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Table Saw Fences

To keep the overall cost of the saw down most manufacturers opt for a “one size fits all” design approach.  The idea is simple:  if you don’t need a fence that features micro adjusting capabilities, why should you pay for one?  Professional woodworkers who require such precision will probably be interested in an Incra fence system or perhaps a Vega.  Users whose primary concern is stability and ease of adjustment are more likely to purchase a Biesemeyer system.  Some high end cabinet saws, like the legendary Delta unisaws, don’t include fences and let their users select a system that meets their needs, like the Delta Unifence U50.

If you’ve decided to go the aftermarket fence route, you may be a bit puzzled as to which system to buy.  Searching for biesemeyer vs vega vs incra vs unifence may lead to more confusion than enlightenment.  As is frequently the case with table saw accessories, the answer to the question “which is best” depends on how you use the saw.  Some reviews focus on convenience issues, like ease of installation and initial alignment but the performance features of accuracy, cut capacity, and adjustability are seen by many experts to be more important considerations.  Let’s take a look at a few of the higher end aftermarket fence systems available.

Incra Table Saw Fences

If you like “high-tech” equipment, the LS32-TS Incra Table Saw Fence may be the one for you.  It is generally recognized as providing the best precision and accuracy of any aftermarket fence system available.  But if you’ve checked some customer reviews on this fence you know that the accuracy comes at a price – this system is very large and cumbersome.  Removing the LS32-TS is no easy task and leads some reviewers to advise taking a pass on this system.  You can get one on Amazon for under $400 and if precision down to .002 is important to you, go for it.  Professional woodworkers may also be interested in looking at the Incra LS17 router combo table.

Vega Table Saw Fences

If you need to make micro-adjustments but don’t want to deal with the complexities and size of an Incra, take a look at the Vega Pro series.  These fences sell for between $275 and $350.  If you check customer reviews here as well as elsewhere on the Internet, you’ll find pretty near universal agreement that Vegas are as sturdy and reliable as the more popular Biesemeyers while having the micro-adjusting capability that Biesemeyer lacks.

Biesemeyer Table Saw Fences

Biesemeyer sets the standard for aftermarket table saw fences and has for many years.  In 1978 a professional cabinet maker named Bill Biesemeyer introduced the original T-Square fence design that is now accepted industry wide.  Biesemeyers are not fancy nor are they high tech, they simply do what a fence is supposed to do and do it well.  They have a reputation for rock solid stability which means you won’t be readjusting them every few cuts.  While they won’t give you the precision of an Incra -  Biesemeyer’s tolerance is 1/64” - their overall ease of operation and durability makes them the favored choice of expert woodworkers as well as hobbyists and home improvement enthusiasts.

Exaktor Table Saw Fences

If you’re interested in a Biesemeyer but don’t want to pay the price there are “clones” out there and Exaktor is one of the better ones.  They’ve been around a long time and you can get the Ekator EX100 complete with front and rear sliding rails on Amazon for around $425.