Table saw fence idea

[Garrad Miller]

So the way that Incra positioner racks work is simple and effective with the matching plastic blocks and 1/32" ridges.

Using these blocks on the rail and corresponding back side of the t fence would glide by with tension released and lock in to 1/32 repeatable increments when tightened, essentially giving incra repeatability in a standard style fence.

Is anyone doing anything like this and i missed it? If no any idea why not? Would Incra still have that patent protected?M-RACKSET10-3T.jpg

[Paul F Franklin]

Incra sells a table saw fence system.

[Garrad Miller]

Yes they do. Of a completely different design than standard or what im talking about.

[Derek Cohen]

Garrad, if you search through YouTube, there is a build of a table saw fence which does exactly this. In this case, the increments were created by a threaded rod, as I recall. It was an ingenious system, however I prefer to have the usual variable system, one that enable me to dial in to fine tolerances.

Found it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pudkvHFOfk&t=38s

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Garrad Miller]

Garrad, if you search through YouTube, there is a build of a table saw fence which does exactly this. In this case, the increments were created by a threaded rod, as I recall. It was an ingenious system, however I prefer to have the usual variable system, one that enable me to dial in to fine tolerances.

Found it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pudkvHFOfk&t=38s

Regards from Perth

Derek

Good video, that guy is a good fabricator. Does accomplish the same thing im thinking about just with a whole lot more time and effort although his looks bulletproof!

[Bill Dufour]

reminds me of the rack and pinon fences used on the big old saws.
Bil lD.

link is a Tannewitz fence. very similar to modern day jointer fences

[Bobby Robbinett]

I would love to see some pics of what you are referring to. I am familiar with the Incra LS and TS-LS although not familiar with the specific design details. Since I am not an official member I can’t view your pics. I keep meaning to join but....

[Robert Engel]

What if you need to adjust less than 1/32?

[Garrad Miller]

What if you need to adjust less than 1/32?

Using the cheap easy method im proposing, you couldn't.

[Rick Potter]

Your pics show Incra's strips, but they make a plastic unit which I believe is called the Incra positioner. This is an inexpensive plastic system you can screw to a board and use as a fence. Costs about $50. I believe Rockler carries them.

[vince mastrosimone]

What if you need to adjust less than 1/32?

Use tape to shim it

[Roger Feeley]

Using the cheap easy method im proposing, you couldn't.

You could if you also had a way to move the whole positioned back and forth 1/32”. Im thinking of a cam or lever system.

[Steve Wurster]

Your pics show Incra's strips, but they make a plastic unit which I believe is called the Incra positioner. This is an inexpensive plastic system you can screw to a board and use as a fence. Costs about $50. I believe Rockler carries them.

I think you're talking about the Original Incra Jig, which is effectively the non-micro adjustable version of their LS Positioner (i.e. it has no lead screw and therefore cannot be adjusted in less than 1/32" increments). It works great on router tables and such. I have one, but haven't used it in years. But if you're using this as a basis for a table saw fence setup then it's no different than their full-fledged LS-based table saw fence, and the OP isn't talking about a design like that.

The OP is imagining a design where the Incra "racks" are horizontally mounted along the front (and possibly rear) of the saw from left to right, and the fence locks into them with a cam or lever system (as Roger noted). Basically a longer-scale version of the existing Incra tracks or just their miter gauge fences and stops. You could in theory combine that with the lead-screw concept of the LS Positioner to achieve less than 1/32" fidelity. Interesting concept. You can buy the track pieces separately if you want to try to build your own.