How To Make A Wooden Table Saw Fence

Plans for this project here:
www.ibuildit.ca...
Please check out the build article for more details:
www.ibuildit.ca...
Installing this fence video on my other channel:
• Installing The Wooden ...
This is an assembly video for the wooden table saw fence. It is made to be a companion to the plans that are available on my website. Please check out the build article, since it has a lot more details on this project.

[@scientist1200]

I bought the plans for this fence, built it and then installed it on an old craftsman table saw. Absolutely life changing. The old fence was a nightmare to set up properly and was never quite right. John's fence works wonders. I no longer have to worry about obsessively checking that the fence is parallel to the blade before making my cut.

[@charlieodom9107]

I know it has been a while since you commented, but if you see this, can you provide an update? I would like to know how it held up over time and if you would do anything differently knowing what you know now.

[@lafaina79]

Yep very interested too, I've the same saw probably, an old craftsman with the Align-a-rip fence, terrible. And right now in the kootnays it's impossible to get Baltic birch plywood, I'm wondering if a one good side 3/4 plywood would work.

[@anthonymorris8891]

Was it a 113 saw?

[@lafaina79]

@@anthonymorris8891 they were very popular, lots of them still working great, it probably was

[@inouveaution]

I'm also planning to make it for a Craftsman 113.

[@mikequinlan4919]

John, I just built your fence and wanted to say thanks! I refurbished an old Craftsman table saw. I was inspired by your table saw set up and did the same here at my small shop, I finished the build with your fence and couldn't be happier. Thanks! Mike

[@ilanabenz1919]

I built this fence about a month ago and it it amazing! one personal upgrade I did was add ball bearings to the front and back of the fence, and it moves so much smoother then before!

[@Synonomous]

Made this for an old gifted Craftsman 9" saw after the crappy fence exploded off the table. I just shortened it to fit the 20" table. This is a great piece and really helped me learn more about woodworking plus I now have the frame for making extension tables to replace the lousy stamped metal wings. I suggest looking at his newer Ultimate fence guide as there are a couple of updates on the construction tips that were helpful.Totally worth it and thanks from a west coast Canuck from the east.

[@theyreallaroundus6588]

Bought the plans, built it...absolutely awesome fence. Amazed at how stable it is when locked down. Well done, sir.

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT video John. I like the fact that you show the completed project first in your videos then proceed with the build. So many content providers just start with the build and at the end, I find out it's not for me. This is a supurb video for all of us with an older saw. Thanks again.

[@JohnHeisz]

+Sebastopolmark Thanks. It's not something I normally do, since you can usually tell from the video title and thumbnail (at least mine) what the video will be about.

[@dwighttrumbower164]

Downloaded your plans in 2019 and finally finished the fence for an old Craftsman saw. First attempt didn't make sure the fence was a square box. Oops. 2nd attempt and it works very well. Great way to relearn basics for woodworking too. Thank you for a great design.

[@MudjunkiesMS]

It takes a fence to make a fence! Nicely done and it doesn't even need to be welded

[@sixtytenmedia]

Built this over the last few days, and it works a treat. Thanks very much for your work on the plans, build article, and videos.

[@craigoxford4613]

Thanks John. I bought the plans and built it. (Took me 2 days). I finished it in Teak Oil, and It is a marvel. Works perfect for my wood top Table Saw. Now I'm working on your cross cut sled design.

[@joshhebert3867]

I bought the plans, and built this fence. I adapted it to use 3/4 inch Baltic birch. This fence is awesome. Mine will cut within .001 every single time. Great economical solution for a table saw fence.

[@sajidullah]

Why Baltic Birch ? Does is defy warping with time ?

[@joshhebert3867]

It is just a higher quality plywood that is easy to find. Because its plywood it will resist warping pretty good. I chose 3/4" to help stop warping rather than the 1/2" John uses.

