Imagine making a perfectly straight cut on your table saw, every single time. That smooth glide, that precise line – it’s the dream for any woodworker, right? But often, that dream hits a snag. The fence on your table saw is the key to accuracy, yet picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need a heavy-duty model? Is a simple clamping system enough? Many woodworkers wrestle with confusing jargon and endless features, leading to frustratingly inaccurate cuts.
Choosing the wrong fence can mean wasted wood and disappointing projects. This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a great table saw fence work. You will learn the essential features to look for, understand the different types available, and discover how to match a fence to your specific needs and budget. Get ready to transform your table saw from a good tool into a precision instrument. Let’s dive into finding the perfect fence for your shop.
Top Table Saw Fence Recommendations
- Table saw fence system fits a variety of saws
- 36-Inch fence bar (26 inches to right, 8 inches to left of blade); micro adjustment and auxiliary table support
- Steel construction; assembly required
- Table saw fence system; saw not included
- 34 pounds
- 【Accurate Woodworking Crosscuts and Miter Cuts】GOINGMAKE miter gauge for table saw is perfect for repeat woodworking angle cuts with 11 positive angle stops. Allowing you to easily setup and cut angles for 90°,60°,45°,30°,22.5°,15°,0°,-60°,-45°,-30°,-22.5°,-15°. Easy to adjust and lock angles securely in place with engineering plastic locking handle and metal angle stops. You can also cutting other angles from -60°to 60° with the clear laser scales. GOINGMAKE compact miter gauge is a must have table saw accessories for woodworking angle cuts.
- 【Compact Size for Easy and Precision Cuts】GOINGMAKE compact table saw miter is perfect for compact portable jobsite table saw with our 360mm miter bar and 360mm precision miter gauge fence with clear laser mm and inch scales.The compact size and solid body is easy to use and also provides accuracy and stability. Easy to storage, carry and operate. It also a perfect upgrade for most table saw.
- 【Multifunctional Smart and Solid Flip Stop】GOINGMAKE compact miter gauge for table includes a smart and solid flip stop for easy and precision setup for woodworking cutting.We supports square face and angle faces workpieces with locating pin. 1. Easy to read and setup scales with magnifying glass and precision pointer. 2. Solid flip stop and locking in security for stable and precision setup and repeat cuts. 3. Easy to zero calibration, just move the flip stop point to the 0 scale and locking, last move the fence and make flip stop to touch the table saw blade and we have pre-designed 1-3mm gaps between blade and fence.
- 【Fits for Most Table Saw and Easy to Setup】GOINGMAKE miter gauge fits most table saw on the market with 360mm long miter bars. Including adjuster both at the front, at the end and at the middle of the miter bars. Ensure stable,smooth and fit sliding on the table saw slot. Easy to adjust the ring to make perfect fitness between table saw and miter gauge sliding bar. Our table saw angle guide fits for 3/8 x 3/4 inch T slot and U slot table saw band saw router table.
- 【Provides Durability and Precision Cuts for Long Time Use】GOINGMAKE miter gauge table saw jig angle gauge is made of aluminum alloy miter gauge and aluminum alloy fence provides a long term use and promise accurate cuts all the time.
- Fit for Most Table Saws: Our miter gauge is expertly designed to fit the majority of standard table saw slots measuring 3/4 x 3/8 in ( 19 x 9.5 mm). To ensure a perfect match, please measure the slots on your table saw before purchase. Featuring a detachable disc, our miter gauge is compatible with both 3/4" x 3/8" T-shaped and U-shaped slots. Ideal for most table saw brands, and is upgrade for precision woodworking.
- Precision Angle Cutting: Experience cutting precision with our adjustable solid aluminum head, engineered with 15 positive stop holes for ultimate accuracy. One stop hole is set at 90 degrees, with seven additional holes on each side at 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 35°, 45°, 60°, and 67.5° to cover most woodworking angles. For more intricate angle cuts, the gauge adjusts proportionally, allowing you to achieve precise angles efficiently and effortlessly.
