Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse
by Rockwell
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List Price: Our Price: $169.99 You Save: $60.00 (26%) Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse
Customer Review: Just buy it
Summary: 5 Stars
When I buy something that works well, or something that works terrible, I try to post a review. This thing is great. I looked at them for better part of a year before buying. I finally got one about a month ago and I shouldn't have waited so long. One thing I very much liked is that it came fully assembled - remove a few pieces of protective packing, set it up and go. It does come with a video disc, which is mostly just scenes from the infomercial - but I hadn't seen it, so it was OK (surprisingly the infomercial doesn't exaggerate the capabilities - it can do what they say it can. I'm not so sure any of those actors know which end of a hammer to use, however).
I bought this at the same time as the Strong Hand portable welding tableStrong Hand Tools Welding Table, Model# TS3020 (see my review), which is great for clamping down weldments, and I also like very much, but I think the jawhorse may be more versatile for everyday tasks.
Between the two of them, they have displaced my faithful, old, and pretty tired workmate (400 I think). I'll still keep the workmate, but the jawhorse is now my favorite portable bench/tool. We'll see if it lasts as long.
It clamps really hard. Since you use your foot and the lever arm is the length of the unit, very little foot force is needed to clamp something up tight. I'm guessing it would probably bend if you stood on the clamping lever, but there is no need to clamp anything that tight - put just a small amount of weight on the footpedal and whatever's being clamped isn't going anywhere.
The Jawhorse got me out of a jam the very first day I owned it. I was able to clamp something down that I had been wrestling with for a couple days and it knocked the job right out. Then I used it to grab a small electric motor as I disassembled it. It grabs boards, metal and PVC pipe for cutoff with no sweat.
I put a big piece of 3/4 inch plywood in it - about 3 feet by 5 feet, and used it for a table as I reorganized my garage. I put about 250 lbs of stuff on the plywood - no problem. It could easily hold a cutoff saw or my benchtop bandsaw or drill press.
It folds up really quite small. It's a little heavy, and the rolling mechanism isn't its strong suit, but I would have no problem taking this anywhere and using it. If I were a contractor, I'd want something similar at my job site. I'm not positive it would hold up to everyday use, but it sure looks like it would.
I bought the welding clamp as well but haven't tried it yet - it's got aluminum jaw faces that replace the rubber, and an articulating arm which clamps to the moving jaw of the jawhorse. At the end of the arm is a large C- clamp, so its designed to hold a weldment in place as you are working on it.
If you're on the fence about this, go ahead and pull the trigger, I don't think you'll regret it.
Update: After six months I like it just as much as I did before. Don't worry about folks who say it has plastic parts - I've beaten this thing up, and it works just fine. I've used it for dozens of projects: Holding large pieces while painting them; Holding electrical conduit for measuring and cutoff; I held up some pallet rack ends vertically while I was setting them up; I've welded on it, drilled on it, routed on it, hammered on it, grinded and sawed on it.
I leave the welding clamp on it all the time - it comes in handy quite often, and can be located out of the way when not in use. I did leave the rubber clamp pads on and scorched one of them while using my cutoff torch. I also purchased the miter saw top - it's pretty expensive for what you get, but it's a nice surface to work on - I intended to use it with the miter saw, but haven't yet. I think I'm going to pick up a couple laminate sink cutouts and make a couple more specialized table tops for it.
The only operational negative I can give is minor, but it does only have three legs, so it can tip if you put too much weight out at a distance - I was cutting some 10 foot 2x10's and when I cut 4 feet off one end, then the rest of it tipped the Jawhorse. I see the reason they made it that way - it does sit steady on uneven surfaces.
The only other complaint is the price - I'd buy a couple more of them if they were a little cheaper.
Customer Review: Good Product - Some Accessories Are Iffy
Summary: 4 Stars
Seems to be a very well made and well designed product. I received this as a gift, so I didn't see the infomercial until after I had set-up and used the JawHorse. When I did view it, I thought the JawHorse lived up to all of the promises in the infomercial. I only have two quibbles - some of the accessories aren't up to the standards of the JawHorse itself, and the manual is terrible.
I have the Plywood Jaws, the Miter Saw Station, the Work Station, and the Saddlebags. Reviews for all of these follow, so all I'll say right now is that the Work Station and the Saddlebags were a little disappointing.
The manual has little tiny print, and a bunch of diagrams that are either incomprehensible or so trivial that they are worthless. Luckily, this is a pretty simple tool to set-up and use. There were only a few moments of confusion as I set it up and put it through its paces. Later, when I found my reading glasses, I did find that the instructions in the manual are fairly clear. The only problem I saw with the instructions is that a few of them seem to reference the wrong diagrams. For example, the instruction that says to slide the lock release down refers to a diagram with a big up arrow next to the switch.
