How to fit the Incra LS Positioner to an MFT table, using the Quad Dog Base from Benchdogs.co.uk

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi and welcome to the video, today we have a look at the 'Woodgrafter Speed Plate' a quick and easy way to attach pretty much anything to your MFT. In this case, my Incra LS Positioner. Enjoy :-) Andy

[@samrix5793]

Missed first slot

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Yep, beat you.

[@z67orglub]

Hi Andy, Elegant solution as usual ! I mounted this week end the sauter shop insert with the Suhner router in a diy cms plate. It is really really brilliant. No vibrations, so smooth, you were right , this thing plays in an other league. No play at all. It will help to cut nice tenons for the WGF workbench I am going to build. Have to buy some pine now and putt my cms on e bay in ...100 hours ! Jean-Noël

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Thank you for the feedback, I should be releasing V2.0 of the workbench plans - they will incorporate the various design changes I made to the bench as I built it, I will also include the router table module. Glad you like the router set up, and having it built into the workbench, right where you need it is truly awesome. As used in this video as an example. I didn’t realise how much setting the CMS up interrupted the workflow, with it in the bench it is just a continuation of the work flow. The shop is really beginning to feel like a productive environment. Cheers Andy

[@frasermacdonald5760]

Excellent explanation. Yet another one of your videos going on my “to action” playlist. At this rate I’ll never get finished with my workshop to produce anything with it! Keep it up. Fraser

[@TheWoodgrafter]

LoL, it’s always good to have a backlog. I have so many jobs stacking up now. TV cabinet commission, Fireplace surround, Office desk. Then the CNC is about three weeks away, so need to re-organise the shop and make a CNC cabinet. Also thinking of launching a new channel all about CAD/CAM focusing on CNC and 3D print. So loads on the horizon. Cheers Andy

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

Finishing projects is not the point. Buying the "BEST" gadgets is the whole point of this industry that has enthralled so many.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

@kevincinnamontoast3669 LoL, isn’t that true of all hobbies ? Interestingly on the channel the videos that review tools and gadgets perform way better than the project videos. So you may well have a point.

[@frasermacdonald5760]

@@TheWoodgrafter I know that the channel is not just a hobby for you, but a real investment. That said, you always look happiest when you are creating. I loved the fusion 360 series on the woodworking cabinet. I know that you "lost" some people there, but it is truly great material that can be understood and enjoyed by the masses. There are loads of people doing reviews. There are very few that can do what you do (Hooked on Wood, Paoson, woodshop junkies and Rings Workshop are the few that spring to mind). Please don't stop doing this type of content!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

@frasermacdonald5760 Thank you for these comments, yes the channel is more than a hobby it’s an investment for the future, it’s a community, it keeps me learning, it’s sharing, it’s an outlet for creativity and probably more. I will keep the crearivity going both in physical projects and virtual projects. I am just getting through the backlog of reviews and then I am going to try something new - something that will combine the two things. Watch this space... Andy

[@mauserkk98]

Dennis uses the same method for his incra fence over on his channel, makes total sense.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Similar, he uses a combination of the dovetail clamps and normal dogs, all though his plate is sexier than mine. Nice curves and a bit of inlay. Will have to up my game. Cheers Andy

[@bgm1911]

This is ingenious. Looking at this would allow me to get rid of a dedicated router stand. Thumbs up and a new subscriber as you have great content!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you, Glad it added value. Andy

[@FishatDT]

Exactly what i was looking for bc my new workbench will be too wide for the whole incra system with rails and so on. Thanks mate :)

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Glad I could help

[@FlyinTrapezious]

Very nice work and explanation Andy. I am trying to find the Trend hole jig here in the U.S. Woodoeckers has one but I am not too convinced I like it as much as the Trend.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Thank you for the feedback, I did have a look at the Woodpeckers version, but in the end the Trend seemed simple in use. I did a quick Google, also can’t see anything obvious in the US Market. You could get it shipped in from one of EU providers, but that would be a cost hike. It may be worthwhile finding a local reputable CNC firm and ask them to cut out the template for you. Cheers Andy

[@tcbridges]

Can you tell me that that black material is you used on your new work table. Watch all your videos and love the things I have learned from you. TY

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Question- what do you use the Incra fence for? A router, of course, does not need a fence that maintains a right angle- a rotating cutter has no angular reference to achieve. Most of the Incra is involved with this angular maintenance, which is surplus in this use case- and takes up half your bench. And it means you are moving the workpiece towards your wall, reducing length available. Do you have another use which does need this?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Mike, You need to think of the Incra as a joinery system that can double as a router fence, rather than a router fence. If you are interested check out the Incra fence series I did many many months ago. So it's more about very fine incremental adjustments rather than parallel to the bit. Agree you don't need the fence to be parallel to a rotating bit. I did mention that in the video. BUT I also use the system to set up repeatable precise cuts on flat stock, so it has. use way beyond the router table. For that you want it square top your MFT grid. Cheers Andy

[@martinhoffmann78]

