Multipurpose Table Saw Auxiliary Fence for Better Cuts
An auxiliary fence is one of the handiest accessories you can add to your table saw. It's especially useful for cutting rabbets, ripping thin strips, and other operations where you need extra workpiece support or want to protect your saw's rip fence.
I originally built this shop-made auxiliary fence as a sacrificial surface for those types of cuts. But after adding a few practical features, it became an accessory I use regularly.
The fence combines a tall plywood face, a rabbet for handling thin stock, and a built-in T-track for mounting a featherboard. Together, these features make it a versatile addition to the table saw.
A Tall Fence for Better Workpiece Support
The main component is a wide piece of plywood that forms the face of the auxiliary fence.
The extra height provides support when cutting workpieces standing on edge. It also creates a sacrificial surface that can protect the rip fence during operations such as cutting rabbets.
Along the bottom edge, I added a rabbet that creates a recess for thin stock.
This feature helps control thin workpieces and reduces the chance of an edge slipping beneath the fence.
Add a T-Track for a Featherboard
Another useful feature is the T-track installed in a groove in the face of the fence.
The T-track provides an adjustable mounting point for a featherboard.
With the featherboard installed, you can apply consistent pressure to help keep the workpiece against the table during ripping operations.
Position the featherboard ahead of the blade so it doesn't apply pressure to the stock after the cut. This is especially important when ripping narrow pieces.
The adjustable track also makes it easy to remove or reposition the featherboard for different setups.
Attach the Auxiliary Fence to Your Rip Fence
The plywood face is fastened to a clamping board with screws.
Specialized fence clamps secure the assembly to the table saw's existing rip fence without requiring permanent modifications.
This arrangement allows you to install the auxiliary fence when needed and remove it for other operations.
Before using the jig, make sure it's firmly attached, square to the table, and properly aligned. Check that the clamps and mounting hardware won't interfere with the blade or workpiece.
When using the fence for a sacrificial cut, confirm that the blade path is clear of all screws and metal hardware.
One Fence, Several Useful Table Saw Upgrades
What started as a simple sacrificial fence turned into a handy multipurpose table saw accessory.
The tall face supports workpieces on edge, the lower rabbet helps control thin stock, and the T-track makes it easy to add a featherboard.
It's a straightforward shop-made jig that can improve your table saw setup without requiring major modifications.
And once you've used it for a few different operations, you may find yourself leaving it installed more often than not.
Two Ways to Cut Rabbets on a Table Saw
An auxiliary fence is especially handy when cutting rabbets with a dado blade. Learn two reliable methods for making clean, accurate rabbets using either a dado blade or a standard table saw blade.
LEARN HOW TO CUT RABBETS → Make Accurate Rabbets with Your Table Saw
