It is always amazing how many fine joints the Incra Jig can make. Anyone who has attended a woodworking show can easily be mesmerized by the demonstration of this product. I know, I have been.    The real question is: "Can I make good tight joints with this product/"    I just recently learned how to use it and now know the answer is "yes," but there are things I have learned that I will gladly pass on to you. By the way, the items pictured at the left are the first attempts for each joint, except for the box—the clamp loosened during the making of the first ends— my fault.    The key to success is to take your time and read each instruction carefully. I decided to master the box joint first, then the blind dovetail and lastly, the through dovetail. I strongly suggest you do the same.  So here are the steps: The first step is to mount the unit on the router table. The unit I have is the Ultra which has quite a long travel range (16" or 24" depending on he model.) The Ultra Lite has a range of 12 1/2" and that may be plenty for you and your needs. Here I am mounting the unit on my double router table—it is large and perfect for holding this unit. Two C-clamps hold it securely in place. But you do not need such a large table; I also have mounted it on a small table and it works fine.    As with all their instructions, Incra has done a superb job in condensing and illustrating the instructions. Each joint has its own section and each section has both detailed step-by-step instructions as well as "Quick Steps" which are abbreviated. I found that once I did each joint once using the full explanation, the Quick Steps were easy to follow from that point on.    You can see that I have the parts cut for the practice box I am going to be doing.    This closer view will give you a better idea of how each section is set up. The gray box is the "Quick Step" section.    In the second half of the instruction book is a full size layout of each and every joint template. Here I am using one of the end pieces to determine which template will work best for this trial box.    At the left, I have a Jesada kit of router bits especially selected for the Incra jig. It consists of two straight bits and six dovetail bits which gives me quite a few joint possibilities.    Having selected the joint I want I locate the corresponding template. Each template is of durable acetate and has exact printings of each stop location.    And slide the template into one of the jig's tracks. There are several tracks on the Ultra. It doesn't matter which one you use. At this point, I slide it all the way in; I will position it exactly in one of the next steps.    And I install the bit. Each template page tells you which bit to use for a given joint, along with recommended stock thickness and starting or approximate depth to set.    Before I go further, I use a  block of wood to be sure that the router plate insert is absolutely level with the table. I do not want even the smallest bit of unevenness when sliding the right angle fixture and wood pieces  back and forth. The Woodhaven router table has an excellent leveling adjustment system that makes this very possible.   Main Menu Next Page Go to Mfr.'s Site