After Market table saw fence

[Marty]

I have a Rigid TS2424 contractor table saw and am planning to replace the rip fence. Overall happy with the saw, it has cast iron top and has stood the test of time. Not a bad fence on the saw just finicky so want to put something on the machine that will hold its "trueness" better then the stock fence.

I have looked at the Biesemeyer, Shop Fox, Vega and others and now asking those in this group what their take is on the fences out there. What models did you buy that you liked or didn't like?

My only parameter that matters is (as always) price. I would like to cap the price at around $300.

The Rigid saw uses bolts that fit into T slotted guides in the front and rear of the saw so in my search I have been guided by how difficult it would be to install this fence. It seems that most of the after market fences can be installed using this method but am open to having to do some metal work to fit the new fence.

TIA Marty

[Nova]

I have the Jet equivalent of the HTC-900 fence.

's accurate and holds alignment. For a contractor's saw I believe the HTC-800 would be appropriate (shorter in length). Woodworker's Supply has the HTC-900 fence without the rails for $140.99.

[RonB]

I have used the Shop Fox Classic on my Grizzly 1023S for about 10 years and could not be happier. It is solid as a rock and is finally getting to a point where I might have to replace the nylon slides (it gets a fair amount of use for a garage saw. In addition to hobby stuff, It has finished a basement and then a complete house). Our son has one of the Grizzly Contractor's saws with the Shop Fox aluminum fence and it is nice too. The aluminum version is similar to the classic but lighter. I would not recommend the version with the rollers - too many moving parts.

RonB

RonB

[Zz Yzx]

I put a Vega aftermarket fence on my ~1983 vintage Craftsman 10-12 yrs ago. I am completely happy and very impressed with the fence.

It installed in a matter of minutes, it's easy to square and holds the settings, it's substantial and accepts shop-built jigs and sacraficial fences. It goes on and off easily and stays true.

The micro-adjust is simple and works perfectly.

The only drawback that I see is that I can't use the factory blade guard. Well, maybe I can but it'd require some modifications and I don't have a round tuit.

All in all, I GREAT fence for the price, IMHO.

-Zz

[Dr. Deb]

I shopped around and bought something other than what I really wanted. After wasting more than I could have ever saved, I bought a Bisemeyer and have never looked back.

The install is easy and if the holes in the table do not line up, the cast iron is extremely easy to drill.

Deb

Marty wrote:

planning to replace

cast iron top and has

just finicky so

its "trueness"

others and

the fences

didn't like?

I would

guides in the front and

how difficult it

the after market

to having

[Jack Stein]

I bought a Delta fence a few years ago at Lowes on sale for $150. I've been more than happy with it.

The Rigid saw uses bolts that fit into T slotted guides in the front and

I attached mine to a 1954-56 Delta contractors saw. The fence bolts on with 4 bolts into the Tsaw top. The threads on the new fence bolts were metric, my saw has SAE, so I had to get SAE bolts. I used two of the holes already in the saw, and had to drill 2 more holes in the fence to match my table. I also placed the fence where I wanted it mounted so I had to replace the tape measure on the fence. The fence clamps via the front bracket, the rear bracket doesn't really do anything. I used the rear bracket to bolt on a rear table extension.

The fence is, and stays perfectly square, and locks solidly in place. This fence is 1000 times better than the original fence that came on all the Delta/Rockwell saws in the early 50's. I think it is close to the same as the Biesemeyer, only about 1/2 as much money. Delta bought Biesemeyer so they own the design I guess. How it would mount in your Rigid I can't say.

[Leon]

I have a Rigid TS2424 contractor table saw and am planning to replace the rip fence. Overall happy with the saw, it has cast iron top and has stood the test of time. Not a bad fence on the saw just finicky so want to put something on the machine that will hold its "trueness" better then the stock fence.

I have looked at the Biesemeyer, Shop Fox, Vega and others and now asking those in this group what their take is on the fences out there. What models did you buy that you liked or didn't like?

My only parameter that matters is (as always) price. I would like to cap the price at around $300.

The Rigid saw uses bolts that fit into T slotted guides in the front and rear of the saw so in my search I have been guided by how difficult it would be to install this fence. It seems that most of the after market fences can be installed using this method but am open to having to do some metal work to fit the new fence.

TIA Marty

I personally prefer the Biesemeyer/Clones. They are simple to adjust, operate, and easy to remove/replace. I would not be happy with a fence that required more than simply lifting it off the saw or setting it down on the saw. Locking down the lever also aligns the fence.

[Pete S]

I bought a brand new Delta Hybrid cabinet style saw 3 years ago and bought a Biesemeyer fence. I love it. Rock solid. I had used a few other table saws over the years and never did like the fences on them. Finicky and always had to measure thrice to get the fence parallel with the blade. Not any more. I have checked the fence against the table slots several times and its always within 2 or 3 thousandths.

Pete Stanaitis

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[Bill Leonhardt]

I have an HTC-800 mounted on a Walker-Turner contractor style saw. The saw is older than me and I'm 64. I am very pleased with the rigidity and repeatability (on/off) of this fence. Simple, intuitive adjustments. It has a micro-adjust feature that have used maybe twice in almost 8 years. It has really enhanced the ease at which I can make repeated, quality cuts. I would definitely consider getting this again (or perhaps the 900) if I got another used saw.

There are some minor negatives. Plastic fence faces statically hold dust. The plastic is not as flat as I would like and I am considering replacing one or both with hardwood. Also, I believe the rail has a spot where the powder coat paint is a little thicker since the fence goes out of square by a few thousands and back again as I traverse from left to right.

Bill Leonhardt