
Best Table Saw Fences Buying Guide
As much as a table saw fence makes your life easy, getting the wrong type, brand, or size can make your life miserable. Since it is an expensive investment, you would want to ensure that you get the right product on the first go. Not sure what you should be looking out for?
This buyer’s guide will help you in picking the right table saw fence in 2024.
Types of Table Saw Fence
There are basically 4 types of table saw fence that are most used.
- T-square fence: Featuring a 3-point locking system, the T-square fence system helps keep the table saw stable and not jerk around when cutting heavy boards.
- Sliding fence: Sliding fences oscillate miter gauge so that the blade can cut very precisely. Since it lies flat to the blade in a parallel position, it helps in cutting thin boards. These can only be used on sliding table saws.
- Micro-Adjusters: These fences let you turn the knob when you have the fence running. This helps in reducing the stress of manual adjustment of the fence.
- Digital Readouts: One of the newest models of fences, digital readouts are the ones that offer the most accurate measurements when you are doing your cutting projects.
Material
Table saw fence system comes in different materials, but the best ones are manufactured with a mix of steel and aluminum. They are rigid and can take heavyweight easily, but also handle lightweight material by making movement easy.
There are also wooden and plastic fences available, but they are prone to malfunction and breakage. This is why most experts prefer a table saw fence that is made from aluminum and steel. The only problem with these fences is that they are prone to warping over a period of time.
Size
Another very important thing to consider when buying a table saw fence system is the size. You would have to know the size of your table saw very accurately for you to get a fencing system that can be adjusted properly. If the fence does not adjust to the table fence accurately, you would not be able to make rip cuts. Precise cutting can only be achieved with a proper fit. If you are looking for maximum rip capacity, select tools with fence and rail systems.
If the fence is short, then your table will become less secure and steady. If the fence is larger than the table, then moving it about would be inconvenient, and even though you would be able to work with it, your experience will be uncomfortable and awkward. So be sure to measure your table saw properly before getting a precise fence.
Locking system
According to most experts, it is the locking system of the fence that makes or breaks the fencing system. You need to have a fence that locks in properly and is facing the blade squarely. Most of the fences come with proper locking, but you must ensure the reliability of the brand.
Compatibility with a table saw
Most amateurs do not know that fences need to be compatible with the table saw. You will have to check that both the models are favorable for them to work properly. Take measurements with your measuring tape while also paying attention to the model and hole pattern.
Some fences have specifically been designed for certain table fences, while others can be made to fit any table fence by drilling holes to adjust properly. You can use a drill press to drill accurate and evenly spaced holes. Just check everything before making a purchase or ask the experts at the store.
Alignment
Another important thing to look out for is the steadiness a fence will give to your table saw. This will only be possible when the fence is aligned just right with the wooden table. That will allow consistent and smooth rip cuts every single time.
When assembling the fence to your table saw, you will have to keep in mind that it must be parallel with the blade. Another thing to check is whether you will be able to loosen the bolts easily and move them for the rip fence option. Give the manual a look to find out if this alignment is possible before making your purchase. This way, you will not have gotten something that does not meet your requirements.
Manual vs. Electric
A table saw fence system can either be manual or electric. A manual fence means that you can adjust it with your hands, while the electric fence is adjusted correctly by clicking on a button. The choice of electric vs manual is completely personal. Most people who frequently use the table saw fences opt for manual ones because they can adjust them as per their needs with their own hands.
Since there are quite a few options for the types, you would again need to check out what purpose you want to achieve with your table saw to pick out the right fence to go along with it.
Upgrading Your Table Saw Fence
Are you looking to upgrade your table saw fence, but don’t know if it is even possible. Well, good news is that you can upgrade such power tools to improve the usefulness of the table saw. Check the DIY table saw video from ‘How I Do Things DIY’ for tips and tricks.

PEOPLE ALSO ASKED
Which side is best to put the fence on a table saw?
This completely depends on which side you prefer to work on. Do you feel more comfortable on the right or the left? Whichever is your dominant hand, you will want to place the fence on that side of the table saw. If you are right-handed, then on the right side; if you are left-handed, then the left side. The whole point is to make your experience comfortable and easy.
How to store a table saw fence?
A table saw fence is meant to remain connected to the table saw. This way, you can quickly start the table saw and get to work without having to get into the hassle of assembling the fence over and over again. But if you still feel the need to remove the fence, make sure that you keep it somewhere close to the table saw so that you won’t have to search the entire house when beginning a woodcutting project.
Should the fence be removed from the table saw once used?
You don’t have to disassemble the fence once it has been attached to the table saw. This would make it simpler to use whenever you want to begin cutting. If you do want to remove it, you would want to keep it close to the table saw to attach it whenever required.
What is a unifence?
A unifence is a T-square style fence that locks on the table saw and is easy to slide across it. It is best for cross cuts as sliding up and down is very simple. A unifence also stops crosscutting just when you need it, hence why so many people prefer it compared to other types.
How far can the guide rail be extended on the sides of the blade?
This is different for different guide rails because of their varying lengths. You will have to take into consideration your woodworking projects to see what works best for you. Some brands have larger capacities on either side, while others have smaller ones. Therefore, check out your requirements and then see what will work best for your wood cutting.









