Incra Jig

[Jim Boyd]

quote:Originally posted by drumpriest

I was thinking of getting the positioner (jig), without the fence and fixture. The reason is that the fence has no dust collection setup, it's low, and the bit hole is small. I don't see why I couldn't do better myself.

The Wonder Fence addresses all of the issues you mention exceeding well. But more $$$

[Jeffrey Schronce]

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

quote:Originally posted by Bulkley

That setup looks like it requires more than just the jig. If you have to make all the other parts, you might as well make the whole jig.

I agree. Total package is $100. I would get this for $139 instead. Both still look like trouble for panel bits.

Agree. The Incra seems to be a much better value.

Ulitmate question has not really been answered. Has anyone used either of these systems for dovetails? What is the learning curve?

[sdj]

Here are the results I am getting with the $59 jig. I consider myself pretty much a novice woodworker.

http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=27871
http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=27962

Just followed the directions in Perry McDaniel's Incra Jig Projects & Techniques book. It is a fantastic step by step guide in using the Incra Jigs. The wood is just Walnut and Hard Maple with Rockler's Wondercote Wipe on Poly.
The Rockler 8" inch Inra jig is relativeley simple to use but takes some practice. I am using a Rockler router table. The maximum capacity of this jig is 8". I have found that your "table insert plate and 'throat plate' " need to be perfectly flat. I am using the aluminum plate with a plastic "ring" from Rockler. I had to shim the plastic ring with masking tape to be exactly level with the aluminum plate.

[psal2]

I like this post. I just bought that plastic version of the jig (set up with the board) and the small incra jig (great for setting heights, etc) at an aution yesterday for $10. Also got a CD radio on the same bid and a bonus...Perry Como CD in the boombox...not bad for $10.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

quote:Originally posted by psal2

I like this post. I just bought that jig (set up with the board) and the small incra jig (great for setting heights, etc) at an aution yesterday for $10. Also got a CD radio on the same bid and a bonus...Perry Como CD in the boombox...not bad for $10.

Was this in an auction house or private auction? I live in the area and can't seem to find anything but crap!

Sweet deal, especially with the Bonus CD. That is a deal sealer right there!

[tropicaffair]

OK, I was in a local Rockler yesterday and was told the Incra Universal Precision Positioning Jig would be going on special soon (probably with a 3 bit set included). Did a search and thought I might resurrect this thread. Has anyone generated any opinions about this jig after using it? The current sale price is $59 and includes the fence, right angle slide and stop block. I haven't jumped into dovetailing yet and a Leigh jig isn't in my immediate future. What is the general concensus - is this setup (at the sale price) worth it? I really try not to buy tools twice, you know, cheap out on the first purchase then buy the better tool anyway.

Russ

[drumpriest]

I have one, and I think it's pretty useful for small box projects. Jewelry boxes and the like. It's not very useful for doing large drawers. Just the way the jig works with the workpiece standing straight up off of the router table, limits the jig.

[tropicaffair]

OK, so here's a question about the Incra jig from a different direction. Instead of the Incra, would I be better off with the Rockler or Porter Cable dovetail jigs as a first-time dovetail-jig purchase? My main useage will be to manufacture dovetails (drawers, cases, etc.) and not for the other operations the Incra jig can do. Box-joints, etc. I already do by other means.

Thanks,

Russ

[drumpriest]

This is definately a tricky question. I've used both of those jigs, and the PC is much easier to use in my opinion than the Rockler. The Rockler is a bit of a pain in the neck. I personally chose to purchase a Leigh jig, and yes, as my FIRST dovetail jig. The question you should ask yourself is whether or not you want to make variable spaced dovetails. The Leigh jig does this, and it is insanely easy to use. I was very surprised at how easy to use it was, considering some of the stories that I had heard about it.

I chose to go that route knowing that I'd want variable spacing at some point, and knowing that I am into trying to do "studio furniture". That, coupled with ease of use made the $$$ more palatable. I didn't want to buy the PC, and then decide a year down the road that I wanted VS and more capacity, thus wasting money.

I put it this way, if you want to make kitchens, buy the PC, if you want to make artistic high end furniture, buy the Leigh.

All of these jigs are far superior to the incra for doing boxes and cases. Remember though that the PC and Rockler will limit your case width quite a bit to 12" or smaller.

[tropicaffair]

Keith,

Thanks for your insights. I guess I'm of the same mindset as you, at some point I will want the ability to make variably spaced dovetails. I also really can't stand buying myself a tool that should meet my needs only to soon realize I should've gone for the next grade up. When I was running crews I would buy certain tools for their "disposability" factor and not so much for their quality (specifically the higher price for this qualtiy). It was easier and cheaper to replace those tools as frequently as needed than to buy top line tools that would need to be replaced almost as often.

Anyway, I'm not in such a rush for a dovetail jig that I can't wait a little longer and get the Leigh.

Thanks again,

Russ

[drumpriest]

Russ, correction, not "boxes and cases", I meant "drawers and cases". Sorry about that. The Incra is great for small box projects and the like. Precision on the small scale, that's what Incra does well. I think you are being wise, the only trouble is that Leigh jigs just don't go on sale.