I have one from way back when it was just called a Kreg Jig because there was only one, and I get enough use from it that I wouldn't mind upgrading. Biggest difference I see between the K4 and K5 is position of the clamping lever. I'm not doing production but if the K5 really is better then I would spend a few extra bucks on it. Anyone used both?
wormil
I saw both demoed at a wood show last year. I sprung for the K5. It is really well thought out and I think we'll worth the extra bucks. Just not having to fuss with a nut for the clamp pressure is worth it.
Occasionally I think about going up to the self powered unit, but haven't made the leap yet.
Brian
Occasionally I think about going up to the self powered unit, but haven't made the leap yet.
Brian
The K3 had the clamp in front, the only reason the K4 came out and had the clamp in back is a patent issue that Kreg got called on, the K3 was considered the better jig by most due to the clamp placement. The K5 returns it to the front with a changed mechanism. IMO the K3 is still the best of the three but the K5 is easier to use than the K4. I would not buy a pocket hole jig with the clamp behind the work.
I should sell my K3 now that I have a Kreg Foreman but I still hold onto it.
K5 for sure. It's usually the same price and has the better clamp, supports, and storage. I bought mine on eBay and got the whole case with screw assortment for free.
I was looking at upgrading my K2 with a K5, but some reviews said the plastic body on the K5 wasn't as rigid as the all metal K2.
I'm open to having my mind changed by anyone who can compare the two. The K5 system is far more advanced for sure.
I'm open to having my mind changed by anyone who can compare the two. The K5 system is far more advanced for sure.
I have the K-4 and the K-5, I sold off my K2 kit when I got the K-4. Started reading about the advantage of the handle in front. I sprung for the K-5 when they offered the new style hand clamp with it. Just when I think about selling my k4, I start using both. The biggest advantage I think is dust collection. The K2 did not have it, and you were limited to one size screw. The new models you have the micro jig and the HD jig that fit it. Dan
I upgraded from my small Kreg Jig to the K4, pretty happy with it. Then about a month later I got a Festool Domino and I don't think I'll be using it much anymore.
I haven't checked my lottery tickets tonight. Maybe I'll get lucky and land a Domino too
Edit: Nope.
I have the K4 master kit and I like it.
if buying now I would get the K5.
The K4 base is not a "standard" thickness so you will need to mount it to a table/bench/baseplate and cut work supports to size.
The K5 comes with the work supports.
While I would like the handle to be in front on the K4 I have long arms and can reach around most work pieces, the built in work support on the K5 base is an even bigger improvement for the way I want to use the jig.
if buying now I would get the K5.
The K4 base is not a "standard" thickness so you will need to mount it to a table/bench/baseplate and cut work supports to size.
The K5 comes with the work supports.
While I would like the handle to be in front on the K4 I have long arms and can reach around most work pieces, the built in work support on the K5 base is an even bigger improvement for the way I want to use the jig.
I'm thinking of buying one and would like to know if: Anyone knows if the following issues have been corrected since. The review was quite lengthy and detailed mostly positive. But…
July 30 2015 This is a portion of the review.
"Why not five stars? Because the K5 jig has failed me twice while clamping wood to the jig. The clamp broke once because a screw came loose under the clamp. The second problem occurred today when the clamp slipped back after pressure was applied. I took the jig apart and a small rubber ball fell out of the main body of the clamp. After examination I determined the ball was deformed somewhat, but other than that I couldn't find anything wrong with the jig. The inside of the jig is mostly plastic, but the key part that holds the clamp's position on the ribbed track is good quality metal (and the screws are metal). I put the jig back together and it works, but I don't know for how long. The rubber ball seems to maintain the pressure that pushes the metal tongue into the ratcheting ribbed track. An odd set up. How long can a rubber ball maintain the needed pressure?
So, 4 stars for the jig. The system it supports is outstanding, but the jig itself seems to have been made in a less than outstanding manner. I cannot give a jig comprised of plastic and a rubber ball in critical locations 5 stars."
