Additional table and leg sections are available for many saws. In some cases the opposite is true, and the rails extend beyond the table. Rail extensions often can be purchased if those supplied are not long enough. Generally speaking, the rails should allow the fence to slide down to the far-right extremity of the saw table, therefore maximizing the cutting capacity. However, the right-hand side of the blade always has greater capacity, and that may be the only figure given. Rip capacity is normally measured to both the left and right of the blade, and usually guide rails allow the fence to be mounted on either side. In other words, it’s the distance between the blade and the fence. Rip (or ripping) capacity is the maximum cut that can be made. This is fairly common practice, and several instructional videos are available for woodworkers who would rather make modifications than choose a different fence. Typically, the rails can be modified by drilling additional holes so it then suits the layout of a particular saw. However, the mounting holes for their rails are not universal, so compatibility still needs to be checked. T-square table saw fences generally fit a wider range of saws.

Standard table saw fences are often brand specific, so a DeWalt fence, for example, will fit only DeWalt saws. Standard table saw fences need to be a specific length and cannot be modified, so their versatility is limited. The fence can be shorter or longer than the table width and still function perfectly well.Īlmost all aftermarket table saw fences-that is, those not made by a particular table saw manufacturer-are the T-square type. If the T-square fence requires fitting only on the front of the table, it doesn’t need to be a precise length. As a result, this type doesn’t always need a rail on the far side of the table, though a rail is often supplied as an option. This provides strong support and holds the main part of the fence in place. T-square table saw fences also run along a rail on the front of the table, usually with a three-point locking system. On higher quality models, a rack-and-pinion drive allows for more precise positioning. They run along rails fitted to the front and back of the saw table. Sliding table saw fences are often those supplied with smaller, portable table saws. There are two types of table saw fence: standard (sometimes called sliding) and T-square. To assess the quality of a table saw fence and its suitability for a particular saw, the following features should be considered.

If it doesn’t clamp securely or isn’t rigid, then it could deflect during the cut. If a table saw isn’t delivering consistent accuracy, the fence may well be at fault.

Photo: What to Consider When Choosing Best Table Saw Fence

Dewalt table saw fence