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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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/
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It
doesn't. The ride is smooth as silk. I am ready to mount the jig on the table just this
way.
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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.
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I am
happy to report that I have a perfectly square fence without any shimming required.
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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.
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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.
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