Make Every Cut Ideal: Best Router Table Fence
Creating projects with a router table fence can easily make the process ten times less difficult. Woodwork is no easy feat, it requires close attention, skill, and a whole lot of caution. Naturally, the right tools and equipment can make your job less of a hassle. With the best router table fences in 2021, you can unlock the true potential of your project in seamless ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
However, what exactly are router table fences? Everybody knows what the table itself does but there seems to be quite a lot of mystery surrounding the fence part. Essentially, the fence is responsible for controlling the direction of the wood you’re working on. Be it a plank or a block, either can unintentionally swerve requiring you to manually adjust the position over and over again. Anybody who has worked on a router table before knows that this isn’t ideal.
Additionally, router table fences can help bridge the open area surrounding the router itself. This adds to the servicemen’s convenience by ensuring everything remains in place. For certain intricate cuts, you absolutely need a fence to deliver the results you desire. While you can also alternate with a starter pin, the latter simply doesn’t extend enough leeway. So, let’s dive into the most popular router table fences you can use to dial your craftsmanship skills up by a few notches.
Best Router Table Fences Buying Guide
The projects handled by woodworkers might seem easy in theory, but they require massive technological assistance. While you can expect someone to make tiny wooden crafts without the involvement of a machine, the same cannot be said for bigger projects such as bed frames and whatnot. Naturally, investing in equipment is an important decision on a variety of fronts. For one, machinery is expensive, and second, the wrong choice can easily break the integrity of a woodwork project. At the same time, every individual has specific needs which is why they look for the perfect match. Regardless, your goal should be to buy router table fences that live up to their claims. Cutting accuracy, accessory attachment, angle adjustment – considering all of these things contribute to an informed purchase.
With a growing demand for customization in furniture and other woodworks, it is pragmatic that you take your time researching the different options available on the market. This guide covers all the important aspects of a great router table fence that is bound to benefit you in the long term. Needless to say, our goal is to offer researched insights that assist your selection. There are enough options out there to overwhelm even the most experienced craftsmen. Verily, the features outlined herein are elaborated primarily for your clear understanding and do not serve as sponsorship for any particular brand/s.
Why Buying a Router Table Fence Is a Great Idea
Every experienced woodworker can vouch that router table fences make their job easier. In the same vein, there is a lot that a router fence brings to the table! So, let’s dive into the benefits you can leverage when you buy one for your project.
Maximum efficiency
If you have ever tried completing a woodworks project with little or no equipment, you already know that it can take double the time. Moreover, you often find yourself struggling due to the scramble associated with the manual back and forth. So, whether you need to cut intricate designs, create grooves, or even perform repetitive tasks, router table fences can drastically speed up the process and allow you to shift to more pressing elements of the procedure without waiting for hours.
Multi-tasking
Every craftsman knows that multitasking is key to a successful project. However, it is easier said than done. You need to manage various aspects of the job simultaneously and even one wrong move can compromise the entire project. This happens when you get flustered and give in to the scramble. With a router table fence, however, you have an organized workstation that supports efficient multi-tasking.
Greater agility in terms of personalized work
To produce the perfect piece, you need to be able to view your workstation from different angles. Otherwise, your chances of ending up with subpar results are much higher. Regardless, a 360-degree view never hurt anyone and reliable router table fences are your one-way ticket to a holistically executed project.
Reduce the chances of injury
Without a fence that has robust lock-in features, you’re more likely to hurt yourself using the tools at your disposal. One slip of the wrong equipment or a wobbly structure can very easily put you in the emergency room. This is especially true if you’re a newbie with little prior experience in woodworking.
Limited cleaning required
Some router table fences feature inbuilt wood chip collection mechanisms that prevent waste material from reaching the ground. Who wishes to top a strenuous session of creating projects with a thorough sweep of the room? Practically nobody! And rest assured, pesky wooden chips, dust, and other materials have a sneaky way of getting everywhere.
Thinking About Buying a Router Table Fence? Here’s Everything You Need to Consider
Material
The first thing you should look for in any router table fence is the material it is made of. Remember, woodwork projects can be heavy especially when you’re dealing with bigger projects. So, if you skimp on the quality of the material, it’s simply going to result in disaster. Not to mention how low-quality fences can collapse unexpectedly and injure you and your workers in the process.
Dust collection system
While this may not be at the top of your list, a dust collection system is a brilliant feature you should be eyeing. Cleaning up after yourself is the most frustrating part of the woodwork process and if you’re building projects right out of your garage, this will save you the hassle of getting rid of all the sawdust that manages to get into every single nook and cranny.