- Partially Assembled Components: This miter gauge for table saw is shipped partially assembled to streamline your setup process. When it arrives, you won't need to fuss with numerous small parts. Just attach a few core components, and you're ready to go. It maintains the accuracy of your measurements without the typical assembly hassle.
- Easy Operation, Simple Adjustment: Our table saw miter gauge features a steel miter bar equipped with an adjustable bead spring plunger on the side. When placing the miter gauge in the table saw slot, if you notice any gaps, simply use the included hex wrench to adjust the plunger. This adjustment ensures an ideal fit within the slot, improving wear resistance and simplifying your operations.
- Refined Durability in Every Detail: This precision miter gauge is constructed from aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and resistance to deformation. Featuring a convex-concave grating with fine-tuning screws, it allows for manual micro-adjustments to enhance precision. The angle plate scale is meticulously etched using laser engraving technology, and the textured metal handle provides a secure grip that avoids slipping.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits POWERTEC BS900 9" band saw, most 9" bandsaws, including WEN, Ryobi, Delta, Craftsman, Harbor Freight, Central Machinery, and Black & Decker
- Stable & Secure: Square and solid fence ensures accuracy and safety
- Adjustable Length: Rotate the lock lever to adjust the fence's clamping range from 11-3/8” to 12”—turn counterclockwise to extend and clockwise to shorten
- Easy Locking Mechanism: Handy cam-lever allows hassle-free adjustments and firm placement
- Quick Setup: Unique rip fence design clamps directly to the table, providing stable support for straight, parallel cuts—no rails required
- Most Versatile Add-On Fence: XT XTENDER 46” Fence stands 5” tall, includes three T-slots along the top for feed control accessories, milled clamp attach slots for multi-position set up, special slot to add BOW Feed Supports accessory, and a slot for attaching to Delta UniFence and Harvey fences. Robust Aluminum extrusion with anodized finish and 3 sizes for all your needs. Use with XT Feed Supports to extend smaller tabletops and improve stability, cut quality, feed control and safety.
- Extend Fence and Table Surface: XT XTENDER Fence works in tandem with optional XT Feed Support Accessory. Bow Feed Supports attach to the Fence and function as a shelf extending the table surface for infeed and/or outfeed. Transform the smaller tabletops by extending feed support and control over a wider area. The 46” XTENDER Fence is perfect for extending small Portable jobsite saws, benchtop saws or bandsaws. Improves safety as wood is easier to control and kept square to the blade.
- Fast Set Up: XTENDER Fence attaches and detaches from your existing fence in seconds with T-Track Clamps (Required; Sold Separately. Part # XT2). Bow XT T-Track clamps are designed to fit most portable saws, bench top saws, bandsaw, and full cabinet saw fences. Fast Set up ensures convenience to use XTENDER when you need it. Includes special Slot for Delta UniFence and Harvey Fences for quick attach as well. (See kits below)
- Multi-Position Fence Placement: Milled Clamp Slots are located on the back of the XTENDER Fence and offer multiple positioning options in relation to your Saws fence. Ideal when using a fence longer than your table surface and paired with Bow Feed Support accessory (Part# XT1). Position XT XTENDER Fence forward for greater infeed control; position back for outfeed control; or center placement for infeed and outfeed control. Slots accept Bow XT T-Track Clamps.
- Add Bow Safety Accessories: Take full advantage of the Bow XTENDER Fence System. Three T-Slots on the face, Top and Back of the fence enable adding woodworking accessories like Bow FencePRO Featherboards, stops, etc. T-slots run the length of the fence and accept 5/16” or 1/4" T-bolts. Check out the kit options and make your saw safer with better control, better cuts and added stability when cutting longer boards. View our available bundles below.
