A table saw fence is an essential detail to complete any woodworking task. It provides straight square cuts and allows you to accurately keep to the desired dimensions.
Any table saw includes a bare fence, yet it might not be suitable for cutting the details you need. The main reason why you might need a new fence is that the old one doesn’t suit new tasks.
Moreover, this item lasts less than the table and needs to be replaced from time to time. To choose the best table saw fence for your needs, check the dimensions of your table and define, which rip capacity is required. A fence should also be durable, adjustable, and safe. Here I review the top 6 items on the current market.
Contents
- 1 6 Best Table Saw Fences Reviewed
- 1.1 1. Shop Fox W1410: Top Fence for Both-Hands Use
- 1.2 2. Shop Fox W2005: Lift-Off Design for Various Functions
- 1.3 3. Shop Fox W2006: Safe and Durable Fence
- 1.4 4. Shop Fox W1716: Lightweight Fence for Portable Tables
- 1.5 5. Shop Fox W1720: Fence With Longest Rails
- 1.6 6. Vega U26: The Lightest Fence to Carry Around
- 2 Table Saw Fence Buyer’s Guide
- 3 FAQ on Selecting Any Rip Fence
- 4 Table Saw Rip Fences Aftermarket: Best Upgrade Option
6 Best Table Saw Fences Reviewed
- Shop Fox W1410 Fence – Top Pick
- Shop Fox W2005 Classic Fence – Runner Up
- Shop Fox W2006 Classic Fence – Great Value
- Shop Fox W1716 Aluma-Classic Fence
- Shop Fox W1720 Aluma-Classic Fence
- U26 Table Saw Fence System
No table saw can provide high-quality results without a fence. This detail is necessary to make accurate cuts. It keeps the distance between the blade and the edge of the piece of wood you are working with, providing straightness and dimensional accuracy. However simple they might seem, these details vary by number of properties, and here are the six table saw fences reviews for various needs.
1. Shop Fox W1410: Top Fence for Both-Hands Use
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 27-inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 37.6 pounds
Shop Fox W1410 fence is a universal instrument that is suitable for most popular table saws with 27-inch tables. It moves on ball bearing guides which provide easy and smooth adjusting with minimal effort. The knobs are positioned on both sides to make them convenient for left- and right-handed use.
Such a design allows a variety of applications including cutting, routing, and trimming. Moreover, it makes Shop Fox W1410 more comfortable for left-handed people, which is not a common feature in these tools.
Shop Fox W1410 fence is relatively lightweight, compared to other items on the list. It is only 37.6 pounds, which makes it the best option among portable table saws. This fence is easy to install and safe to use since it locks on both ends. I had changed about 10 table saw fence models till I found it, and it met all my requirements like weight, rip capacity, and ease of use.
- Knobs are positioned on both sides to provide both left and right-handed use;
- Moves on ball bearing, ensuring smooth and effortless adjusting;
- Easy and portable.
- Poorly written manual.
2. Shop Fox W2005: Lift-Off Design for Various Functions
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 25-inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 74.98 Pounds
Shop Fox W2005 classic fence is equipped with the standard rails that provide a 25-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade, which is a bit smaller than the previous item. However, due to optional long rails, this fence provides a 54-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade. It is one of the heaviest items I’ve tested, which weighs almost 75 pounds.
After a fence is installed, it is tightly locked with simple cam lever actions, ensuring working safety and accurate cuts. Lift-off design, in turn, allows simple removal, which I find very useful when using jigs and fixtures or need to do cross cuts with a miter gauge.
Shop Fox W2005 classic fence is a durable detail due to its torsion box design since it prevents deflections while guiding wood. The HDPE fence enables easy material feeding by reducing friction, which makes work easier and faster. It also contributes to fence durability since the parts can be replaced in case the blade accidentally runs into one.
- Provides up to 54-inch maximum rip, depending on the rails;
- Equipped with a self-adhesive scale and magnified cursor, providing accurate positioning;
- The lift-off design allows for simple removal, and you can use jigs and fixtures and perform cross cuts with a miter gauge.
- Heavy, compared to other items (75 pounds).
3. Shop Fox W2006: Safe and Durable Fence
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 54-Inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 12.37 pounds
The Shop Fox W2006 classic fence looks similar to the previous model, and they have a lot in common. As well as the Shop Fox W2005 classic fence, this model provides a 54-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade due to long rails.