Excellent idea, thank you for sharing. But the quad dog bases do not have an M6 thread but rather an 1/4 UNF. I donˋt know if the M6 screws could damage the thread over time, so maybe you want to exchange them

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank Martin, I am pretty convinced they are M6 - but I may be wrong, I have pinged Ralph to ask him, watch this space. Cheers Andy

[@martinhoffmann78]

@@TheWoodgrafter Hi Andy, I tried both, M6 is pretty loose, UNF fits way better. But let‘s see what the official answer will be.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

@@martinhoffmann78 So had a chat with Ralph over at Benchdogs.co.uk they are definitely M6 threads. If the 1/4UNF work then go with it - but the advice from the man that designed them and made them is M6 all the way. Cheers Andy

[@martinhoffmann78]

@@TheWoodgrafter Thanks, that is very interesting since the UNF do fit much better 😄

[@FD-dh2fu]

Precision and beauty. Love it. Well done.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Why thank you, It worked out pretty well. Cheers Andy

[@MrCmonReally]

How will you rout the edge of a 6 ft. board? After 10 years of using a similar router setup I abandoned the idea because I grew tired of moving the MFT fence at the back of the table which seemed to always be in the way as well. I had thought about adding a second MFT lengthwise and keeping the router insert at the far left end but I decided a dedicated router table was best. I no longer work in a 12' by 12' shop so I understand in small spaces you do what you can do! Keep up the great work!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Alan, Always a compromise in a small workshop, this set up will meet about 90% of my needs. However, don’t tell anyone - but I am keeping the CMS for the odd super long run, open the workshop door, a few 900mm stands and my run is infinite. Cheers Andy

[@richarddebeer2247]

Another great video, thank you for sharing.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you for the feedback. Cheers Andy

[@kenzoniwa9136]

Hello and thank you for the great videos! One quick question: Once the LS Positioner is installed on your Speed Plate does the Incra fence rest flush with the table surface? I noticed on the similar build by Hooked on Wood that Dennis removed the bottom plate of the LS Positioner before attaching it to his quick release plate. Thanks again!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Yes it does, there is enough adjustment on the Incra head to allow for this. I did build an MDF version of this plate and had the problem Denis had as well. But this works well. Cheers Andy

[@samrix5793]

Looks quite like hooked on wood bench now, but without the dust box for the router or wrap around front panel. I bought the microjig dovetail clamps recently but not put on bench yet

[@TheWoodgrafter]

The dust box will be arriving soon, and there will be a partial wrap around panel to ‘pretty up’ the space in front of the router. I’ll have to check out the hooked on wood bench - not familiar with that. Cheer Andy

[@TheWoodgrafter]

So just had a look, some really nice features on that bench. I now see what you mean by the wrap around skirt - very reminiscent of the traditional English bench design. But a modern twist. For those who haven’t seen it - check this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHLFi3VulrqXd5o Cheers Andy

[@samrix5793]

@@TheWoodgrafter I thought you might have seen it before, lots of similar features, drop in router, changeable incra fence. Worth checking out the matchfit dovetail set certainly for jig boards and his China tool series is good

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Yes spent a few hours last night lost in his channel, really good stuff. He has a similar ethos to me highly organised and clean workshop with an eye on accuracy. I have dropped him a line to say hello. I especially like the alignment between his front skirt and MFT top - I am now thinking of modifying part of my design to have a similar feature. Thank you (as always) for the pointers. Andy

[@samrix5793]

@@TheWoodgrafter yes I really enjoy both your channels and agree you have similar styles and value precision and dust collection (things I can only aspire too). Glad I could help :)

[@FD-dh2fu]

What is the black top / plate made of? Thanks

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, It’s made of Valchromat, it’s a colour through MDF. A number of online stores now stock it, a quick google search. Cheers Andy

[@jamiestewart4831]

Great set up, especially the sauter/suhner combo. I'm still not sure how much use I could get out of a tilting lift but I like it. How will you use the tilting function of the router lift with the Incra fence coming from the side?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Jamie, I use the tilting function a lot for mitres, I then use it with the standard fence I showed in the video. I do use the Incra fence for more complex joinery operations, but at that point I use the router in the vertical position. If I where buying again, I would have the same setup - but probably the none tilting version of the table. Cheers Andy

[@jamiestewart4831]

@@TheWoodgrafter That's interesting that you wouldn't go for the tilting lift if buying again. What's the reason for that? If it can do perfect mitres effortlessly, I'll really consider it. The thing that puts me off a little is the lack of choice in motors/routers. The only 1/2 inch with a 43mm neck is the big Suhner that you have. It's a big outlay and I don't have enough experience with regular router tables to make a clear judgement at the moment. I do like the fact that you can swap out the motor quickly and put it in a CNC. Thanks. Jamie

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Don’t get me wrong, I use the tilting mechanism all the time for mitre cuts, can’t beat it. However, before this came along I used a 45 degree bit to achieve the same thing. So in many ways it’s a luxury feature. In my mind I thought a combination of the angle and the Incra fence abilities would facilitate compound and complex joints - but I am so busy in the shop I haven’t had time to play. I was also going to make a new insert for the MFT top so the route would sit in a square insert that sits in the MFT, that way I could position the route in any orientation. I may still turn the router through 90 degrees and then just go back to the Incra fence. All one big learning curve Cheers Andy

