At the heart of every workshop is a table saw. This piece of equipment can be used for a ton of functions, ranging from rip to cross-cuts, miter cuts, and more. Table saws can even be used to apply shapes on the edges of lumber.
While it’s a highly versatile tool, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most from a table saw. One such tip is ensuring that you invest in the best table saw fences.
If you aren’t familiar with this feature, the following is a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of table saw fences.
What is a Table Saw Fence?
Popularly referred to as a rip fence, a table saw fence is one of the most essential woodworking accessories. Often, it’s positioned on the right side of the saw blade, and its primary function is to provide a cutting guide so you can make accurate cuts.
This fence system is pretty similar to a miter gauge that helps to hold the stock in place. However, a fence lets you perform rip cuts while a miter gauge lets you perform square and angled cross-cuts as well.
Still on the fence about purchasing a table saw fence? Here are a few benefits you stand to gain:
Improves Accuracy
If your projects call for precision, then be sure to invest in a fence system. It will lock the stock in place; thus ensuring that cuts are properly aligned. This also allows you to determine the thickness of the cut.
Boosts Your Productivity
One of the best things about a table saw fence is that you only need to set it up once. Once it’s properly configured, you can make as many cuts and in a timely fashion without going back to counter-check the measurements.
This increase in productivity is a major plus if you’re embarking on a particularly long project or have a ton of wood to cut.
Saves You Money
These power tools can save you a ton of money as they prevent you from making costly mistakes. Each cut will be at the precise angle you want and to the depth you want. As long as you’ve configured it properly, you can make multiple cuts within a very short amount of time.
Table Saw Fence Buyer’s Guide
Here are a couple of points you should keep in mind when purchasing a table saw fence:
Parallel to Blade
One of the things you’ll want to check is the position of the table fence system relative to the blade. For the best outcome, it should always be parallel to the blade.
If it’s off-center even by a small margin, then every resulting cut you perform won’t be accurate either. If you’re tackling projects that require a high level of precision, this misalignment can cause catastrophic effects.
Table Saw Size
Just like table saws, these fence systems come in a wide range of sizes.
There are a couple of fences that come in a universal size, meaning they’re compatible with just about any table saw. However, some are limited by the length of the fence. Due to this, it’s crucial that you counter-check the specific length of fence that your table saw requires.
Rip Size
If you’re planning to perform very large cuts, then be sure to buy the best table saw fence with extended rails. Usually, such rails provide massive rips of widths of up to 54 inches. This is even wider than a full-size sheet of wood.
If you don’t plan to perform very large cuts, then a simple fence that has standard rails will suffice. Typically, these offer rips of about 25 inches or more. Although this sounds like a much smaller rip, it’s enough to rip a 4’ x 8’ sheet into two.
Ease of Installation
A brand new fence system should be easy to attach to your current table saw. This will depend largely on how compatible the fence is with your piece of machinery and the accessories provided.
If it’s the kind of fence that requires you to drill holes, then the manufacturer should have included attachments that make this process easy.
Now, if you’re a beginner or new to table saws, consider investing in a fence system that has a clamp at the front. This is contrary to those models that have clamps at the front and rear. With a front clamp, the fence can fit seamlessly on any table saw size.
And if you find one with a T-square fence like the BC30T2 by Delta Power Equipment Corporation. The T-bar significantly improves the rigidity of the fence; thus, preventing it from being mobile during operation.
Rigidity
The last thing you want is to purchase a brand new fence, only for it to end up being wobbly.
The best table saw fence shouldn’t flex or move even an inch during operation. If they’re not steady, then you’ll end up making very inaccurate cuts.
On that note, pay attention to the material used to make these power tools. The best choice of material is steel as it’s strong, heavy, and highly unlikely to warp.
Other table saw fences are made purely from aluminum or a combination of aluminum and steel, which work relatively well too.
If you aren’t sure of the material used to make the fence, do a weight test. If it has a flimsy feel, there’s a good chance that it’s made of very cheap metal.
Manual vs Electric
When it comes to distance readings, you’ll have a choice of two systems. Some fence systems have digital readouts while others use the good old gauge.
The biggest advantage of a digital readout is that it provides a more accurate reading than a gauge. But because it’s superior, a table saw fence equipped with a digital readout may be more expensive. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preferences.
Accessories
Not every fence system is designed to be compatible with every table saw.
With some fences, you have to drill new holes so the fence aligns with the table saw. If this is the case, then ensure the package includes essential accessories. A carrying bag or case that lets you store this hardware neatly is another nice-to-have feature.