It is a durable and reliable detail, which is made of alloy steel. A cam lever easily locks the fence, ensuring proper installation. It also increases safety and accuracy while pulling and cutting a sheet of wood. Apart from this, the Shop Fox W2006 classic fence allows for strictly following necessary dimensions due to the self-adhesive scale and magnified cursor.
These details empower you to regulate positioning according to particular figures. Another advantage that contributes to ease of use is adjustable slider pads, which make installation and setting effortless.
To provide more durability, the torsion box is designed to withstand the load and avoid deflections. The fence lasts a long time since it is equipped with a high-density polyethylene face, which I value the most in this model. It minimizes friction to make pulling the wood easier and reduces the wear.
This detail protects the fence from scratches and can be replaced in case it accidentally runs on the blade. The construction provides not only a long lifespan but also easy removal and reinstallation. Its simple lift-off design saved me a lot of time and effort when the task required using jigs and fixtures or performing cross cuts with a miter gauge.
- High-density polyethylene face minimizes friction, extending the lifespan of the tool and reducing user effort;
- The torsion box is designed to withstand the load and avoid deflections;
- A cam lever easily locks the fence, ensuring proper installation.
- Might not fit portable table saws because of its weight.
4. Shop Fox W1716: Lightweight Fence for Portable Tables
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 57-Inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 53.3 pounds
Shop Fox W1716 aluma-classic fence easily suits most table saws. Due to its widely spaced adjustment points, I’ve managed to install it on tables of various sizes.
Moreover, the cam-lever front locking mechanism and torsion box are designed to avoid using a rear locking mechanism for positioning and mounting. It is equipped with standard 57-inch rails, providing a 30-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade.
This model is solid and durable due to its steel and aluminum body. These materials also make it lighter than some other models. Shop Fox W1716 aluma-classic fence weighs a bit more than 50 pounds. This feature makes installation and adjusting easier.
The model includes a heavy-duty locking lever that excludes any movements of the fence during the working process. For more safety, this item also provides a cam lever that easily locks the fence and a torsion box that reduces friction due to its special design.
- Adjustment points are widely spaced, allowing for installation on tables of various sizes;
- Steel and aluminum body is both durable and lightweight (53.3 pounds);
- A heavy-duty locking lever excludes any movements of the fence during the working process.
- A 30-inch maximum rip might not suit all types of work.
5. Shop Fox W1720: Fence With Longest Rails
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 50-Inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 21.2 pounds
Shop Fox W1720 aluma-classic fence includes the longest rails on this list, which are 79 inches long. They provide a 50-inch maximum rip capacity to the right of the blade. I used this fence for big-scale projects to cut large details.
The widely spaced adjustment points allow very precise set-up and make this model suitable for most table saws and tasks. The beefy extruded aluminum and steel construction makes it durable and reduces weight.
The self-stick measuring tape mounts directly to the rail, and with a magnified cursor lens, it saves a lot of time on accurate positioning. These details allow quick and accurate adjustments with little effort.
To keep the fence stable, it is equipped with a locking can that securely fixes the system with one simple action. As well as adjustment points, this detail and torsion box design allow for installation on any table without the need for a rear locking mechanism.
- Provides the longest rails on this list (79 inches) and 50-inch maximum rip capacity;
- The construction is both durable and lightweight due to beefy extruded aluminum and steel;
- Widely spaced adjustment points make it suitable for a wide range of tables.
- A magnified cursor lens might not be durable.
6. Vega U26: The Lightest Fence to Carry Around
Specification
- Brand: Shop Fox
- Maximum saw size: 26-inch
- Batteries Required: No
- Weight: 29.7 pounds
The Vega U26 table saw fence system is the smallest and the lightest on the list. However, unlike most fences, it allows working on both sides.
The 36-inch fence bar provides 26 inches to the right and 8 inches to the left of the blade. A relatively small rip capacity is offset by wider functions. Vega U26 table saw fence system has a standard construction that suits most table saws with appropriate dimensions.
This model is made of durable steel and weighs only 34 pounds. Small size can be a plus since it makes micro-adjustments possible. Vega U26 is a versatile and portable tool that perfectly fits those who need to carry their instruments around. It helped me a number of times when I had to work out of my workshop.
- The construction allows working on both sides;
- Portable and suits for carrying around;
- Small size and lightweight make micro-adjustments possible.
- Suit a limited range of tasks;
- Requires assembly.
Table Saw Fence Buyer’s Guide
A table saw fence is a simple detail that varies by a few parameters and influences the results a lot. To decide which model suits your needs best, focus on these aspects.
