Incra Reviews
- INCRA precision on both sides of the blade
- Sawtooth Rack based Automatic Positioning Control for the Table Saw
- 36" heavy duty Rip Fence stays PERFECTLY parallel at ALL settings.
- Heavy duty rail system for three point fence clamping
- Extra-long carriage, 32" positioning range
List price: $444.95 (that's 12% off!)
Yeah, it's pretty nice
Incra TSIII-32 Ultra Micro Precision Table Saw FenceI made several cuts after truing the fence. Repeatability is well within the .002" tolerances described (I used dial calipers to check measurement), as I went from 1" to 2" cuts then back to 1" with unmatched precision. The micro adjustment feature allows for adjustments as small as .001" - well within anything I will be making in my woodshop.
Everything about this fence shouts quality. I am hooked on the system, and would recommend it without reservation to anyone thinking about making a change from their standard fence.
One word - Amazing!Once installed and calibrated the precision of this fence is amazing. The 3 included scales (1 steel, 2 mylar and a slot for a fourth) can be individually adjusted thereby making different fence and blade setup combinations easy while maintaining precision. The fence has built-in sawtooth racks which allow positive stops to 1/32" and a fine adjustment knob allowing you to fine tune the fence position to an astounding .001". Of course under the vast majority of circumstances, this level of precision isn't necessary but it sure is nice to know its possible if you need it. Further, you can move and reposition your fence to the left side of the table and back again quickly and without losing ANY accuracy.
The fence installation was straight forward and installed easily on my newer model craftsman contractor's saw. The fit, finish and quality of the various components are outstanding and once assembled the system is very robust (even with the 92" rails which I upgraded to).
Overall, I can find no fault with this fence except the high price. However, if your serious about the quality of your tools, this system is worth the price.
- Precise, versatile, easy-to-use
- Micro-fine marking holes and slots
- Scribe exactly on target with zero uncertainty
- Set to every scale position
- Limited one-year warranty
List price: $19.95 (that's 4% off!)
Add this to your marking toolsBuy it you wont be sorry...get the 12" rule too.
Nice!
Incra Makes the Most Dependable Marking ToolsIn some of Incra's brochures, they show a way to use the T-rule to mark your lines. You put the pencil into one of the marking holes, and then you slide the rule along the wood's edge. As the rule slides, a perfect line is drawn. I don't do this myself, but I see that it's possible.
The T-rule is made of sturdy material, and it is dead-on accurate. The rule portion is flexible but strong. It can slide along the "T" section, depending on how you need to do your measurement. There are two adjustment knobs, which you loosen, then move the rule, and then re-tighten the knobs. When locked, the rule is held down securely and accurately. (As an aside, the "T" also has that trademark red color I associate with Incra products -- it has a soothing quality for me.)
Although the rules are made of thin metal, they are very strong. I've dropped my rules a few times, even stepped on the T-rule once, and it didn't seem bothered by it at all.
One thing to be aware of is that the measurements on this rule are in 1/32" and 1/64" increments. This means you have to convert into 1/4" or 1/8", which isn't too much of a problem, but it is something to be aware of. It's a fine trade-off for such accuracy.
Over all, this is a great product that can be used in every furniture-making project for accurate markings.
- Blade angle deviation less than 0.001" along full length of blade
- One piece blade design cut from solid hardened aluminum
- Support lip holds the tool on the edge of workpiece for marking and layout
- Extra thick 1/4" solid alloy blade
List price: $ (that's NaN% off!)
Worth the expenseBTW, the guy who said that the box was nice was right - it's cardboard but has a form-fitting high-density foam insert that the square rests in. The whole thing has "serious equipment" written all over it.
Must buy
Great square
- Quick action cam clamp locks jig in place with a single motion
- Built-in micro adjustability moves the jig smoothly to any position
- Linear tracking system offers ultra low friction guidance
- Fully assembled
List price: $289.95 (that's 31% off!)
Incra jig ultra review
Complete ControlThe heart of the system is the LS Positioner, which controls the fence from a rock solid center rather than from the ends as do most fence systems. The LS position locks into 1/32" increments, which can then be adjusted by 1000th's of an inch. This is more precision than a woodworker might ever need, but it is nice to have available. Also included as the Incra stop and the right angle fixture. With all of this mounted on the 28" fence you have a milling machine capable of exotic work.
