Best Table Saw Fences For Craftsman. Ripping wood for woodworking projects is the main function of the table saw. It is very important that craftsmen look for the quality of the rip fence on the table saws.
Today’s table saw manufacturers pay extra attention to the quality of table saw fences. But there are many factory fence systems that lack reliability and precision that can alter the outcome of work.
A good table saw fence can help guide or secure a workpiece while the work is being marked, routed, sawn, or planed.
The benefit of the table saw fence
According to a research study, the table saws market is about USD 640.7 Million in 2019. This means that table saws are very important in the woodworking industry or DIY projects because they provide benefits.
A table saw consists of round blades for cutting wooden pieces to make different materials.
Increase accuracy
For woodworking projects, accuracy is very crucial. This is where a fence takes its role.
The fence can increase the efficiency of a woodworking job because the fence locks the workpiece firmly in place. This will make sure that cuts are correctly aligned and you control the thickness of the cut.
Safety of use
Any craftsman can work with a table saw safely because the fence reduces kickback. This can maintain steady pressure on the wooden material is achievable as you feed the material towards the blade.
If you do not use a fence, you are working as freehand cutting. This may increase the chance of accidents occurring. While using a fence will keep the workpiece firmly in one place to reduce the chance of you getting exposed to the blade.
Not many mistakes
Without the guidance of a fence, you can make so many mistakes while cutting. Mistakes can result in the wasting of materials.
Many mistakes cost money because you need a new workpiece to work with. While using a fence can save you money because every cut will be without discrepancy to the measurement and standard you want.
There will be no materials wasted and no waste of money.
Increase productivity
If you set the fence up correctly, you can finish many cuts accurately in a short period and you can fly with the work. Every single cut will be accurate and precise, so you do not need to keep checking your measurements.
If you are working on a large project, the improvement of your productivity is significant. You can finish the job with many kinds of wood to get through in half of the time.
Table Saw Fence System Meaning
So what is the meaning of table saw fence systems? This system helps you provide guide workpieces and material when making cross-cuts and rip.
The fence keeps the workpiece firmly in place, so the material will not move when cutting. By maintaining the workpiece’s position, the table saw is safer to use.
Without the fence, the craftsman may encounter injuries or accidents or even worse. Using a fence, you have the ability to make cuts precisely and accurately and to have the ability to control the size and length of each cut (rip capacity).
You can get straight cuts, cut longer workpieces, or sheet material when their original shape is not easy to handle. A table saw fence can make sure a proper cut when applying force as you feed the workpiece towards the blade.
Factors you should consider when purchasing a table saw fence
The size of the table saw
You have to make sure that the size of the table saw fences can attach to the table saw. One table saw fence model can reach 50 inches, while the other models have a maximum span of 27 inches.
Cabinet table saws have the widest span to work with the most significant material sizes. Portable table saws work the best for smaller material sizes.
Rip capacity
You need to choose the right rip capacity that accurately meets your requirements. Select the fence accordingly and you must consider the average log size to work on.
Consider also what you might deal with in the future use, where higher rip capacities may be needed. It would be best to acquire the fence with maximum rip capacity to fit your work and budget.
Easy to install
When you are about to set the table saw fence, you do not want to have difficulties. Your table saw fence must be easy to install or mount on your table saw.
Be sure to inspect the compatibility of the table saw. Almost all of the time you must drill new holes when you install the fence.
Try to look for a table saw fence that comes with a front clamp. Avoid the front and rear clamp.
The front clamp will help you fit the fence on any size table saw. A T-bar can also help you stop from moving and increase the rigidity of the fence.
The material
Try to look for a table saw fence made of steel or aluminum. If you choose the right material, it can determine the durability of the table saw fence product.
The sturdy material is very important for the durability issue. Materials such as fiber, plastic or wood, can break easily.
The rigidity
When you are working with a table saw, the fence must be rigid all the time. Once the fence move, you will be wasting materials or workpieces.
The best material to keep the rigidity is steel because it is unlikely to warp, solid, and weighty. The other good materials are aluminum.
Be careful when you find a flimsy fence, it is probably made of cheap material.
Easy to use
If you are a beginner, you want the fence to be easy to use and fast set up. You want to do it quickly because you are up against time constraints.
The next time you want to adjust the fence, you must have a fence that comes with an easy locking cam. You can operate the cam with just one hand.
You need one hand to be free and what you need is a front locking fence which is the perfect fit for one-handed operation.
The rip size
Rip size is different for each table saw model and size. You will need a fence that extends on rails or a cabinet saw with increased capacity for extensive workpieces.
