Thread: Incra LS system - should I or shouldn't I?

It isn't hard to set up at all, the instructions are very easy to follow and the videos are very good.

I have the Incra system and it didn't take long to set up or to get it working and I had no prior knowledge or experience either.

You may want to have a look at how I built my router table for the Incra.

The problem isn't with skill level, it's with actually following the steps and not skipping any. Nearly everyone who complains about the incra has skipped a step or not followed the proceedure.

The incra turns idiots like me into precision woodworkers. Well, less inprecise woodworkers anyway...

But whether it's right for you depends on what you do and how you prefer to do it.

Hi, I must agree with Damian, if you go ahead watch the DVD and follow the included instructions to the letter. I use a full metric Incra system around my tablesaw and a metric router system, I also use a metric Incra hingecrafter. I make everything from buisiness card holders to jewlery and trinket boxes to french doors and dinning tables. I must admit that you are slightly limited in the variety of joinery you can do by the smaller number of templates with the metric system. You do not have to be a master cabinet maker to do fantastic joinery with this system. What you do need to be is pedantic when performing the initial setup prior to cutting the dovetail etc. I am a hobby woodworker and also had no problems setting up both the tablesaw and router although I must admit watching Damian put his system together was a real bonus. The double dovetail you have seen is no more difficult than a regular dovetail and you don't have to be a master.
Cheers
John

Hi

The incra system is precise therefore the only issues you are likely to have will come from failure to precisely follow the set-up procedures and the operating instructions and using router bits that have the same precision (cutting diameter vs. listed diameter).

I would seriously consider the LS 25 vs. LS 17 (metric versions) as the '25's extra range is unlikely to be used. Remember the templates are only 410mm long, which covers 99% plus of applications. We would sell 1 x 25" version for every 100 x 17" versions.

I hope this helps?

Regards

Grahame

Go for it. I am really pleased with mine (though I have the 25 version I would take Gwats advice and stick to the 17 version for a dedicated router setup. I never use the extra capacity). It's easy to use if you follow all the steps in the video. I'll post some pictures of the first project I made with it when I locate them.

Hi,

In general I would agree with Graham on this however the size of the LS is entirely dependent on the size of the work you're trying to do. I have used the full capacity of the LS25 on only one project (a rather large toy box with dovetail joints) over the last few years. If you're going to use the LS on a dedicated router table, the LS17 would be adequate for 95% of jobs.

You mention adding a table saw fence system later. If you intend to add a router wing on your table saw (as I have done - see photo) and combine both routing and sawing on the one table then you should get the 25 because that will give much better reach.

if you get a system - whichever one - read the destructions!