MFT / 3 Precision Saw & Router Fence with INCRA Incremental Positioning System
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mattbyington
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Thank you [member=31814]duc996[/member] ! Now I jsut need to wait 8 weeks for them to ship mine 
Matt
Matt
PeterJJames13
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[member=67555]mattbyington[/member] I'm in your boat. Placed my order on the 20th. Immediately received an email about the lead time (which in fairness to Incra they were upfront about). I think this will be an incredible setup when it all arrives. Luckily I'm not under and time deadlines. Definitely looking forward to getting everything set up!
PeterJJames13
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Nice!
mattbyington
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It's oK. give us something to look forward to
Matt
Matt
PeterJJames13
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Agreed 100%
PeterJJames13
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http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft-upgrade!-incra-ls-positioner-incremental-system-vs-table-saw-fence-on-mft3/?all
I'm not a huge fan of the CMS fence - I'm HOPEFUL this will help a bit with the Incra Wonderfence. I could be wrong, but it'll be fun finding out.
I'm not a huge fan of the CMS fence - I'm HOPEFUL this will help a bit with the Incra Wonderfence. I could be wrong, but it'll be fun finding out.
CirclDigital
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DynaGlide said:
It’s a near perfect fence with a precision and repeatability that others can only dream of...... and it’s quick to adjust as well. Only real downside is that it needs some space.
It depends on what you want to do. The stock CMS fence offset from the router bit is set with a bump and tap until you get it where you want. The incra is zero'd out to the bit, then just use the scales. As you lock it down, the mechanism engages the threaded rod and it locks perfectly and exactly where you want. If you need to fine tune it the micro adjust will move in thousandth's of an inch (with a positive detent so you're not guessing). If you screw up a piece and need to come back and redo it, no problem, that fence system will position the fence exactly where you want it, time after time. There are multiple slots on top for scales, so you can have one scale zero'd out for one operation and other scale for another operation. If you want to plow an ~18mm dado with a 1/2" bit, get your calipers out and measure the panel thickness, measure your bit width exactly, and add 3 thousandths for clearance and do the math to figure out how much that fence needs to move to get your desired result. It will be perfect. The fence halves can be offset for jointing in fine increments as well. It uses two tapered wedges with increments on them, so less elegant than the micro adjust above, but still very accurate.
I'm sure there are other ways to accomplish everything above in a more accurate way with the factory fence, but the incra makes it easy.
They provide templates that slide into the scale slots on the top. These templates allow you to make machine cut dovetails and finger joints with precision. You do have to go through a few test cuts with scrap to get the bit height right and zero the fence to the bit, but once you've done that, just follow the cut marks on the template.
I'm sure there are other ways to accomplish everything above in a more accurate way with the factory fence, but the incra makes it easy.
They provide templates that slide into the scale slots on the top. These templates allow you to make machine cut dovetails and finger joints with precision. You do have to go through a few test cuts with scrap to get the bit height right and zero the fence to the bit, but once you've done that, just follow the cut marks on the template.
southrider
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I haven't used an Incra setup.
I have just purchased and set up a CMS-VL on my MFT (haven't used it yet).
The Incra system created by FOG members is both compelling and intriguing, but costly.
Looking at Incra's website - it seems they are marketing it primarily for repeatable and automatic custom joinery.
Having progressed from a standard router table where fences are set by eye, the heel of my hand, or crude micro adjusters I think Festool's fence would be more than adequate for many of us (me).
If it becomes a hassle - OR - if I start wanting to make more exotic joints, the Incra setup created here just makes sense.
I've always hated traditional dovetail router jigs, and owned a couple different ones. The alternatives are many including hand cut, band saw cut, and now the Incra. The Incra seems to be the most consistent method.
I have just purchased and set up a CMS-VL on my MFT (haven't used it yet).
The Incra system created by FOG members is both compelling and intriguing, but costly.
Looking at Incra's website - it seems they are marketing it primarily for repeatable and automatic custom joinery.
Having progressed from a standard router table where fences are set by eye, the heel of my hand, or crude micro adjusters I think Festool's fence would be more than adequate for many of us (me).
If it becomes a hassle - OR - if I start wanting to make more exotic joints, the Incra setup created here just makes sense.
I've always hated traditional dovetail router jigs, and owned a couple different ones. The alternatives are many including hand cut, band saw cut, and now the Incra. The Incra seems to be the most consistent method.
CirclDigital
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I feel you are doing yourself a bit of a disservice by just looking at the Incra the way you do..... the jointing features are the icing on the cake, not it’s primary function.
The positioner is an accurate and very user friendly fence which primary function is getting you there with the least amount if fuss. Instead of 5-6 test cuts you now will only need 2 and when you need to do a repeat cut later you can simply do that by setting it at a number as well. Not so with most other solutions.
Great if you don’t value or need the accuracy, but why then spend all that for a pretty basic Festool system with a mediocre fence (I’m a fan of most things they have but not all). Lots of better option out there for way less.
The positioner is an accurate and very user friendly fence which primary function is getting you there with the least amount if fuss. Instead of 5-6 test cuts you now will only need 2 and when you need to do a repeat cut later you can simply do that by setting it at a number as well. Not so with most other solutions.
Great if you don’t value or need the accuracy, but why then spend all that for a pretty basic Festool system with a mediocre fence (I’m a fan of most things they have but not all). Lots of better option out there for way less.
mattbyington
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Incra just e-mailed me - mine shipped and will arrive this Thursday - woo-hoo!
Hope you guys are getting yours soon, too.
Matt
Hope you guys are getting yours soon, too.
Matt
PeterJJames13
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mattbyington said:
Mine too! We must have been on the same batch. Looking forward to seeing all it can do
mattbyington
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Me too! Unfortunately I'm out of town this weekend so I can't play with it - but next week for sure.
Matt
Matt
PeterJJames13
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mattbyington said:
Don't feel so bad - I'm working all weekend so it'll have to sit for me as well lol.
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