So, giving this a 5, but really it is like 4.7 due to some easily remedied by Kreg quality issues.
The package arrived in pristine condition. Upon examination, there was a small defect on the back laminate. It looks like the top had been placed on top of a screw. There was not loose hardware in the box so assuming this happened during manufacturing or packing. i decided the return hassle was not worth it.
Mounting the t-track should be fairly easy. There are tiny pilot holes, way undersized for the hardware, but they were not 100% aligned with the center of the opening in the t-track. Trying to create new pilot holes would have been risk due to proximity to existing holes. I split the difference in placement, and decided the self-drilling fasteners would find a way through. I clamped the t-track down firmly then used a driver to get the fasteners through the track into the table back. Two of the fasteners were fairly easy, one (where the pilot hole was way off) took some work. In the end, the fasteners went in and the t-track is properly aligned in the slot. Flipping the board over revealed that two of the holes had some pretty serious tear-out. One was perfect. A couple of things. There is no need for these fasteners to protrude out like they do. They could be flush with or below the surface and perfectly serve their purpose, thus eliminating possibility of tear out. Also, the pilot holes need to be properly sized, and properly square. There's no excuse for this these days. Were I to assemble this again, I would chamfer the back surface, and I would open the pilot holes up a small amount. Frankly, this was pretty disappointing and considered returning it right then.
After reconsidering, I forged on. I located the correct mounting hole positions for the Triton TRA001 router and drilled and chamfered those on the drill press. I had already acquired the appropriate flathead machine screws for the router, 3/4" seemed just right. I then distracted myself somehow and drilled the hole for the router lift in the wrong spot. Totally my fault. It was a beautifully drilled hole, just in precisely the wrong spot. I drilled another hole in the correct spot, but for reasons, ended up with some chip out on the back of the insert plate. Sigh. 5 for 6.
Installing the corner plates was trivial. Levelling the insert is a little funky due to 8 points of contact, but didn't take more than a minute or two to get it right. Insert plate was flat. Still would prefer it be ground flat aluminum.
Mounting the Kreg power switch was a little tricky at first but got it done also.
I really wanted to build my own router table. I was impatient. While I think it was a good purchase, pretty sure I'd get a cast iron table were I to make the decision today. I would also prefer a metal insert plate.
So, satisfied overall. I think Kreg is doing a good job but may wish to review manufacturing QA for some easy improvements.
The fence, that's another ordeal.
| Manufacturer | Kreg Tool Inc |
|---|---|
| Part Number | PRS1025 |
| Item Weight | 6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 26.75 x 35 x 2.75 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | PRS1025 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | Table top with Easy-Slide™ laminate surface, steel reinforcing struts, combination miter-gauge/T-slot track, 3/8"-thick (9mm) insert plate, (4) Precision Insert-Plate Levelers, (3) Level-Loc Reducing Rings: 1" (25mm), 113/16" (46mm) for use with universal-style guide bushings, and 25/8" (41mm), ring wrench, brass starting pin, assembly hardware, and owner’s manual. |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
