Upgrading a SawStop Fence. (Worth $500?)

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If you have a SawStop contractor saw, you might be thinking about upgrading the fence. Unfortunately, the only upgrade SawStop offers costs over $500. (I paid $575 with shipping). Can any fence be worth this kind of money? What kind of performance upgrade will you get? What if you have the cheaper fence that comes with the saw? Can it be improved? Can you fix it if it breaks? I bought the SawStop t-glide fence system, put it on and tried it out. I'll tell you how it stacks up.

[@brianeaves9348]

This video really helped me figure out what saw to buy. It’s all settled now... I’m going for the bigger contractor saw that comes with the t-glide fence system. Thanks for the good advice!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

I would love to have a table saw like that. I only have a Craftsmans portable table saw and i'm doing pretty good with it. It's surprisingly accurate for furniture making. Thanks for the knowledge and showing me this awesome SawStop Fence.

[@RexKrueger]

I'm so glad you found it useful!

[@brianshanahan3878]

Another excellent video and your brutal honesty, (show accidents and or mistakes), is what will keep me and my son coming back to your videos! Love it.

[@justinahrens1868]

I upgraded my SawStop fence to the VerySuperCool Tools fence. It is more work, because I had to purchase the rectangular tubing and angle iron to make the rails myself, but it was less than $500 total, and the precision aluminum extrusion makes it very versatile. I am also going to make new rails for my band saw, so I can move it there as well.

[@WeGoWalk]

You have integrity, and I appreciate that!

[@RexKrueger]

Glad you think so!

[@johna.mangum28]

Thanks for the review. You brought back memories of installing a couple of Beismeyer fences in the day. I used them professionally for years--loved them. They saved so much time. Retired, I re-created one for myself. One caution: as with any table saw fence, be careful sliding it and dragging a finger. I caught the tip of mine in the crosscut groove a couple of times. The heavier the fence and the quicker the slide, the more it hurts.

[@RexKrueger]

That sounds like something to watch out for. This fence is HEAVY!

[@leehaelters6182]

Yeah, sure, that's happened to me, too. Yow!

[@KF7AIK]

I just stumbled across this video and it earned my subscription. Great video and great presentation. I look forward to watching your other videos.

[@RexKrueger]

I'm really glad you liked it!

[@ItsMeGiga]

Another good option is a Vega fence. I put the 50" on my old 1970s craftsman carpenter table saw that came with a fence when you tightened it you could visibly see the fence move. Boy howdy has it upped the precision and usefulness. I can't even begin to say how nice it is to be able to trust your fence measurements without question. It can be had for a couple bills cheaper than the sawstop fence. Great for the broke or hobby woodworkers.

[@philipgoetz8681]

Home shop economics: Buy enough tools to fix the parts that break on your tools that you can't buy replacements for because you spent all your money on tools.

[@hhanger1]

I purchased a SS contractor last weekend and spent the extra $200 on the upgraded fence. Much cheaper to buy it along with the saw. I haven't checked it with a dial indicator yet but lining it up with the miter slot shows it to be very, very close so far. I'll dial it in this weekend.

[@slayer101100]

Smooooooth transition to patreon ;). I was looking at the same saw you are using. I'm glad to hear it's done you well for so long

[@RexKrueger]

Hey man, I gotta get the Patreon in there somehow. That's how I keep the lights on. It's hard to work it into each video. Thanks for watching!

[@slayer101100]

Rex Krueger I understand. It's awesome how you slip it in. I think we all understand you are trying to run a business and at the end of the day a business needs to be profitable

[@ThomaKahn]

That stop is soooooooo nice I have it at work I love it

[@benjaminromshak9904]

That fence was as much as my whole table saw

[@ahikernamedgq]

It was twice as much as mine.

[@dilutedverm]

Five times as much as the one that my father-in-law found for me second hand.

[@notanavrageloser]

That’s more than I spent on BOTH of my ShopSmiths.

[@nunyabusiness5075]

It's significantly cheaper without the Sawstop logo and glossy black paint. You can still REALLY can save a ton of cash "making" your own rails even if you buy the fence.

[@bobbg9041]

1/4 the price of mine! Hold what saw? 1-2 -3 > 4-5 if you count the Radial arm saws.

[@jeffwacker0451]

After you cut aluminum on a saw stop, YOU MUST CLEAN EVERY SHARD OF ALUMINUM from the saw and surrounding area before going back to using the brake on wood. I just finished trimming aluminum, casually cleaned up before moving on to oak and *B:ANG*, triggered the brake. I had cut pieces of the dried oak dozens of times before doing the aluminum. That was the only variable.

