SuperStation - Project 4- "Making a Router Fence for Incra TS III"

wpe165.jpg (17232 bytes)

  The Incra TS III fence works fine for the various dovetail and box joints that the Incra System does so well.
   If there is a weak area, it is having such a small gap between the router fence and the table saw fence. There is little room for a dust collection pickup.

  You have seen me add spacers and then wedge a vacuum, pickup in the space...just to get some duct removal from behind the bit.

wpe166.jpg (15402 bytes)
wpe167.jpg (13874 bytes)

   You have also seen me clamp my large vertical fence to the table. It works fine, but when I use it, I do not have the micro-adjustability of the Incra Systems.
   So this week, I made a very inexpensive ($26) fence that I can add to the Incra TS fence.

   I start by ripping a piece of 3/4" MDF. The insert diagram shows the simple construction I am using. The tops and bottoms are fit into rabbets. The final size is 3 1/2" square and 28" long — same length as TS III fence.

wpe16A.jpg (12678 bytes)
wpe16C.jpg (12764 bytes)

   I have changed to my stacked dado cutters. With a sacrificial fence in place, I am cutting the rabbets on the front and back pieces.

    The Stop on the Exaktor sliding table makes repetitive cutting of the components fast and precise.  

wpe16B.jpg (15133 bytes)
wpe16D.jpg (18589 bytes)

 I spread glue to cover all the rabbeted surfaces, I want this assembly to be solid and have no air gaps.
 

  I use a QuickClamp to hold the pieces together while I use a narrow crown stapler to "stitch up" the joints. This works fine when it doesn't matter if the staples show, and I am too impatient to wait for the usual clamping and setting time.
   Note that I have made an 10" opening in the front of the structure.

wpe16E.jpg (16709 bytes)
wpe16F.jpg (20427 bytes)

   I try the finished assembly next to the Incra TS III fence. It looks good. In my left hand is one of several add-on fences that is a part of my system.
  

   I use my saber saw to cut an arc out of the bottom.

wpe170.jpg (14012 bytes)
wpe171.jpg (10640 bytes)

   The arc I cut will allow for the largest bit I have, the raised panel bit, to spin freely without coming close to the bottom of the fence assembly.

   I iron on strips of white plastic to allow this structure to glide smoothly over the router table surface.
   The white tape is simple white edge banding that has hot-melt glue and is available from home centers and woodworking store catalogs.

wpe172.jpg (14444 bytes)

Main Menu

Next  Page