The LS Positioner holds what Incra calls templets. These are plastic strips that come market with all the positions to cut a particular joint pattern. Something like sophisticated story sticks. There are places to keep five of these active on the Positioner - this is to minimize switching. I suppose the idea seems a bit corny, but Incra has bet their reputation on these templets, and they really do work.
Two notes of warning - Incra calls this a 16" jig, but the truth is that is takes nearly 30" of machine to give you that 16" cutting width. In all likelihood you will have to build an extension to your routing table. In my case I wound up adding 12 inches of draw. And you want this to be a solid extension, since the jig and fence weigh an appreciable amount. And the learning curve for a jig with this many adjustments is pretty steep (this isn't helped by a terse manual). Expect to do a bit of experimenting before you are getting the best results possible.
Great fence and joinery system
- Holes at every scale position
- Use as a precision T-square
- Guide slots wrap around workpiece
- Draw perfectly placed horizontal lines
List price: $76.95 (that's 16% off!)
I'm hooked on Incra "Mania"I then bought the 6" rule, and it is so accurate, I measure all of my other measuring devices by it. I wound up throwing out my far less than accurate tape measures and rules. Oh a lot of them are accurate through out the rule, but the beginning reference could be off somewhat. What else matters? Some people are not into getting totally accurate measurements. My philosophy is to strive for perfection, and settle for excellence. So onto the rule.
Since it has these tiny holes that you place the tip of a mechanical pencil into, then slide the rule along your workpiece. Thereby insuring a perfect line, exactly the distance from the edge. No holding the pencil along a rule, and sliding it along, making a varied line. If you use these rules, and gently begin your cut a hair over the line, you can tweak the workpiece up to the edge of your blade at exactly the mark line.
I use the 6" so much, that I decided to get the 12" complete set, which includes the edge-corner rule etc. I know that when I need to mark a workpiece greater than 6", I am going to be cursing myself for needing to use a ruler and a try to make the mark at the right spot method.
The thing about the Incramental system, in all of the their equipment, is that it takes less time to make a perfect cut. Some people feel that this kind of accuracy is not essential, but once you get into perfect fitting cuts, your quickly spoiled. Incra is unique. Check out all of their items. This rule set is a nice addition to your arsenal. Highly recommended.
Best on the market.No measuring device is "exact" but, after calibration, I found these to be as accurate as rulers costing 5 times as much. Also, the aluminum bar is amazingly repeatable. I found that removing and replacing the bar caused no degredation in accuracy. So don't be affraid to adjust the bar to suit your application. As long as the ruler is seated against the stop it will have a remarkable accuracy.
The price is the final star in this package. I would expect to pay twice this price to get even one ruler this accurate and useful. But here they give you three. You can't go wrong with these.
Best money I have spent this year
- Precise, versatile, easy-to-use
- Micro-fine marking holes and slots
- Scribe exactly on target with zero uncertainty
- Set to every scale position
- Limited one-year warranty
List price: $34.95 (that's NaN% off!)
Accurate, Easy-to-Use MeasuringIn some of Incra's brochures, they show a way to use the T-rule to mark your lines. You put the pencil into one of the marking holes, and then you slide the rule along the wood's edge. As the rule slides, a perfect line is drawn. I don't do this myself, but I see that it's possible.
The T-rule is made of sturdy material, and it is dead-on accurate. The rule portion is flexible but strong. It can slide along the "T" section, depending on how you need to do your measurement. There are two adjustment knobs, which you loosen, then move the rule, and then re-tighten the knobs. When locked, the rule is held down securely and accurately. (As an aside, the "T" also has that trademark red color I associate with Incra products -- it has a soothing quality for me.)
Although the rules are made of thin metal, they are very strong. I've dropped my rules a few times, even stepped on the T-rule once, and it didn't seem bothered by it at all.
One thing to be aware of is that the measurements on this rule are in 1/32" and 1/64" increments. This means you have to convert into 1/4" or 1/8", which isn't too much of a problem, but it is something to be aware of. It's a fine trade-off for such accuracy.
Over all, this is a great product that can be used in every furniture-making project for accurate markings.
Absolutely Repeatable Marking. Best Tool Ever for Mortises!
I echo the words of the other reviewer. I use this thing all the time. It is the only measuring device I ever use when laying out mortises.
Try this with your ruler. Mark 3-31/32" from then edge of your wood and then lift your ruler, move your wood around and try to use the same ruler to make the same measurement. I'm not saying it can't be done, but with this thing, you can draw a .5mm line E-X-A-C-T-L-Y over the one you previously drew. It's not off by a "hair" or a "smidgin" or "a little", it's dead-on.
