Incra Ultra Lite System

[MK I]

Hi All,

I'm looking at purchasing the Incra Ultra Lite Jig metric version, possibly from the US as it appears cheaper depending on shipping.

Incra has informed me that while the Ultra Lite Jig uses metric scales and a 1mm spacing on the positioning racks, the micro adjust mechanism remains in inches. Does anyone have the Ultra Lite metric version with an imperial micro adjuster? Can anyone tell me what the micro adjuster is mainly used for, and why an imperial version may cause problems with set up?

Also, I'm not sure if this is the case with the metric version sold in Australia, so if anyone has any knowledge on the one sold here, that would be great.


Thank-you,

Mark

[damian]

I am pretty sure the australian version will be the same, they come from the same place and if incra don't have a metric screw then no one does.

I have an imperial ts/ls. The racks have a pitch, in my case 1/32". I assume the metric is either 1mm or .5 mm.

The fine adjust screw is for cuts between these increments. So if your trying to cut 12.7 mm the rack will get you 12 or 13 but the knob will get you the rest. If it's imperial you'll have to do a calculation on how many thou (40 to the mm) you need to dial on.

And in case your wondering yes they really are that accurate. Provided your router or saw blade is good enough a few thou accuracy is attainable, and it's effortless. Even a clutz like me can make stuff bang on size repeatably and reliably.

Just be ready to get your head around it when you start. It can take a wile to understand some of the finer points and principles of operation.Most problems come from people skipping set up steps or misunderstanding what they are trying to achieve.

I would be interested to hear what they quote on the shipping.

[MK I]

Thanks for your response Damian, I've read a number of your posts re the Incra jig system.

Given the potential problems with a combined metric / imperial system, do you think I'd be better off just going for the full imperial version?

Re US price, I've only been quoted on the jig itself, still waiting on a price for the full ultra lite system. Including postage though, it appears to be comparable to the Aus price, so I might stick with PWS.

Thanks again,


Mark

[MK I]

Sorry Damian, I was quoted $63 for shipping just for the jig itself using USPS.

Mark

[damian]

So it will be about $220 landed. Compatible to a 12" leigh plus you get a router fence for free

Mine is all imperial because I bought prior to the metric racks becoming available. I also have an origional jig and just bought the incra gauge. All inches. Yes sometimes I need to do conversions but I come from a generation that had to convert back and forth constantly so it does not bother me.

I cannot recommend for you either way. It really depends on how you feel. Another post on this forum suggested usps rates are dramatically increasing this month so unfortunately you need to decide quick. I rarely use the fine adjuster.

If your budget can stretch to it, and you really want all metric, the ls standard system is the next step up. Double the price though.

Sorry I can't be more help. Might be worth writing to Mr Mueller and asking advice. He really is priceless.

[MK I]

It would be great to get the LS, but I think I'll stick with the Ultra Lite for now, metric version, and make the required calcs when necessary. I have contacted Mark, and he has been a big help, same with Grahame at PWS. Thanks for your advice Damian!

Mark

[damian]

Worth what you paid for it.

Good luck with the fence. If (when) you get confused on how it works post questions. As I said follow the instructions, don't skip anything until you've "got your head around it". Once you understand what your doing and how to get everything square it's a doddle, but everyone who has trouble has skipped stuff. Everything must be flat square and rigid, then it just works.