[@philshock3805]

Congrats on the upgrade, Rex! I just did the exact same thing to upgrade my Rigid 4512! Of course, the Sawstop T-Glide fence is being shipped along with a Sawstop PCS but it's technically still a "fence upgrade". haha Seriously though, I have no problems with the Rigid - it's rock solid and even the fence is dead on accurate. A little underpowered for some things and there's a couple of minor quirks but it's served me well for the last four years. I just couldn't get the idea out of my head that $3k is a lot cheaper than an amputation. Still a lot of money though. I've been lusting for the PCS for well over a couple years - when Amazon briefly listed them for $2993 over the weekend, I couldn't resist jumping on it. Love your channel, man!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Rex . i got a ridgid table saw i used my old machinist dial indicator to aline the fence got it with in .002 yes it took time . next day it canted in to the the back end of the the saw grumble . so i guess even with a expensive table saw fences can be crap .

[@oceanbreeze2126]

THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW

[@Pauken11]

Great fence! It has two cursors: one for the right side of the blade and one for the left side of the blade. One thing I recently did after reading the wrong cursor is to put a piece of tape on the cursor for the left side of the blade so I don’t make that mistake again. If I need to use it I can easily remove the tape.

[@jimcooney9019]

I really like the video thanks for sharing it

[@longshot789]

I have a second-hand Bosch table saw with a similar fence. I hated it so much, it broke, I replaced stripped bolts. I built a fence and rails out of scrap one day and 3 years later it is still somehow square. I'd love to go full biesmeyer-style though!

[@daltonryan617]

Machinist 1-2-3 blocks are great for calibrating fences (and a TON of other machines). Large surface area of contact ensures the kerf is the datum for the measurement and not the blade face.

[@HackleSpinner]

Rex, thanks for the feedback on the fence upgrade. I recently purchased a professional sawstop with the fence you just installed. Love it. One tip, the tubular rail for the fence is powder coated but the exposed silver metal is just cast iron. About a month after I setup my sawstop I notice rust on the outside face of the tubular rail. Lots of info in the instructions for the saw setup about waxing the table top but nothing about the rail. Word to the wise, clean it off like you would your table top and wax it. It doesn't effect the performance (I suppose) but hey, you paid $500.00 for it might as well have it looking nice as long as you can. Keep up the great videos!!

[@RexKrueger]

Good advice! I'll get some wax on that thing tomorrow!

[@jasonrush4976]

Watching a bunch of your videos (really liking them), and this one played back-to-back after your tablesaw/thumb injury video, and with that fresh in mind I noticed you didn't actually have the guard in place like you had mentioned you planned to do 7 months before this video was released. Was just curious if that was an oddity/exception, or if day-to-day convenience ended up winning out over the added safety? No judgement (you've had an actual injury so you're well aware of any risks you're taking and the consequences there-of), just honestly curious.

[@rickculpepper709]

I just gut my saw like yours. You answered all my questions.T HANKS

[@JeffDM]

The new kit looks like a dead-ringer for the Biesemeyer that's on my Delta Unisaw, save for the coloring and the branding. Looks pretty good.

[@MsRmaclaren]

I am on a fixed income. I used to dream about having a Saw Stop. All I can do is like and share. And enjoy your channel!

[@RexKrueger]

Sharing is HUGE for me. That really helps me get views. I totally get the fixed-income thing. As a small business owner, I have very little disposable income. Perhaps you can use your hobby to make money. A friend of mine makes American flags out of wood. You can see one on the wall of my shop. He sells them for $100 each and he's sold over 20. He's not even on etsy or anything. He just sells them to people he knows. Look around. I promise there's something you can make that will make you money.

[@bobbg9041]

@@RexKrueger you see some of the prices those guys ask for stuff on etsy its crazy money but people pay it. Its a good place to get ideas from, I asked a guy if I could copy his work, his comment your the first person to ever ask me. They don't care.

[@adrianabshire]

Try to find a USED SawStop - I bought mine for about 1/2 price and absolutely love it! It may be hard in the Time of Covid but it will get better eventually

[@SeamlessFab]

Nobody is on a “fixed income” Go do something creative to make more.

