DNB Tools PL200 Stair Wizard

This is probably the most advanced tool of this kind currently available on the market. The tool which I got in Feb of 2014 is labeled as "The Stair Wizard Pro Line II", it is made by DNB Tools in California (not sure how the name "Wheaton tools" came into play in the tool title) and yes, it is a "made in U.S.A." tool. It is made of a significantly darker wood than shown in the image (likely stained to a darker shade). Design-wise, it is exactly the same tool as LJ-3052 tread layout jig (you can Google its manual to learn how the tool works). It is made of hardwood, which comes both with its advantages and disadvantages. The great advantages are that it would not scratch your new treads and risers and that it is light. The disadvantage is that you have to be careful with this tool because it is easier to break than a metal or a plastic tool. I cannot help saying that we so much got used to plastic and industrial metal that it feels unusual and even slightly weird to work with a tool crafted from fine wood. You don't get anything like this in our "made in China" daily world. The plastic storage tube is appropriate for the tool of this size. I've read in one review that it would be good to have a rectangular case that does not roll. While there is some truth to it, at this length it lends itself better to storage in a vertical position. There is also an option of keeping the storage tube with the tool in the cardboard box in which it was shipped. As I said, this appears to be the most advanced tool of this kind in the market. The alternatives to this tool are limited in functionality: there is a "do-it-yourself" kit from the Collins company ("Collins Tool Company Stair Tread Template Set") made of metal (available on Amazon) and its plastic versions for $20 at HD for $35 at Lowes. There is an all-metal WDP Stair Jig from Ampro-online sold only directly from the manufacturer (about the same price as this jig but less functionality), and "Stair Tool" sold directly by TheStairTool company. They all probably work about the same when it comes to measuring width of the stairs and angles, but none of them has built-in functionality to measure depth of the stairs and risers. You need to have this depth (plus additional overhang) in order to correctly transfer measurements taken by the jig to the stair. Note that you measure the depth of the stair from its rounded nosing and not from the back. You need to know this depth in order to position the jig correctly before marking for cutting. With built-in adjustable stops, The Stair Wizard takes out of the game those additional measurements and reduces potential for errors. I also had a chance to get in touch with the customer service. The jig which I received had a minor manufacturing issue: it came with too short 1/2" screws in the spreaders, but with long 3/4" screws in the body. I sent an e-mail to the customer service in the evening and got a call from DNB tools early in the morning next day. They quickly identified the problem as wrong length screws and first suggested to ship me replacement screws, but then called again later that day to tell me that they discussed this issue and can suggest an even faster solution - check if adjustable stop screws are 3/4", and if they are, swap them with screws in the spreaders. This worked and the problem was resolved for the next several days until replacement screws arrived from the manufacturer. Promptness of their response and attention to the customer problem were first class. I read in one of the reviews that screws are threaded directly into the wood. This is not correct. Every screw in the tool which I got goes into a threaded metal insert there is no chance that the screw can get loose over time. Somewhat complained that it is tricky to set adjustable stops to the same length. I cannot see why this would be an issue. You just take a piece of scrap wood of the desired width (within the range allowed by the code) and use it as a spacer to set up stops. This is by far more accurate way of doing it than any marking or ruler.

My wife and I decided to replace our carpeted steps with oak treads and risers. The plywood / composite board underneath was ripped out and this tool is a life saver. It is constructed of nicely stained wood, rubber trims, and metal adjustment knobs. The design itself is a work of art and the flexibility of the tool for measuring all types of stair treads is outstanding. It even handles angled and curved stairs! Using this tool proved a point in about 10 seconds after the first cut, DOING STAIRS WITH A TAPE MEASURE IS INEFFICIENT, INACCURATE, and possibly, FOOLISH! FOOLISH! FOOLISH! This tool is perfect for the DO-It-Yourself types, or the expert. I did more than 50 stairs and would never even think of doing it with someone else without it. I Literally had no wasted cuts! The only time I messed up was when I thought I knew more than the tool! Buying this tools saved thousands and the job looks outstanding!

I have been in the building and woodworking industry for about 30 years. I have made and used many jigs including the portacable version of the wheaton. The wheaton is a fantastic jig, it does everything expected and is very well built. The price is also great for a product of this caliper. Makes doing stairs a breeze, probably cuts your time on the project by 2/3. Amazon has also been a pleasure to deal with, my product was shipped and recieved as promised.

I have never installed hardwood on stairs before. This tool made it relatively -- and I emphasize "relatively" easy. Rather than making my own jig, I used this device. One issue I had was that the "wings" have hard plastic edges that are about 12" long. This required me to tape a spacer to the edge since the trim on top of the banister side prevented the wing from laying flush against the riser. I also had a few instances where I forgot to properly tighten the nuts resulting in me losing the measurement. When I was done I resold the tool since I have no more stairs to cover. After the project was completed my wife was thrilled and I've received compliments from everyone who'se seen the stairs.

A tool (actually a jig) like this could be made from scratch, but I didn't have the time so I purchased the Stair Wizard from Amazon. There are two models: the Pro Line I and Pro Line 2. I was sent the Pro Line 2, which includes a set of adjustable stops that allow you to compensate for the amount of tread that overhangs the riser. It's important to make sure that both of these stops are set EXACTLY the same distance from the butting edge of the tool or it will throw your cut lines off significantly. I was using pre-finished 5/4 by 11 1/2 inch wide mahogany treads and missed a couple of cuts because I failed to read the instructional book carefully. Fortunately, I remembered to cut my longer treads first, so no material was lost. (If you make a mistake you can re-cut the tread and use it on a shorter span.) The tool also has very long adjustable arms (16 inches plus or minus) with rubber straight edges that you use to mark the lines on the tread. I had very wide skirt boards that were slightly convex or concave which made it difficult to mark the cut accurately. On a concave board the rubber would touch the skirt at both ends and leave a gap in the middle. I solved this by pairing back with a utility knife the last four inches of rubber slightly so that the straight edge was only 12 inches long. (Afterall, how often are treads wider than 12 inches?) The maker, Wheaton Jigs, could solve this problem by including an extra pair of rubber blades that are 12 inches in length. Aside from these difficulties, I am very satisfied with the tool. And the staircase (actually two staircase with a middle landing) looks beautiful. Next I intend to tile the risers with hand painted Mexican tiles.