right angle clamp does work pretty well for the purpose.  I don't think that comes with the set you mentioned though?  Rockler has some nifty  pocket hole clamps  for joining pieces flat. 

This pic shows my set up. Everything is attached to  a piece of 3/4" plywood which is then clamped to the bench when in use.

[attachimg=#]

Rockler Pocket Hole Clamps

 

[Corwin]

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.

I don't understand why anyone would expect Kreg products to come in a Systainer.  However, Kreg does offer their own storage box, the Large Toolboxx.

 

[Gene Howerton]

We are starting to see more products in a systainer, Lee Valley for instance, I think more will follow.  If you read the posts from the guys in Europe and Oz you will see that a wide variety of different companies sell their products in systainers.  I like the Kreg products and they would stack better in a systainer, a man can dream.  [smile]

 

[semenza]

I've had the version with attached wings, clamp in back and no dust collection for years and haven't kept up with the newer stuff. What is the T-track for? support? Do the other pieces on the track come with the K3 set? Looks like a nice setup. I use mine for the same purpose - domino and screw cases together. A little dust collection would be nice too.

The T-track and sliding supports, which are also adjustable flip stops, don't come with the K3 or K4. Actually I think one support/ flip stop came with the set I bought. The track goes about 24" to either side and there are two more stops not pictured.

Seth

 

[polarsea1]

Thanks Seth, I just visited the Kreg site and saw the stops. Looks like I'll need to buy some along with track when the new jig comes out.

My current process is to drill the holes and when I'm finished unclamp, then dump the sawdust on the floor.  [big grin]

 

[mattdh]

anyone pick one if these up yet? review?

 

[ShawnRussell]

bumping this up..

Has anyone bought the K5 yet? It has been out for two weeks.

 

[builderbob]

bumping this up..

Has anyone bought the K5 yet? It has been out for two weeks.

Yep, I bought it!  Got it two Fridays ago...I love it!  The auto adjust feature is nice, though its not 100% auto adjust.  It's nice not to have the threaded rod and nut anymore to tweak around.  Some may not see it necessary to upgrade from the K3 or K4 but I use mine a lot in the field and this is big for me!

Did this help?  Lol if you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer!

Bob

 

[semenza]

bumping this up..

Has anyone bought the K5 yet? It has been out for two weeks.

Yep, I bought it!  Got it two Fridays ago...I love it!  The auto adjust feature is nice, though its not 100% auto adjust.  It's nice not to have the threaded rod and nut anymore to tweak around.  Some may not see it necessary to upgrade from the K3 or K4 but I use mine a lot in the field and this is big for me!

Did this help?  Lol if you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer!

Bob

Yeah, Can the stop only be placed in the one  (both sides) location right up close to the jig or can it be placed along the supports?

Seth

 

[leakyroof]

bumping this up..

Has anyone bought the K5 yet? It has been out for two weeks.

Yep, I bought it!  Got it two Fridays ago...I love it!  The auto adjust feature is nice, though its not 100% auto adjust.  It's nice not to have the threaded rod and nut anymore to tweak around.  Some may not see it necessary to upgrade from the K3 or K4 but I use mine a lot in the field and this is big for me!

Did this help?  Lol if you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer!

Bob

Yeah, Can the stop only be placed in the one  (both sides) location right up close to the jig or can it be placed along the supports?

Seth

  I'm sure BuilderBob will answer you soon Seth, but I ordered my K5 and 4 Rockler Clamps today so I'll find out soon for myself. This will upgrade, OR compliment..., the two earlier Kreg Pocket Drill Kits that I already own and one Rockler version.  Since I had several versions, and don't always work with larger sheet stock like a cabinet, the jigs clamp placement was never that big of a deal for me with many of the items that I was working with not being wider than 3".
About the only thing from just the KREG photos that I can see as something to consider is that once your work piece is on top of the side support arms, you can't open the tops of the storage arms/supports . Not a big deal, but just one little thing that caught my eye while looking over this jig.
I actually have the old Rockler Aluminum plate with the toggle clamp that they offered a few years back. No dust collection, and the clamp is on the backside, but it's both portable and sturdy.  Not as versatile as my older Kreg jigs though.
I will however adapt whatever I'm keeping with all my Kreg stuff to finally fit in ONE Systainer of some size.  Too many bits and pieces of kit/jigs floating around.  This will probably make the Rockler Jig into an alloy boat anchor... for a very small boat [wink]

 

[builderbob]

Seth, you are correct. The stop only locks into a specific spot on the left and right side. Honestly, I've never had the need for the stop, so this doesn't concern me either way. I just eye my locations!

 

[leakyroof]

Seth, you are correct. The stop only locks into a specific spot on the left and right side. Honestly, I've never had the need for the stop, so this doesn't concern me either way. I just eye my locations!

  Is the stop for narrow pieces like a Face Frame? Just wondering.  [blink]

 

[semenza]

I usually eyeball them too. I am generally alternating screws with dominos and sometimes the screw placement  matters for some other reason. I like to set a couple flip stops to left and right sides just to make sure the screws  end up in the right spot when it matters on a bunch of pieces that are the same. Not a big deal though.

Is the base height of the K5 the same as the K3 (older front handle)?  If so I could use my same set up and just swap out the jig.

Seth

 

[JLB builders LLC]

years ago they had a pneumatic clamp activated with a foot switch. hook it up to a compressor and clamping was quick and easy….just keep fingers out of the way. I have been searching for one on ebay just for the clamp parts.