[@sigguy1361]

Josh Hebert I sent a couple comments to John on the video but didn't get a reply. my question was once the fence was locked down, is there much deflection or shifting on the far end of the fence that is common in table saw fences? thanks

[@joshhebert3867]

Sig, there is some deflection if you don't add the UHMW polyethylene piece to the far side of the fence. If you add it, it clamps from both sides pretty good. You would have to really put some force to move it. Even if you don't add it, if you take your time with your cut and don't push crazy hard there won't be much deflection. The 3/4 version I made also helps with this as well. As a side note I also added some 2 inch aluminum angle "iron" to the T of the fence for added strength which alows for more cam pressure.

[@sigguy1361]

Josh Hebert Understood, thanks for the info. I was thinking of the cam structure too, because I have a fence (albeit a cheap one) where you get it lined up just right, but as soon as you clamp it down, the far end bumps out slightly, and I really have to measure the front and back of the blade to make sure i'm getting the right cut going in and coming out. I'm excited to build John's version; just wanted some info from someone who had made it for themselves. Thanks again, and happy cutting!

[@Matt_Does_How_To]

I have an old sears/craftsmen saw and the tabletop and rip fence need to be replaced. Thanks for this video. I'm going to build this in the coming weeks. You're a life saver

[@johnbarnes6020]

Exactly what I need. My wife bought me an old table saw as a present but it did not have a fence. Aftermarket fences are way out there for prices but this will be great. Great job.

[@davesweeney786]

I just finished making this fence system & it is fantastic! Thanks John.

[@davesweeney786]

I added some homemade springs to keep the fence back against the rail when not locked down. These make it slide smoother. I also added a steel hook at the end of the fence, bent to ride under the edge of the saw table. This prevents the fence from jumping when locking it down. Very pleased with the results.

[@woodworks3585]

John. That has to be the best wooden fence system I have seen on youtube. Ever. Great design, build and very smooth action. Thank you for sharing..

[@R3apr]

Busy building this fence now - I bought a cheapie contractor's saw and was so disappointed in the warped table top and flexing fence that I had to rebuild the top and fence - your videos are perfect - hoping to get it done today and I can finally start using this table saw

[@Pyronics]

First project when the frigin snow clears.....Thanks for posting John

[@oohsam]

Fantastic video and excellent clear instructions. This is how instructional videos should be done. Thank you.

[@bernardshaw9974]

I made it and it works awesome, thanks for showing it.

[@jamesktorn]

I bought the plans and built the fence. I absolutely love the fence! I couldn't be more pleased! Thank you!

[@masonstrader4738]

Is the manual very detailed?

[@emiliobernardo5929]

Where can I get the manual ?

[@jamesktorn]

@@masonstrader4738 yes.

[@wiser82]

I like the edited way you were crushing screws with the impact driver👍

[@comfortablyplumb2140]

Love it! I bought the plans, though I decided to change parts A,B,C,E,F,i1, and i2 to 3/4. Thanks so much. Your inspiring me and I'm making everything I can and saving money!

[@StMoritzGuitars]

Fence is finished...I LOVE IT ! So much better then the stock Craftsman piece. Thanks John !

[@MrMadhousedave]

Hi john and followers I have tried on my iPad to find the link to your plans with no luck so far. Would someone please link me to it. Cheers Sydney Australia

[@abizarlakdawalla4519]

You finally figured out how to keep the workshop clean (8^}. Congratulations!

[@KeithBoard-j9n]

I fabricated a Biesemyer style fence for my 1946 Craftsman table saw I inherited from my grandfather. It is fabricated from steel tubing and angle iron. I built a cam lock for it and it is adjustable so I can get it dead on. I welded it together. It slides a smooth as silk. I got the plans on the internet for free. I still have a copy of them. I built it about 17 years ago.

[@mauricetheriault6355]

A while ago, I designed a fence very similar to yours but I really like the cam lock option of yours. I will put that on mine. I love to watch you videos. Sincerely

[@DickyBalboa]

ı am only 16 but ı love your videos so much they are so perfect and fun.great job :D hi from turkey by the way

[@Creator_Nater]

I like John Heisz videos because John Heisz always seems tired, fed up, and pissed off. Also, the great projects, and each video touches on 2-3 projects. Watching the air filter cleaner is what inspired this comment. But I couldn't make a comment on it! Dammit John Heisz.

