Just taken delivery..! Also posted in product review area - sorry for the duplication

[Peter N]

...of my new K4MS Kreg Jig Master System - but I think I should have waited :-(

I've never used a pocket hole system before, but was sold on the idea after I built an odd-shaped door for my under-stair cupboard, so decided to buy this for my next project(s).

 
I bought the K4 because it was in stock and available, but I see the K5 is already out - and with quite a few 'enhancements' over the K4.

My first impression of the kit is a positive one, but I'm not sure the case is particularly useful, because - if it's setup as shown in one or two of Kreg's videos, it should be set up and fixed to a board, leaving only a few items to fit in the case.  Screws and inserts would have their own containers, so it's just the drill bits/drivers needing storage.  Also, I was a bit disappointed that the clamp seems a bit flimsy made in China!) when everything else is quite sturdy and made in America.  There are much better quality clamps out there, so maybe paying for the Master System is a false economy when the standard K4 is almost £35 cheaper.

I'm allowed to send an unwanted product back - if bought online - within 7 days of receipt, so I would appreciate any comments about the K5 so I can make an informed decision.

Basically, should I keep the K4MS, or wait two weeks for the K5  (and pay £5 more), and does the K5 come with the same (or equivalent) items as the K4?

Thanks :-)

[Jeff Metcalf]

Peter;

You might want to read my product review of the K5 and the replies to that post. The K5 does not come with the clamp I highly recommend Kreg clamps and the K5. I f you look at my projects on this site you will see the way I mounted my K5, I also own the K4 master system and other Kreg pocket hole systems.

Jeff

[Rita B.]

Surprised that you do not like the clamps.   I have a wide variety of the Kreg clamps and have now started gathering a collection of the automax.   The larger face clamping and right angle clamps make the ease of pocket whole joinery the complete package in my opinion.   I started with the Jr and now use the K4.   The only advantage for me with the K5 would be the extensions which can be easily made.

[Jeff Metcalf]

Rita;

I agree with you on the clamps I have also started buying the automax clamps, but there is many more advantages to the K5 jig either the Kreg video or my or others reviews will tell of all the many other new features to the K5. Front Clamping, auto adjust for material thickness, swivel vacuum and spring loaded pin for block adjustment.

Jeff

[Rita B.]

Jeff,  I am sure it would be the perfect upgrade for many.   For me, I had just purchased the k4 6 mos prior to the launch of K5.   Seems like there is always a new and improved for every product.    I am glad that woodworking supplies do not move as quickly as computer operating systems Haha, we would all be in trouble!

[Jeff Metcalf]

Peter and Rita;

Rita I agree you do not need to upgrade my K2 , K200 Pro Pack, K4 Master System, Kreg Micro, Kreg HD and K5 all work great but I would tell anyone who is starting out by the K5 best Kreg Jig I own. I started buying and using Kreg well over 25 years ago might buy the new Foreman.

It is like you said about clamps if you look at my pictures you will see some of my Kreg clamps I own there is many more Kreg clamps but my I own 2 of the new Auto Max and will tell everyone to buy the Auto Max from now on I will be buying more.

 

Take Care and Peter Let us know what you end up with Jeff 

[Peter N]

Hi Rita,

They're probably fine, but they did seem a bit 'cheap' for a Kreg product.  I like the idea of the automax too, but they don't seem to be available in the UK, yet :-(

Rita B. said:

Surprised that you do not like the clamps.   I have a wide variety of the Kreg clamps and have now started gathering a collection of the automax.   The larger face clamping and right angle clamps make the ease of pocket whole joinery the complete package in my opinion.   I started with the Jr and now use the K4.   The only advantage for me with the K5 would be the extensions which can be easily made.

[Peter N]

Hi Jeff,

From a purely financial perspective, the K5 is the same price as the K4MS, but it doesn't come with all the 'extras'.  If I bought the K5 and added all the extras, the total cost would be £165, so I thought I might as well buy both for £200 and have a few spare pieces and more screws!

Pete

Jeff Metcalf said:

Peter;

You might want to read my product review of the K5 and the replies to that post. The K5 does not come with the clamp I highly recommend Kreg clamps and the K5. I f you look at my projects on this site you will see the way I mounted my K5, I also own the K4 master system and other Kreg pocket hole systems.

Jeff

[Jeff Metcalf]

Hi Peter;

Glad to hear from you, I was wondering what you decided and was hoping Rita and myself did not scare you off.

We just had different opinions about K4 and K5 ,both of us think Kreg is great and both of us agree on clamps. I have both and think people should buy the K5 then the accessories. And now you have both so please let the members know after you have played with them what one you think is the one people should buy if they are thinking of upgrading. 

Looking forward to seeing your projects and pics

Jeff

[Peter N]

Hmm, I've just had a look at the K4 body, and noticed a bit of a printing error.

Does anyone else see it, or am I being a numpty?

[Peter N]

Sorry.  Posted a duplicate with a LARGE picture

[Peter N]

Oops, yes they are - on eBay, as it happens...

Peter N said:

Hi Rita,

They're probably fine, but they did seem a bit 'cheap' for a Kreg product.  I like the idea of the automax too, but they don't seem to be available in the UK, yet :-(

Rita B. said:

Surprised that you do not like the clamps.   I have a wide variety of the Kreg clamps and have now started gathering a collection of the automax.   The larger face clamping and right angle clamps make the ease of pocket whole joinery the complete package in my opinion.   I started with the Jr and now use the K4.   The only advantage for me with the K5 would be the extensions which can be easily made.

[Peter N]

Hi there,

Any thoughts on the picture above, please?

Pete