Thread: A Eureka moment

This was almost exciting until I read the bit about there NOT being a conversion kit for the LS25. sigh

Originally Posted by dedward.rocks

This was almost exciting until I read the bit about there NOT being a conversion kit for the LS25. sigh

Hi

The LS 25 is a model that was developed to help US woodworkers through their rite of passage being the building a dovetailed blanket box, sales of 25's in the METRIC world don't warrant tooling up for the M series 25's.
Please make sure that you do have a LS 25 as there can be some confusion as the LS 17 positioner measures 25 ½” overall whilst the LS 25 measures 33 ½” checking the stainless steel scale is the best bet.
The alternatives are;

• Buy a LS 17-M positioner only $395.00 + the new Metric Master Reference Guide w/- 26 METRIC Templates $52.50 + Metric Racks and Scales for the fence & stop $30.00

• Buy a LS 32-M positioner only $465.00 + the new Metric Master Reference Guide w/- 26 METRIC Templates $52.50 + Metric Racks and Scales for the fence & stop $30.00

We're sorry the 25 can't be upgraded but it was a classic example of bigger not always being best!!

Regards

Grahame

Originally Posted by Gwhat

Hi all Incra enthusiasts;

To pre-empt a few questions;
Yes! an Conversion Kit is available for existing LS 17 & 32 owners.
No! A METRIC LS 25 version will not be available.

Regards

Grahame

Hi Incraites,

A few more questions have been asked;

• What's in the upgrade kit? It contains a Metric Lead Screw & Micro Adjust knob, a new half nut for the clamping mechanism. New sawtooth racks for the fence(s) + stop and METRIC fence scales. Plus the rewritten Master Reference Library and 26 templates.
• Why are the templates new? The Incra system works on the Incremental movement of the fence, thus 1.00mm increments require templates that work in 1.00mm increments. There are 26 METRIC templates supplied.
• Will my old bits work with the METRIC version? Some may, but as the templates are designed around the router bits new METRIC bits will be required for most joints.
• Where can I get METRIC bits? Bits are available from a variety of sources, but they must be accurate, both in cutting diameter and angle. We have a Whiteside kit available.
• What's involved in upgrading my LS? It takes about 30 minutes, you need; a shifting spanner, 1/8" & 5/32" Allen keys, a small sharp knife or a scratch awl. Remember we're on the other end of the telephone if you have any questions.

I hope that this helps?

Regards

Grahame

Hey Great News re the Metric version of the mighty Incra Positioner. I use mine 2 to 3 times a week and very excited that Incra have finally agreed to convert the system to Metric. It will make setting up etc that so much easier. Can't say I will use the tolerence of 0.25mm but then it is THE precision fence. I'm all so glad I took the professional advise of Grahame at PWS (who I now regard the Mr Incra in Australia) in selecting the 17" and not the 25" I initally requested . Looking forward to my conversion kit arriving soon and let you know how I get on.

Hi all

After a delay getting through customs, all our conversion kits arrived safely, as did the full compliment of scales for the scale track (now able to read 0 to 1220mm in both directions).

We will be upgrading our few stock units today and will be taking pics so we can have a locally produced set of instructions. These will be available on request ASAP.

The new Master Reference Guide and 26 piece template set is completely updated. Whitesides new router bit sets to suit all these have also arrived.

In short we're ready to 'rock & roll'

Regards

Grahame

What size Whiteside router bit should I now buy to suit my LS Positioner once I install the metric conversion kit. with 26 new metric templates I don't want 26 router bits do I? ( as I only have one birthday per year! )and how long did it take you (Grahame) to install the new metric kit?
Can't wait for the conversion kit to arrive...

Originally Posted by waikune

What size Whiteside router bit should I now buy to suit my LS Positioner once I install the metric conversion kit. with 26 new metric templates I don't want 26 router bits do I? ( as I only have one birthday per year! )and how long did it take you (Grahame) to install the new metric kit?
Can't wait for the conversion kit to arrive...

Hi Waikune

The first conversion took about 45 minutes as I photographed the steps, from then on they have been taking 15 to 20 minutes, we've finished a comprehensive set of instructions that are sent out with every conversion.

The new templates require new METRIC bits that are available, manufactured by Whiteside.

I hope that this answers your queries.

