Thread: Anyone In Brisbane using Incra?

Gary,
Welcome aboard.

I'm of an engineering mindset, so what I'll say about Incra needs to be considered as coming from an engineer.

The Incra requires a bit of effort to install and the precision is phenomenal.

BUT

On a right tilting table saw you'll zero the Incra once and forget it.

On a left tilting saw, the precision will be off slightly with every blade change. The error may only be a few hundred microns, but it's still off.

The HUGE advantage to an Incra is not the precision but rather the repeatability. If you didn't cut enough pieces or you messed one up, then the Incra allows you to cut an absolutely identical part. If you're making a raised panel and have a blowout on a rail it is so nice to be able to reproduce the part with perfect repeatability. The Incra fence system is as close to perfect as any woodworker would want.

The disadvantages to the Incra fence are:
Aluminum - The fence is not quite as sturdy as other fence systems like Biesemeyer.
Cutting width - The width of the cut is limited to about 760 MM. For most home shops this is not a big deal. But when dealing with sheet goods of about 1200 MM, there are times when cuts wider than 760 MM are needed.

Incra does offer a longer rail system that I have not seen nor used.
I have used the smaller Incra system (760) to make cabinets. I had to be careful about hitting the Incra system with sheet goods.

I did have an Incra on my Jet contractor model saw. When I upgraded to a UniSaw, I made an adapter for the Incra system. It worked rather well with the Biesemeyer fence system but it was aggravating to install and use. I could put the Incra on and zero the measurement in about 5 minutes. The positioning with the Biesemeyer "T" square system required a bit of finesse and double locking of the Incra positioner and Biesemeyer fence. I think that I used the adapter three or four times. I decided to get good with using the Biesemeyer measuring system.

I don't know what else to tell you. I've been there and done that and I'm rather good at setting my Biesemeyer for repeatability.

Originally Posted by rrich

Incra does offer a longer rail system that I have not seen nor used.

I have just completed the set up of a brand new Incra TS-LS with longer rails (completed is perhaps a bit of an adventurous claim, there is still alignment to do and I'm waiting on a gauge for that).

For what it's worth, the longer rails on the Incra system allow it to work exactly the same as the shorter rail version as far as I can tell, but with a couple of notes:

The base for the positioner system now has a forward (left side) and back (right side) stop that are affixed to the rails, and thus, the base can slide back and forth to accommodate larger pieces as required. I would imagine in practice that when measuring, or recording measurements used to create a particular piece, it would mean one would record the position of the base unit too, be it the right side or left side stops that were used as a reference point for the measurement used/noted on the positioner.

Support legs are highly recommended - these rails are considerably longer than you'd imagine once bolted to a table saw!

I'm sorry that at this time, I can't offer an insight into actual use - that is still some weeks away. I also wish I was in Queensland to offer a coffee and a visit, but I'm a bit far away, unfortunately.

Hi Gary,

Not from Brisbane, but if you youtube the incra fence there are loads of promo videos showing it in action. The wood whisperer also did a pretty detailed review on it and why he decided to get rid of it.

I've had my incra for a few years new and have to say i agree with most of the Wood Whisperers comments on the incra. However having said that there are times when having the Incra is just a dream, yes you can sit there and tap the fence do a trial cut and repeat till you get the perfect cut, with the incra its a matter of turning a knob and voila instant 0.1mm change.

Ultimately it depends on what you're doing, But I say if you're just starting out, go without it. Its not essential and IMO you're better off learning the million other things there is to learn when starting woodworking than fuss around with 0.1mm. Plus unless you're pretty well stocked there will be loads of other things your money will be better spent on eg clamps.

Thank you to everyone for your input. I guess something like this can be very divisive . I’ve watched a lot of you tube, read a lot of testimonials and you have both your lovers and haters. I tend to lean towards being a lover, I like the idea of repeatable accuracy. I am not put of by a complicated setup,nor by an involved fence clamping procedure. I still would really like to see one before I jump, but...... if it’s not possible I’m going to jump anyway!

I am in brisbane, mount crosby. I have an incra ls/ts system on a hybrid contractors saw with router wing. Try emailing me via the forum if you want to come and have a look. I'm about to start building drawers so there will be something to see.

The comment about throat above is incorrect. I have the 6' rails, my base has 2 positions because for various reasons my router wing is on the right of my blade. I know the offset of the 0 position from the saw blade when the base is in the router position so I can readily break down 8'x4' panels. It's not a panel saw, but it gets the job done. Also any blade change will introduce some inaccuracy. It only takes a test cut to know how far the offset has moved and then you compensate.

I am a metalworker by trade and still struggle with wood. My incra makes sizing and profiling timber a very similar proposition to a milling machine. I routinely measure my work with my vernier caliper and get 0.1 mm (4 thou) accuracy.

The incra solves the fence problem, but it does not solve any other problems, like a dodgy saw/router, bent timber, incompetent operator.

One thing an incra does that is rarely mentioned. It allows you to sneak up on a cut really quickly. A lot of router cuts aren't done in one pass. The speed and ease with which you can take several passes with an incra is a huge benefit. Also with the table saw fence properly locked down you could just about swing the table saw in mid air from it and have no deflection. That's nice when your working with big heavy stock. And you get a dovetail jig thrown in as a bonus...

2c...

Originally Posted by damian

I am in brisbane, mount crosby. I have an incra ls/ts system on a hybrid contractors saw with router wing. Try emailing me via the forum if you want to come and have a look. I'm about to start building drawers so there will be something to see.

Hi Damian, thanks for your generous offer.. I have bought and set up my Incra. I am SOOOO impressed, I never thought as a newbie I would get the accuracy of cuts I’m getting... absolutely love it
Cheers
Gary
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That looks like a ts system ? You didn't buy the routing bits ? If you get a router wing on there pretty much all you need is a wonder fence and the master reference guide. I personally wouldn't waste my money on the shop stop or some of the other bits.

I like incra stuff, but I've bought a bit of it and some of it I really don't use. You are welcome to come and play if you want, just let me know.