Future or Flop. Reekon M1 Caliber Revisited [ FINAL REVIEW ]

After several months with the Reekon M1 Caliber measuring device, I give my full and final review on whether this woodworking tool is worth buying and using.
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[@REEKONTools]

Thanks for the feedback! We are always looking to grow and improve our products and the feedback is extremely helpful. While we try to make our products work for as many different kinds of trade and use case as possible, there are undoubtedly scenarios where it may not be the best tool for the job. Some additional notes below on some of the recent changes we made/general notes about M1 use: 1) The arm locking mechanism has been completely redesigned to prevent any kind of arm dropping 2) When measuring in inches fractional mode (1/16") there will always be a spread of 1/16" (+/- 1/32") based on what can be displayed on a screen (regardless of device accuracy). The bets test would be to measure in inches decimal mode for maximum accuracy and repeatability. 3) As the system is open loop, we do encouage users to calibrate regularly to account for changes in wheel diameter (temperature differences) along with other external factors.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Appreciate the information. I know my version was on the early early access level of release so I figured a few of my complaints would be addressed and changed for future releases. The decimal system is certainly a good way to go to improve accuracy so its a good tip. I will, given the one I currently have, not be using it either way. But I can appreciate that you guys take and implement customer concerns into your products.

[@kovadest]

I share the same experience with the tool.

[@REEKONTools]

@@kovadest we would be happy to help with any issues that you're facing!

[@kovadest]

@@REEKONTools Many thanks for your response. My device does not hold the calibration value and the arm with the roller does no remain in the upward position.

[@derekgeary2832]

I think I purchased a newer version of this tool as I do not seem to have the problem with the arm staying up. On the contrary, the directions that came with mine say to push up on the arm and that will release it from 5he holding mechanism which does not appear to be the case as I need to pull down on the arm to get it to come down onto the workpiece. Although when detract it back up it holds nicely. The push pin that holds it in place seems to do a nice job. As far as the calibration goes I cannot say just yet as I just received mine and haven’t had the chance to use it yet. I also purchased it on Amazon but found it for $30.00 cheaper on another web site so that worked out good. I’m a small shop worker and I am hoping it works out for what I am looking for it to do.

[@John-ye4nv]

Saw this at the JLC conference. Many of these issues were addressed. On the job site, this thing seems like it would be a great advantage. Much better than trying to measure each piece, mark it, then find mark, position laser then cut. Clearance also not an issue on job site. I plan on buying this. Thank you for review.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

I know many things have been addressed as they have continued work on their product. Overall I do see it as a good tool with a great application in the right environment.....ultimately my shop was not the right one 🙂.

[@rayelkins7872]

I've got one, use it professionally on the jobsite and in the shop. I've not experienced anything negative. Most all problems I see in this review and others are simple user-error

[@henryto6883]

Blade kerf changes under load, we should also consider the fact that there are uncontrolled variables here. The speed in which the saw is being pushed into the wood will inevitably change as we are human.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Apparently you need 6' to either side of your mitre saw blade to calibrate this tool. My workshop is 10' x 10' so that's only 5' on either side. Reekon either needs to find a workaround or list this in the product description so people will be more informed before purchasing. Reekon CS did respond and told me that 6' is indeed required for the calibration and advised me to return the item to my local big box store. Thank you.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Yea mine has been in a drawer since I posted this...great in theory but no good in my shop

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

@@TheWoodVeteran Took it back today. It would take a lot of effort for me to take apart my custom home built workstation to move my saw to calibrate and then put it back again. This would have to be done every time to calibrate. I'm looking for tools to make my life easier, not harder.

[@STV-H4H]

First time viewer, and you have made the right impression on what I am looking to discover. 30min. ago I came across what appeared to be the most coolest thing to ever make the repeat accurate finish trim cuts thing a repeated able thing. Two previous reviews were questionable. The very first was a recognized content creator who was hyping the tool like he was a carnival barker. So I didn’t watch for long. The second was Den Of Tools. His work generally has a good feel to it and he isn’t acting like a shill. He also was very upfront about the actual tool still being a prototype, basically a 3D printer tester that wasn’t ready to really be shown as a finished product. Your version was also back a year so your version is probably nearly a beta version but at least it’s looking like the world ready final revision. Your words revealed the important details that weren’t mentioned in either of the two previous videos. Mostly, that the trouble of actually having to go through a shit load of repeat set up for each cut. Exactly what this was supposed to be eliminating. The second, small cuts requiring the longer end to be measured. I’m not wording it right, but basically it appears that more counting and subtraction is required to get the cut The 6 pieces lined up and each was clearly off by visually very vast margins! Done. $150 for something that will make me cry? Not gonna lie, this thing was nearly a done and ordered on Amazon impulse purchase! I have a rather embarrassing collection of such things gathering dust somewhere in my shop, some were downright cool tools, but more of a one-trick pony (here and there I return to that particular one, but I haven’t seen it in a bit too long) and others that simply aren’t worth the plastic they were made from. 😢 I think I’ll be scoping more of your stuff at least. 😂 thx.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Mine has been sitting in a drawer since this video. Still have no idea what to do with it. Some people love it and find it works well for what they do. Not in my shop 😅. Thanks for the thorough explanation of your thought process. Nice to see how you came to your decision on the product and my content.

