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Nothing is more frustrating than working all day on a project, and when you are making your final cut using your table saw, you realize that the cut did not end up straight and your whole project is thrown off.
You can say goodbye to such infuriating moments when you work with a table saw fence, which helps to keep your cuts straight and steady. Read on to learn more about these awesome products and how they can revolutionize your table saw experience.
Comparison Chart of the Table Saw Fences
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Shop Fox W2005  | Best Overall | |
Incra MITER1000SE  | Runner-up | |
Delta 36-T30T3  | Best for the Money | |
Shop Fox W1410  | Best Universal Table Saw Fence | |
Incra MITER5000  | Best Incra Table Saw Fence |
What is a Table Saw Fence and What is it Used For?
Table saw fences are long, thin strips that push up against your wood (or other kind of cutting piece) when you are cutting it on a table saw. They basically hold your cutting piece in place so that you can make accurate cuts, and you do not have to use one of your hands to stabilize, which could be dangerous.
Some people choose to make their own table saw fences out of scrap wood, but the best ones are made of metal and specifically designed for safety and efficiency.
Are All Fences the Same?
All table saw fences are the same in that they serve the same basic purpose: to align your cutting piece properly to make smooth, straight cuts. But some have features which make this process a bit easier than others, such as adjustment clamps.
You should also keep an eye out for fences that may be specifically designed for working with certain types of saws, or certain brands of saws. Or even for cutting certain kinds of materials! Look closely at how a fence is designed when determining if it is best for you.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Table Saw Fence?
Here's what you need to know:
Steadiness
This is far and above the most important quality when looking for a table saw fence. Its basic purpose is to keep your work piece straight and aligned, meaning it is essentially useless if it is not able to remain steady.
Ease of Setup
You are going to be using this fence for work on a bunch of different projects over many years, hopefully. You want to be able to adjust it easily and quickly no matter what kind of project you are working on.
Versatility
We mentioned above that some fences are designed for specific projects or specific saws. While these may be the best option if you plan on doing many rounds of the same project, most users would probably want to go with a fence that will help on multiple different types of projects. Go with a fence that is more versatile.
Quick Take: Best Table Saw Stands
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best Table Saw Stands:
- Best Overall: Shop Fox W2005
- Runner-up: Incra MITER1000SE
- Best for the Money: Delta 36-T30T3
Review of the Best Table Saw Fences
Remember to keep an eye out for those qualities we mentioned when looking at the best products on the market today.
Best Overall:
Shop Fox W2005
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you want to make some serious cuts, this is absolutely the table saw fence you need to invest in. This fence will allow you to make 25 inch rips that are steady and smooth. The smoothness of cutting is enhanced by this fence’s non-stick surface.
If you plan on using this fence to make cuts on projects where accuracy is key, such as making cabinets, this is a top notch choice. Plus, it is versatile enough to be mounted on any kind of table saw and help with any kind of cuts and projects you may need.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This product is so simple and convenient to operate. Its cam action lever can be locked securely into place using just one hand, meaning you can adjust your work piece and your table saw fence at the same time to get cutting faster.
Runner-up:
Incra MITER1000SE
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This fence can handle pretty much anything you would ever want to throw at it. You will never have to worry about any slight movement from this fence, thanks to a combination of its flip down stop that fits into small plastic teeth to forever hold it securely in place.
It is also really comfortable to use, thanks to the smoothness of the cuts it is able to make – say goodbye to those jarring sensations up and down your arms. And, you can use this fence to make micro adjustments to your cuts to heighten precision.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
You can make very fine, very precise adjustments using this fence, which makes it a great option for tasks that require the highest levels of accuracy. If you plan on building components of tables or other woodworking projects that need precision, this is the fence for you.
Best for the Money:
Delta 36-T30T3
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Delta has pioneered a three point locking system that ensures maximum accuracy when using this fence. Its twin hairline pointers ensure that the fence remains parallel to the blade when making cuts, and Delta guarantees that accuracy will be maintained up to 1/64 of an inch – you can’t really get more precise than that!