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

When mounted on to a table, the fence system is mounted flush to the table. How do you adjust for the height of the speed table? I’ve been looking for a way to do what you have done with this project

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Leaping Lemur, The fence on the Incra fixes to the positioner with T Nuts in a T Track on the back of the fence. The Positoner has a metal plate with two vertical slots (I would guess at around 40mm long). The bolts of the T nuts pass through these vertical slots. When the fence and positioner are on a flat surface, the T nuts are in the center of the vertical slots. This gives you around 20mm of adjustment up and down. You use this adjustment to allow for the thickness of the speed plate. Hope that helps. Andy

[@samrix5793]

Was wondering when you would put the incra on the table!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

The Incra works even better on the bench than on the CMS, pretty pleased with the solution. Cheers Andy

[@protonspounge3746]

Can the fence be lowered to compensate from the elevation of the mounting board?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Yes it can, the fence fits to the rail via two slots on the LS positioner. So you can adjust the height in relation to the surface. To be honest 19mm is probably on the limit. Cheers Andy

[@slawek90nt]

Hello Andy! Can you tell me where did you buy this black valchromat if it's not a secret? Thanks. A great project by the way

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, I tend to use local suppliers when I can. So this came from Atlantic Timber. www.atlantictimber.co.uk/search/for/Valchromat/ If you google the brand name you will find suppliers nationwide. Cheers Andy

[@Michael-dl5jz]

Hi, perfect job ! Did you choose this dog: "Quad Dogs™ Base • Stainless Steel",? , around 10€ each part ? And where did you get the black hand locking screws ? Many thanks Michael

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Yes they are the ones - Benchdogs also stock the thumb screws benchdogs.co.uk/products/m6-thumb-screw They have also brought out a new product that connects the Incra to the MFT in the same way but uses an Alu plate. I don’t have one yet - but looks good, may be worth checking out. benchdogs.co.uk/collections/incra/products/incra-base-plate And don’t forget to use the code - thewoodgrafter at checkout for a discount. Cheers Andy

[@paultay23]

Nice one Andy...your bench makes your previous MFT benches look really naff. 👍👍👍

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Cheers Paul, I can’t believe the difference it has made to the work flow. It’s all coming together nicely. Andy

[@michaelsolinski2496]

Very helpful. Thank you. I am on the tail end of my mft router table build and will be getting an Incra Fence. This is a great idea. I may try to figure a way to securely attach my Dewalt 745 job site saw to the side of the table. I can then use the LS the dogs over there. I noticed you using a plexi dust extractor when you were routing. Is that off the shelf or custom made?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you, I like your thinking with the table saw - I have been 'toying' with a similar thought. As I din't really need a full size table saw - but now and then small accurate rips would be of value. Although I can do those with the track saw - it would speed up production. I would be interested in your solution. I am thinking of a fold down extension that could permanently hold the saw. The Incra comes with the dust extraction part on the super fence (50mm from memory), and the small Plexi cover over the bit. Cheers Andy

[@petermullen8592]

hi Andy, how do I see the bench build?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Peter, Just released the overview video on KZbin The main build is over on my web site www.thewoodgrafter.com Cheers Andy

[@samrix5793]

Yeah!

[@codysmith1915]

What is an mft table

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Cody, Multi Function Table. It is a design patented by Festool, it is really talking about the grid of 20 mm holes milled at 96mm centres. Sorry, should have used the full name. Cheers Andy

[@codysmith1915]

@@TheWoodgrafter thank you for the reply! I found your channel recently and I really enjoy your focus on high precision work. For some one with out the money to spend on festool would the kreg acs work reasonably well?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Cody, Is that the Accu-Cut system. If so, then yes that is a god system to use with a circular saw. I am in early conversation to run a series on Kreg gear, no time lines yet, but it will be aimed at accuracy on a budget. You can easily make a simple guide that works very well. I don’t have a video on it but check out this one from Charlie over at Charlie DIYte kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6fGgaiLr8SgbZY If I have got the wrong end of the stick, then come back and let me know. Regards Andy

[@jimpierce7591]

Hello Andy. I really enjoy your videos. I see you made this video before Benchdogs came out with their Incra Quad Base. Will their base work the same as the one you made? If so, do you plan on purchasing the Benchdog version? benchdogs.co.uk/products/incra-base-plate

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Jim, Yes I made this before the Benchdogs base came onto the market, but I did discuss the design and the idea with Benchdogs. Yes the concept is the same, so four quads holding the plate onto the bench, with the Incra positioner bolted to the plate. Obviously the material is different, so the quad base will be lighter and thinner than the one I made. That will be a positive. Yes, I will be upgrading in the near future - and will review when I have taken delivery. Cheers Andy

[@jimpierce7591]

@@TheWoodgrafter Thank you Andy. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I look forward to seeing your video review of this product