Replies

1. 
   BenchMarkPhil | Oct 26, 2003 09:19pm | #1

   FWIW, for most router table operations you could probably get by with the 12" model which would also be cheaper. If you were to go to the larger model (24"?) You could potentially use it for saw operations as well. This would not be the same as the TS3 saw fence system they sell but stand-alone these precision positioning machines are pretty sturdy by themselves. Something to think about anyway.

   PMB

   http://benchmark.20m.com

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Oct 27, 2003 12:19am | #3

   Hi Phil,

   I was thinking about doing that although the stock Ryobi fence is remarkably sturdy and accurate. The trouble with using the Ultra for the fence would be the difficulty in aligning it accurately each time. This isn't very much of a problem with a router since it is a vertical circular spinning cutter - the fence need not be square to anything except itself. The table saw on the other hand, is a horizontal circular spinning cutter which would require the fence to be set up to very close tolerances. However, since I'm using the right wing of the TS for my router table the fence would have to be removed regularly so the added accuracy of the jig wouldn't justify the time involved in alignment - at least IMO.

   Have you used the Ulta Jig? If so, what is your impression? Thanks.

   Be safe,Ken

2. 
   BG | Oct 26, 2003 09:27pm | #2

   SparrowHawk,

   I'm confused.  I just used my 1000se on the router table for a dado. I have not tried cutting dovetails or box joints on the router table with the Incra..but it seems like it would work fine.  What does the Pro 2 Ultra do for you ?
1. 
   SparrowHawk | Oct 27, 2003 12:29am | #4

   Hi BG,

   The Ultra is very similar to the Incra TS fence in that it reputedly allows accuracy to  1/1000 and is repeatable. The Ultra also includes measuring tapes which allow you to cut correctly spaced dovetails or box joints without a bunch of calculations. Yes yes ... I know they are machine made but I'm starting to get more and more commissions for boxes and time is beginning to be a factor. The jig also allows you to make wooden hinges which is kinda neat but I don't know how practical they might be. I was watching a video on it the other day and thought it was pretty impressive overall ... however it WAS a marketing/sales video so I am not entirely convinced. I've been very pleased as I said origninally, with my mitre gauge 2000 in both performance and construction. I suppose I am here looking for confirmation of the value of the Ultra Jig.

   Be safe,Ken

1. 
   RRusso | Oct 27, 2003 01:24am | #5

   Ken,

   I have the Ultra 24, and it's great. I chose the Incra over the others because of its versatility. It was the only one that would do both half blind and full dovetails without buying an extra template or something similar. Check out the Jointech v. Incra discussion from a week or so ago. I posted a similar reply there....but,

   I have mine mounted on my table saw extension wing. The jig itself is mounted to a piece of plywood and I drilled holes for bolts at each corner, which mate to holes in the extension. Set up is very quick, just plop the jig down, throw in the bolts, and fasten the nuts underneath finger tight. I'm not very familiar with your Ryobi TS, so I'm not sure if the above set-up would work for you. Might want to build a dedicated router table, as you need a bit of space on the fence side of things (24" for the 24, etc.).

   The learning curve isn't very steep, but it took a couple of hours to read through the manual and get familiar with the jig. Once set up, work moves pretty quick. Regarding the "machine" look, I've found that most (I emphasize most) people who aren't woodworkers just think it's cool to see dovetails on drawers and such, and really don't notice a difference between machine and hand cut until it's pointed out to them. You can always vary the spacing, too.

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Oct 27, 2003 12:47pm | #6

   Thanks RRusso112 ... you gave me the information I was looking for. For now I am using the wing in my TS as my router table however I close on a house next Monday that has a 16x25' external garage that will become my workshop. With a bit of creative use of space I should be able to find room for a dedicated router table which would be more convenient than using my TS. In looking over the video again yesterday along with your recommendation among others I've run across I have decided to order the 16" Pro2. Thank you for your input.

   Be safe,Ken