Plus, its secure clamping points at both the rear railing and the front part of the tube make sure that there will be zero give when you are making cuts using this fence. It is made of a combination of both steel and iron to last a long time.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
With everything we have just described above, you are probably thinking that a fence this awesome will break your bank account. But surprisingly, this is one of the most cost saving options on this whole list! If you want a steal of a deal, you have to go with Delta.
Best Universal Table Saw Fence:
Shop Fox W1410
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you are looking for a fence that you can apply to any saw, anywhere, anytime, this Shop Fox is the best choice for you. Users report that they are able to use this fence even on outdated saw models that are not being made anymore.
But do not think for a second that just because this fence fits outdated saws that it is outdated itself – far from it. This fence is steady no matter what, even after thousands of cuts. It is steady enough that it stays aligned even if you happen to forget to set the locking system.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The designers of this fence thought ahead – fine positioning knobs are located on both sides, so that you will easily be able to make close adjustments whether you have mounted your fence on the right or left side of your table.
Best Incra Table Saw Fence:
Incra MITER5000
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you are looking for the saw fence that comes closest to professional quality, this is probably the one you have got to go with. Incra has really set themselves apart with this product. It comes with a removable miter gauge that can be taken off and used separately if you would like.
Users report this is the best saw fence in the business for doing fine precision work such as cutting dovetail drawers. Its precision angle indexing teeth are laser cut, and they will help you make laser fine cuts as well!
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This saw fence is possibly the best one on our list for making longer cuts. If you are nervous about compromising precision or accuracy with lengthier cuts, say goodbye to that forever with this fence!
How to Square a Table Saw Fence
Make sure your saw’s blade is aligned to be parallel with the miter slot. Instructions on how to properly align these two are included in your saw’s user manual.
Then, follow these simple instructions on how to square a table saw fence:
- Place your finger on the side of the miter saw closest to the fence.
- Slide the fence over until its face is flush with the side of the miter slot.
- Slip your finger down the fence to the other side of the table to see if the fence and miter slot are still flush down at the other end.
- If the fence is not flush, remove it from the table.
- Use set screws or other adjusting mechanisms to adjust your fence. You may need to use additional tools such as an Allen wrench, depending on your fence.
- Make sure to keep your adjustments small!
- After making your adjustments, reattach your fence and perform the same finger test.
- Readjust if needed until your fence is properly aligned.
If you have troubles, or if you are more of a visual learner, feel free to reference the video below:
Conclusion
Table saw fences are essential if you want to make the most accurate and straight cuts possible. It’s important to keep in mind your specific needs when choosing a table saw fence – the size of your saw, the projects you want to be working on, the range of different projects you want to tackle, etc. No matter what your needs, we promise that you will not be able to go wrong with one of the products we have reviewed on our list above.
People Also Ask
Let’s try to clear up any remaining questions you might have about table saw fences by taking a look at some of the most common issues that arise with these products:
Are Table Saw Fences Universal?
Many table saw fences are designed to work on any kind of table saw; however, this is not the case for all products. You may have to drill holes in your fence in order to mount it properly on your saw.
How Do You Raise The Fence On A Table Saw?
You can add a piece of plywood to your fence to help give your fence some extra heft and height. Be prepared with some extra tools to drill and screw the wood in.
How Big Of A Fence Do You Need On A Table Saw?
It really depends on the size of your saw, and the size of the work piece you want to be working with. If you have a larger saw and intend to be doing bigger projects, you are going to need to invest in a bigger fence to keep things proportional.
What Is The Purpose Of A Rear Fence Rail On A Table Saw?
If you have an extension as a part of your saw’s table, a rear fence rail can help to support that extension, which would allow for longer cuts. Not every table saw is set up this way, however.
Should I Go with a Short Fence or a Long Fence?
Again, this depends on what kind of projects you intend to be working on. Shorter fences have the benefit of less opportunity for error and typically higher levels of steadiness than longer fences, but they do limit the size of projects you can work on.