[@tomim7187]

Great video. For those thinking about buying ANY table saw there are few things to remember: A contractors' saw is NOT a cabinet saw. So, if our budget means you cannot buy a $3500 cabinet saw you CAN do fine work with a contractor saw if you take your time, maintain your machine, and double and triple check the fence. I did for years. Save your pennies but, keep on truckin' with your small saws, understand their shortcomings and keep making stuff. Great review.

[@RexKrueger]

You know, I've used most big-name cabinet saws (powermatic, delta, and the larger Sawstops) and I just don't see a huge difference. Those bigger saws have more horse-power, but that doesn't make them any more accurate. Those saws are also BIG and awkward, not to mention expensive. I think a big contractor saw is about as good, even if the lower horse-power means you move a little more slowly. My fence requires no checking. It started straight and it's still straight.

[@gregghernandez2714]

I agree, this fence is well worth the money...especially for someone like Mr. Krueger. For most DIY'ers, not so much. I have been playing drums since the early 70s in high school. Mr. 1st kit cost my Dad all of 75.00. Once I got a job, I invested 700.00 in a nice Slingerland kit from my music teacher. 4 kits later I now live in a Town Home and have a Roland Electronic Kit who's price I don't even want to mention because well it wasn't cheap. So if woodworking also becomes my passion then I see no reason not to plop down a couple of grand for a great well made product. Great info, thanks!

[@stefanoworx]

I did have the cash when I bought mine. But when I got the fence perfectly aligned I found the blade trunnions were off .011! May not seem like much but it proved to be a real problem. Fortunately my Woodcraft’s staff fixed it perfectly. And after 8 years my blade is exactly parallel to the miter slot and the fence holds parallel as well. A testimony to quality construction of the Saw. And yes I’ve had a kickback that had my hand go up unto the blade and fired the cartridge. No injury to my hand. Worth every penny I paid for it.

[@RexKrueger]

Yeah, I put my thumb straight into the blade one time. 3 stitches. You can't even tell I hurt it. I'm a big believer in this technology.

[@kramerdesign9443]

Damn man - I'm glad that you got off without injury that time - doesn't sound like it would have gone very well with another brand!

[@stefanoworx]

Back in the old days they did not have belt and pulley guards. Now every machine has guards. Someday every table saw will have flesh sensing technology. And it will be a good thing. (IMHO)

[@AndrewFrink]

@stefanoworx, maybe one day Sawstop will allow others to build saws with similar technology. See sawstop vs bosch reaxx.

[@mytoolworld]

Actually, when SawStop was first conceived, The inventor approached all the major saw manufacturers and was shown the door each and every time. Frustrated, he decided to make his own brand of saw featuring the safety technology and SawStop was born. Same story behind the seatbelt and airbags in cars when those inventions were first conceived of. Same excuse every time as well, safety doesn't sell. Cheap crap made out of chinesium does. Research it yourself if you don't believe me.

[@porkchop4401]

wait... he kept that broken piece from the rail for seven years...

[@imchris5000]

never throw away broken tools its good parts material

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

I would have gone for the Very Super Cool Tools fence or a Delta Y2k for that money. Basically the same fences (Biesemeyer), but the VSC adds amazing features for the money and the T2 is literally a bargain Biesemeyer since Delta bought them.

[@Trashed20659]

Had to get the extra table extension with legs when I bought my SawStop Contractor with T-Glide. Dosen't look like you have that, but the SawStop web site only lets you order it that way. Glad I did though, as you get a full table all the way to the end of the fence rail.

[@robbyflair3552]

Would you recommend upgrading the fence or the extension wings (to cast iron) first? Thanks for the content!

[@douglasmeyer394]

Having used a number of fences like this (basicly a Biesmeyer variation). I suggest you look into the Vega. It typically is cheeper (often $350 or so) and it is imho a better fence. It works pretty much the same way clamping on the front byt is smoother. Does not have the tendency to collect as much dist because the way it connects and it has two clamps (big and little) and a wheel in between. Toy set the big clamp and see if it is correctly located. If not you clamp the little one unclamped the big and use the wheel to micro adjust the fence then reclaim the main. It works like a charm. I keep thinking about replacing my Biesmeyer fence..... I miss my Vega.