You will be able to cut larger sheet material. That is why you need to know the purpose of purchasing a table saw.
Components of a fence
Best table saw fence for craftsman reviews
#1. Shop Fox W1410 Fence with Standard Rails
If you want to make cabinets or other DIY projects, this Shop Fox fence and rail system product is your best bet. In the process of production, the fence slides on ball bearings.
This makes you can smoothly adjust the motion. Cuts with precision are achievable, especially for cabinet making.
The product fits most 27-inch table saws brand. The big benefit of this product is that it comes with fine positioning knobs for right and left-handed use.
#2. Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System
You can use this Vega U26 Table Fence for a variety of table saws. For flexibility, it comes with front and rear railings for fence clamping.
The rip size is 26 inches to the right side and 8 inches to the left of the saw blade for enough space for making desired rips of range. This is a versatile fence option, but you need to drill new holes in specific table saw models. These holes are to properly fit your saw.
Vega U26 comes with a sturdy fence slider for easy and precise wood cutting. For a secure fence locking system and to get an exact measurement, the product comes with fins-adjustable knobs for the easy cutting process.
With this mechanism, once the fence is locked in place, it will not move or break.
#3. Shop Fox W2006 Classic Fence with 7-Foot Rails and Legs
The Shop Fox W2006 has the highest rip-capacity of 54-inches to the right of the saw blade. . It comes with a cam-actuated lock handle to repair the fence against the rectangular tube of the front rail’s machined edge.
The package includes 7-feet rails and legs and can fit perfectly with a wide variety of table saws. A self-adhesive scale with a magnified cursor can accommodate faster cum precise fence adjustment.
The High-Density Polyethylene Face material provides easy material feeding. W2006 fence is easy to replace or install, especially when using jigs and fixtures or cross-cuts using a miter gauge.
For cutting larger workpieces, you can attach an extension table to the existing saw table. You can adjust the lock pressure using two screws included. There are legs mounted to the railings to provide added strength and support to the fence.
#4. Shop Fox W1716 Aluma-Classic Fence with Standard Rails
The Shop Fox W1716 Aluma-Classic Fence was crafted to give many years of trouble-free operation. Its production is carefully in-line with the ISO 9001 certified to make sure a reliable and safe service.
The manufacturing process is paying close attention to detail and using ruggedly built parts. This product measures 57-inches and can provide maximum rip cuts of 30-inches.
Because of the clamps from the front feature, it can be used for a universal table saw fence. Its body is made of steel and aluminum.
This material makes it a lightweight but sturdy fence. If you want to make swift changes, the fence comes with a single locking cam lever for easy adjustment.
#5. Delta, 36-T30T3, 30 inches DELTA T3 Fence System
DELTA Power Equipment Corporation had been in the woodworking business market for 100 years that is why it has become one of the most respected brands today. The Delta rail and fence system comes with a three-point locking system (with twin hairline pointers).
This locking mechanism is to make sure the fence is parallel to the saw blade all the time with accuracy to within 1/64 of an inch. The fence system product has an easy-gliding steel tubular body for precise and quick adjustments to finish your project quickly with precision.
You can use this fence system with hybrid table saws, Delta, Contractor, and Unisaws.
#6. Wixey WR700 Saw Fence Digital Readout
This 50-inch Wixey table saw a fence made from aluminum that comes with a universal mounting bracket that can fit most rails. You can see the digital readout powered by the battery that may last for up to two years.
For having accurate measurement, this fence uses patent-pending “Precise Fraction Technology.” Once in operational mode, the magnetic attachments let you eliminate the fence and still maintain calibration.
#7. Delta Power Tools 78-919BT2 Biesemeyer Fence
This Delta Power table saw a fence comes with a three-point locking system that enables you to increase the cut’s accuracy and set the fence to be parallel with the blade.
The entire fence is adjustable for fast, accurate cuts time and time again.
#8. Dewalt DW745 Table Saw Replacement Fence Assembly
This DeWALT fence is a lightweight product because it is made from aluminum (weighs 1.78 pounds). You can use this fence in your small woodshop.
Be sure that you own the DeWALT 10-inch DW745 table saw because it is the only table saw that fits. The maximum rip capacity is at just 20 inches.
#9. CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence
This Carter Magfence utilizes powerful magnets to hold the fence firmly in its position. As a beginner, you can take advantage of this fence that sticks to non-ferrous metal surfaces.
It is easy and simple to use. All you need to do is to place it on the tabletop. After that, it clamps into position magnetically.
