A wood auxiliary fence is a handy addition to the table saw. It gives you a sacrificial surface that can be positioned over the blade when a setup calls for partially burying the blade in the fence.
The trouble is attaching one to the rip fence. Ordinary clamps can protrude into the work area and interfere with the cut.
This shop-made auxiliary fence solves that problem by building recessed clamp pockets directly into the fence.
Build the Fence in Four Layers
The auxiliary fence is a simple laminated assembly made from four layers.
The two outer layers run the full length of the rip fence. Between them are two built-up middle layers.
Rather than making each middle layer from a single piece, make it from three separate sections. Leaving gaps between the sections creates pockets large enough to accommodate the clamp heads.
With the clamps seated in these openings, they can secure the auxiliary fence without projecting into the cutting area.
Glue First, Trim Later
There's no need to make every piece exactly the finished width before assembly.
Instead, leave the parts slightly wide and glue the four layers together. Once the glue cures, rip the entire assembly to its final width. This leaves the edges of all four layers flush with one another.
WOODSMITH TIP: Adapt It for the Band Saw. The same laminated construction can be adapted to make an auxiliary band saw resaw fence. Simply make one of the outer layers taller to provide additional support for a wide board during resawing.
A Fence That Keeps the Clamps Out of the Way
The real advantage of this auxiliary fence is its simplicity. The recessed pockets give the clamps a dedicated place to sit, leaving the face of the fence unobstructed.
Once installed, you've got a sturdy sacrificial fence that can be used whenever a table saw setup calls for bringing the blade right up to — or partially into — the fence.
More Jigs & Fixtures for Your Workshop
A good shop-made jig can make a familiar tool more accurate, versatile, and easier to use. Explore more woodworking jigs and fixtures for the table saw, router table, drill press, band saw, and workbench — with practical ideas you can build and put to work in your own shop.
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