Best Table Saw Fence for Smooth Cuts and Shapes
Best Table Saw Fences on Amazon in 2024
Best Overall
Fulton Precision Miter Gauge with Aluminum Miter Fence is the kind of fence you would want when working with your table saws. It is an economical solution for all kinds of cross-cutting needs. It consists of 45-degree ends that support the workpiece and holds it steady. The head is made of 200 inch thick, solid and adjustable aluminum. The head is mounted on a solid steel miter bar of 18-inch length.
Pros
- Made from single piece of extruded aluminum
- Lies extra close to the saw blade
Cons
- The manual may be slightly difficult to understand
Key Features
It is the kind of fence that will give you a smooth, accurate, and durable working experience.
Runner Up
The Delta fence system comes with a one-piece square tubular rail. It will work with only delta table saws like steel guide tube with scale, front support raid, fence, rear support rail One, as well as mounting hardware. The 3-point locking system ensures the fence is parallel to the blade and provides precision to 1/64 of an inch.
Pros
- 3-point locking system
- Steel tube body
- Clamps that secure to the front tube
Cons
- Package can come damaged
Key Features
It boasts a steel tube fence body that easily glides over your cutting material, making your work simple and convenient.
Honorable Mention
The Dewalt DW745 Table Saw Replacement Fence fits in the 10-inch table saws. Made of metal, this fence is ideal for cutting projects where you need to be very accurate as it keeps the cutting material steady and helps guide the blade precisely.
Pros
- Gives precise, accurate cuts
- Easy to assemble and attach
- Made from high-quality metal
Cons
- Might not be the ideal pick for new table saw fence users
Key Features
The fence only fits the model it has been designed for. If you try to fit it to the DW744 model, it will be half an inch short, which is why you need to be sure of your model type when getting this fence.
Contender
Kreg KMS7200 Bandsaw Fence helps you in getting pinpoint accuracy and dimensions. The mounting rail is 26-inch long, and the fence itself is 18-inch long. This powerful and rigid fence helps create durability and tightness to your subject while you are sawing through it. Very easy to attach and remove, the fence can be put on and taken off whenever needed.
Pros
- Accuracy and pinpoint cutting
- Adjusts to the blade drift angle
- Position can be changed to low-profile
- Precision lens cursor for the right measurement
Cons
- Installation menu may be difficult to read
- Hex might have difficulty fitting in the T-slot
Key Features
There are two places where you can adjust so that the fence lies parallel to the blade. This fence is perfect for 14-inch band saws to give you more flexibility and accuracy for your projects. It is the kind of fence that makes working a joy.
Also Consider
This sturdy extruded aluminum fence is the ideal solid and durable fence that you have been looking for. The Powertec BS900RF Rip fence for Powertec BS900 Wood band saw is the kind that gives you perfect straight parallel cuts. The clamp has the ability to adjust from 11-3/8-inch to 12-inch.
Pros
- Simple, straight and effective cuts
- Unique clamp provides support for ripping application
- Made from industry grade aluminum
Cons
- Cannot work with table tops thicker than 9/16 inches
- Only works with models that are compatible
Key Features
The best part about this fence is that it is fully assembled and all you have to do is adjust it to your table saw. No more having to read page after page of the manual to figure out the right places for the right parts.
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.