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Colin is using some super-strong plastic. It’s bulletproof glass, but it’s easy to work with and much softer than other plexiglass he has worked with, and it will be perfect to see the through top cover for the horizontal fence on my L-Fence or Duplicating Jig for the table saw.
It allows him to quickly rip off damaged or live edges of wood and gives him a straight clean cut that can later be jointed or often used as the straight edge to cut off the other side of the board on the table saw. If you ever want to cut perfect wedges, long or short, this jig does that too, and is an excellent addition to your table saw accessories.
What is a table saw fence used for?
A table saw fence is a guide attached to the rails of a table saw and used to guide the wood as it is being cut. The fence helps to ensure that the cuts are straight, precise, and at a desired width. It is an essential accessory for accurate cuts, especially for long and wide boards, and is used in many woodworking and carpentry projects. The fence can be adjusted for various width cuts, locked into place for stability, and serves as a protective barrier for the operator.
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What is the best material for a table saw fence?
The best material for a table saw fence is usually extruded aluminum or steel. These materials are strong and durable and provide a smooth and stable surface for accurate cuts. Additionally, they are resistant to warping and can be easily adjusted to maintain accuracy.
How accurate does a table saw fence need to be?
The accuracy of a table saw fence is important for making precise cuts. A good table saw fence should be able to maintain a tolerance of 1/64 inch or less over the full length of the fence. This level of accuracy is sufficient for most woodworking applications, but if you require greater precision, you may want to look for a fence that can maintain a tighter tolerance. Keep in mind that a fence with a tighter tolerance will likely be more expensive and may require more maintenance to keep it accurate over time.
How do I make my table saw fence accurate?
To make your table saw fence accurate, you can follow these steps:
- Check for squareness: Before making any adjustments, ensure that your table saw fence is square to the blade by measuring the distance between the fence and blade at both the front and back of the saw.
- Adjust the fence parallel to the blade: If the fence is not parallel to the blade, you can adjust it by loosening the bolts that secure it to the rail, then moving it until it is parallel to the blade.
- Check and adjust the fence’s alignment with the miter slot: This can be done by placing a square or a straight edge against the fence and the miter slot and checking if they are aligned. If not, you may need to make minor adjustments to the fence or miter gauge.
- Lock the fence in place: Once you have made the necessary adjustments, lock the fence in place by tightening the bolts or clamps that secure it to the rail.
- Test the fence’s accuracy: Make a test cut on a scrap piece of wood to check the accuracy of your fence. Repeat adjusting and locking the fence until it is consistently accurate.
[Video] 3 Most Common Mistakes
When Setting Up Shop
A woodworking friend of mine shared this video by Ralph Chapman with me that helped him set up his workshop.
The video explains the benefits of Ralph Chapman’s guide about setting up an affordable workshop and avoiding the most common mistakes offers to anyone interested in woodworking.
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