Thread: incra metric vs imperial router fence

Whilst I have not used the metric version (I have the imperial) I would guess that the templates would be slightly different to account for the slight difference in size of router bits, not so much that there are twice as many templates to use. You will not be missing out on a second world of wonderful joinery by going one over the other.

If you get the metric version you will need to get the corresponding metric router bits to match the template. Not a big issue if you are buying new and they can be purchased as an Incra box set. If you have existing router bits that suit the imperial templates they will not work with the metric templates.

The metric would be handy as I work in metric, and it would be easier when using the Incra as an off set fence, but as I double check the offset (if not using the templates) then it doesn't matter too much.

Cheers

Stinky.

Sorry I missed the bit that said that the imperial comes with twice as many templates as the metric ..... I don't have an answer for this unfortunately. Perhaps Incra just haven't modified all of the templates from imperial to metric for some reason.

I was planning on getting the Whiteside bit set either which way so metric/imperial makes no difference there. Although I could use imperial my brain was really brought up thinking in metric (and my job dictates it) so it's always a job having to suddenly think of things as 5/64" rather than 2(ish)mm etc. Mostly I was just wondering why the difference in template number and if they cut out anything interesting. I must say (and obviously without owning one yet) they certainly seem to have done a strange job on the metric version, less templates and using a combination of imperial and metric bits.

Originally Posted by chemfish

I was planning on getting the Whiteside bit set either which way so metric/imperial makes no difference there. Although I could use imperial my brain was really brought up thinking in metric (and my job dictates it) so it's always a job having to suddenly think of things as 5/64" rather than 2(ish)mm etc. Mostly I was just wondering why the difference in template number and if they cut out anything interesting. I must say (and obviously without owning one yet) they certainly seem to have done a strange job on the metric version, less templates and using a combination of imperial and metric bits.

The facts of the Metric conversion are;

1. The number of joints made are almost the same, the imperial templates had a number of duplicates that were not included in the metric set.

1. The straight bits plus 1 dovetail bit were changed in the metric router bit set the remaining bits were within 'tweaking' distance (a bit of height adjustment) to match the metric templates

• Functionally, there isn't one part of the LS system that hasn't been converted to metric. Leadscrew 1.0mm pitch / Sawtooth Racks on Fence 1.0mm pitch / Micro Adjust 1/20th mm / Shop Stop 1.00mm pitch / Stainless Steel Scale 1.00mm markings / Template library has a metric addendum.

The metric version is great and is even being accepted in North America.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Grahame