Questions Before Buying a New Table Saw Fence
The reason you put the fence on your saw is to make your woodworking faster, more accurate and safer. Here are a few things you can research on your Fence of choice to make sure that you’ll be well served. These questions are about table saw fence.
1) Will the fence stay aligned?
This isn’t a question they’re likely to answer at the store. If you’re investigating an “off brand” or considering just using your new saw’s stock fence then do a little search engine research or ask at your favorite woodworking forum. The quality and weight of materials, plus the quality of design and assembly all play a part here.
2) How easy is it to install?
Some after market table saw Fence advertise that they’re installable in less than 30 minutes. Some table saw Fence are far more complicated than that. Sometimes table saw Fence are hard to install because they’re poorly designed, sometimes just because they’re more complex and allow for a wider range of adjustments.
3) Does it provide accurate measurements?
This one’s a no-brainer, and it’s often the gripe that sends woodworkers on the hunt for a good after-market table saw fence. The top brands are all known for accurate measurements.
4) Does it allow fine adjustments?
You won’t always need to make 1/32? adjustments, but having that option can help you get to the next level in your woodworking. How fine is fine? I guess that depends on you. Some saws are known for their very minute adjustments, to the point that woodworkers who prefer ultra-accuracy use them above all others. Not everyone wants that level of accuracy though.
5) Does the fence give you adequate cut capacity?
Will you be able to accomplish the cuts you need with the fence you’re looking at? It’s vital that you know exactly what your projects are when you start fence shopping so that you buy a big enough fence.
6) Does it flex?
Flex typically means poor cuts. Flex is usually a result of lightweight materials and even more than that, poor construction. If possible try out Fence before you buy.
Source: ToolCribe
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