Installing a JessEm TS Precision Cut Stock Guides to an Incra TSLS Fence - A Better Way - Table Saw

I discovered a better way to install my JessEm TS Precision Clear Cut Stock Guides to my Incra TSLS Table Saw fence. When the kit that JessEm sells didn't work for me I returned their instillation kit and came up with what I think is a better way to install the Stock Guides to the Incra fence on my Table Saw. This method could be used on any table saw fence, especially those with t-track on the top of them. This video details the instillation.
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[@caseyjordan9513]

Wow, i randomly found this video and im about to embark on adding the stok guides to my incra rail, this video is gonna save me so much time and frustration. Thank you for documenting it!

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Casey, thank you. I appreciate your comments. I hope it works out for you as well as it has for me. Enjoy.

[@mooseshartley]

Thanks Don. Great fix!

[@johnnylong6021]

Don, thanks for sharing! Great solution! Thanks again!

[@Smex9680]

Very well done. Thank you for taking the time to figure out solution. Your the man, good deal

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thank you.

[@flyer650]

Awesome, thank you Don ! I have been searching you tube for a solution to fit the guides to my fence that is thinner than the Jessem rail. Your video is very well made and the explanation and instructions are spot on. Problem solved, I take my hat of to you Sir. Thanks again from the UK.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@trevdukes Hello Trev, I’m glad my video helped. I thought my idea might work on other fences but didn’t know for sure. If you are successful please send me some photos. I’d love to share them with my viewers. In fact I’m currently working on a follow up video on the JessEm Guides on an Incra fence. As for finding my video, unfortunately, I’m still a very small channel on KZbin so my videos are sometimes hard to find. I’m working on that. 😀

[@krh2]

Love it. I have to remove the 2 guides when they get in the way of tall cuts. Brilliant Don.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks - Just simple problem solving and years of experience. Glad you liked it.

[@willemvanarkel]

I am trust glad I watched your video, because I wasn't aware of the possibility to extend the jess-em arms down if you use a higher fence. So thank you very much.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

I’m glad the video helped. Just so you’re aware, there is a maximum height above the saw table that the arms can be placed. Fortunately I was within the dimension. It may be mentioned on JessEm’s website or you can check with their customer service.

[@ljgault]

Thanks for the video, I did it to mine except I had already put a 3/4" face on my fence so I didn't have to go over as far as you did. I didn't like the option of using the kit since I would still need to remove the guides on some cuts because they were in the way. I'm happy now.. Thank You!

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@ Larry Gault - Outstanding Larry. Thanks for letting me know about your modification. If possible please send me some photos. I’m planning on a shop update next week and would love to share your idea with my viewers. Thank you.

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Interesting tool Don, and great job making it work for you

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks.

[@9sparkfuls]

Thanks, your video is excellent.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@kensheppard. Thank you Ken for the comment. I appreciate it.

[@fpr283]

Thank you Sir, great job this information is Exactly what I needed. I seriously appreciate the level of detail that you cover. Keep the videos coming Sir!

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thank you for watching. I’m glad the video helped. I appreciate the complements.

[@fpr283]

@@wb_finewoodworking ...pls keep us posted on the push stick that you settle on, and a link to the white pencil 👍

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@fpr283 I have not had a chance to try out any push stick designs yet. Hopefully starting next week I’ll be out in the shop more. When I test some I will make a video of the ones I test with my comments. Here’s the link to the white pencil video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZyslKJtnMedoMk

[@rezanazari9687]

nice video. I have the incra fence and my jessem guide is on its way. I noticed that your incra positioner seats higher against the fence than mine. Mine seats only about 1/4 inch above the fence so I think the mounting kit will work with my incra fence. Will find out soon......

[@sumosprojects]

Nicely done Don 👍

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks. 😃

[@SuperKwame1]

excellent Don,

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks. I appreciate feedback.

