Build a Dual-Purpose Table Saw and Router Table Fence
When shop space is limited, it's worth finding ways to make your tools and accessories serve more than one purpose. A router table built into a table saw extension wing is a great example. It provides the versatility of a router table without taking up additional floor space.
But there's still the question of the fence.
Rather than building and storing a separate router table fence, this dual-purpose auxiliary fence clamps directly to the table saw's rip fence. It works as an adjustable router table fence with dust collection and accessory mounting options. Then, when it's time to use the table saw, the same fence provides extra height and a convenient way to attach featherboards and sacrificial faces.
It's a simple shop-made upgrade that can make both tools more versatile.
One Auxiliary Fence for Two Tools
The key to this design is that the auxiliary fence attaches to the existing table saw rip fence with clamps.
When using the router table, position the accessory on the router side of the rip fence.
When switching to table saw operations, reposition it on the side facing the saw blade.
This eliminates the need for a dedicated router table fence and makes it easy to use the same accessory for different operations.
The design also incorporates several useful features:
- Adjustable split faces for router bit clearance
- A built-in dust collection port
- A T-slot for mounting featherboards and other accessories
- A removable sacrificial face for cutting rabbets
- Extra height for supporting tall workpieces
Each feature adds versatility without requiring another separate jig or accessory.
Adjustable Split Faces for Router Table Work
One of the most useful features of this fence is its adjustable split faces.
Unlike a solid router table fence, the two faces can be moved independently to create an opening around the router bit.
This allows you to adjust the clearance to suit different bit diameters and profiles.
Keeping the opening reasonably close to the bit provides better support for the workpiece as it passes the cutter.
T-Slots Make the Faces Adjustable
The back of each fence face has a T-slot that accepts flange bolts.
Threaded knobs secure the faces in position while allowing them to be loosened and adjusted when needed.
This arrangement also makes the faces removable.
If one becomes damaged or worn, it can be replaced without rebuilding the entire fence.
[IMAGE: s104_004.jpg — Construction drawing showing the adjustable fence faces, T-slots, flange bolts, and threaded knobs.]
Built-In Dust Collection
Routing can produce a surprising amount of chips and dust, especially when cutting decorative profiles or working with larger router bits.
This fence includes a dust collection port behind the cutter opening.
The port provides a convenient connection for a shop vacuum or dust collector.
When the fence is positioned correctly, chips produced at the router bit can be drawn through the opening and into the collection system.
This helps keep the router table cleaner and improves visibility during routing.
For best results, position the split faces close enough to the cutter to capture chips effectively while maintaining adequate bit clearance.
Add Featherboards and Accessories with the T-Slot
A T-slot along the front of the fence provides a convenient mounting point for accessories.
For router table work, you can use it to attach featherboards that apply downward pressure to a workpiece as it moves past the bit.
This helps maintain consistent contact with the tabletop during suitable routing operations.
The T-slot can also accommodate other shop-made accessories that use compatible hardware.
Because the accessories are mounted directly to the fence, they're easy to adjust or remove as needed.
Woodsmith Tip: Position featherboards so they apply pressure before the workpiece reaches the cutter. Never place a featherboard where it could force the workpiece sideways into the rotating bit.
Use the Fence at the Table Saw
The auxiliary fence isn't limited to router table work.
When it's time to use the table saw, clamp the accessory to the blade-facing side of the rip fence.
The extra height provides additional support when working with tall pieces, such as panels or boards that need to be held upright for an appropriate cutting operation.
The T-slot remains available for mounting accessories.
Add a Sacrificial Fence Face
One particularly useful table saw application is attaching a sacrificial face.
A sacrificial fence is a replaceable strip of material that can be positioned close to the saw blade or dado cutter for operations such as cutting rabbets.
The T-slot makes it easy to attach the sacrificial face using suitable hardware.
If the face becomes damaged during use, it can be replaced without affecting the main fence.
Mount Featherboards for Ripping
The fence-mounted T-slot can also be used to hold featherboards that apply downward pressure during suitable ripping operations.
This can help keep the workpiece against the table as it moves toward the blade.
Important: A featherboard that applies sideways pressure toward the blade must be positioned ahead of the blade, never alongside or behind it. Maintain the appropriate blade guard, riving knife or splitter, and push devices for the operation. The auxiliary fence must not interfere with these safety features.
Build the Fence with T-Slots and Adjustable Hardware
The construction drawing provides the details for making the fence.
The key components are the main fence body, adjustable split faces, dust collection opening, and T-slot mounting system.
The T-slots on the backs of the adjustable faces allow flange bolts to slide into position.
Threaded knobs then secure the faces to the fence body.
A separate T-slot along the front accepts featherboards, sacrificial faces, and other accessories.
Before building the fence, check the dimensions of your table saw rip fence and router table arrangement.
The auxiliary fence should clamp securely without interfering with the movement or locking mechanism of the rip fence.
Also, make sure the clamps remain clear of the router bit, saw blade, and workpiece travel path.
A Versatile Upgrade for a Small Workshop
A router table built into a table saw extension wing is already a smart way to save shop space.
Adding a dual-purpose auxiliary fence makes the arrangement even more useful.
The adjustable faces, dust collection port, and T-slot accessories provide the features you'd expect from a dedicated router table fence.
And when you're using the table saw, the same accessory becomes a tall auxiliary fence with options for featherboards and sacrificial faces.
It's a practical shop-made addition that earns its place in the workshop by doing more than one job.
Build a Versatile Table Saw Workcenter
Turn your table saw into a hardworking shop station with this practical workcenter. With added workspace and an integrated router table, it's a smart way to expand your shop's capabilities without adding another standalone machine. Pair it with this dual-purpose auxiliary fence for even more versatility.
GET THE TABLE SAW WORKCENTER PLANS → Get More from Your Table Saw Without Taking Up More Space
