Table Saw Fence Options

Which fence to buy? Figuring out which aftermarket fence is right for your cabinet-style or contractor-style table saw can be a daunting task. Your grandfather will tell you, "Buy a Biesemeyer, young man, and forget all your worries. But get a job first." But questions may remain.

"Isn't there a cheaper, just-as-good alternative to a gold plated Biesemeyer?"

"Isn't the t-square fence a universal design?"

"What about all these fences that cost $150 less - aren't some of them good enough?"

"Do I really need a job?"

If you ask me, I'll tell you to buy a Biesemeyer. Here's why: It'll hold its value. It'll help you sell a used saw quicker. You'll love using it every day. Old guys will envy you. It might keep you from becoming a total wanker.

More advice...

- You don't need micro-adjustment.

- Extruded aluminum bars and laminated fence faces with formica-looking stuff on them are preferable to UHMW plastic faces.

- Rails constructed of heavy-gauge angle iron and square tubing are far superior to those made of tubular steel.

- Pay attention to how the nose of the fence is supported and slides (the far end of the fence).

- A great fence makes life better.

TABLE SAW RIP FENCES COMMONLY AVAILABLE

1.) Biesemeyer

The original and reining champion: Biesemeyer. Its pronounced "BEES-uh-myer". Spend the money, wanker. It's a great fence.

For all you hand-wringing snowflake types still over-thinking your options, I provide the following: A reasonably comprehensive list of table saw rip fences on the market today. Many are very good (i.e., professional quality) while some are so-so. Also, there's a ton of DIY fence help out there, too, if you want to make your own. Just scroll down farther for links to vids and info.

2.) Delta Unifence

A very good fence. A professional-quality, proven tool. Sam Maloof's table saw sported a Unifence.

More info:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/2010/09/02/glory-thy-name-is-unifence

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=5397

3.) Accu-Fence

This is the fence that used to come standard with Powermatic and Jet machines. I'm not sure if it still does. Very good fence.

More info:

www.powermatic.com

4.) Vega

Very good fence with micro-adjustment. Not sure if Vega is still in business. They might have gotten out of the market or may be doing the manufacturing for other companies now.

More info:

http://vegawoodworking.com/product/table-saw-fence/

5.) SawStop T-Glide

Standard fence that comes with SawStop cabinet saws. Very good fence.

More info:

www.sawstop.com

6.) Delta 36-T30 T3

A step down from a true Biesemeyer-style fence, but a pretty good choice if you're on a tight budget.

7.) Shop Fox Fence

A step down from the top-line rip fences. A budget option. People will ask why you bought it. Your answer should include the word "wanker".

More info:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Fence-w-O-Rails/W1411?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

8.) Very Super Cool Tools

Innovative fences with super-straight extruded aluminum rails and lots of configuration options. Save a few super bucks and support Super Allen. A very super good fence, despite the green paint.

More info:

https://vsctools.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaEb2aKwUtM

9.) Incra LS32-TS

Kind of weird looking, but very nicely built. Incra has a particular design aesthetic that carries through its entire line of tools. I have to believe Germans on holiday tend to gravitate towards Incra (in their short shorts, of course). Very good fence system appreciated by some cabinet makers.

More info:

http://www.incra.com/table_saw_fences-tsls_fences.html

10.) HTC

Not sure if HTC is still making fences. Half step down from pro level tools.

More info:

http://www.boratool.com

11.) Grizzly Aluma-Classic

A short step down from the top class, but serviceable. Keep it waxed up and it'll work fine. I owned this fence for 12 years. I have replaced the rails, slider pads, clamp pad, and knob. I'm such a wanker.

More info:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Aluma-Classic-Fence-Standard/W1716?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

12.) Shop Fox Classic Fence

Similar to the Grizzly and HTC. A half step down from the pro tools, but likely as good as any in this class.

More info:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/The-Shop-Fox-Classic-Fence-System-w-Standard-Rails/W2005?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

13.) JET X-Acta

Very nice. Not sure if it is still being made.

More info:

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/home/

14.) Jet ProShop

Looks similar to others out of the Taiwan factories. Half step down in quality from the big boys.

More info:

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/jpsf-1-proshop-fence-assembly-only/708482

15.) Rockwell Delta Jet-Lock

Total crap. These fences are worthless. Remove and sell as quickly as you can. They are crap. Am I clear?

16.) Craftsman 113

Not great, but will probably work OK. A budget option.

More info:

Forget about this fence.

BUILD YOUR OWN TABLE SAW FENCE

a.) John Heisz Wooden Table Saw Fence Plan

John Heisz is super talented. His plans and videos are great.

More info:

http://www.ibuildit.ca/Sales/sales-15.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0IHnxhSZsg

b.) JersWorkshop Incremental Fence

Innovative young builder with some good thinking behind his plans. You'll need a welder to make this fence.

More info:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/250536010/table-saw-fence-with-incremental

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pudkvHFOfk

c.) DIY Creators

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0R5rO1jJqM

d.) Idea.Sketch.Build

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6Ej60DM0U

e.) Well Made Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bpfvXTmXKA

f.) Elias Stratakos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXrAdNh5QwE

g.) pin bal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXJmJkMQidQ

h.) Wooden Tool Man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6_O9AeQQHc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6FsNN-D7dM

i.) Pocket83

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceFWwXIZk4k

j.) Matthias Wandel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgPUEHy6A2s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgIQGdXTTzs

k.) Cosmas Bauer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjN37QWWB_o

l.) The Italian Makers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQk8Qj6cH38

m.) T2's Stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbzCqQ1OEAg

n.) Marcello Bianchi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhTU5HlWZ5I

o.) Gokman Altuntas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHDvAKmVlNo

p.) Izzy Swan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAIj2dgXUx0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhORUN6oCUc

q.) Koss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0EjfGEG280

r.) rSo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6k3D_X0FAQ

s.) thewoodworker01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZij7GGtf_g

t.) Joshua Luther

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUQvoSOrutE

u.) JCR Creations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqZFya5XJtU

v.) Mads Kevy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1DVHnl9rUM

w.) Danny S. Hodges

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaNOyCyeh6U

x.) Stan Sullivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5VonQwBGls