Can someone with a caliper and a Kreg K3 do me a quick favor?

[Josh Reet]

Can someone with a caliper and a Kreg K3 (or just the kreg face clamp) measure the diameter of the large "face" of the face clamp? you know, the one that clicks into the Kreg jig holder like this:
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/kregr3/kregr3f.jpg

The reason I ask is that I have a couple extra face clamps and was wondering if a trip to the washer aisle and some two part epoxy would make me a $20-30 kreg clamp out of an existing face clamp for a few pennies.

[Chris Ricker]

The part that fits into the Kreg jig measures 1-1/2" (O.D.) on mine Josh. the other half is larger and won't fit.

Hope this is what you wanted.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Can someone with a caliper and a Kreg K3 (or just the kreg face clamp) measure the diameter of the large "face" of the face clamp? you know, the one that clicks into the Kreg jig holder like this:
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/kregr3/kregr3f.jpg

The reason I ask is that I have a couple extra face clamps and was wondering if a trip to the washer aisle and some two part epoxy would make me a $20-30 kreg clamp out of an existing face clamp for a few pennies.Two seconds with the MIG welder beats the heck out of epoxy. You don't even have to worry about clamping washer in place as the clamp will do it for you. Be sure and make note of which side of jaws gets the washer. Several years ago, I picked up at the junk yard a bunch of "knock outs" that were punched from 12 ga steel.

[Scott Hildenbrand]

Two seconds with the MIG welder beats the heck out of epoxy.


+1.. That or a torch and brazing rods. What ever is handy... Which for me is not a mig.. *cry*

[Josh Reet]

The part that fits into the Kreg jig measures 1-1/2" (O.D.) on mine Josh. the other half is larger and won't fit.

Hope this is what you wanted.


Thanks Chris!

However there is something I didn't anticipate, There must be a difference in the R3 and K3 "holders". I have a 1 3/4 diameter washer that fits loosely in the holder for my R3.

If you get a chance, could you measure the "too big" side?

[Josh Reet]

Two seconds with the MIG welder beats the heck out of epoxy. You don't even have to worry about clamping washer in place as the clamp will do it for you. Be sure and make note of which side of jaws gets the washer. Several years ago, I picked up at the junk yard a bunch of "knock outs" that were punched from 12 ga steel.

Welding is my 2010 goal. Right now I've got epoxy.

[Mike Langford]

Hey Josh,

Why don't you simply put the Kreg jig in your pocket and head for the washer aisle....that way you can try the different sizes and find one that fits the best!....(just make sure someone at the store where you buy your washers knows you brought in the jig....so they won't think you stole it if they carry the same Kreg jig model)

:D

[Josh Reet]

Hey Josh,

Why don't you simply put the Kreg jig in your pocket and head for the washer aisle....that way you can try the different sizes and find one that fits the best!....(just make sure someone at the store where you buy your washers knows you brought in the jig....so they won't think you stole it if they carry the same Kreg jig model)

:D

Yeah, I already did that. But there is no perfect fit. So I was hoping to get the info from someone who has the proper clamp. I've never used the real Kreg clamp and none of the packages at my local store are the kind you can get into without breaking open. So I have no idea if the fit is supposed to be loose or snug tight.

Getting the correct measurement would let me know if I should keep searching, grind something down, or just let the fit be loose.

[Mike Langford]

Maybe someone will chime in with the exact measurement (I'll check mine for you tomorrow and let you know....it's late and I hittin' da sack after I post this! :D) but I really don't think an exact/snug fit is necessary cause once you clamp it on the material....It ain't going nowhere!

I think as long as you get a washer thats close, that once it's clamped slop is a moot point.

Hope that makes sense....

[Josh Reet]

Maybe someone will chime in with the exact measurement (I'll check mine for you tomorrow and let you know....it's late and I hittin' da sack after I post this! :D) but I really don't think an exact/snug fit is necessary cause once you clamp it on the material....It ain't going nowhere!

I think as long as you get a washer thats close, that once it's clamped slop is a moot point.

Hope that makes sense....


Makes perfect sense. And is pretty much what I expected. However, I figured if I was going to bother to do it, I'd see about doing it right. Especially since it seemed likely I could get someone here to help me out and measure.

[John Grossi]

Josh, My digital calipers read 1.759 on the big one. 1.500 on the small one. This clamp came with my k3 set. Hope this helps. John

[Josh Reet]

Josh, My digital calipers read 1.759 on the big one. 1.500 on the small one. This clamp came with my k3 set. Hope this helps. John

Thanks john! That is exactly what I needed to know.

[Roger Newby]

Notice that there is a pivot point on the Kreg clamp to allow for the different thicknesses. You can get a vise grip with that feature..but if you use one without the pivot you are stuck with one thickness. For what it's worth...the Peterson Visegrip was invented here in Nebraska and was a thriving company until Irwin bought them out and sent everything to China. Another 350+ people out of work:(

[Josh Reet]

For whatever it is worth to anyone reading this in the future, here's what I did.

A big 'ol 5/8 flat washer measures the same 1.759 outside diameter that John measured on his official Kreg jig. I used some 2 part epoxy and just clamped the thing down for a couple hours to let it set. Works just fine on my R3. I didn't measure since I didn't have one, but I would bet that a 1/2 flat washer would measure pretty close to the 1.5 outside diameter that Chris measured on the other side that fits the K3 jig. But someone else will have to test that or send me $140 because I don't have a K3 to test on.

Total cost for a HF cheap-o face clamp and the washer? $5.25. Actually, since I already had the clamp, it was even cheaper. But you get the point. Skinflint woodworkers unite!

And a big "thank you" to the guys who took the time to measure this for me.

[Dan Rude]

If you go to the Woodcraft site tonight 1 Nov 08 They are offering free shipping, and have clearence on the large Kreg Clamps for $9.99.
http://www.woodcraft.com/Images/products/144665_230.jpg (http://www.woodcraft.com/Images/products/144665.jpg) http://www.woodcraft.com/images/magnify.gif (http://www.woodcraft.com/Images/products/144665.jpg)
Large Face Clamp




#144665

Note: Closeout products and prices may not be valid in all retail locations.



[/URL]
Price: $24.99
Clearance: $9.99

Qty.


[URL="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php"]http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif (http://www.woodcraft.com/Catalog/ProductPage.aspx?prodid=24727#)