Beadlock Pro

[Gary roofner]

The beadlock pro is a loose tenon jig.  It has a very sturdy case to carry the unit and accessories. Uses a 3/8

drill bit to make the joints. This unit in combo with kreg clamps to layout the joints you now can make loose tenons fast and easy. Success the first try. I have waited for this unit for over 2 months from Rockler.  I think it was worthy the wait 2 backorders later. Now if they can get the bill correct with sale price and 15% discount which was my origanal order. Here are a few  pictures.

[Ken Darga]

I drilled several mortising holes this am, and got satisfactory results in fir/pine stock, with the drill speed at 1500rpm.

 

[Ken Darga]

I drilled a bunch of holes, this am, using the bit that came with the unit.

Holes drilled fine.

  After drilling holes, with the guide block in position ''B", re-position the guide block back to position "A", so as to clean out the first set of holes.  

REASON: Sometimes you get some unwanted chips, at the leading edge of the holes.

  It's necessary to clamp the drill guide block tight, so as to prevent any movement during the drilling operation.   (Movement of the drill guide block can occur, when the sharp drill flutes, grab the sidewalls of the drilling jig).

[Ken Darga]

Gary, 

I don't have the ''beadlock pro'' at this time.

The one I have is the basic unit, the 3/8" size---

which I use for 3/4'' stock.

  I also have the 1/4'' drill guide block for joining 1/2 & 5/8'' stock.

  I'll get the 1/2" size, when I need it---planning some projects using 1-1/2'' stock.

[Ken Darga]

Gary,

Yes, I have used the drill bits, that come with the drill guide block.

They work fine.

I check the cutting edges of the drill bits, with a magnifier, just to be sure I have a sharp cutting edge.

  

[Gary roofner]

Ken do you have the bit for making the loose tenon material ? If so have you made any?

[Ken Darga]

PS---use a drilling speed of 2000rpm---

results in a smoother cut.

Raise and lower the drill, during the drilling operation, so to allow the flutes to carry the chips out from the drilled hole, as your progressing.

  Also, I prefer to use the Power Bore Drill Bit.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18088&site=ROCKLER 

This bit style/type removes the drilled chips more rapidly,

without having to lift the drill up and down, sometimes several times, to clear out the chips.

[Ken Darga]

I have Rocklers ''beadlock'' tool---

works as advertized---

easy to use---

simple and fast---

love it.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18088&site=ROCKLER

(User review comments are all favorable).

TIP:  drill the holes 1/8'' deeper, in each piece, than the length of the tenon engagement.

It provides additional clearance for the adhesive to accumulate, reducing squeeze-out. 

Works for me.

[Gary roofner]

It does not get good reviews . Rockler reviews are not favoriable. Lumber jocks website review and said it had problems mainly the alignment blocks flexed to much to work properly. The inventer read his remarks and did not denie his findings. This jig was on sale over a year before they accually sold any becauce of problems and was to sell for $99 and sold for $149 on release. The price would be ok but doesn't appear to be working. The beadlock pro does work and is accurate. I have the bit to make tenning stock but lost my router in Lee flood haven't got my shopup and running yet no heat . Moved to new locaction from flood. Moved from garage to shed.  

[John Schaben]

Hi Gary - I've been looking at that kit. The kit looks pretty good but this one looks interesting too.

http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-870-Mortise-Tenon/dp/B00563TL2Y

 I don't see a need until mid summer but will likely have one or the other by then,

[Gary roofner]

There is a bit you can buy for router and router table to make the loose tenon stock. I have the bit have not yet tried it out yet. I have bought some stock for pattern to make stock.