Went for the Incra Combo #3, any other things I should get?

[rljatl]

Only thing I don't like about the Incra setup is it is an MDF core, though it is thicker than most at I think 1-3/8" thk.  I was wanting to get a phenolic or even cast iron top.

[member=64379]ChiknNutz[/member]
I use a cast iron top with my Incra LS 17 setup.  The Excalibre iron top came from General before they shut down.  Now, I think you can still get a Benchdog cast iron top from Rockler.

Rockler router tables

 

[ChiknNutz]

Well I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the whole shmoo...The Incra "Works" setup along with the PC7518 router.  Now just have to wait two months to get it  [blink]

 

[bryanjtx]

I have had the Incra works table along with the Power tek Router for about a year.  Really love the set up.  I went with the Jessem router to obviously have the variable speed easily accessible.  I did have problems with the router unit.  First one was DOA, just wouldn't start.  The second one had a bad control unit and wouldn't keep a constant speed.  Both replaced by Jessem fairly quickly.  They sent new ones, I installed the head unit and returned the others in the same shipping box.  It has reliable so far.

I would look at adding an the additional stop block as you only get one in the set and I often place one on each side.  Secondly, I'd get the solid plate cover so that you can use the table for other things and not worry about anything dropping into the router cavity.
Can also recommend the Jessem clear stock guides and the Whiteside router bits.

You'll get through the wait period and won't look back--it's awesome!

 

[grbmds]

Only thing I don't like about the Incra setup is it is an MDF core, though it is thicker than most at I think 1-3/8" thk.  I was wanting to get a phenolic or even cast iron top.

I wouldn't worry about the MDF top. I've had my Incra for 6 or 7 years and the top was flat to begin with and still is. I can find nothing wrong with the Incra setup and wish I had bought it years before I did. While the under table dust collection is good, it could be a little bit better, but other than that, it's one of my most useful tools in the shop.

 

[ChiknNutz]

Glad to hear about so many good reviews of the Incra router table.  Thanks for the replies.

 

[ChiknNutz]

Question for those using this, for dust collection, do you also connect to the Wonder Fence or does the Cleansweep collect as much of the debris as you can?  Meaning, do I need to worry about getting fittings and hose for both the cleansweep box AND the wonder fence or just the cleansweep?

 

[hdv]

I have both the Cleansweep and the Wonder Fence connected to my Dust Cobra.  I really do recommend using both options. Each of them on its own is OK, but when you use them both almost all dust and shavings are sucked up by the system. The only time I have dust "escaping" is when I do grooves.

SRSemenza recommended a second extender bar with stop (PPRF-600100), which is a great idea (thanks for that pointer!). I will copy that in my setup. But if you do, remember that those extender bars are made for the normal fence, not the Wonder Fence.

Another thing I have added to the standard setup is a power switch with speed setting. I don't like the idea of large bits (> 1") being forced to their final speed too quickly. The speed dial helps to adjust the startup speed as well as the final speed. It might be just my feeling, but I think it helps reduce the stress on larger bits.

 

[ChiknNutz]

I have both the Cleansweep and the Wonder Fence connected to my Dust Cobra.  I really do recommend using both options. Each of them on its own is OK, but when you use them both almost all dust and shavings are sucked up by the system. The only time I have dust "escaping" is when I do grooves.

SRSemenza recommended a second extender bar with stop (PPRF-600100), which is a great idea (thanks for that pointer!). I will copy that in my setup. But if you do, remember that those extender bars are made for the normal fence, not the Wonder Fence.

Another thing I have added to the standard setup is a power switch with speed setting. I don't like the idea of large bits (> 1") being forced to their final speed too quickly. The speed dial helps to adjust the startup speed as well as the final speed. It might be just my feeling, but I think it helps reduce the stress on larger bits.

Thanks for that.  Would you mind sharing what dust collection fittings you are using?  I have Rockler Dust Right stuff and was going to just buy more of those for this setup, but not entirely sure what I need.  Since the 4" port is on the bottom, I was wanting to add a 90 degree elbow there, then add a router table dual port to that.

 

[hdv]

I have a Dust Cobra from Oneida, which has a 2 1/4" dust port. I use a Y-splitter for 4" and 2.5" hoses and I use a 4" hose between the Cleansweep and the Y-piece. There's a 2.5" hose between the Wonder Fence and the Y-piece. See the photos.

I am sorry, I can't help you with the exact part numbers or even the shop where I bought the adapters. I had them lying around and don't know anymore where I got them. However, chances are that the were from Powertec or Axminster, because I have a lot of their stuff in the box with hose adapters. Anyway, they must have been pretty standard sizes if they were in my "don't throw away box".

The elbow is from Incra and came with the Wonder Fence. It fits the coupling on the Oneida hose without the need for any sanding or taping.

 

[hdv]

Oh, I forgot something that might not be immediately clear from the photos. I bought a second hose from Oneida. It's the grey one in the photos and it is the same as the one that came with the Dust Cobra. One is used to connect the elbow on the Wonder Fence to the Y-piece. The other is used to connect the end of the clear hose (with the black 4-2.5" adapter on it) to the Dust Cobra.