[@ulfee]

Great video. I am totally new to carpentry but excited about learning a new skill. I am planning on making a built in bookshelf for my den this summer. The shelf will be appr. 12 feet wide and 9 feet tall. I am planning on using oak or walnut and want to use sliding dovetails or dados for the shelves. Given this information, in your opinion would i be better off with a sawstop contractor saw like yours or the Kreg ACS system (track saw with table in case you’re not familiar with it)? Also, can you think of any other tools that may be indispensable for such a project? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[@batubaces]

Rex do you have the part number for the fence, tube and rails. We have the same set-up but need an upgrade like your. Thanks

[@bunkie2100]

Your new fence looks an awful lot like the ShopFox fence that came with my Grizzley 1023 saw. I, too, dropped the square tube while installing it. If you are willing to give up some capacity using the fence on the left side of the blade, you can offset the rails to the right and gain another 12" of capacity to the right of the blade. I ran my saw this way while I was building my kitchen cabinets and the extra capacity beyond 24" came in handy as the carcass height was 30". I have since moved it back because my new shop is smaller and the saw needs to snug up against a wall.

[@KarIgnishaYumi]

I dont do wood work but i like your videos lol.

[@nobody3692]

i just used one for 1st time today and had issue with bottom gap like you had with the little one.. but it does cuts like a dream. for $5800.bucks you'd think the wheel kit would be included! i noticed how slick the rail was when assembling and chuckled when i read about the warning in the instructions, then nearly pissed myself when you dropped it! thanx ill sub

[@RexKrueger]

Yeah, that rail is SLICK.

[@abcaabca6364]

Hate to tell you at this point, but the Incra Fence kicks butt. Amazing to make a cut at exactly the correct distance. Make a 2nd cut at an exact distance and then go back to the first cut with exactly the same measurement. The Incra Fence is incredibly good. It is now on my 3rd tablesaw. Yes, I get rid of tablesaws and keep the fence. BTW: I gave away my SawStop Cabinet Saw Fence. Not even worth considering it.

[@SeamlessFab]

Hate to tell you but the Harvey Big Eye fence is a thousand times better than anything Incra makes. The incra is laughable and not even worth a comparison.

[@bw162]

You can raise the fence with adjustment screws on the bottom of the fence.

[@trueemail9687]

It would be nice to hear that Sawstop had progressed to a design change on the old style fence you have pictured. While thinking of buying a similar saw like you have it would be an added incentive in 2 ways. (1) Not to have to shell out for the upgraded fence, (2) to come off the hip with the green backs to go with the Sawstop.

[@RexKrueger]

If you get the fence when you buy the saw, it's A LOT cheaper. For whatever it's worth, I love the saw and I've had it for 7 years.

[@cabbyhubby]

My fence is fine, the laminate covered plywood sucks, I replaced it with a piece of Corian, works great, I bought one of the first machines when they first were available straight from Sawstop, they have been excellent to work with over the years, I now have two in my cabinet shop, I have the fence in the picture

[@BeaulieuTodd]

JohnnyBDyer umm. Thanks?

[@johnadams7701]

Do you have a part number? Does SawStop offer it as an upgrade to a new purchase? TY in advance.

[@garystrat999]

Hey buddy I’m looking for that measuring plastic (with the magnified feature) that’s attached to the t-glide . Mine broke . Looking to get it separately . What’s the name of it exactly? Thanks

[@xianshengxu998]

Looking at your title, I once thought your video was a DIY fence.

[@elijahf111]

my schools shop somehow has 3 saw stop professionals, all of them with an upgrade fence and one with the sliding crosscut table

[@pentearmacaco]

Thank you for answering the question about the 30" fence. I'd like the 36 but the shop is tight... I like your sense of humor too. It's a shame SawStop is cutting corners on such expensive saws.

[@cuebj]

It's like bicycles. Buy a top flight frame and cheaper wheels. Upgrade wheels and tyres next year and you've got the budget ones for rough winter riding or re-sale. Probably same with cars, etc. A legitimate marketing model so long as everyone knows the fence is just adequate

[@martinrandez7021]

Thank you for your unbiased opinion Rex. it's quite appreciated, especially that I'm actively looking at my purchasing options these days. Not sure if you have the time to answer comments but since you won a 1.75hp, would you say it's powerful enough to rip an 1.5" maple for instance?

[@RexKrueger]

Oh, gosh yes! I do those kind of rips all the time. Just be sure to use an appropriately heavy extension cord. The motor draws a lot of current. Thanks for watching!

[@RonAday]

Excellent video and info. But I am wondering ... Rex? Why did you buy a fancy fence instead of making one?

[@SQLKC]

Super cool tools fence is the bomb. I think it is far better and have used the sawstop fence and own the super cool fence.