Reviews of the 8 Best Table Saw Fence Systems
1. Dewalt DW745 Table Saw Replacement Fence
Looking for a table saw fence system that’s reasonably priced? Well, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model that’s better than the Dewalt DW745 table saw replacement fence.
Weighing just slightly under 2 pounds, this fence is pretty lightweight. This stems from the fact that it’s constructed using aluminum. Still, it’s able to put up with the rigors of a small workshop.
That said, this rip fence is designed to be compatible with just one table saw- the Dewalt 10-inch DW745. Due to this, you only get a small rip of about 20 inches.
On the bright side, this fence comes with everything you need for the replacement process. As long as you have a compatible table saw, all you’ll need to do is swap your old one with the new one. You won’t have to make any new adjustments or start drilling holes.
Pros
Cons
If you specialize in cabinet making, then the Shop Fox W1410 is the best table saw rip fence.
Unlike the Dewalt DW745 replacement fence, this one is compatible with a number of table saws on the market. The only thing you have to be mindful of is that it's compatible with a maximum of 27-inch table saws.
Another feature that sets the Shop Fox W1410 fence apart is the fact that it’s designed to slide on ball bearings. This ensures that anytime you’re sliding it inwards or outwards, the process is incredibly smooth.
Thus, you don’t have to struggle when making adjustments. Thanks to this feature, you’ll find it very easy to perform accurate cuts, such as those required in furniture making.
The provision of fine positioning knobs on both sides is yet another feature you’ll like. Due to this, the W1410 fence with standard rails is suitable for both left- and right-handed use.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been hunting for a reliable aftermarket table saw fence, the Shop Fox W2005 Classic Fence is your best bet. Though it has a hefty price tag, it offers an ultra-smooth operation, setting it apart from other models.
The classic fence system comes with standard rails. Once they’re installed, you should be able to get a rip of 25 inches to the blade's right side.
Shop Fox understands that this rip capacity may not be sufficient. As such, they offer you an option to get longer rails for a rip of up to 54 inches to the right of the blade.
Another feature that sets this classic fence with standard rails from the crowd entails its straightforward lift-off design.
This makes the process of removing and reinstalling the fence on table saws remarkably easy. There’s also a magnified cursor and self-adhesive scale that simplify the process of positioning or aligning the fence correctly.
The Shop Fox W2005 fence also boasts a wide right angle design that enhances accuracy and support. To add to this, it’s equipped with a cam-action lever that locks securely using a one-handed operation.
Durability is one thing you’ll never have to worry about with the W2005 classic fence. This is because the fence rails are painted in epoxy, providing a longer-lasting finish.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking to invest in a feature-packed fence system? If you are, then check out the Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System.
This fence showcases durability at its best. It’s constructed using solid steel, enabling it to endure rigorous use like a champ! Plus it delivers a high level of precision, which is achieved through the micro-adjustment ability that it offers.
With regards to specifications, the Vega U26 table saw fence system offers a maximum rip of 26 inches to the right. You also get a rip of 8 inches to the left, resulting in a total rip capacity of 36 inches.
If this rip capacity isn't sufficient, then consider its close cousin, the Vega Pro, which has almost identical features. The only difference is that the Vega Pro has a 42-inch fence bar, offering a rip capacity of up to 50 inches.
We also like how simple it is to install this fence system. It’s designed to be mounted with ease, and it’s compatible with an array of table saws. It comes with predrilled holes that are about 8 to 9 inches away on both sides of the blade.
Pros
Cons
Want to invest in a hybrid table saw fence? If you do, the Shop Fox W1716 Aluma Classic Fence is an excellent choice.
One area where this fence really shines is in durability as it’s constructed using a blend of steel and aluminum. The steel offers maximum durability while the aluminum helps to keep its weight to a minimum.
We also like the array of features that help to improve the accuracy of Shop Fox W1716 Aluma classic fence. The first is a self-adhesive measuring tape.
It mounts very easily on the fence and is extremely simple to read thanks to the yellow and black markings. The fence system also boasts a magnified cursor that also makes it easy to position the fence with accuracy.
Not only is this fence easy to set up, but it also has a heavy duty locking lever that ensures it stays in place once it’s configured.
The rail included with this fence is about 57 inches long. This is a pretty generous offering, and it allows for a maximum rip capacity of 30 inches to the right side of the blade.
Pros
Cons
The Delta 36 T30T3 is often ranked the best fence and rail system, and rightly so.
