I’ve been looking at these units online and would like your opinions on them. The units I’ve checked on are the Ultra 16″ and 24″ versions — also recently noticed a unit called the Pro-2 (also available in two sizes). My primary interest in them is the accuracy and intricacy with which one can do dovetail and other joinery, etc. I do not have any type of dovetail template at this point.
Are these units as useful for ‘normal’ dovetailing such as drawers, etc., as they are for decorative boxes?
Is the 16″ version OK or is there a good reason to go with the 24″ unit?
Thanks in advance for your input.
B&B Woodworking
Replies
I would get the larger unit because if you use it as much as I do you would soon be wishing that you had the larger one. And yes you will be using it for most of your routing. You will appreciate the accuracy and the repeatability. Especially the TS model, I started way back when I saw a grey plastic odd looking thing that would produce results beyond my capabilities [at that time] Even had to make my own templates by using adhesive tape. It has come a long way. Just take it slow and steady . Try to find someone fairly close by that can answer questions. Their videos are good ,I sure. GOOD LUCK
I don't know what you are trying to accomplish with your woodworking so keep that in mind. I think the incra jig system and others like it are very good at what they are marketed to do which is decorative joints that are designed with that system in mind. I found that for drawers of a typical size for a dresser are awkward and difficult to do on this type of jig. I found it to be very limiting for the type of work I do (mostly furnituer) and not at all fun to use.
The leigh dovetail jig is much better suited to furniture and casework and doesn't limit your designs as it is very adjustable. I don't find it fun to use either but it produces decent joints that aren't as abviously jig made as many other joints.
Check my recent thread "choppin dovetails" in the joinery section and you will see where I am currently headed in my own woodworking. You may want to give the hand cut route a try. No matter which way you decide o go, make sure it is an enjoyable experience. That is really what it's all about. The incra system was far from enjoyable for me.
Tom
Douglasville, GA
Hi, BArnald
I used an original 8" to cut dovetails on my first few projects. I found it slow and tedious, but they fit well.
I now cut my dovetails by hand. It's still slow and tedious, and they don't fit so well. But my wife likes to show them off.
That said, I use my Incra Jig for whenever routing calls for a fence. It,s nice to have indexed cuts, just like a tablesaw fence. I find the 8" jig more convenient than my 24" jig, which sticks out the back of my router table too far.
I recommend borrowing one to try before you spend $.
Regards,
Dan
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