[@DIYBuilds]

Outstanding work John

[@blackswansxo]

I recently built an extension around my dewalt jobsite saw that is the same dimensions as a full size professional table saw. I'm gonna get to building this right away, but the only thing I'm gonna do is put some bearings I have for the fence to roll on. I've tested it a bit and it's super smooth! Definitely using the cam design though. Well thought out and great editing on the video. Thank you!

[@TheBlackopsFann]

great job no drading around like other channels have to make 3 videos for it to start the build.

[@geoffspierling3206]

Great video and plans, this will solve my problem with my table saw. Thanks John.

[@Ev3rydayGarage]

Just upgraded my old craftsman with this, amazing!

[@richardkatzman2066]

John, cool as usual. You keep going this way and there will only be wooden accessories in your shop. Best regards, Richard

[@TXDomer]

Thank you for making this!!!! This is an upgrade I need desperately to do to my POS tablesaw. I've been waiting for a video like this for a long time. Thanks again!!!!

[@JohnHeisz]

+David Hourigan Thanks :)

[@738polarbear]

No . Buy a decent table saw .

[@davidreed760]

I haven't rubbed of the Craftsman off to see what China brand it really is. I'm willing to bet mine is a POS too. I'm working on a project and left the fence in the same location and made all cuts for each length needed. I can't believe cutting 1/2" Baltic Birch 9 layer plywood to 4", 8", and 12" length or widths with not moving the fence at each point would produce such varying sizes up to 1/8" in either direction of set fence the widest starting piece was 12" so I wasn't working with a wide piece at all. Same with the dado. Didn't hold the depth for those either. What a $400 disappointment it is.

[@niteraven7333]

wow, great workmanship. hopefully I'll be able to build one for my homemade saw table that I'm working on.

[@pallashouse]

excellent, and VERY WELL EXPLAINED . Thanks

[@veepsgarage]

I finally paid for the plans. Now i just need time to make it. thank you and keep up the great content.

[@videotube8114]

I bought the plan and it is really easy to follow and build! Nice John!!

[@mylifeontour6664]

this looks amazing! the only thing that puts me off is that I 100% know I will build that fence and it won't be remotely square to my table!

[@froilansantos6259]

Excellent job well done Mr.John!

[@DrShankenstein]

I seen he has a vice made out of wood!!! *amazed* Thanks for posting this, BTW! VERY cool!

[@JoshMillarTheWoodMillar]

That homemade fence works alot better then the one I made! guess it's time to upgrade!

[@notanyone9377]

Watched all your videos, learned a great deal, thanks for all the effort, can't wait until you build the rest of the table saw !

[@mike_van_in]

Very nice! Your video production is excellent too, John. Well done - a pleasure to watch!

[@stephensano9156]

Nice job. I have wanted to build a fence for my import contractor's saw for a long time.

[@BeastieReece1]

Great idea John Just bought some plans, can’t wait to build it 👍

[@fortsawdust8323]

Great looking fence! I'm heading to your site now, plan to purchase this and the cabinet saw plans.

[@TomYokom]

Great job! I made one very similar to yours with a cam lock, which is much faster than a screw handle. I'm surprised more people don't use this method... Yours certainly looks more professional than mine!

[@timpedzinski230]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking about dropping the $$ for a new fence for my 25 year old Craftsman. I like the plans for the all metal fence system that uses a threaded rod to index the fence to a dim. Maybe I'll integrate these two plans and have a hybrid.. Happy woodworking.

[@eightysevenmoore]

I love you!!! I've been searching online for a DIY t-square that accepts the aluminum extrusions for the fancy pants biesemeyer fence systems. needless to say it was very difficult to find a DIY and seems a bit over my shop level as I do not have a welder, a metal cutting band saw... etc. I've been contemplating a wood version which this pretty much is and is going to be a fraction of the cost in materials and will be doable with my current machinery in my small 2 car garage!!!

[@perwetano]

thanks too much for your wonderful work and for your passion and solidarity to teach to the whole world! i'm very gratitude with you -_-

[@RicScheiner]

Great work. A replacement fence for my cheap table saw will run me $60. Much rather build one with your plans.

[@francesluck6597]

A sweet design John, very neat. Thanks.