The fence has a measurement of 3-½ inches tall and 16 inches long. This product also comes with multiple T-slots.
You will not need to have adjustment holes to be drilled because it can fit any table.
#10. Ryobi RTS10 10″ Table Saw Replacement Rip Fence Assembly
This Ryobi RTS10 is only compatible with the Ryobi RTS10 10″ Table Saw. It is made from aluminum.
The fence measures 20-inches long. It can handle cuts with one hand with a single locking cam handle.
10 Table saw fence comparison chart
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Fox W1410 Fence with Standard Rails | – Material: aluminum – Compatible with a – 27-inch table saw – 50-inches in length – 22-inches of rip capacity – Ball-bearings slider for smooth slide-in or out – Easy installation without adjusting and drilling – Locks on both end | Check Price |
| Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System | – Material: steel – Compatible with a wide variety of table saw – 36-inches in length – The fine adjustment for the fence position is nice – The round main rail is good quality – Quick to install, taking as little as 15-minutes – Micro adjustment – Auxiliary table support | Check Price |
| Shop Fox W2006 Classic Fence with 7-Foot Rails and Legs | – HDPE fence face – Powder-coated paint for durability – 54-inches maximum rip – UPC-coded packaging – Lift-off design – Simple mounting procedure – Wide right angle design for maximum support and accuracy – Slider pads | Check Price |
| Shop Fox W1716 Aluma-Classic Fence with Standard Rails | – ISO 9001 certified – 57-inches long – 30-inches maximum rip – Made of aluminum and steel – Single locking cam lever | Check Price |
| Delta, 36-T30T3, 30 inches DELTA T3 Fence System | – 30-inches of rip capacity – Length: 37-inches – Made of aluminum – One-piece square tubular rail – Max rip to the left of blade 13-1/2-inches – Three-point locking system with twin hairline pointers – Steel tube fence body to handle square cuts, precision ripping, and quick cuts – Easy gliding – Slider pads | Check Price |
| Wixey WR700 Saw Fence Digital Readout | – Easy to install – Length: 60-inches – Made of plastic – Digital readout kit – Two years of battery life – Precise Fraction Technology | Check Price |
| Delta Power Tools 78-919BT2 Biesemeyer Fence | – Simple to use – Accurate 3-points locking system – Adjustable for fast accurate cuts time – Easy-gliding – Steel tube fence body – Can handle square cuts, quick, and precision ripping | Check Price |
| Dewalt DW745 Table Saw Replacement Fence Assembly | – For DeWalt 10-inch DW745 – Maximum rip capacity: 20-inches – Made of aluminum – Weighs 1.78 pounds | Check Price |
| CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence | – Made of powder-coated aluminum – Compatible with a table saw with a non-ferrous surface – 16-inches long – 3-1/2-inches tall – No need to drill holes | Check Price |
| Ryobi RTS10 10″ Table Saw Replacement Rip Fence Assembly | – Rip capacity 30-inches – Compatible with Ryobi 10-inch table saw – 20-inches long – Single locking cam handle – Made from aluminum | Check Price |
How to level fence to the saw table
Place the fence on your table saw. Lock the fence. Look at the fence from the left side of the table saw.
Look for the space between the fence bottom and the table to be equal along the fence’s entire length if an adjustment is necessary. Unlock the fence. Using a 10-mm wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the foot adjustment.
Rotate the foot of the fence, retracting that it does not come in contact with the back rail. Raise or lower two nylon adjustment screws the same number of turns.
Do this until the space between the bottom of the table and the fence is the same.
Lower or raise the fence carefully on each side equally, or the fence may not be 90° to the table saw after the height adjustment is finished. When the space at points A and B are the same, extend the foot by rotating it until it comes in contact with the back rail.
At last, tighten the lock nut to secure the foot, preventing it from further rotation.
How to adjust fence parallel to the Miter Slot
Place your fence next to the outside edge of the right miter slot. Once in place, lock it. The fence needs to be even with the miter slot from back to front.
If it is not even along with the miter slot, unlock the fence, remove the fence and turn it upside down. Adjust one of the two setscrews until the fence is even with the miter slot edge along its entire length when locked.
How to adjust the cursor
Disconnect the power cord cable of the power source from the table saw. Pull-up the table saw blade above the table.
Unlock the fence and slide the fence to about four inches from the table saw blade. Once in place, lock the fence.
Start measuring the distance between the inside of the fence and the saw blade. Adjust the cursor to read the measured distance and tighten the cursor assembly firmly to the fence.
It would be best if you took a test cut. Make sure the adjustment is correct.