I think the Kregs are able to make innovative jigs because the other competitors are using machined metal parts vs. the injection molded parts Kreg is using.
Sometimes its is cool to have machine metal parts but in this case only Kreg has anted up the extensive costs for custom tooling (e.g. Engineering time plus the tooling costs) to give added value to their parts. As long as the parts are rugged enough and the wear parts are steel inserts this is a fine approach in my book.
Its a business gamble to invest in tooling - you get added sales for the functionality it provides but you are risking capital that customers will buy enough to pay for the tooling and engineering.
Functionality includes built-in holder for parts, molded depth setting jogs with measurements engraved, snap on wings with hinged covers,
With manufacturing fully machined parts, you pay as you go, much less risk taken.
To show the current state of evolution of competitors and Kreg:
example of (Sommerfeld, at Peachtree) machined PH Jig currently for sale
original Kreg K2 jig before molded jigs parts (4 models ago):
Fully injection molded K5 evolution with metal inserts:
Sometimes its is cool to have machine metal parts but in this case only Kreg has anted up the extensive costs for custom tooling (e.g. Engineering time plus the tooling costs) to give added value to their parts. As long as the parts are rugged enough and the wear parts are steel inserts this is a fine approach in my book.
Its a business gamble to invest in tooling - you get added sales for the functionality it provides but you are risking capital that customers will buy enough to pay for the tooling and engineering.
Functionality includes built-in holder for parts, molded depth setting jogs with measurements engraved, snap on wings with hinged covers,
With manufacturing fully machined parts, you pay as you go, much less risk taken.
To show the current state of evolution of competitors and Kreg:
example of (Sommerfeld, at Peachtree) machined PH Jig currently for sale
original Kreg K2 jig before molded jigs parts (4 models ago):
Fully injection molded K5 evolution with metal inserts:
Comment