- Fits standard 3/4" miter slots: Designed for most table saws including Bosch and Ryobi. Not compatible with 5/8" miter slots—measure before purchase. A 5/8" miter clamp is available separately or in a bundle
- Quick, one-handed adjustments: The Hedgehog spiral featherboard features a single knob and pivot point for fast, seamless adjustments, boosting your productivity
- Enhance work quality: This featherboard ensures precise wood positioning for consistently high-quality cuts, making it a favorite among both hobbyists and professionals
- Achieve smoother cuts: The premium design holds wood tightly against the fence, delivering cleaner, smoother cuts and significantly improving your woodworking output
- Reduces kickback for safety: The unique spiral design minimizes kick back, offering enhanced safety when ripping on your table saw
- The Uni Style Table Saw Fence is a heavy duty, single piece of aluminum that has been extruded for superior strength. The fence is designed as an up-grade fence for the factory made Delta Uni-fence Table Saw System. The Delta Uni-fence system has long been regarded as on of the best over the years but the fence itself needed some improvements. That’s where the Uni Style Table Saw Fence steps in.
- The old fence on the Uni Saw worked just fine for standard cuts, but what if you wanted to make a rabbet cut or add a feather board or a hold down to the cutting process? The answer to both of those questions is you can’t with the old style fence. The Uni Style Table Saw Fence allows you to add endless amounts of jigs and fixtures and with the included UHMW sacrificial fence face you can cut into it in order make clean rabbet cuts on your table saw!
- The front of the fence is recessed to accept the 1/2” thick UHMW strip. This also means that you can cut any 1/2” thick material to length and use it as a sacrificial fence face. We recommend using wood or UHMW to make your fence face as both materials are easy to cut and machine as needed to fit and neither material won’t hurt your table saw blade should it come in contact.
- The fence has several mini tracks that run the length of the fence. Each of these tracks accept 1/4” x 20 hex head bolts which are the ideal bolt size for most woodworking jigs or fixtures. Many store bought jigs or fixtures will work with the fence as long as the bolt is the correct size. Being able to add feather boards, stop blocks and more to your cutting process not only make it and easier process but a safer process as well.
- Made from a solid piece of extruded aluminum and made proudly in the USA, the Uni Style Table Saw Fence is built to last and perform in your workshop. Each fence is milled, cut and extruded to exacting specifications.The Original Delta Uni Saw Table Saw Fence and Base is NOT included as this is an upgrade to the Delta Uni Fence Section ONLY. The Uni Style Table Saw Fence includes 1 each Uni Style Table Saw Fence Section with UHMW sub fence face.
- Accurate Cutting: Upgrade your rip guide precision with the Wixey digital rip saw fence system that offers ±0.002" accuracy per ft and a digital readout for reliable, repeatable cuts across all woodworking projects
- Heavy-Duty Build: Crafted from durable steel and aluminum, this professional-grade table fence delivers long-lasting stability and is perfect for woodworking benches, rip cuts, and shop work tables
- Digital Readout: Features a backlit digital display showing readings in inches, fractions, or millimeters; constant memory preserves calibration even when powered off or removed from the bench rail
- Smooth Adjustment: Micro-adjust wheels and roller glide ensure fine-tuned, smooth fence movement - ideal for setting precise bevels, rip cuts, and repeat measurements on contractor or cabinet saws
- What’s Included: You get (1) Wixey Table Saw Fence System (WR750) - (1) Digital Readout Display – (1) 72” Fence Rail (ships in two parts) - (1) Drilling Jig & Bit - Mounting Hardware Included - Batteries (2×AAA, not included) with this digital fence tool
Choosing the Right Table Saw Fence: A Buyer’s Guide
A good table saw fence is super important. It helps you make straight, accurate cuts. If your fence is wobbly or hard to read, your woodworking suffers. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Accuracy and Repeatability
The most important thing is accuracy. You need a fence that locks down firmly. When you set the fence to 10 inches, it must stay exactly at 10 inches for every cut. Look for fences with clear, easy-to-read measurement scales. Some high-end fences offer micro-adjustments for super fine tuning.
Locking Mechanism
How the fence locks down matters a lot. A good fence uses a cam-lock system. This system grabs the fence rails tightly on both ends. Avoid fences that only lock on one side; they often flex in the middle, leading to angled cuts. Test the lock—it should feel solid, like it won’t budge.
