 |
This is the new Incra LS Positioner and
Wonder Fence. I borrowed this picture from their on-line catalog.
The LS stands for Lead Screw which
is their patented technology which makes this unit the leader in
precision positioners for woodworking.
That said, I have been using their
older units for years with all the accuracy and repeatability I would ever
need. My TSIII on the table saw is about the best fence positioner I could
ever have. So if you are an Incra owner but don't have the LS version, not
to worry. Everything Beth and I can do here, you can do in your shop.
|
For this use, I will use the Jessem
router table with the Mast-R-Lift. I expect the Incra system will give me
very accurate X and Y increments and the Mast-R-Lift to give me the Z
increments. If I can make that happen, I will have a great Incra System
— a system that can do dovetails, box joints and so much more.
But the question is: How should I mount the router? Would it have
been better to be working with a table with the insert offset?
|
 |

|
This would be the normal direction for
me to be working. First problem I can see is that the height adjustment
crank is going to get in the way of the fence — or visa versa. Also, I am
not sure if the Incra's vertical holder will run over the miter track
smoothly.
|
If I mount the jig in the other
direction, I avoid interference with the crank and the miter track, but
there is a lot of the jig that sticks out behind the table. I know I can
make an accessory stand that will support the jig but still the unit juts
out a lot.
|

|
 |
Well, I am back to the wider direction,
and I have rotated the Mast-R-Lift 180o. Now the height
controller will be free of the fence. This position gives me 7+ inches of
movement both sides of the bit — way more than I need for 95% of the
projects. Even when I was doing the double dovetails in the blanket chest, I
worked on 8" panels which would only require 4" from the bit to the fence.
This should work fine, as long as the vertical fixture doesn't "trip" over
the miter track/
|
It doesn't. The ride is smooth as silk.
I am ready to mount the jig on the table just this way.
|
 |
 |
I assumed I would have to built a table
extension of some sort with its own support legs. I am happy to report that
with a 2-inch overhanging the solid phenolic table, these two heavy duty
clamps hold down the jig and allow zero movement. For the time, I will use
just this method. I think it will work fine.
|
I am happy to report that I have a
perfectly square fence without any shimming required.
|
 |
 |
The CMT dovetail bit set for the Incra
Jig is out, and I am ready to start making dovetailed corners. I am missing
just one thing — Beth. She is expected soon, and then we will start.
|
Beth is here, and we can start the
making of the 2-step stool with through dovetails. The Incra Jig can make
through dovetails, half-blind dovetails and box joints without any other
accessories — it's all in their plastic templates and the router bit.
|
 |