Work Table **
I was a bit disappointed in this accessory. It is OK, and will be fine for most painting, sanding, scraping type work, but it's really not up to the standard of the JawHorse, and I would not call it "heavy-duty". It seems to be built more to the standard of a workmate-type product.
The table is only 1/2" thick, giving it a pretty light duty feel. The guide tubes are a little on the loose side, so that the two halves of the work table can (and do) move out of alignment when you bring them together. The misalignment isn't terrible, probably about 1/16", but it would be a problem if you need a truly flat surface. Not sure how they came up with the maximum opening of 22" mentioned in the product description. The maximum opening between the halves is only 5". There is a maximum clamping capacity of about 15" if you install the clamp dogs in their outermost positions, but there is no way to clamp anything larger than this unless you remove the guide tubes. Removing the guide tubes is NOT recommended in the manual, and I believe removing them would cause problems in clamping and, potentially, damage to the tool. The clamping dogs are plastic. I believe they would withstand pretty high pressure, but not the full clamping force the JawHorse is capable of. This is a bit of a concern since the design of the JawHorse makes it very easy to apply a LOT of pressure.
Plywood Jaw *****
The Plywood jaw is just a longer jaw with the same heavy-duty construction as the normal JawHorse jaw. It's easy to install aned works well. Includes connectors to quickly add outriggers made from 2X4's (you supply the 2X4's).
Miter Saw Station ****
The Miter Saw Station doesn't compare to a good dedicated miter saw station, but would certainly do the job in a pinch. Hardware (connectors and work support rollers) for outriggers is supplied. You supply 2X4's. The Miter Saw Station (without a saw attached) also makes a pretty fair work table. It has a very substantial frame that you clamp in the JawHorse jaws. The frame is built to take all of the pressure the JawHorse can supply, so there is no worry about it shifting in the jaws if you use it to support something heavy. The table itself is 5/8" thick. I believe it's plywood with a laminate top. It would be easy to apply a new table to the frame, or attach a sacrificial top over the existing table.
Saddlebags ***
The Saddlebags are fine quality-wise, but just don't seem very practical to me. You can roll them up like a tool roll, but when I actually put tools in them the hook and look strap wasn't long enough to fasten. Also, they just sit over the back of the clamp jaw, so they would be easy to knock off, sending tools everywhere.
Customer Review: Surprisingly good
Summary: 5 Stars
Truly an extra set of hands, this is. I have been using Black and Decker products for years in lieu of sawhorses and this product has them beat.
Likes:
1. Small profile and portability: I wouldn't call this tool light, but it has features that make it much easier to store and carry...
* When folded, the rear leg serves as an effective carry handle, so you can carry the tool rather like a suitcase
* The rear handle, when extended and the rest of the tool is folded, allows you to tow the tool along the ground on its built-in wheel. The wheel otherwise it totally inconspicuous except when you need to roll the thing along behind you. Don't be put off by the plastic on the wheel- it is tough and durable. The rolling feature works best on relatively smooth ground, whether dirt, concrete, or asphalt
* When stored, it stands on end and has a much smaller footprint than my Workmate
* When transporting the tool to a jobsite, it takes up less space in my truck than does my Workmate (and, when I've had to borrow my wife's small car, it fits no problem in a small trunk!)
2. Excellent build design
* The ability to apply and release the clamp with your foot rather than with your hand really is fantastic- it allows you to position the work with your hands while clamping the vise. Clever!
* The reversible jaw gives you an outstanding working width
* The tripod design is inherently more stable than a stand with four legs. I didn't get that until I used it- it is simply great on uneven ground.
* The wide front feet can be steadied with your foot. This is a great feature that I have used already, and the openings are large enough for my size 12 work boots.
* The clamping force is STRONG
* The clamping actuator operates smoothly and reliably, the jaws release easily and quickly, and it is very easy to re-size the jaws for different-sized work
3. Build quality
* I have been knocking mine around and using it frequently and it has been standing up to abuse. It is solid. The jaws are wide and strong, and the rubber inserts are high quality. The frame and body haven't shown any signs of flex or stress.
Cons:
The only thing I can think of is that it is heavy. This goes along with the quality, as far as I'm concerned, so it is something that I've been OK with.
Other thoughts:
I've read much about the use of plastic in this particular tool, and my experience has not borne out that this is an issue whatsoever. Plastic has its place; in this tool, the plastic parts are of high quality and judiciously used. I've had cheap metal parts that have given way and quality tools that use some plastic that are accurate and durable, and last. The Jawhorse is of the latter, in my experience and opinion.
I've also heard questions of country of origin. Personally, I take pains to purchase U.S. - made tools. The fact is, however, this is a well-made, well-designed, tool that is built to last. I wish it was made here, but it isn't, and that fact hasn't affected its quality as far as I'm concerned.
I am a contractor and this tool has earned a place in my workshop because of its quality, durability, and usefulness. One of the nice things is that many of the jigs I made for my Workmate also work on the Jawhorse. (For example, a modest miter saw table that clamps in the jaws, turning it into an instant miter saw stand) Most of the things associated with infomercials are schlock- This, folks, is an exception.
