In the past two weeks I've had a chance to put this new Kreg Rebel Pocket machine through its paces building kitchen cabinets at two different job sites and I can confidently say wow what a machine.
But..but.. what happened to the Micro pocket? Did Kreg overlook this detail?
- will touch base on this a little later.
As far as this totally new design in concerned, it is absolutely a game changer when performing pocket holes.
Not just because it now has an integrated battery operated driver but how the pocket holes are performed and drilled into your work piece.
It's a totally new and different mindset and behaviour pattern now.
As an owner of two other Kreg pocket hole devices, the usual way of performing pocket holes is placing the workpiece vertical and then clamping it down.
That whole process is now gone. The clamping process on this new Kreg Rebel is via gravity and palm pressure on the machine where the workpiece now lays flat. It is definitely new learning behaviour over old.
The new behavioural learning curve is short and getting the hang of it is easy.
The most vital operational function is the palm pressure needed to be placed on the front handle/gripper to assure a clean cut - this downward pressure is the new-clamp.
With that said, this new Kreg Rebel works best when you do have your workpiece that is able to be laid down flat.
If there's a cabinet already up and installed where I want to add an extension, it would be nearly impossible to use this sideways mainly due to the weight of the machine and it can't be clamped to the workpiece like other Kreg pocket hole devices.
Speaking of weight, this new machine without the battery weighs in at 2.92kgs. With the battery attached, its weight becomes 3.58kgs.
That's pretty hefty compared to my old K5 and 720Pro.
The heavier weight is mainly contributed to the full aluminum chassis. While old Kreg jigs were mainly made from ABS plastics, this new Rebel is built like a tank,
There are 3 varying depth adjustments on this new Rebel, one at the front of the machine and another at the plunger handle to control depth plus a dial fine adjustment.
A front line level and rear pop-out legs help keep the machine level over smaller workpieces.
Two quick easy latches disengages the driver where it has a quick release chuck just like what you would find on a power drill.
Now here's a spec where I think Kreg may have overlooked. The drill guide is fixed and set for normal 3/8" (9,5mm) pocket hole drill bit.
I'm one that likes to use the Micro pocket bit which is 19/64" (7mm)
A hot-swappable drill guide to fit the Micro bit would have been fantastic.
While there is no drill guide for the 7mm, I did try the Micro bit in the machine and it did work fine. (photo samples below)
Without a guide there may be a tiny bit or ever so slight drill bit wobble but as soon as the tip engages into the workpiece it drills through without issue.
I also must mention, with this new machine, stop collars are now a thing of the past.
As well, the usual drill bit markings of 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2, on the drill bit are also gone. This is a detail I will have to pay attention to when buying a new bit, for which jig.
Overall I am very pleased with this new Kreg Rebel machine. Yes, let's now call this a machine, Jig no more.
On the bottom of the machine there's a label that states the driver is 2800/rpm which is great.
There is no variable function at all. It's a simple press on the plunger handle to power up the 20v drill. There's a left and right button too, ideal if you're left handed.
There's also a featherboard included for drilling smaller thin workpieces. For best results, this featherboard will need to be clamped down on a platform.
Lastly, some may gripe about having another battery platform.
For me, I really don't see an issue here as I don't plan of investing in the Kreg drills or their other power tools.
This is a singular cordless power tool that has its own power source, no different than say, my Dremel.
This new Kreg Rebel has a greater purpose now that it has its own integrated driver.
This will definitely be my new pocket hole workhorse.
| Manufacturer | KREG |
|---|---|
| Part Number | KPTBRB100A |
| Product Dimensions | 23.83 x 22.23 x 46.05 cm; 333.1 g |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer reference | KPTBRB100A |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Wattage | 720.00 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Metal |
| Item Weight | 333 g |
| Country of origin | China |
