Incra table saw fences Pros and Cons
fingerlessHack
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I am considering buying an Incra table saw fence but would like input from experienced users before final decision. The following models, TS-LS, LS32TS, and TS-III are some that caught my interest. I would like to get a better feel on the difference of these models or the Incra table saw fence in general. I think a criteria of mine is having the capability of ripping 52″. I am quite certain the LS32TS is limited to 32″ rips… assumed by 32 number being a part of the model number. But I would guess it comes in a 52″ flavor as well.
Any pros or cons (price already known con) would be appreciated… or general babble is welcomed too.
Cheers and thanks.
Replies
The 32" Incra fence can rip wider if you pick up the carriage and move it further out on the rails. Of course, then you can't use the measuring tape on the fence and have to measure your rip width with a stick or tape. The Incra has rail stops so that when you want to put the carriage back in the original position, you don't have to go through the calibration again. I intalled my rails further to the right than the instructions say to do because I never use the fence on the left side of the blade and don't need the rails on that side. The way I have it set up, I can get a maximum of 43" of rip width when the carriage is as far to the right as it will go. My old saw had a 50" Vega fence. I found that I didn't ever need that much capacity because I use the Festool system to cut up sheets of plywood. I like the Incra because of the precision it provides. The drawbacks are (1) the extra space it needs to the right of the saw when the fence is fully extended and (2) the cost.
joespehar,
Thanks for the input. What model did you purchase? You indicated you are happy with the Incra; but if you had to do it all over again would you?
Cheers,
rh
I have the LS 32. Yes, I would get it again. I had bought a Jet cabinet saw with the 50" Premier Xacta fence, similar to the Biesemeier. It is an excellent fence, but liked the idea of being sure of my measurements and setting them to very fine tolerances without hauling out a measuring stick every time. Since I didn't need the 50", I sold the Xacta and got the Incra.
Just one review I found..
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/incrats3.htm
Look on the web.. Sure there is more out there.
I have most of the Incra stuff.. I like it all ALOT when I use it.. Pain in the butt when I have to remove it for something it is in the way of.. Like anything.. Trade-off's
I 've been using incra T S for at least 5 yrs and wouldn't use anything else-- the accuracy and dependability make it an important tool in my shop-- if I have to rip wide pieces , I think I would invest in a straight edge and a good blade for my skill saw rather than pushing the incra to such widths-- e-mail Perry McDaniel and find out the longest beam available -- he recently told me that he soon would have a 72 inch tape available-- he's constantly going forward with technology -- and always available to answer questions -- good luck
I have the 52" LS model on a Powermatic 66 tablesaw. I have been very happy with it.
ChrisIndiana,
Many thanks for the input!
Can the 52" LS model be easily adjusted where as to slide the unit further to the right, originally from the left side of blade, to accomadate 48" or 50" rips?
Cheers
The rails could be slid down, but it would not be easy. There are stops that would have to be reset that keep the fence parallel with the blade. How wide do you need to rip on left of the blade?
With the 52" model on my PM 66, with it set to rip 52" on the right I can rip 14" to the left of the blade. The rails that came with my 52" model are 92" long.
Chris
ChrisIndiana, thanks.
Ahhh, gotcha, 92" rails equate to 52" rip on right side of blade and 14" rip on left side of blade. That sounds like it satisfies my need for ripping 4X8 panels accurately and not having to jack around with readjusting the rail stops. Great news.
Can you recommend a good source (price wise and legitimate service) to purchase 92" rails setup?
Do you know the difference between TS-III vs the LS models... or are both really the same thing? I only found difference mentioned between LS vs. Ultra, which stated LS is newer model (last 18 months approx) and Ultra was standard model pre LS, 9 years or so I think. Well if LS was newer model relative to Ultra, I am assuming TS-III is even newer than LS. And if so; why is TS-III better than LS?
Cheers
I have purchased all of my Incra products from Woodpecker. They do Woodworking Shows & mail order. Their web address is http://www.woodpeck.com. They are very good to work with. They do have an email mailing list. They have weekly specials that they email to subscribers.
The TS-III has the Ultra positioner. I my opinion, the LS is much nicer than the Ultra. I had the Ultra on a router table for several years before I got the table saw fence. I debated about getting the Ultra or the LS for the table saw. I decided to get the LS. I liked it so much better than the Ultra that I got an LS for the router table also. The main improvements of the LS are the micro adjustment knob is right behind the fence. On the Ultra the micro adjust knob is behind the locking handle. If the fence is streched out on a table saw it is difficult to reach the micro adjust knob & check the measurements at the same time. Also instead of the plastic positioning racks of the Ultra the LS has a steel screw for positioning.
ChrisIndiana,
Once again many thanks! I just took a look at Woodpeck and the LS 52", although not cheap, seemed better priced than other sites. Thanks for setting me straight on differences between TS-III (Ultra) and LS. Sounds like Ultra has some unfriendly quirks which were addressed/enhanced in the LS model. I finally feel like I can now make an informed decision. Funny naming convention, I would have assumed Ultra was better than LS... does not Ultra imply the ultimate... never use logic it will confuse you.
Cheers.
If you want to get one from Woodpeckers, get their E-mail news letter. It has cupon codes for discounts. If I'm not mistaken, that fence system was on special this week. Call and get the one for this week. You may get it cheaper.
bones,
Thanks for the tip. I just joined but did not receive a coupon listing. So, I emailed them and asked for coupon listing to be sent ASAP. Hope they are able to accomadate.
Cheers.
Sorry, I just checked my old E-mail, and the current sale does not include the fence. If you can wait, I'm sure it will be on sale again soon. They rotate through their stuff. A new one will be out on friday. I have not had a bad experience with Woodpeckers yet. Good luck.
bones,
Thanks for the followup. Yes, they sent me the latest coupon list and I too discovered LS fence was not included. However, this does not negate the fact your suggestion/tip is a good one. I have a little time to wait before my new Sawstop arrives, which I did not order with the optional fence.
What is the approx. time to wait for a cycle to come full circle? If you had to guess, what is an approx. coupon discount range one could anticipate?
Cheers and thanks.
About every 4-6 weeks, stuff starts cycling through. You never know you may see it earlier. They also have a sale of goods that might have a blemish and they list those as seconds. They grade them A,B, and C. They have are mostly cosmetic blemishes, but would function perfectly. You might check those out as well. Good luck.
I've got the 32' model on a Ridgid table saw and love it. It is very accurate and easy to use.
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