Customer Review: A perfect clamping tool for virtually everyone
Summary: 5 Stars
I spent many hours researching this product including the reviews at Amazon.com and other sites and watching all the videos available on the sites and on Utube. I was impressed and ordered it from Amazon. Being a Prime Shipping member I get free 2 day shipping...it arrived the next day!
This prime tool may be a bit heavy at 43 pounds but if it were less then it would not be as sturdy. It is not cumbersome and can be easily carried or rolled about. Setup and take down is simple and quick taking me longer to take it out of the sturdy well packed box than to set it up.
I have not noted in any other reviews, but, it will clamp off-center items with little deflection of jaw squareness. The videos demonstrate this.
I am not going to expound on its features as they are well documented in other reviews, videos and other sources. Nor am I going to describe all the uses I have and foresee for my personal projects...once you have yours you will see how adaptable it is to so many projects including those other than woodworking. It indeed can replace one human helper and in some cases more than one.
The plastic pieces do not bother me because if they were die-cast they would not be as strong and if they were made of machined steel the additional cost would not be worth it. The plastic transport roller could have been made of a hard rubber material but, in my case, I am not going to be pulling it for miles.
Rockwell's web site has complete exploded drawings and parts lists.
I find some ads stating that it has up to one ton (2000 lbs) of clamping force and support of up to 600 pounds of weight. Other ads state 1000 pounds of force and support of 300 pounds. I don't know which is correct but, either is ample for me and should be for most users.
If you are planning at some point in time doing items wider than 37" then you need the accessory plywood jaw which will allow up to 52" width. You simply remove the included reversible jaw and slide in the optional jaw. It weighs 22 pounds and takes maybe 20 seconds to replace. It does not add 22 pounds to the unit as you are removing the included jaw which probably weighs 15 pounds (I didn't weigh it). I ordered the optional plywood jaw with my Jawhorse.
So far I have no experience with any of the other accessories. The log jaw might be my next purchase. I have several AIO and Bora clamps that I believe will handle all my guide requirements. Also see: Rockwell Jawhorse RK9109 Plywood Jaw Accessory AttachmentRidgid AC99331-2 Flip-Top StandAll in One Clamp A-50 50-Inch Grip Clamp Guide w/T-trackBora 540950 50 Inch Aluminum Guide Clamp EdgeCrawford WM3 Adjustable Roller Work Stand
This is a great product. This is my most exciting purchase in awhile and I would recommend it to anyone. Also this would be a good time to become a member of Amazon's shipping program...free 2nd day shipping on any order for about $80.00 per year.
Customer Review: Surprisingly Effective Tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I tripped over this when I looking for a vise... I was somewhat skeptical of this tool's capabilities but decided to give it a try.
In the month or so since I received it, I've used it for every odd-job activity I've run into. For my fellow skeptics out there sitting on the fence wondering, I have to say that I am convinced.
It has performed flawlessly on two of my children's school projects. I seated a skate bearing in a piece of PVC, drilled a hole in a 1/4" dowel, created a temporary bench so my daughter could drill pilot holes in plywood, clamped pieces of wood so they could be screwed together, and various other tasks. The Jawhorse adapted to each task so quickly and almost effortlessly that I was able to enjoy the time we spent on each project. I am so used to having to deal with frustrating parts of these projects--and having to spend much too long on them. We spent less than an hour on each project and they turned out great. That's worth the price of the tool right there!
This morning I was installing a ceiling light fixture. I needed to connect the wires before I could attach the fixture to the ceiling with bolts. I clamped the light fixture to a seven-foot 1x2 with a small bar clamp. I then clamped the 1x2 in the Jawhorse to that the fixture was in a perfect position under the ceiling outlet box. It was very sturdy. Surprisingly so. I was in a position to work at my own pace, no kid asking how long they had to help, no wife offering expert advice. (No offense, my dear!) The Jawhorse was the perfect assistant.
PROS: Surprisingly sturdy. You can clamp on items with a varying degree of force, depending on the task and strength of the item. Solid construction, I see no reason why this thing won't outlast me. Shipped by Amazon ready to use right out of the box.
CONS: It's a little bit difficult to move around. As a tradeoff for being a solid tool, it is also heavy. The weight of a couple bowling balls. Also, I finally decided to review the instructions for folding it up. It is just a little too unwieldy to move around without collapsing the legs. And... each time I move it, I get grease on my hands from the vise screw. I am obviously not grabbing it in the right place. Also, and this is a minor point, I guess, but something rubs me the wrong way about owning something advertised on an infomercial. I am a little anxious about having a friend coming over and saying, "Hey, you bought one of those things?"
I knew this was a good purchase when one of my kids said, "Man, he uses that for everything." It's not often that a purchase works out this well.