[@wallyschuette6049]

Hi Don, First let me say that you crafted a superior video -- I enjoyed the split screens and crystal clear close-ups, and captioning. You obviously spent a lot of time in post-production, or have a very savvy spouse or grandchild! I don't have an Incra fence, so I have to ask the "dumb question": why you didn't just grind down the zinc positioner bracket to the level of the fence top? Is there a purpose for the "bump" that started this whole adventure? Finally, we seem to have many similar accessories, but tell me about that white marking pen, that I have never seen before. I feel an instant desire to get one after watching your video. Thanks, again, for your production.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Wally Schustte - Thank you for watching. I appreciate your comments on my editing. Yes, I do it all and it does take a lot of time in post production. My wife, Pam, has no computer skills and we don’t have children or relatives that can edit my videos. It’s something I enjoy doing and I’m glad you think it helps. Grinding down the positioned bracket might have been an option but the screws that hold the fence to the positioned are attached through long slots in that bracket. Grinding down the top might have weakened that bracket enough to have caused more problems. Secondly I’m not a fan of angle grinders. Based on my skills with one it would have been difficult grinding down that bracket and not taking a chunk out of the top of the Incra fence. I also wanted to move the JessEm rail back from the face of the fence and using the JessEm riser blocks for that wouldn’t have worked. In the end the way I attached the JessEm rail makes it much quicker and easier to remove and reattach. My method used two t-nut knobs and the JessEm riser blocks require bathe removal of eight screws with a special hex screwdriver. I’m working on a video on the white marker that I used in that video and a white lead mechanical pencil. In the past I used a regular white pencil, as in one that is sharpened by a pencil sharpener, which was OK but I like that marker and another white lead mechanical pencil much better. There is a video on my channel on the white pencil but you’ll have to wait for the video on my two newer white markers.

[@mkbcoolman]

WOW!! This is PERFECT! I have the EXACT same setup...same saw, fence, and guides, but I never could get that 3/4" setback so I've just lived with it. Whenever I need them out of the way, I've been slipping them out of the track. Not ideal, but at least I don't have to remove them very often. I'm going to implement this solution next time I'm in the shop.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

I’m glad this helped and hope the fix works for you. Thank you for letting me know.

[@mkbcoolman]

@@wb_finewoodworking It works flawlessly! I honestly think the hardest part was finding an offcut long enough to work with lol. JessEm really should stop making the mounting kit for an Incra fence and just point their customers to this video. Simple and effective. Amazing.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@mkbcoolman Super! I’m glad my idea worked for you. Enjoy! Thanks for letting me know.

[@jeffkeskeaw4027]

I have exactly same set up as you do and made same mistake buy the JessEm kit with out being inform. I'm going to use your idea and built me one,,,, Thanks Don

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks for the comment Jeff. I hope this method works out for you.

[@stanli3696]

great video. I'm also interested in the push stick question

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thank you for the feedback. I haven’t gotten back to the push sticks question yet but have several designs and patterns to explore.

[@theodorehartman5086]

I purchased the Incra TSLS and installed it a week ago along with the JessEm Stock Guides with no issues that you describe in this video. The adapter kit from JessEm was developed and sold as an installation solution. I do not understand the bracket height issues if installed IAW the instructions. I think it is a SawStop issue as others on KZbin have indicated the same issue. Anyway, glad you found a fix . I am very new to the TSLS, next level accuracy.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Theodore, I never stated that the issue I had was wide spread. Many have used the JessEm adaptor on a SawStop with no issues. My Incra fence is a custom fence that was made just for me because the Incra fence that was offered when I purchased my SawStop was too short for the larger saw table. All I was pointing out in this video is the issue I ran into and how I decided to remedy it. When I did I thought that I actually came up with perhaps a better way to mount the guides to an Incra fence. Others, who didn’t have my initial problem have agreed and installed their JessEm guides the same way. I’m glad the TSLS has worked out for you. For me it was a must for my SawStop because I wanted the best fence system for it. Instead of buying the SawStop fence, which was an extra cost at the time I bought my saw, I went with the Incra and have enjoyed using it. Enjoy.

[@theodorehartman5086]

@@wb_finewoodworking I am sorry I said anything at all. It seems like if you were explaining that you had a custom fence because your table is deeper than the average then that would be OK with your issue and how you fixed it but you never said or I didn’t catch it, sorry for all my input. It was wrong.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@theodorehartman5086 Your input was fine. I was explaining why my case might be different than most. I value any input. It’s important to find out what others think. I’m sorry if my reply offended you.

[@theodorehartman5086]

@@wb_finewoodworking Its all good. Those with the Incra Fence system know just how good it can be. Everyone has set up issues because the Incra Fence system was not designed for one brand or another. I have mine on a $700.00 delta that took me 3 hours to set up and it cuts just as well as a Sawstop or laguna and is just as smooth at way less cost. Regardless, for those that have the Incra system know just how good it is. I am very happy with my 2 week old system. BTW I ordered mine 10 days ago and it arrived 5 days later so the 4 to 8 month delay is in the rearview.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@theodorehartman5086 Enjoy!