[@mahendrasthapit5699]

It is very useful video for new carpenters

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Nice design John. I made a wooden table saw several years ago and put a "temporary" (heh) fence on it. Looks like this will make a good fence to finish it off. Def. gonna pick up the plans on this one. - Eddy

[@daveyJ213]

Excellent work, sir. Very impressive.

[@jamesmitchell5013]

John, been missing your video's, welcome back. BTW, I've never seen your shop look more organized! Well done sir!

[@JohnHeisz]

+James Mitchell Yes, been all of... not quite two weeks since I posted a video. :D Sorry, I get this comment occasionally and it has me scratching my head, since I never have a big gap between videos.

[@jamesmitchell5013]

John Heisz Guess I just look too often for your video's?

[@MikeWaldt]

An extremely well documented, and interesting build John. Great video mate. Take care Mike

[@JPasquariello09]

Wow, I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago as I just finished my new TS fence and rail build, lol. I did a similar build as I wanted to mimic the Biesmeier style but I gotta say yours looks so much cleaner and very sharp!! Pretty work

[@jamesmorton7881]

I just finished my new fence, found that re-used 3/4" walnut 5 1/2 inch flooring planks are really straight with a super smooth face, left / right with 3/4" spacers. tip, use bolts and glue, the wood is too tough for wood screws.

[@dimpie1000]

Very nice design , it looks very nice. Great video ! I have a project to look forward to.

[@tiberiusciuflea855]

Sir, you are a f...ing genius!

[@waterboy199513]

Nice can't wait to find the time to make one!

[@stevensinesi629]

went all hollywood nice congrates, tight video but I like the mustard bottle more.

[@krtwood]

Looks good, and you can screw a stop block or taller fence right into it.

[@JohnHeisz]

+krtwood Thanks Kevin :)

[@russelsmyth7233]

woodjionter

[@janerichogh4263]

Exactly what I was looking for! Bought the plans right away :-) Best wishes from Germany!

[@JohnHeisz]

+Jan Eric Hogh Thanks! Good luck with the build :)

[@barretthageman3350]

This is very cool. I have been looking for a DIY alternative for the cheap fence on my craftsman table saw.

[@tysoncurtis1455]

me too. how did yours work out? the saw is awesome, but the fence is garbage

[@baiovens8912]

Great Job John.

[@goviktor]

Very like your job and idea ! Thanks !!!

[@АльбертДобрыйтатарин]

Сэр,всё супер!👍 А я Вас потерял)). Давно нет Ваших видео.С новым годом Вас! И привет из России Вам!✊

[@utkanf]

Thanks John. Great instructions.

[@Shopbuilt]

Nice clean design, nicely done!

[@JohnHeisz]

+Shop built Thank you!

[@CosmasBauer]

Very cool! No excuse for woodworking only guys anymore.

[@JohnHeisz]

+Cosmas B Thanks Cosmas :)

[@glenmckelvey5952]

Great build . Well thought out.

[@allmihi]

I saw you on popular mechanics. good for you, keep it up!

[@GregsGarage]

Great project John. I'm thinking of building a similar style in steel. This gives me some good ideas. Thanks!

[@JohnHeisz]

+Greg's Garage I made the one before this from steel, you should check that out as well :)

[@davesmulders3931]

+John Heisz I would be interested to know wether you think a steel or alumin(i)um fence would be more precise over time compared to the plywood one? I can't help myself thinking a plywood one is less accurate/reliable? Great project though, you explain it in great detail and it seems a very sturdy design.

[@JohnHeisz]

+Dave Smulders No less accurate or reliable. Somewhat less rugged, but that's probably not an issue unless you are running a production shop.

[@GregsGarage]

John. Thank you, I'll check out your steel one for sure!

[@GregsGarage]

John. Checked out the photos of the steel fence on your website. I couldn't find a vid for that build. Is there one? If not, I think I can see what you did. Just looking to see if you have any tasty details. Thanks!

