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Monaco, Monaco
1 Level
685 Review
37 Karma

Review on Kreg Tool Company KHI HINGE Concealed by Ryan Cornelius

Revainrating 2 out of 5

A manufacturing defect renders this potentially wonderful device virtually useless.

I used several Kreg tools to punch holes in the pockets and lay out the pins. They have served their purpose well. Overall, the Hidden Loop light is a pretty well designed light with plenty of room for improvement. Below are some suggestions and one main complaint. This attachment has limited flexibility. Spacing dials (grey dials) are limited to a full millimeter spacing at 3, 4, 5, and 6 millimeters. As another reviewer pointed out, accuracy sometimes requires half a millimeter. I believe Craig could solve this problem by making this part more like an infinitely adjustable cam with clear markings on the top so the user can adjust more precisely. I also think they could offer a slightly larger range, maybe starting at 2mm and going up to 9mm. Sometimes, like me, you need extra precision or space. Another limitation is the height of the tripod on which the Forstner attachment is mounted. This part can be removed, and changing it a bit can add extra flexibility to the tool. As before, the tripod leg cannot rest on a flat surface with the bit inserted, since the "nose" of the bit protrudes further than the leg. If Craig changed the design just a little, the tripod could easily be used separately from the rest of the jig, allowing the tripod to act as a bit holder and be used elsewhere and with a variety of bits. It doesn't really matter, more like a missed opportunity. A more serious problem lies within the Forstner nozzle itself. Out of the box, the Forstner nozzle I received was so blunt that it was almost unusable. It started smoking wood the first time it was used. One of the reasons I chose this product over other jigs was the fact that a Forstner bit was included and fit into the jig. I've used the bit twice on scrap oak before and hesitate to use it on the oak doors I made for my cabinets. Seeing a similar complaint in another review, I guess I'm not the only joiner who got the boring part. I hope that Creg not only improves quality control but also offers to send me some spice once they do.

Pros
  • Weight
Cons
  • Troubleshooting