Kreg PRS3400 Precision Router Table Set Up Bars, Set of 7
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Yes. These will work with any router table, just like any other manufacturer's set up bars. They're in my store, and I'm using them. Kreg also ensures that all of their tools are designed to work together seamlessly.
I haven't used FastCap Shims, but they appear to be precise and have at least three different measurement points. I mostly use them to adjust the height of my router, and they're ideal for that because they have an indent in the middle that you can place over your router table and adjust. Another plus is that they are made of aluminum and are well-coated, so they should last a long time, especially if stored in their storage case.
The metric size is indicated by the number in decimal point format next to the fraction; if you go to YouTube and watch 731 woodworks' video 5 woodworking tools you didn't know you needed until now, he will show that the metric is also indicated on the bars.
No, the bars are all the same thickness, with a notch cut in the nidle and two tabs on either end to provide height. Putting them together would be extremely difficult.
Selected User Reviews For Kreg PRS3400 Precision Router Table Set Up Bars, Set of 7
I won't waste my or your time by repeating what has already been said about these bars in a number of excellent, detailed reviews. br>br>I just wanted to mention that I've had these bars for over two years and use them frequently. I frequently use them to adjust the height of my router. With one of these, straddling the bit is a breeze. Much easier than with some other specialized devices that are too narrow, causing their stance to be obstructed by the plate. On the table saw, I use them a lot as well. In either case, I turn the bit or blade gently until it just kisses the bar. For me, this is a significant time saver. The case is absolutely stunning. It organizes, protects, and keeps them close at hand. br>br>I use the tab end of the bar occasionally, but not as much as I used to. It is, however, extremely convenient when I use it. Is $40 a good deal? No, but I don't think it makes sense for a woodworker to spend hours looking for a cheaper solution and then gluing aluminum foil to bar stock. Do you really care how much you spent two years ago on the difference between bar stock and $40? Do you really want to go through the trouble of cutting up pieces and gluing aluminum foil together? Wouldn't it be easier to just set your blade height and start making something out of wood?.
If you want quality, you should be willing to pay for it. These are fantastic. They come in handy when I'm setting up my table saw and router. They're especially useful when using a bevel on the table saw. They're great for checking your depth of cut (dados, rabbets, and so on. ) They're precision-made and made of a softer aluminum so that your bits and saw blades aren't damaged. Because they are delicate, take care not to harm them. Only thing is that I'd like to see more sizes, if not a metric set. These, on the other hand, I strongly suggest.
There's a lot less angst when it comes to setting up the router. These are one of those tools that make you wonder how you ever managed without them. br>br>Actually, I know how I managed to get by: I measured bit height and fence distance with a square. And it was always sloppy; I cut tests on scraps to check my sloppy setup, measured the cuts, and made adjustments as needed. That route is inconvenient, slow, and prone to errors. prone. br>br>Now, when I need to cut a 1/2" dado 3/16" from the router table's fence, I simply remove those two measuring bars and set the bit height and distance easily and precisely. So easy. I adore these bars because they are so spot on. They're also useful for blade height on my table saw. br>br>My only criticism is that it appears to be expensive; I'm not sure why making seven small aluminum bars costs $55.
I've been using Veritas aluminum (traditional? ) for years. I couldn't justify buying another set of "setup blocks" when the ones I have work just fine; however, I was surprised to receive these for Christmas, and I have to say, they are quite nice. What makes these unique is that each block gives you three ways to measure the specific size; the only negative, if I had to give one, is that the set only comes with seven sizes; however, these are probably the most common sizes used. (This is in contrast to the Veritas blocks, which allow me to customize size down to 1/32" by stacking the various gauge blocks. ) ) However, for standard sizes, the simplicity and speed of these blocks are hard to beat.
When I upgraded my router table, I purchased a set of Kreg Precision Router Table Set Up Bars as well. After a few uses, I've come to appreciate some advice I've seen on woodworking forums: "Don't make any calculations. " Gauge. Although these and other setup bars don't completely capture the essence of that statement, they do give you a good idea of how measuring *less* can save you time and produce more accurate, repeatable results. br>br>What I like about it:br>it's simple to use - What used to take two minutes now takes only one. It now takes 5 minutes to complete 5 tasks. case - 30 secondsbr>case - 30 secondsbr>case - 30 secondsbr>case What I don't like:br>price - guarantees that I'll always put them away and take care of thembr>br>What I don't like about it:br>price - guarantees that I'll always put them away and take care of thembr>br>What I don't like about it:br They're not cheap, costing nearly $40 for a set of seven. br>Variability - There is no equivalent in metric. Set up bars are only available in sizes ranging from 1/8" to 1/2" in 1/16" increments if you haven't used them before. br>br>If you haven't used them before, it will take a few uses before you can break free from your usual workflow. Previously, I had to measure, adjust, set/tighten, and repeat; now, I only have to measure, adjust, set/tighten, and repeat. Now all I have to do is lay down the set up bar, make my adjustments, set/tighten (if necessary) while the bar is still in place, and then return the bar to its case. When I measured with a scale or tape measure, it used to take several minutes to adjust the bit and fence, and the results were often inaccurate. I used to hate changing an adjustment if I knew I'd need it again later. But now it takes me only a few seconds, and my adjustments are always spot-on and repeatable. br>br>The bars are very easy to handle, with plenty of gripping areas (my clumsy hands haven't dropped one yet), and they're also very simple to use. I quickly became accustomed to adjusting the depth of my router, but it wasn't until after a few more rounds of routing that I realized I hadn't used them to set the fence. The depth gauge (the hump on the top of the bar) hasn't proven to be very useful to me other than as a grip when pulling out or putting away a bar so far. br>br>Although additional sizes from 9/16" to 1" might seem useful, they aren't necessary because all of the bars are exactly 1/4" thick. As a result, you can stack them to go even higher than one inch. For instance, if you want to change the cutting depth of your router bit to 1-inch, you can do so. 1/4", then stack three bars on each side (using six bars so far) for 3/4", then cross the two stacks with the 1/2" bar. Set the first six bars side-by-side if you need to set the router fence to 2" from the bit's edge. (For 1-person) 1/2"), and then place the 1/2" bar next to the first 6 on its side. Of course, you could stack the bars in a variety of ways, but the math is simple if you work in 1/4" increments plus whatever final increment is required. One of the most appealing features is the case: br>br> It ensures that I always safely store each bar after using it, and that I can always find the one I require when I require it. If you have another Kreg product with a similar case size (such as the Kreg Jig Jr), you'll want to label the two cases because they're otherwise indistinguishable when closed. The only things I don't like about it are the price and the limited versatility. br>br> The Precision Router Table Set Up Bars are quite expensive at nearly $40 for the set, especially when you consider that they are designed to deteriorate with use (the logic being that you damage the soft aluminum bars rather than your even more expensive blades and bits). For example, for a fraction of the price of Kreg's bars, you could get a set of keyway keys, gauge blocks, or a basic set of brass set up bars (all of which are essentially the same thing). br>br>You're out of luck if you work in metric and need to cut less than 1/8" or need finer graduations than 1/16". I'm surprised there isn't a metric version yet, but if these sell well enough, it might happen. Anything less than 1/8" might have been too flimsy for the small fence adjustment nub. br>br>Although I regret not trying keyway keys or some basic square setup bars first, Kreg's setup bars are highly recommended.
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