[@ryanclayton845]

Thanks for making this man. That shot of all the pieces right next to each other was really revealing. Thank you.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Of course. Glad you found it helpful.

[@tomprovan50]

great to see a real review thanks

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

ProScale is a good system, expensive but efficient and makes life easier.

[@agent7agent759]

I ordered one but if I need to make dead cuts of batch cutting I would use stop block that way it costs 0$ and dead on accurate . But I want to have this device for occasional use which should be fine for me , thank you for your informative videos

[@marcelgraham9828]

Came across your channel. Subscribing. I like your style. A few comments, I just got my M1 and as I work in a scene shop in a High School, I am hoping that this solves the issue of kids that can't read a tape measures (Yes, I do teach this skill to nausea). with that said, we do not do finish carpentry and anything they build is viewed from 20 ft away a 1/16 of an inch or so it's a little more forgiving. I will let you know how my adventures go when school starts up again, however, there are 2 things that I like about the product. First, REEKON commented on your page that gives them credibility as a company and second, they did repair the locking issue you had with the arm and it seems to be holding up really well now. Thank you for your great unpacking and long term review, both are very helpful. I will be checking out your other videos. I am intrigued by your shoe storage. My wife's shoes are out of control.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Hello and welcome. I do think it is a product that has a place and purpose, it just doesn't assist me any in my shop with what I do. I am looking forward to hearing how things go for you and them with it. If you find my content enjoyable, I put out a lot more content on Tiktok (but no pressure, it isn't for everyone). Just a friendly fyi.

[@roderickduracktully7496]

Thanks for the honest review

[@Therealphantomzero]

So I like your review video, I also have the tool, and noticed those annoyances. Primarily if you are needing to cut shorter pieces or a little bit off. Seems to me that is one of the biggest limitations. The second one, is taking to account any curvature bow or whatever on the wood itself. that can take minute measurements off. I found this out trying it on some common shiplap. Compared to the nickle gap the ship lap is slightly curve or bowed, and so ever so slightly lifts the board which could add a sixteenth or more. as you are passing the board through the board flexes a bit and moves. which is where I think these inconsistencies really matter. This really works for like framing, or even baseboard installation where you are just production pumping out and you can afford a bit of variation. Now that I know that that's what causing the inaccuracy, i make sure to keep the board pressed down as best as possible. for me i know where the tolerances lie, and where I can use it. so so far it really just helped with that production baseboard and framing.

[@firpofutbol]

Looks like a tool you use on specific occasions but not all the time.

[@realworldcarpentryremodeli5868]

I bought one early on thru kick starter campaign. I just recently set it up. It’s cute but not as accurate as it needs to be. It’s a novelty item right now. Eventually it might improve and be better. At least we hope it will improve

[@garrettslobey9204]

I bought mine for production cutting metal, there are variances in dimensions from stick to stick, so it would not measure consistently between sticks

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Looks like they fixed the flapping wheel lever, mine doesn't snap down as easily. Still neef to turn my saw to calibrate and if I want to use the full range of mitre capacity I have to install 12" from the blade or the motor housing of the saw will hit the measuring tool. Eventually I'll invest in Pro Scale for my left fence.

[@rayelkins7872]

your inability to cut off a short end can be easily overcome by following with a same=thickness board. Simple fix.Your other issues look to be user-error. Not meaning to be contentious, just relaying what I saw ;-)

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Too many issues overall. Not worth it to me. But if that works for you it works :)

[@steveallphin9631]

I thought this would really speed up our form making, but it ended up being more hassle than it was worth. Seemed to lose calibration every day or so. The auxiliary fence my saw required, gets in the way of our dust collection, especially when making miter cuts. The big downfall though is the accuracy. Now it just sits on a table calling me a sucker for spending so much money on it.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Yea mine has been in a drawer since I made this video 😅

[@t-rex4211]

That seems to be the general feeling on Amazon. Strangely has 900 reviews at about 4.5/5 stars yet 90% of the written reviews are bad. I know we tend to write when we’re dissatisfied….

[@TheWoodVeteran]

It has to be really good or really bad to warrant leaving a review 😅

[@ravibadiger9006]

@@TheWoodVeteran9880883318

[@djadammicko]

and I also have a question, will it also work on aluminum profiles?

[@TheWoodVeteran]

I don't see why not

[@_maansiiiiii9771]

What is the measurement of display

[@Jay-fs6mh]

Why would you just cut the difference off a big piece in lieu of having a large overhang?

[@franc0574]

i subscribed to you channel you save my $150 tank you for you honest review

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Glad I could help

[@Put_The_Banana_Gun_Down_Sir]

Good info

[@7628739]

be nice if woukd use a laser to the blade to caliber

[@billgreen8363]

Thanks, you just save me $150. Good review.

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Glad I could help. It had promise...just not for what I needed it for.

[@blaze00366]

I would have liked to see it with a clamp instead of holding it with your hand

[@TheWoodVeteran]

Appreciate the feedback...buuut I'm lost. Can you further explain?

[@blaze00366]

@@TheWoodVeteran it's more of a vertical band saw or chop saw thing the material is held in place with a vice type clamping mechanism, holding with you hand it could move a little when the saw first cuts in to the material.

[@timforgot]

#influenced lol

[@willh1827]

Seems weird to blame the tool for your poor setup.

[@StileandRailWoodworking]

You sound irritated when you talk.