Regards

Grahame

Hi Graham,

I have the LS25 set up so I'm a bit p----d that there is no metric conversion.

Would the LS17 conversion attach to my existing fence and only require that I relocate the rack (the router table is long enough) and change the nut? I could then have LS17 metric and a LS25 imperial dovetail systems, converting from one to the other needing only to change the position of the rack, change the nut, and attach the appropriate slide to the fence. A bit of mucking about but it could be useful to have the shorter metric option available.

Or have I missed something?

Regards,

Barrie

Hey Barrie, Incra announced this week that the 25" conversion kit will be available soon (about 2 weeks). I'm sure Grahame will be about to source it for you if you give him a call.

Cheers Doug.

Originally Posted by Barrie Restall

Hi Graham,

I have the LS25 set up so I'm a bit p----d that there is no metric conversion.

Or have I missed something?

Regards,

Barrie

Barrie

Incra have had quite a few 25 users who want a conversion kit, there will be a short run of components modified specifically to satisfy this immediate issue. There are NO PLANS to offer Metric LS 25's (as of 24 hours ago) in the long term.

Anyone who needs a LS 25 Conversion needs to E-mail us ASAP [email protected] ASAP so we can add you to our order.

The whole Metric Conversion evolution is happening at amazing speed, however as the LS 25's still only have a 16" joinery capacity, the long term production of Metric LS 25's is not planned or likely.

Call me if you have any questions?

Regards

Grahame

hI Graham,

That is good news, Ill definitely be in the queque for the upgrade.

Its not just the blanket box, its amazing how many drawers fall between the LS17 and the LS25!

I'll send you an e-mail.

Regards,

Barrie

Hi
Our allocation of the initial batch LS25 Conversion kits will be here straight after Easter, or with everything going perfectly just before. We only have 4 units that aren't committed at this stage, with the production run expected late April.

Regards

Grahame

Sorry I don't get it.

I am disappointed that Incra have made a decision to abandon support for the LS25 purchasers wishing to convert to metric other than this one off run but what is the need or economics for converting.

Would appear that the conversion cost for those who have purchased the LS25 and wonder fence will be around $500 plus approx $200 for metric bits.

For me I just can't see that value in converting to metric or the advantage in working in metric units over imperial. For most projects there is little conflict in working with both measuring systems if necessary. If the math is a problem Graham is offering a great imperial/metric calculator converter for $20.00.

I am happy with my imperial LS25 and, for me, the cost of conversion to metric cannot be justified. That is not to say that if I had a choice today I would choose the imperial unit over the metric.

Originally Posted by hitch

Sorry I don't get it.

I am disappointed that Incra have made a decision to abandon support for the LS25 purchasers wishing to convert to metric other than this one off run but what is the need or economics for converting.

Would appear that the conversion cost for those who have purchased the LS25 and wonder fence will be around $500 plus approx $200 for metric bits.

For me I just can't see that value in converting to metric or the advantage in working in metric units over imperial. For most projects there is little conflict in working with both measuring systems if necessary. If the math is a problem Graham is offering a great imperial/metric calculator converter for $20.00.

I am happy with my imperial LS25 and, for me, the cost of conversion to metric cannot be justified. That is not to say that if I had a choice today I would choose the imperial unit over the metric.

Hitch

Maybe I didn't make myself clear? Incra are reacting to customer comments and having a batch of LS32 Conversion kits modified to meet short term demand for LS25 conversions. A separate full scale production run will be available in July. The quantity of components that have been ordered will most likely result in the LS25 range being offered in Metric, long term

All the LS Conversion Kits are planned to only be offered for a short to medium term, as long term you will simply buy either Metric or Imperial versions.

As far as cost goes the LS25 Conversion Kit is $222.50 (less if it came from us originally) this is the complete kit; Lead Screw, Metric Racks, Scales, Stainless Steel Master Scale, Revised Master Template Library w/- 26 Metric Specific Templates. The Whiteside Router Bit Set is $210.00 if you need it.

Therefore the MAXIMUM conversion cost will be $432.50.

We've worked closely with Incra on the conversion program and I can assure you that Incra are completely focussed on keeping all users satisfied, the issue has been however, what products to offer conversions for and when.

We are in contact with the guys in Texas almost daily, as this program is moving (and changing) so quicky we all need to stay up to date.

I hope that this helps.

Regards

Grahame