How To Make A Table Saw Fence? 2024

Whether you are cutting large pieces of wood or smaller ones, accuracy is what matters. You will surely not want to end up having an unstable cupboard, chair, or stool. No matter what project you are working on, a slight change in the alignment of the wood while you are sliding it through the table saw can completely ruin the look and function of whatever you are making.

How To Make A Table Saw Fence

This is when a perfectly stable and aligned fence comes to the rescue. It will provide the worker a stable support that will keep any length of wood straight until you have cut it through. When working with the table saw, the chances of straight cuts are more as compared to the handsaw. But you can make wrong and inaccurate cuts if you move the wood a little or increase the pressure in another direction. Also check out, how to use a ryobi table saw.

The piece of wood might have different dimensions at the two ends. A fence will help you in cutting by providing guidance when you have to cut wide or narrow pieces of wood. You don’t have to look for a compatible fence in the market that fits your table saw as you can make one designed especially for it. Now how to make a table saw fence all by yourself? Scroll down for details.

How To Make A Table Saw Fence?

If you already have been in woodwork for a while, then you should not be bothered by making a DIY fence for your table saw. The fence is a quite simple and effective tool that does not need much time in order to get ready and installed. You don’t have to invest much in getting the supplies for making a fence as you might already have them. It is an impressive and consequential addition to your saw station. So, without further ado, let’s sink into the details of the fence-building process.

How To Make A Table Saw Fence

Supplies

  • 1 Wood board 1×3 cm
  • 3 Plywood 1×3 cm
  • Metallic profile or T-track
  • Screws
  • Knobs
  • T nuts
  • Scraps of wood
  • Small wood pieces of 2×2 cm
  • Cutter
  • Saw
  • Clamps
  • Sander
  • Drill machine
  • Hammer
  • Wood glue
  • Trim router
  • Carriage bolt
  • Square
  • T track Screws

Step By Step Process

1. Take Proper Measurement

Before you make a single drilled hole in your table or in the wood pieces, you will first have to take the measurement of the table saw base. This will help you decide the length of the wood pieces and plywood that you have brought for the project. Also, mark the spots that are aligned for the screws.

Take Proper Measurement

Once you have found the length of the table, then cut the pieces according to it. Try that the three pieces of plywood as well as the wood board should be having equal measurements. The width of the side piece should also be less than the middle screw, so the knob can fit in.

2. Bring Together The Pieces

Take the wood board piece and one of the plywood pieces and place them in a perpendicular position. You will be able to see the drilling marks for securing screws. Drill holes in those positions and also secure both pieces together. Now take another plywood piece and secure it at the other end with the help of the screws.

Bring Together The Pieces

Such fences when they have inner empty space can get inaccurate and lose their straightness. So, drill some small pieces that fit in between the two parallel plywood pieces. The main fence structure is almost done.

3. Fit In The T-Track

Whether you are using a metallic profile or a T-track all you have to do is to mark the length that you need to cut according to the length of the table saw base. If you have a T-track the next step is to make holes and screw the pieces together. But in the case of the profiles, you will have to make cuts into them in order to provide a space that will allow the sliding of the fence. Both of these tools provide a medium for sliding the fence. Drill holes and then secure with screws on the side of the table saw tightly. Once you have secured the tack it will remain stable while working.

4. Make The Slider

The most important and focus-requiring step is that of making a slider. The t-track and the fence are connected together with the help of the slider. It helps the fence to be adjustable. You will have to mark the center width of the track. The slider will need two pieces of wood, one should be less wide than the other. The smaller one has three holes. Put it aside. Now take the wider piece that should have the same size in terms of length. You will have to drill holes at the same point as the smaller ones.

Make The Slider

Attach T-nuts at the two ends of the smaller slide piece with a hammer. Also, place the screw in the holes. Now put glue on the sides of the two sliders that face each other. Attach the two sliders together. Put a long screw for the knob in the middle of the attached sliders and three carriage bolts. The carriage bolts will help you in sliding along the tac. With the help of a driller, you can screw the slider to the fence. Now the fence will only move if the slider allows it.

5. Secure The Top

Now that you have made the fence’s base and the spider and both are connected together, the time is to seal the look. The top part of the fence has not been attached till now as you need to screw the base with the slider.

Secure The Top

This is impossible if you have a closed-top plywood part of a fence as the screws that are long enough to make it through are not available easily. Once the slider and base are attached, then you should place the third plywood on the top and drill it down to the remaining parts. Your fence is ready to give you straight cuts.

FAQ’s

Can you make your own table saw fence?

Yes, you can make your own table saw fence. Most DIY fences are made up of wood. Two pieces of wood are taken together and then attached perpendicular to each other. This will act as a fence for the wood that needs to be cut. The slider will help in the smooth movement and adjustment of the fence. Just make sure to take accurate measurements and securely connect the pieces of wood that are a part of the fence.

Should the table saw fence be parallel to the blade?

Yes, a table saw fence should be parallel to the circular blade of the table saw. If you are a right-handed worker, then it is likely that you will apply force in the right direction. The pressure can change the alignment of the blade. So if you try to cut a piece of wood with a fence too, there will be no benefit as the resulting cut can be slightly inaccurate because of the non-alignment between the blade and the fence. You can check both the fence and the blade with a square meter.

Conclusion

Many woodworkers get confused when it comes to making their own table saw fence. It is because most of them don’t know how to make a table saw fence all by themselves. There is no rocket science behind it. You just have to get some pieces of wood, screws, carriage bolts, slots for sliding, and drill and you are good to go. Connect pieces of wood to make the base of the fence and attach it to the slider. The t-track will provide you with a surface to slide on. The knob will help the users secure the fence in position. Enjoy your wood projects.

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