By sliding the "fence" on this t-rule across your edge as you make your mark, it's possible to make a repeatable and exact measurement from the edge of your board all the way down the length of the board in any increment (down to 64ths).
I stress repeatability because that's very important when trying to mark two separate pieces exactly the same.
Since this ruler came into my shop, I occasionally amaze myself, and that alone makes it worth the price!
Most used marking and measuring tool in my shop
- Blade angle deviation less than 0.001" along full length of blade
- One piece blade design cut from solid hardened aluminum
- Support lip holds the tool on the edge of workpiece for marking and layout
- Extra thick 1/4" solid alloy blade
Precision like the other Incra-products
Precision like the other Incra-products
- Holes at every scale position
- Use as a precision T-square
- Guide slots wrap around workpiece
- Draw perfectly placed horizontal lines
List price: $105.95 (that's 25% off!)
Super Rulers -- Super Accurate -- Super Flimsy...But... make a rack for them and keep them off the floor... One crimp, and the accuracy is gone.
Still... they get 5 stars!
Exactly What You NeedThese precision marking rulers have precisely drilled guide slots to fit a marking tool such as a sharp pencil or scribe eliminating the uncertainty in your measurement. The included T-square allows one to scribe the measurement by moving the T-square along a straight edge. Perfect. The marking ruler is handy for making that perfect mark. The bend ruler is great for all those edge and end mesurements.
The rulers are made out of very thin stainless steel and if your not careful you can put a hard to straighten crimp in them.
Use them the first time and you won't want to go back.
- Precise, versatile, easy-to-use
- Micro-fine marking holes and slots
- Scribe exactly on target with zero uncertainty
- Set to every scale position
- Limited one-year warranty
List price: $44.95 (that's 22% off!)
Terrific marking tool
- Learn how to make perfect joints
- Techniques and tips
List price: $28.29 (that's 12% off!)
A necessity if you have an Incra UltraThis video made the easy setups for centering even easier. I wished I had viewed it first. It also shows how to prevent tearout when cutting the outside waste from the tails.
Now that I can now see how easy through dovetails are(hint - you still have to hand chisel part of the joint due to the round bit being used).
This video also covers the double dovetails and sliding dovetails.
It's too bad Incra can't just throw this in with the cost of the jig. It would make the experience of opening the box and using the jig a much more enjoyable experience.
INCRA - maybe you could make this an option for say $15 when packaged with the jig!
I've found them to be largely true, but the system has some issues, too:
Yep, it DOES take up a lot of precious floor-space. This is especially compounded by moving the rails further to the right to extend rip capacity.
My fence is not flat. I read a ~.020" bow (proud in the center behind the carriage) with my dial caliper over the length of the fence. I expect I could grind this down, or shim out via a sub-fence.
The rails are LONG, and supporting them, while not required, seems prudent. This is especially true if you're dropping a router in an extension wing.
The "hairline" cursor on my positioner is not a hairline - it's tough reading that little scale, too - I think I could easily lock down 1/32" off and not realize it (this could be my vision, though).
I noticed that clamping the positioner in seems to move the fence a little. Not a big deal but it makes initial set-up a little hit-or-miss.
This is a modular product, so the terminology gets confusing. You're looking at a TSIII fence "system" - it includes the Ultra positioner, rails, a mounting plate, fence, and carriage. To Incra's credit, these items are all offered seperately, but this makes it a little more confusing. Some of these parts are identical to the router-table based systems (the positioner, the carriage, e.g.). It seems a little redundant to buy a TS AND a RT system since they share these components.
The knob to clamp down the front of the fence seems a little cheesy, and the back of the fence is clamped down with a (supplied) Allen wrench driver. Just seems odd compared to conventional systems.
Obviously these are picky little issues - it's a clever design, it's very modular (adding extension tables/ accesories is a breeze), manuals and packaging are the best I've seen, it can serve double-duty as a RT fence, etc. With many more words I could convey: the system is really flexible and will allow you to come up with a configuration that will suit your work needs/style.
I'm saying nothing about accuracy here because I think that's been covered well elsewhere.
The fence seems to remain square to the slots / blade, but it just feels unlikely that this is true when you use it. The center mount, friction from dragging hold downs, and general "flimsyness" of the system (in it's unlocked state - when locked, it's very secure) make me feel like the fence is skewing all over the place.
I know this is mixed bag for a review but when I was researching, I could find nothing other than "perfect"...