Leon wrote:


I don't have this particular kit but I do have the K3 kit.

http://www.kregtool.com/Toolboxxtrad...-Prodview.html



It appears that the K4 uses the same type clamp as the older all metal
one, probably the original.


I will tell you that the K3 has an inherent flaw which I have had a
problem with. The K4 would not have this same problem.

The K3 has a composite ram. The plunge rod screws in to a threaded
insert imbedded in that composite material. The threaded insert will
eventually strip out and spin in the ram. Kreg replace mine when it
did that. Probably why they are going back to all metal for the clamp
mechanism. The K4 design is a bit more trouble because you have to
reach to the back of the tool to clamp and unclamp but I will probably
last longer.

Both you and Dave posted links to K3 kits - I guess I just missed those.
I'll refine my "statement" to be that I'd be interested in a basic K3 kit -
don't need the clamps, or other stuff that comes in Master or free mini's
thrown in. I was hoping there would be a K3 kit that was basically the same
as the K4 kit which sells for $99, but that had the K3 base. I figured it
might be a little more, but hopefully not a lot more.

I didn't know about the problem with the ram. I've read a lot of Kreg
forums and there is a lot of old talk about the K3 having disappeared for a
while (appears to have been a patent issue of some sort...), but no talk of
a K3 kit. Maybe it just does not exist unless you spend way too much money
buying a Master's kit. Hell, for $99 I could buy a K4 kit and then spend
another $70 for the K3 base and spend a lot less money than the Master's
kits - though I'd have two bases which I don't need at all. But - it would
save $100.

--

-Mike-