Travel Distance
Consider the widest piece of wood you plan to cut. This determines the maximum fence travel. Most standard fences handle cuts up to 24 or 30 inches wide. If you often cut large panels, check the maximum capacity.
Ease of Adjustment
You should be able to move the fence quickly and smoothly. Friction should be low. Some fences glide on bearings, which makes adjustments very easy. If adjusting the fence feels sticky or rough, you will waste time fighting it.
Important Materials and Construction
Fence Rails and Body
Most quality fences use heavy-duty aluminum or thick steel tubing for the rails. These materials resist bending and warping over time. A heavy fence absorbs vibrations better than a light, flimsy one. Always choose metal construction over plastic parts for the main structure.
Fence Faces (The part touching the wood)
The faces that contact the wood are often made of laminated MDF or solid extruded aluminum. MDF faces are replaceable if they get damaged by the blade. Aluminum faces are very durable and resist chipping. Ensure the faces are perfectly flat so they support the workpiece evenly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- T-square System: The best fences use a T-square mechanism. This ensures that when you lock the fence, it stays perfectly parallel to the blade, even if you bump it slightly. This feature greatly improves cut quality.
- Sturdy Mounting: Fences that mount securely to the table saw wings (the side tables) offer better stability.
- Clear Readouts: Fences with magnified readouts or digital displays reduce human error.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Flex and Deflection: If the fence bends when you push wood against it, your cuts will not be square. This is often caused by poor locking mechanisms or weak materials.
- Poor Calibration: Fences that are difficult to square up to the blade initially will never produce accurate results.
- Worn Components: Plastic guides or cheap bearings wear out quickly, causing play and inaccuracy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hobbyist vs. Professional Use
If you are a hobbyist making small projects, a basic, reliable fence might work well. However, professionals or serious woodworkers need high-precision fences. These premium fences save time and guarantee perfect results on every board.
Common Use Cases
A great fence is essential for ripping long boards to width, cutting precise dadoes, and performing panel sizing. If you frequently need to switch between wide and narrow cuts, look for a fence that unlocks and slides easily without needing constant re-squaring.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Table Saw Fences
Q: Do I need to replace my table saw’s original fence?
A: Many stock fences that come with entry-level saws lack precision. If you struggle with inconsistent cuts, upgrading the fence is one of the best improvements you can make.
Q: What is the “fence-to-blade squareness”?
A: This means the fence must be exactly parallel to the saw blade. If it is not square, one end of the board will be wider than the other.
Q: Can I install an aftermarket fence on any table saw?
A: Generally, no. Fences are designed to fit specific saw models or standard sizes (like 36-inch or 52-inch capacity saws). Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility chart before buying.
Q: How often should I check my fence alignment?
A: Check the squareness every few months, or anytime you move the saw significantly. Minor bumps can knock it out of alignment.
Q: What is a “zero-clearance insert” and how does it relate to the fence?
A: The zero-clearance insert surrounds the blade at the table surface. While not part of the fence, a good fence works best when paired with a quality insert for clean cuts.
Q: Are fence faces replaceable?
A: Yes, on most quality systems. If you accidentally cut into the fence face, you can usually unscrew the damaged section and install a new one, saving the main fence body.
Q: What is the benefit of a fence with bearing guides?
A: Bearing guides reduce friction. This lets you glide the fence into position smoothly and hold it steady while working with large or heavy lumber.
Q: Should I buy a fence with a built-in tape measure?
A: Many modern fences have integrated scales. These are often more accurate than just reading the scale printed on the rail, as they account for the blade’s thickness (kerf).
Q: What is the minimum fence travel I should accept?
A: For general use, you should have at least 24 inches of travel. If you only cut small items, 18 inches might suffice, but 24 inches offers more flexibility.
Q: How do I clean the fence rails?
A: Wipe the rails down regularly with a cloth to remove sawdust and pitch buildup. Avoid using oily lubricants, as these attract more dust.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.