Thread: NEW resource for Incra wonderfence - generate custom joints

H'mmm, I don't really understand why using the imperial racks is such a deal breaker for so many users. The way the system works means that you can use stock cut to metric dimensions as easily as stock cut to imperial dimensions, with your imperial racks. You have to ensure that the width of the stock is suited to the template you intend to use of course, but that is the case regardless of which racks you use.

Because the imperial bits are much more readily available and you have the advantage of 32 teeth per inch instead of 25.4 the system is bound to be much more versatile using the imperial racks.

+1 for the Whiteside bits. Well worth the purchase price.

Sorry Evanism, but as the only router bit manufacturer I deal with makes only straight solid carbide bits, and I'm of the opinion that you guys are trying to 'fix' a system that works perfectly well already, I won't be losing any sleep trying to get any special dovetail bits made to suit the metric racks. Although I acknowledge there is probably a market for such bits.

Cheers,
David

I've not spent much time on this over the last few days. Everyone's feedback is excellent.

Personally I'm saddened that metric is seen as an extension, or amendment. I'm quite certain this is why I enjoy all my Festool gear so much.

Inches. Really!

how can you define a tapered router bit such as a dovetail bit, which has a diameter that changes over its length that can be measured in both the imperial and metric system as either one or the other? Same applies to ogee bits. The top and bottom may well match one system of measure or the other but take your pick what you measure in between?

Cheers

Doug

Originally Posted by Evanism

Inches. Really!

Yep, really! Get over it.

Hi All

A couple of clarifications needed for those who may stumble across this thread in the future.

1. We're talking about the Incra Positioner Systems, not the WonderFENCE which is really just an add-on to the positioner, be it rack based or lead-screw based. The base systems with just a joinery fence can achieve the same results as a Super System with the WonderFENCE. The primary difference is ease of use and of course through the fence dust collection.
   
2. As the system is INCRA mental it doesn't really matter what measurement units you wish to use, so long as the cut dimension of the router bit matches the template.
   
3. However we must remember they are not interchangeable. You have to be in either the Imperial or the Metric camp.

I'm yet to see a router based system that can even come close to the versatility and accuracy of the Incra systems.

Regards

Grahame

100% agree Gwhat. Not disputing that at all.

In fact, you'd be hard pushed to find a greater advocate of the entire Incra range. As any visitor to my studio will attest, I have everything and two of some!

The Incra TSLS is an absolutely golden tool of incredible versatility. I show it off at every opportunity. Thinking it over, I'd wager I'm personally responsible for the sales of at least 10 systems. I also use it within my business and promote my accuracy as one of the key differentiators to win business.

My apparent vigour to find additional metric dovetail options is solely to expand the repertoire for half-blind dovetails.... Not that they are limited, I just want MORE!!!! (through dovetails suffer none of these limitations, in fact one can go truly nuts with fanciness)

I may have to pop thru your way again sometime and have the advatages of the system fully expounded to me

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

I may have to pop thru your way again sometime and have the advatages of the system fully expounded to me

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

I could bring a "disembodied" LS positioner (just the positioner and wonderfence not attached to tablesaw or router table) to your GTG at the end of the month, Dave, and let you and others see how it works, if you would like.

What I love about Incra is how everything is repeatable. If you have cut it once and recorded the settings you can cut another one EXACTLY the same any time in the future, no matter how many times you have moved the fence. Great for production work (Hey Doug, I love that thingy you made, can you make me one just like it) or for when a piece gets damaged during another stage of construction and you need to duplicate it.

Let me know if you think that would be worth doing.
Cheers

Doug

Sure doug. Would be good

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Or if you want you can have a look next weekend here to [emoji3]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Or if you want you can have a look next weekend here to [emoji3]

You mean you got something I haven't

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

[emoji3][emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]

For the sake of completion of the exercise, the software needed to generate new patterns and arbitrary placements on new bits can be found here: https://lowrie.github.io/pyRouterJig

pyRouterJig is by Robert Lowrie and does everything I intended to some time ago.

Its excellent, free and does finger joints, a multitude of dovetails plus double-doubles of both.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

For the sake of completion of the exercise, the software needed to generate new patterns and arbitrary placements on new bits can be found here: https://lowrie.github.io/pyRouterJig

I have had a little play with what it can do and it is quite impressive. One thing though, is that I cannot seem to get it to design a joint with an even number of fingers. It always seems to keep the middle finger and add extra fingers equally to either side as you adjust size/spacing. You don't seem to be able to design a joint with 4 or six fingers. Or maybe I haven't discovered how to do it yet. Still a very useful program.

Cheers

Doug