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.

This tool really works well and is easy to use. The thoughtful flexing hard rubber edge makes it real easy to remove tool out of tight places and flexes right back to the original dimension it was set at. I called DNB Tool and found them to be helpful and knowledgeable. They have been building the Stair wizard for ten years. The original idea came from Mr. Wheaton while he was working on his own stair treads, Mr. Wheaton has retired and no longer is involved.This Tool did pay for itself on the very first staircase I installed. It also helped with window sills, closet shelves and some angled layouts. Everyone I show this tool to wants to get one. So far a few employees have purchased this time saving tool. I did ask about a couple of broken parts that occurred after i dropped it and they sent me replacement parts at very low cost. They also said that tool is designed so certain parts break to save the wood from cracking or splitting when tool falls or is mistreated, sort of like crumple zones in a car, They still asked me not to drop it.All things considered it's worth it and it is made in the USA, Amazon has the cheapest price, (I checked other places) and you can talk to real people.

I recently purchased a PL200 Stair wizard and also the extensions as an accessory. Items were well packaged the stair wizard came in a 3.5" diameter tube the extensions came in a plastic bag. I did have a time putting them back in the original bag but now that I recieved the PL200 put them all inside the tube. The best way to get them in the tube is to pull the unit all the way out and put them in the center of the stair wizard and slide them in the tube. The unit is designed very well it has black spacer blocks that are used to store the wizard. Do not lose them they absorb shock if you drop it. Definitely want to take your time removing the unit from the package and noting where everything is located so you can reassemble and put it back in the tube. The wizard has rubber side bumpers to allow movement after setting is locked in place due to wall tilting inward. The wizard can be used on other trim carpentry too like windows and other hard to transfer template layouts. This item was very well thought out it saves a lot of time. The speed in cutting the stair treads to exact size saves a tremendous amount of time!

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.