T slots
Some might argue that a router table fence is very limiting in usability on its own. Sure, it helps you keep the pieces in place but shouldn’t it be able to do more than just that? We certainly think so! Verily, the inclusion of T slots plays an important role in determining its appeal - you can use these to attach different tools within minutes.
Adjustability features
Upon installation, you’ll find that the more adjustability features your fence extends, the greater the precision of your cuts will be. Today, most brands include some level of adjustability that allows you to change angles and work accordingly.
Value for Money: Are the Best Router Table Fences Expensive?
When it comes to price, there’s significant variation among the options you can buy. You will notice that some router table fences can be as expensive as $300 whereas others are less than $50. However, does this difference automatically mean that the cheaper option isn’t worth your investment? In reality, it isn’t as simple as that. You need to weigh your options according to your needs. If you’re simply starting and taking up a woodworks project to hone your craft, a cheaper option is the best choice. Contrarily, if you’re a professional with extensive workstation needs, it’s always better to go with a router table fence that has the features you’re looking for. The better the features, the higher the price but this doesn’t entail that every expensive variant deserves your consideration. So, research carefully and sift through user-generated reviews to make an informed decision.
Best Router Table Fences of 2021 Reviewed in Detail
POWERTEC 71488 Aluminum Multi T-Track Fence
– Best Router Table Fence Overall
The POWERTEC Multi T-track fence is perfectly suited for people who look for greater flexibility within the design and structure of their projects. This allows woodworkers to take a multi-tiered approach whereby you can create intricate pieces without giving in to the scramble of the process.
The equipment includes perfectly proportionate T tracks that pave the way for easy assembly throughout the procedure. The tracks themselves are 0.75 inches in thickness and have a gap worth the same dimensions amongst them. Overall POWERTEC’s T-track fence lives up to the brand name and extends ample functionalities to the user without compromising their work efficiency.
- POWERTEC’s multi-T track is built to last a long time and withstand high pressure.
- The extrusion enables greater strength and durability, and users can also easily change the angle
- Its aluminum build puts up a strong fight against corrosion and moisture damage
- Although the overall design is robust, some T-track pieces don’t always fit.
Fulton Precision Miter Gauge
– Runner Up
This Miter Fence accommodates intricate cutting requirements and facilitates greater support to the user. The ends are adjusted at 45 degrees by default, combined with the sturdy flip stop that enables extra flexibility across your workstation. This comes in handy when you need to make the same cuts in a series. Otherwise, you can simply detach them by turning them upwards.
This equipment is made from robust aluminum worthy enough to facilitate most heavy-duty projects. However, that’s not even the best part. The design and structure of the fence are further adjustable, such that, they can be attached to various types of miter gauges. To top it off, the cuts made are highly accurate and the results yielded by this equipment are sufficiently reliable. In fact, you can even change the fence placement and bring it much closer to the blade so that your workpiece is cut with greater precision.
- There is a left and right reading tape that makes it easier to lock the gauge to different angles.
- You can easily tune the gauge for repetitive cuts.
- It is relatively cheaper compared to other options on the market, ultimately, making it one of the best router table fences for woodworking
- The spring-loaded plungers are inclined toward one side which hinders the T-track from centering properly
Kreg PRS1015 Router Table Fence
– Honorable Mention
This precision tool allows the user to smoothly modify angles and lock them in through a sturdy mechanism. The frame is made of steel and adds to the strength of this equipment. Ultimately, allowing you to make the most of heavy-duty projects with significant ease of use. Rest assured, this is bound to sustain considerable weight!
A scale is also included to enable variances in position and subsequent adjustments to the overall structure. At the end of the day, you can count on accurate cutting results with the Kreg PRS1015. It also comes with a micro-adjust feature and T slots that complete the addition of further accessories without requiring the user to expend unnecessary elbow grease.
- You can cut many different joints without the fear of recurrent displacement
- The fence is built to maximize structural efficiency through its locking mechanism that ensures the table doesn’t wobble
- You can create precise grooves on wooden blocks or planks with this router table fence
- The micro adjuster can be improved for better performance
- This tool is at the pricier end of the spectrum around $200
Router Table Fence FAQ
A: Router table fences are available both in-store and online. So, whether you choose to visit your local hardware store or pick Amazon for a hassle-free purchase, it’s completely up to you.
A: Technically, yes. A router table fence can be used to position a workpiece the same way a bearing would. Verily, you can forgo buying separate bearings and make the most of a fence instead.
A: The prices for router table fences can range from anywhere under $100 to half a thousand. With ongoing discounts and promotions, you can even bag a great one at unbelievable prices.
A: You can use a router table fence practically any time you want. However, you should especially forgo a handheld router when creating smaller wooden pieces.
