Interesting thread. I too have been eyeing the Incra systems. I'm convinced on the router table fence, but not the table saw. Haven't pulled the trigger yet on either, but the router version will be in my shop in 2023 if things go right. Like you I am looking for repeatability. Great precision is great in theory but, once wood moves, I'm not so sure it is really relevant. That's a discussion for a different thread. All this to say... have you seen/considered the Woodpecker Rip-Flip? Looks like an intersteing alternative to the Incra and, bonus, you don't have to modify your SawStop and can keep the original fence. Again, haven't pulled the trigger, but looks like a better option for me. I'll keep watching this discussion as I make up my mind.
Repeatability, with precision, is what I am "chasing"... I mean, looking for. You are right, though, regarding the wood movement.
Besides precision and accurate repeatable rips, micro adjusting in on dados or rabbets might be another area where the Incra TS-LS shines. In theory, this is all lovely to have, etc., but in application... well.
This sure is quite the challenge, decision to buy or not.
SawStop, brake trigger, metal fence, need to be careful or have plenty of brakes on hand, add a sacrificial fence, the list goes on.
DRO... Woodpecker flip-stop, parallel guide system that you can also use for crosscuts, or tap tap tap and use the $$ for wood or another tool.
Regarding the
Woodpecker rip-flip: Yes, I have seen their product, but when I researched it, quite awhile ago.... I wasn't sold on it (
at that price, might as well spend a few extra bucks and get the Incra, was my thinking). Overall, I've probably spent too many hours researching this topic over the years, maybe 40+ hours?
I started researching the Incra, almost, 3 years ago.
After reading all of these replies, especially the last few, I have started looking (
again) at the
TSO parallel guide system. With his system, I do not have to take up the entire right side of my table saw, and I would not have a large arm sticking out 30" to the right of my table insert (
when doing max 32" rips).
Currently, I am stuck. What to do, where to put my hard earned money...?
- Do I save a few bucks, and keep using my stock SS fence, and just get the TSO parallel guide system for precision and "repeatable" larger cross cuts?
- Do I get the Incra fence and TSO parallel guide system?
- Do I just say forget it, keep using my SS fence, and move on?
Sorry for the headache.. and as usual, thank you for taking the time to read my posts and replying with your thoughts\input.