[@TheShackHome]

Well this definitely gives me something to think about. I ordered my Incra fence system in November 2021 it is not due to ship till June 2022. Unfortunately I have a little bit of a wait. Am I m the only one on here to find it Kinda ironic when he stated he didn’t have enough money until they had a sale yet he is installing it on an Incra fence system, not cheap. Not to mention it’s on a SawStop then he uses a Festool sander. But yet he had to wait on a sale for $150 set of guides…….. i’m always interested in saving money so I’m gonna keep my eye out for a set of these on sale

[@wb_finewoodworking]

My goal is to buy the best tools I can new for as little as possible. While that might seem a little ironic it’s worked well for me. As for the Festool sander, I got tired of my Bosch being in for repair for a new switch under warranty and demanded my money back so I opted for the best available at the time.

[@bu2820]

Did you figure out the push stick to use with Guides? Thanks

[@barryinn1778]

Very nice video Don, very good camera angles and informative. I like your videos it doesn't have any ANNOYING Music. I have the same Incra fence, why doesn't Incra just make a taller fence to eliminate this problem? My friend has these on his Incra fence and it added a lot of weight to the fence which made it harder to slide. I do have to say Incra makes the Best fence system on the market.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Barry, thank you for the complements snd information. I especially appreciate your comment on the different camera angles. Doing that really adds time to both recording and editing videos but I enjoy the challenge. It makes the task more fun for me and more interesting to viewers like you. I have to agree that the Incra fence is still the best on the market. I haven't noticed that the extra weight makes moving my fence more difficult to slide but I can see where some might see that as an issue. Perhaps I don't even think about it.

[@rhuynh]

Thanks for sharing to help others and the effort you put into the production of the video. I do have a question, couldn't you just cut the jessem rail that goes on top in half and the spread them apart just clear of that rail mount? I feel that doesn't affect the effectiveness of it at all. But I don't have a set, wish I did but a bit pricey.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thank you for the comments. Cutting the JessEm rail could be an option but that wouldn’t have moved it away from the face of the fence. By doing what I did I solved both problems. Yes, the JessEm guides are pricy. That’s why it took a long time and a good sale for me to buy them.

[@krh2]

I have them on my Incra fence. In my opinion every table saw should come with them.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

I agree Kevin. They are going to add another level of safety to my SawStop. Thanks for watching.

[@krh2]

@@wb_finewoodworking I have a Sawstop 3hp pcs coming Wednesday. My old Grizzly will become a dedicated dado saw.

[@DavidStanton]

Let me say you go into a lot of detail Don! The only issue I see here is the incra fence lifted in your demonstration. Maybe an L bracket fitted to a mag switch or 2 on the back of the fence?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Thanks for watching Dave. My hope with all the detail that others could easily repeat or modify what I did for their fence. At first I wasn’t sure what you meant about the fence lifting untilI went back and looked at the clips closely. That’s a good catch. It looks like it lifted just a little as the wood passed under the second guide. That can be “fixed” by making the connection of the fence on the back rail a little tighter and I also didn’t tighten the one on the front rail at all. When I actually make cuts I tighten it down. This is something I’ll need to be aware of if I’m cutting thin boards. Otherwise I don’t think it will be a problem. I’ll watch it closely when I cut the cherry and quarter sawn oak this week for some frames that Pam wants. As for mag switches, the Incra fence is extruded aluminum so that won’t work. You’re very observant. Thanks for letting me know.

[@jeffkeskeaw4027]

@@wb_finewoodworking can you explain what David Stanton talking about, may be could help in the future

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@jeffkeskeaw4027 David is a highly experienced and observant woodworker. He noticed while watching the video that the Incra fence raises slightly off of the table of the saw as I pushed the wood through when I demonstrated the guides. The lifting seemed to happen only when the board reached the back guide. The movement was really not enough to make a difference. Since then I haven’t noticed it happening again or if the movement is so slight it’s something I don’t notice.

[@JasonBreslow]

Could you have added some washers to the Incra risers to lift the mounting plate high enough to clear the positioner?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

That would have been a way to fix it. At the time I obviously didn’t think of that and I didn’t have any small washers. One reason I made the video is to show my solution which I still feel is a much better way to mount the JessEm Guides. Just remove two large jig “nuts” two large washers and it’s off. With the JessEm kit there are eight screws and risers and if I added your washers that would be at least two per riser, perhaps more, to attain the right height. As someone else responded, I have the guides off and on often.

[@bullwinkle7542]

Would you recommend this for radial arm saw for ripping and did they fix that gummy o rings?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Absolutely not for a radial arm saw. It wasn’t designed for one.