Here is the link for the reviews this came from if anyone wants to see the whole thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K5-Pocket-Hole-Jig/product-reviews/B00EF3L9BM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_hist_4?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=four_star&reviewerType=avp_only_reviews&pageNumber=1
July 30 2015 This is a portion of the review.
"Why not five stars? Because the K5 jig has failed me twice while clamping wood to the jig. The clamp broke once because a screw came loose under the clamp. The second problem occurred today when the clamp slipped back after pressure was applied. I took the jig apart and a small rubber ball fell out of the main body of the clamp. After examination I determined the ball was deformed somewhat, but other than that I couldn't find anything wrong with the jig. The inside of the jig is mostly plastic, but the key part that holds the clamp's position on the ribbed track is good quality metal (and the screws are metal). I put the jig back together and it works, but I don't know for how long. The rubber ball seems to maintain the pressure that pushes the metal tongue into the ratcheting ribbed track. An odd set up. How long can a rubber ball maintain the needed pressure?
So, 4 stars for the jig. The system it supports is outstanding, but the jig itself seems to have been made in a less than outstanding manner. I cannot give a jig comprised of plastic and a rubber ball in critical locations 5 stars."
Here is the link for the reviews this came from if anyone wants to see the whole thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K5-Pocket-Hole-Jig/product-reviews/B00EF3L9BM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_hist_4?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=four_star&reviewerType=avp_only_reviews&pageNumber=1
I bought the Porter Cable jig recently and love it. you might want to check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-560-QUIKJIG-Pocket-Hole-Joinery/dp/B004ADJQTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485710349&sr=8-1&keywords=porter+cable+pocket+hole+jig
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-560-QUIKJIG-Pocket-Hole-Joinery/dp/B004ADJQTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485710349&sr=8-1&keywords=porter+cable+pocket+hole+jig
Every time I start to upgrade my K4 to a K5, I think of that PC version and get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Is there any kind of dust collection for the PC?
Rob, yes there is, watch this link. Also one of the posts at the site says it can use the dust chute in the alternate position if you let it hang over the end of the bench or board. Bryon thanks for your link. larry
Awesome, thanks. I forgot I had seen that one!
That plus the alleged discount price from Amazon was enough to get me to bite down on it. I especially like that you can lay the thing flat for doing panels. not that you can't slide the Kreg around on a panel with a clamp, but I think having both options would be good, especially since I was already considering stepping up to a K5.
I bought one of the Kreg HD kits which I like for 2x material (bigger pockets, bigger screws) and I think I'll convert my K4 over to permanent HD usage.
One thing that deters me from using my Kreg more often is resetting to different sizes so the PC is attractive for that reason alone.
Glad you started this post Rick! I have a lot of cabinet and pantry work to do this spring. When these go on sale I will be getting one. Drove to Manards today and they carry it in stock. HD does not. larry
Like several others have mentioned, I got the K4 just before K5 came out. I had seen the K3 online and could not understand why they moved handle to back. I've not done any panels large enough for the rear handle to be an issue but can certainly see it happening. I have seen videos of a K4 with pneumatic clamp with foot switch.
AHuxley, thanks for the info, I will check it out. Always looking for an easier way to do something if I can afford it.
larry
Update: I saw the video, it is a great tool. When I say a lot to do at one time (to me) I'm talking about an entire re-do of our kitchen with at least two pantries and a lot of pull out shelves and storage doors. Still with the money I'm saving doing the job myself, priced right, it might work out well. Still need to check out the price though. larry
larry
Update: I saw the video, it is a great tool. When I say a lot to do at one time (to me) I'm talking about an entire re-do of our kitchen with at least two pantries and a lot of pull out shelves and storage doors. Still with the money I'm saving doing the job myself, priced right, it might work out well. Still need to check out the price though. larry
AHuxley, I guess I'll have to get over sticker shock but it is in the running for sure. Thanks larry
Update. I delayed buying the PC and the price shot up. It finally came back down so no more hesitation, I ordered it. Thanks all for the input.
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