Table saw size
All table saws have similar working principles and construction, but depending on the job they are intended for, they vary in size. This parameter defines the size of the items you can produce, the portability of the tool, and the motor capacity.
- Benchtop table saws are the most compact and transportable.
- Jobsite models have similar dimensions to benchtop ones but are also equipped with rolling, folding stands.
- Contractor table saws are heavy and only transportable around the working space.
- Cabinet saw tools are stationary instruments. They provide the most accurate cuts and most powerful motors.
Rip capacity
To select a tool that suits your needs, knowing rip capacity is no less important than size. Rip capacity is the distance between the saw fence and the blade, which defines the length of wood sheets you can cut into pieces.
Compatibility
If you are thinking of upgrading your table saw and looking for a new fence, make sure it fits.
- A fence is an adjustable detail, but it still has its limitations. Compare the length of your table and the hole pattern of the fence you select.
- The fence should be locked absolutely parallel to the blade since other positions won’t allow you to make square cuts and follow the required dimensions.
- Smooth sliding is important not only for ease of use and the time you spend working, but it is also important for your safety by preventing sharp movements.
Installation
The result directly depends on the right installation of the fence. Even if you select a suitable model, you might face some issues caused by its wrong position. To provide safety and accuracy, the fence needs to be placed at least 3 feet above the ground and 18 inches far from the blade. The other important detail is a guard that juts for at least 6 inches beyond the blade.
Common issues
The wrong position of a table saw fence makes it much harder to use:
- Fence alignment is the most common problem, which prevents square cuts.
- Bowed rails prevent blades from cutting the whole thickness of the wood.
Ease of use
Effortless installation and adjusting mark high quality. This parameter depends on construction, quality of joints, and additional details like a magnified cursor lens and a self-adhesive scale.
Why buy an upgraded table saw fence?
A fence is an integral detail of any table saw. However, diverse models are intended for different kinds of work; therefore, replacing a kit fence with the one that you’ve selected is a great way to expand your possibilities.
Another reason for replacing a fence is that it wears out over time. Depending on the workload, this detail lasts around 10 years. A table saw is a long-lasting tool, thus its fence should be replaced from time to time to ensure its proper work.
FAQ on Selecting Any Rip Fence
After getting acquainted with the table saw fences reviews and main parameters, let’s move to practical questions anyone will face while choosing and using a new table saw fence.
How to adjust a table saw fence?
To ensure stable work, first of all, check if the fence is locked correctly. Secure the aligned parts tightening up the mounting bolts. Next, align the rip fence and blade to the miter slots. The discrepancy should not go over 002″.
How to use a table saw fence?
Install a table saw fence according to the instructions and safety rules. It is a static detail that needs to be located parallel to the blade. Adjust it to the length of the sheet you need to cut and start the blade. Slowly move the sheet toward the blade until you get the required cut.
Which table saw has the best fence?
There are four types of table saws, and each of them is equipped with a kit fence. These fences provide basic functions but can be replaced with upgraded models.
What is the best table saw fence?
To choose the best table saw fence, consider the parameters of your table fence and your needs. The most important characteristics of any fence are its rip capacity and durability. A table saw fence should also be easy to install and adjust.
Table Saw Rip Fences Aftermarket: Best Upgrade Option
To select the best table saw fence that suits your needs, define your priorities. Some models allow for big rip capacity, while others are best for carrying around. I find Shop Fox W1410 Fence perfect for my tasks. It is easy to adjust due to ball-bearing guides, which I value the most.
Best cabinet table saw: comparison table
| Rip capacity | Weight | Main advantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Fox W1410 Fence | 27-inch | 37.6 pounds | Ball bearing guides |
| Shop Fox W2005 Classic Fence | 25-inch | 74.8 Pounds | Optional long rails to provide a 54-inch maximum rip |
| Shop Fox W2006 Classic Fence | 54-inch | 76.3 pounds | A high-density polyethylene face minimizes friction, extending its lifetime and reducing the effort. |
| Shop Fox W1716 Aluma-Classic Fence | 30-inch | 53.3 pounds | Steel and aluminum body is both durable and lightweight. |
| Shop Fox W1720 Aluma-Classic Fence | 50-inch | 21.2 pounds | Widely spaced adjustment points make it suitable for a wide range of tables. |
| Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System | 26 inches to the right, and 8 inches to the left of the blade | 34 pounds | The construction allows working on both sides. |
Which requirements do you have for the saw fences? Please, share your thoughts.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