[@89mrreynosa]

Hi. I have exactly the same setup and I love your idea. I noticed when you put your angle guide you said that the instructions recommended minimum 30 degrees but you set it up over 50 degrees. Just wonder. Thanks

[@wb_finewoodworking]

It may have looked like that on camera because of the angle and it was awkward getting that shot for some reason. I made sure that they were at 30 when I set them permanently. .

[@captainron7904]

After watching the video I had to go and look at my set up because it’s exactly the same but my positioner only sticks up above the fence by about a 1/16” so not sure exactly why yours would be so different

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Hi Ron. It’s very possible that your positioner sticks up less than mine does. My Indra fence is a custom job. I got it soon after SawStop saws were available and, according to Incra, the first person to request a fence to match the deeper table on a SawStop. If you look closely at my video you’ll notice that my fence extends well beyond the top of the saw in the back. An Incra customer service rep arranged for that extra length on the fence for me at no extra cost. It was at least a year before Incra started offering a SawStop version of the fence which is now called their XL version. Personally I like my solution of mounting the JessEm guides better than Incra’s solution. It’s easier to take it off and put it back on the fence plus I get that 3/4” setback from the face of the fence. Admittedly it’s a more difficult process initially.

[@fredzaspel7350]

Thank you for this. What size T-bolts are required?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Fred, I’m not sure what size the t-bolts are. If I get a chance I’ll check tomorrow. My shop is locked up for the night.

[@fredastaire6156]

Does the incra fence system have the option of changing from imperial to metric (if you bought it second hand) of would it be better to buy the appropriate unit fence?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

According to the Incra website the measuring scale for their fences is only available in Imperial. That’s mainly due to the fact that the lead screw locks down the fence at 1/32nd of an inch increments. They have never had a metric lead screw.

[@japansh]

From Incra website: Choose from 1/32" imperial or 1mm metric positioning mechanics below, so you can pick metric. If you already have one you can buy a conversion kit - they are around hundred bucks.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

@@japansh Thanks for the information. I somehow missed that.

[@japansh]

Very informative and well made video! One question why didn't you made the fence thicker? Either with wood or just buy another fence extrusion and stack them, its $44 and the kit is $30, I guess the walnut is cheaper :-), but have you consider it?

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Interesting alternate solution. The Walnut was essentially free because it was a piece of scrap with a very plain grain pattern. Another problem I have is that my fence was custom made for me by Incra. It was their first for the deep table on a SawStop. The actually made it longer than the fences they currently make for the saw. I also like the ease of removing the JessEm Guides which I have already done at least a couple of times when they would have been in the way.

[@jamesstein8764]

Why not just lower the extension bracket of the extender arm so its not so high on the fence? Then everything fits as its expected to.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

The the arm must stay parallel to the top of the saw. If I lowered the bracket the extender would not be parallel so it wouldn’t work. To keep it parallel and lower bracket the rails would have to be lowered. I actually like the way it is. Taking the guides off and putting them back on is very easy and convenient. That one of the reasons I had for saying that I think this is a better way to mount the guides.

[@smockytubers1188]

Wait so the kit specifically marketed by the same company to adapt its tool to a different product didn't work for the two products in question? That's incredibly disappointing. Intriguing workaround fix though, well done.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Smokey - Thank you for the comment. Evidently the kit the company sells works for most table saws. It just didn’t on the way my fence is set up on my SawStop. In the end I’ve found this workaround to be much better because it’s much easier to remove the JessEm guides when necessary.

[@Teunstah]

Why not cut the rail in two sections? You'd never want to have the stock guides right where your saw is right? And thats the middle of your fence; exactly there that plate is sticking out...

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Cutting the rail is a possibility I guess. It’s very strong steel so I don’t currently own a tool that could easily make such a cut. Actually cutting or grinding down the piece that’s sticking was an option but I decided not to do that. Actually I’m finding that having the rail on the board is the perfect solution. It makes removal and replacement of the rail very quick and easy. Since that’s something that happens fairly often I’m very glad I went with this solution.

[@bobbg9041]

Mom lets dad play in the shop so she can have female alone time.

[@bobbg9041]

Doh, just cut a notch in the stock guide rail and skip all the other steps.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Yes, that’s an option. It’s one I did briefly consider. Unfortunately the Stock Guide rail is a very beefy piece of metal. Cutting it wouldn’t have been as easy as it looks nor do I have what I feel would be the necessary tools to do it right. I actually like my solution better for what I needed. The guides are very easy to remove and attach as needed. I’m very happy with my solution.