A new LS positioner thread.......initially misplaced into wrong Forum

Hi everyone, As I've mentioned earlier, I'm in the process a buying a new Incra LS 17" (430mm) positioner and wonder fence. Along with the system I'll be needing a new router table to fit it to. I've fleetingly read most of the postings regarding everyone else's experiencing mounting and or fitting this Incra device in previous threads. I had intended just to buy a production router table top to suit this system, but having read (in particular Big Shed's) experiences, I think I might have a crack at making my own top and base. I am in the position of having a mate in the US who will buy and ship anything I need to me as long as it's not too big. So ................... This is the first of what I'm certain will be many more questions on my part regarding the LS. So even considering this system is capable of many wonderful designs, is it capable of making tenons that a separate coping sled is more specifically capable of? Thanks in advance guys and I hope you don't mind the many more queries that I'll be tossing at you as things develop. Regards, Bob

The INCRA system is just that, you'll need a suitable router bit to make tenons. Probably easier on the table saw or just using a tenon saw.

There are many ways to make a tenon. You can even use a bandsaw if you have one handy and of course don't discount using loose tenons as this eliminates making tenons completely. Just use your hand held router to make mortices and then a bullnose or roundover bit to make tenon stock. Add a v-groove or two for glue escape and you'll be set.

I wouldn't mess around on the router table making tenons, far the most clumsy option. If you do though, look at the specific tenon cutters from Wealdon in the UK.

...I have the LS32 and as Hilton says, there are quicker ways to make tenons. If you need to experiment go right ahead as you will probably find some interesting ways and means to the Incra positioner, and you will enjoy the experience.
Mine is mounted on the table saw with a right hand router table so I get the best of both worlds in using the LS32 for both saw and router.

As all the videos I'm sure you have watched, show you how to make dovetails, box joints etc, rip exact width pieces, it is an amazing bit of gear once you learn a little bit about it.

Just have a lot of scrap pieces laying around for experimenting on, and a bit/lot of spare time, coffee brewing in the background and you're in 7th heaven.
I find the Incra system perfect for me, as I like to be as close as possible to perfection when it comes to joints, repeatable cuts and the like.
...and Wealdon is a great place to shop, cheap postage to boot.
Anyways...enjoy:)

Thanks for your advice and suggestions guys. As always I appreciate everyone taking the time to offer their own knowledge and experiences. Thanks also for the Wealdon site. I love adding new sites to my Woodworking folder in Bookmarks.

Next question.....mounting the unit in relation to the router bit as per instructions. Obviously I have yet to read them or know what fitting methods are required. I remember briefly reading some posts regarding this and that Fred (Big Shed) had solved it by fitting recessed mounting threads at precise intervals. I was wondering if putting a couple of T tracks in line with the mounting bolts would alleviate this dilemma and allow infinite mounting positions to suit when using it in standard mode or with the Wonder Fence fitted.

Thanks,
Bob

I guess you could install t-tracks. However I doubt you'll need to move your positioner that often unless you need the maximum depth offered by the Incra system. That being the case, it would probably be easier to use a Leigh R9 dovetail kit or make box joints using the iBox.

I haven't made anything that large requiring dovetails but can only imagine that the LS-Positioner would be the most difficult. If the piece (chest) is a one-off then I would be hand cutting the dovetails or if it was more utilitarian (kids toy box) then I would use my Ibox on the table saw and make nice big joints.

Hope I've understood your requirements?

Thanks Hilton. You got it pretty right. I guess my question regarding the LS' placement has been pretty well answered by now.
I already have a Gifkins Dovetail and box jointing jig, but I'm thinking that with the LS Positioner's potential I think I will also not be needing it anymore along with my Triton router table.
Big Shed has steered me in the right direction regarding the construction of the router table. I've ordered Woodpecker's Triton Aluminium router plate from Professional Woodworking Supplies, and (sorry PWS), I will also be getting some small bits and pieces from Woodpeckers "directly". Fortunately I have a very good mate who lives in Florida and he will be able to post them over to me which I'm sure will be cheaper than having WP ship it directly. (Any suggestions of what I should get while I can will be appreciated). Especially considering that from what little I was able to glean from WP's website, I'm not even sure they actually ship to individuals overseas. I may be wrong (as I usually am), but I couldn't see anything that could suggest otherwise.
Anyhow, that's my progress for now, such as it is. When I get something moving, I'll take plenty of pics.

Cheers,
Bob

If your buying a 17 then your not worried about depth. The wonderfence only robs two or three inches so you'll still have about 12" depth with it on. If you need more than that buy a 25 not a 17.

Mines on a table saw with router wing. Really leverages the fence, makes it much more versatile, and because it's incra you can swap back and forth quickly with perfect repeatability every time.

Tenons on the router are slower but if you've got a great router table it might be better than doing a special set up or buying extra tools or machines to do that job. I suspect you will want a decent miter gauge though, I find the V27 good and quite affordable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glenrob

(Any suggestions of what I should get while I can will be appreciated).

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If you're getting the metric (I suggest this) LS-positioner then you'll need the Whiteside router bit set.

Hilton,
I've ordered a few Whiteside router bits in with the parts my mate is sending over for me. I let my head go and bought the larger of the Woodpeckers' coping sled too while I was at it.
The other day while I was having another browse through the site where I found the Incra positioner initially, I happened to find an Incra 3000 SE Mitre guage for a really great price with free shipping from the US. Sooooo I now have one of them on the way as well. I'll let everyone know when all my bits and pieces arrive so I can post some pics and if any of the 'local' members want to drop in and check it out you are all welcome. Some may be interested in seeing what it looks like before it's all put together.
Well that's it for now. Everything is in the wind for now and I'm chewing my finger nails in anticipation.
I have a small project that I'm doing for my daughter to finish and a bit of painting inside the house I have to catch up on to keep me busy while I'm waiting, plus there's the WW show in Sydney next week. I have to get my wish list ready for that too cause I can be sure my credit card is gonna cop a hiding then. Not sure which day we'll be there, but looking forward to it.

Cheers guys,
Bob