[@datadev1]

Great video John. I need to do something like this for my bandsaw. It's an old 20" delta rockwell and I would like to upgrade the fence system. A modified version of your system might do the trick. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnHeisz]

+WoodRodent Thanks :) This might be a bit bulky for a band saw. I made a pretty simple fence for mine a while back that works great: www.ibuildit.ca/Workshop%20Projects/band-saw-fence-1.html

[@daifeichu]

Nice. I'm going to be getting your plans. I have a Delta 36-725, an upgrade from a Ryobi, which I'm very happy with for the most part but the only problem is the fence. It's slightly concave by about 1/64" and with certain pieces of wood, sometimes I'll tilt the wood into the concave part of the fence. I've been thinking of how to modify the fence but yours will do nicely. Thanks.

[@dmaifred]

Oh no, Take off eh! Where were you four months ago before I shelled out $4k for a sawtopthingy. I used my old saw for years with its crappy fence. Looked everywhere for a homemade fence (Wandel, Izzy etc) and gave up in the end. This would have been perfect. Great vids, I've been watching for years. Cheers -Dodgy (Canadian) Dave. (Living in Perth Aus, its been a melting humid terrible 34c+ for 4 months now. Its not natural)

[@joshuatester9327]

Thanks for the video man. Nice job!

[@shartne]

Wow that is nice.

[@JohnHeisz]

+shartne Thanks :)

[@ITSAWOODTHING]

Awesome Build.

[@FranciscoSosaLCBK]

bought your plans awesome, the only tricky part is the cam handle took me two trys

[@inoemanunggal8588]

Good Job JoN .. Prefic 👌👍👍👍👌👌👌👍

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

Excellent! good ideas shared! thanks!

[@siriosstar4789]

This a very creative and well executed piece of carpentry . However as nice as this is , some things should be metal and some wood. There is no substitute for a metal fence and guid rail. It’s stiffer and can be machined to higher tolerances that will stand the test of repeated use. “ Porsche, there is no substitute. “

[@keiranr9769]

+John Heisz. Could you please do a video showing all of your knives you have made and telling us which one is your favourite and what problems you ran into. Kind of like a collection video

[@JohnLoganMcKee03]

John, it's been about nine months, how well has it held up? Would you do anything different?

[@brianmorman6055]

You're awesome, John!

[@derrick_v]

Very cool, thanks.

[@ashishvatchas]

Thanx a ton.you Solve My problem.fantastic Build Jhon.Keep doing stuff like that

[@robertknowles3677]

Nice video. I so need to make my own fence. I have a Milwaukee cordless table saws I built into a workbench. The fence is only about 23.5 inches for rip cuts. My bigger issue was that I had to cut out gaps at the back of the saw so the fence could slide back and force. The fence that came with the saw hooks into a back rail and hooks into the front rail. It looks like crap to have that gap now. But then I did some upgrades to the workbench and put some trim around it. Forgot about how I had perfectly fitted the table saw into the workbench. Now The fence on the table saw is completely useless because the trim has blocked the travel path. lol. I have always wanted to have a larger fence so now is the time. Building something like this will help me work around the issue and give me more rip capacity. Question though. I have seen other fences made and use your same approach to how you built the lock down handle. Since this video is 4 years old now, how has that lock down mechanism held up? Have you had to do anything to adjust or replace that handle or the area where the handle locks down? Another question is, being that everything is made with wood, have you had any other issues with movement, wood bowing because of getting moisture and drying?

[@MarkMcCluney]

As always mate, really nice wee vid. Great content and very nice production - really like your editing technique. Great job mate!

[@derwoodsdiy7710]

When you use brad nails to temporarily hold pieces together, in the instances where you need to take the pieces apart, how do you remove the brad nails? Maybe you leave them...not sure but curious. Great video! Building this one now. So much fun to build and your plans are easy to follow. Thanks!

[@philipgwyn8091]

One thing I wish my saw fence had was a knob to do small adjustments. Currently you just bang on it if you want to move it over by 3 hairs.

[@kadaenna531]

bonjour very nice work, thank you for shared

[@korsez]

nice shop dude!

[@Raulruiz25]

Hello John I have purchased the fence plans for the table saw, all the material is 12 mm

[@keithwebster2005]

awesome project thays for sharing

[@charlesholland6851]

really good stuff here