For starters, it’s one of the most accurate models. It touts a 3-point locking mechanism alongside twin hairline pointers. The purpose of these is to ensure the fence always stays parallel to the blade.
According to Delta, this table saw fence offers precision to within 1/64 of an inch, which is setting a pretty high bar for other models.
The Delta 36 T30T3 is a 37-inch fence with a 57 ½-inch rail system. Thanks to this length, you’ll have a 13 ½-inch rip to the left and a 30-inch rip to the right of the blade.
Another feature you’ll like is the fence delta power and how easily and precisely you can make adjustments. This is made possible by its easy-gliding tubular body that’s made of steel.
You will also find it relatively easy to attach the fence to your table saw. It clamps swiftly to the front tube then hooks over the rail on the rear with just as much ease. Better yet, it comes with all the mounting hardware you’ll likely need for this installation procedure.
When it comes to compatibility, the T30T3 fence delta system can work with a wide range of table saw types from Delta. These include Delta Unisaw, contractor, and hybrid table saws.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to get the maximum rip capacity, then you’ll want to invest in the Shop Fox W1720 Aluma Classic Fence. With 79-inch rails, this is one of the longest fence systems around, which is why it offers a 50-inch rip capacity to the blade’s right.
The beefy extruded steel and aluminum construction present here is fairly similar to what you find in the Shop Fox W1716 Aluma mode. This significantly improves the durability of the fence system, so you’re guaranteed of getting years of service.
The cursor on this unit is magnified, enabling you to see the measurements so you can position the fence as accurately as possible.
While it’s not described as universal, the fence Shop Fox W1720 includes several features that allow it to be compatible with just about any table saw.
For one, it has a heavy duty locking lever that ensures the fence completely locks into a specific position once configured. Secondly, the Aluma classic fence sports a torsion box design that prevents deflection when you’re guiding wood.
Pros
Cons
Are you new to the world of table saw fences, and looking for something that is user-friendly? If so, you’ll be pleased with the performance of the Biesemeyer 78-931 T-Square Fence.
This is one of the few table saw fences that is described as universal. It means that it can easily fit on table saws of different brands. In fact, this Biesemeyer fence arrives already pre-drilled, making the process of attaching it to the table saw extremely easy.
Also important to note is that it offers a fairly large rip capacity of 40 inches to the right and another 12-inch rip to the left of the blade.
Like the Delta 36 T30T3, the Biesemeyer fence comes fitted with a three-point locking system. This simplifies the task of ensuring that the fence is parallel to the blade. According to the manufacturer, this results in a precision of within 1/64 of an inch.
It's also very similar to the BC30T2 by Delta Power Equipment Corporation as it also has a T-square fence. As we mentioned earlier, this helps to improve the rigidity of the fence.
To add to this, there’s a hairline pointer that facilitates easy and accurate reading of distance. A built-in tape has also been set up to improve the accuracy of your projects.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Which table saw has the most accurate fence?
If you’re looking for a table saw with the most accurate fence, we’d recommend the Bosch 4100XC 10-inch model. It’s fitted with a SquareLock rip fence that’s designed for ease of use. There’s also an auxiliary fence, ideal for narrow workpieces.
How can I make my table saw fence more accurate?
The easiest way to make your table saw fence system accurate is to ensure that it’s aligned correctly, relative to the blade. For the best outcome, it should always be in a parallel position relative to the blade. If you have to drill more holes to help you achieve this, then do so.
Can I replace my table saw fence?
Yes, you can. If your current fence system is damaged or not working as it should, you can find an aftermarket table fence. Just be sure that it’s compatible with the brand of table saw you’re using.
How accurate should a table saw fence be?
There aren’t any hard and fast rules on how accurate a table saw fence ought to be. But generally, the best table saw fence system is designed to be precise to within 1/64 of an inch.
What is a table saw fence?
Not to be confused with a miter gauge, a table saw fence is used primarily to guide the workpiece so that it doesn’t wobble or shift from the position it’s aligned. This, in turn, helps you make more accurate rip cuts.
How to upgrade table saw fence
There aren’t many ways of upgrading a table saw fence. The most popular entails purchasing longer rails instead of the standard-sized ones. Longer rails are useful for projects where you need a greater rip capacity.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for one of the best table saw fences, the Dewalt DW745 Table Saw Replacement Fence. It comes in at under $100, making it very affordable.
It’s very easy to install as it comes with everything you’ll need for the replacement. And it offers a pretty solid performance. The only drawback is that it’s designed specifically for the Dewalt DW745 table saw. It means that if your table saw is from a different brand, this fence may end up being incompatible.