That master set is awful tempting.

Great question.

 

Would LOVE the master set. Awesome! The 12" T-ruler is my main measuring tool, but I find it too large for many things I do.

 

Jay, I had the same concern. My current measuring stuff is very stiff, but the Incra stuff appears flexible. That would make the long stuff problematic on smaller pieces or on ends.

I was hoping to get by with one set and a protractor. My concern is the 6" set is too small. And you are indicating the 12" is at times too long, which would mean the 18" is way too long.

Then there is their X-Y marker:

 

bite the bullet! ;-))

 

David - you are the ultimate woodworking researcher. Did you get your DC yet? if so you should convert it into a snow blower for the storm hitting you now.

I have the 6", 12" the protractor, and the 6" edge rule (I don't think I've ever used it). I rarely use the 12" and wouldn't want the 18" because it's too big to store and maneuver IMHO. I prefer the 6" combo squares and the woodpecker 6" square to the Incra products except when I need to run a parallel line to the edge. That's when I reach for the incra tools.

 

mbs, aren't most lines within 18" of being parallel to an edge?

The issue is the same I have with the fences: eye sight on the rule is within 1/32nd to 1/64th of where I want it…which often creates some compromises in final fit.

Since I've been learning the 20yo Skil contractor saw I have has made leaps and bounds of improvements. Better blades. The MDF auxiliary fences on the fence and miter gauge. The different hold down devices. And one of my favorites, the zero clearance insert. It is hopeless on dust collection. Hopeless.

I expect to add the Penn State 2.5hp cyclone before the end of the month; I'm running about 2-3 weeks behind my original schedule and may slip a bit more because of work obligations and a day at the Somerset show. When I'm typing here means I'm already at the computer, not working out and not cutting wood. The next steps are clearing the space it will go, completing the drawing of the space (which includes the HVAC ductwork on the ceiling), and building the support to hold it (the basement has unfinished concrete walls, I'll use connected 2×4s screwed into the joists for the first floor and against one of the walls.

The new saw which will get the Incra fence should follow the dust collector by 2 weeks or so.

 

The flexible T-rules are nice, but mine always seem to get bent and kinks in them. The it's a question if measuring instrument with bends and kinks in them can be called "precision" measuring instruments. Great idea, wrong gauge stainless steel for me.

 

Rex, there is a review of the Incra edge rule that makes the same complaint. The answer is no, after it is bent it is no longer precise. I'm beginning to think Incra should have been shipping their gauges with a storage case.

I'm thinking it should be possible to make one out of a piece of 20"x12"x1.5" piece of something: wood, MDF, particle board, foam. Maybe a wood case with foam inside.

 

I got the 6" t-rule on sale and use it quite a bit. I haven't had an issue with kinks, though i can see why that keeps coming up. If I see a sale on the 12", I might add that one. As for the other styles, I haven't been tempted.

 

David NJ, with the Tee Square type measuring tools, there is no way you can lay them down flat in between uses, unless of course you find and edge where you will lay them so that they remain in the TEE Square position.
I found, if you lay one down anywhere, then put some - even small on top of it it--boom, bent or kinked= useless. with a Tee Square you can lay it upside down and never have this problem.

 

I've had my incra t squares for a very long time. No kinks yet. I'm very careful with them and keep them in a drawer when they're not being used. I don't bother to lay them down flat but I make sure nothing is on top of them.

David - I didn't understand your question about the parallel lines on the 18" t square. My point is I have little use for the 18" version and I would probably kink it since it's so big.

These are my favorites right now. I keep the small one in my shop apron. They both sit flush to the edge and face of the material.

 

after it is bent it is no longer precise Sounds like it needs some reinforcement on the top edges.