[@SQLKC]

I got a saw stop, and the fence was an extra 400 so I saved that and and got the incra fence for 100 dollars more. The incra fence is far better than the saw stop.

[@Doreen20101]

Mate, do you ever clean up your saw or your shop?

[@vi683a]

Incra Table saw fence for that price would be, IMO, and better investment!

[@robertwilson773]

So I am looking to change out my antique Craftsman 100 for a sawstop. I barely use it. I updated the fence to a jointech Sawtrain and added a router table to it. Is it worth it to purchase if I have a track saw with a cutting table, bandsaw, and a compound miter saw that you mainly use? Also I am limited on space. thanks for your videos

[@adrianabshire]

Table saw is much faster than a TS on repeat cuts but if you are not in a big hurry the TS works fine

[@bmc7549]

I love my saw stop

[@BeaulieuTodd]

Congrats. Off topic tho.

[@bmc7549]

@@BeaulieuTodd don't think so

[@danedewaard8215]

Looks like Biesemeyer makes it for Saw Stop (~$260). I guess paying double to have the Saw Stop name on it does make sense!!!

[@richardmckrell4899]

Is the $500 fence particle board?

[@angazi1341]

Just bought mine today, now the hurry up and wait for it to arrive…

[@timthomas9105]

I would like to add another one to the list of GREAT fences. I waited for it for 2 1/2 months and thought that it was worth the wait. BTW it did cost less than yours. If you want to look up the INCRA TS-LS positioner fence. I would recommend it to anyone. I bought a BROKEN Craftsman table saw. Tore down, new bearings in the motor and arbor, a link belt, repainted, greased and complete alignment. The fence is junk. My NEW INCRA is accurate to 1-100th of an inch. With a front and back rail the positioner is in the center of the table. I LOVE it so much I'm putting my Triton router in the left wing of the table. It's a two-fer. If I upgraded my saw, Sawstop may be the way to go. But, I would keep the Incra fence. Also, I was able to get a large piece of plastic, same stuff router tables are made of, 12"x27"x3/4" for 60 plus shipping. No reinforcement needed.

[@jeffk464]

Yes the INCRA looks pretty awesome. Never used one but it sure looks like you can change the fence setting make a cut and then go back to the precise setting you were at before. You can't really do that on other fences.

[@timthomas9105]

@@jeffk464 I saw that one guy made a piece of scrap wood for 4 different cuts. He would line up the desired width by raising the blade, slide his scrap over the blade and then slide the fence to the board. I NEVER have to do any of these things again. Bought a set of precision setup bars for metal working. They cost me almost 💯 dollars on Amazon. I use them for the router, verified my iGaging caliper was accurate and for the first setup of the fence. Why should the Machinists have all the KOOL tools?

[@Zerostar369]

Did you consider the Incra TS-LS fence given the price similarity? I recently got it on my old Jet table saw and love it.

[@RexKrueger]

I did look into them, but the reviews were mixed. Maybe I should have researched more.

[@markbeiser]

My first thought was "For that money he could have had an Incra TS-LS, and had change leftover". Still waiting on it to be ready to pick up, but for Christmas I bought myself an Incra joinery package for my 67 year old Delta Unisaw to upgrade from the original Jetlock fence.

[@pattyofurniture100]

One day I will have the ts-ls... one day...

[@markbeiser]

@@pattyofurniture100 I've only had mine for just under 2 months, but already I have to say I'd hate to be stuck using a table saw with any other fence again.

[@darrellreed7044]

Upgrade that HF dust collector yet? I put a cyclone and Wynn filter on mine and wow what a difference! I also run an ancient Craftsman 113 table saw, but heavily modded with an Incra fence and router table, link belt, and a real 3hp 220v motor! 🔥💪🏻🔥

[@woodpecked3D]

just curious as to why you waited 8 months to put the new fence on?

[@barstad-9591]

Does your dust collection system work or does it just collect dust? I’m surprised how dusty your shop is. Thanks for the review, Rex!

[@RexKrueger]

I only have it on the table saw, and it works pretty well. Many other things have little or no dust collection. And, that IS 8 month's of dust, so it's not too bad for a shop that gets used 8+ hours a day. Glad you liked the review!

[@bdormer1]

You probably should have given the saw a good cleaning first. No telling how much rust and crud got trapped under the new rails when you put them on. Could affect your alignment down the road.

[@davidperfette1425]

I'm a serious hobbyist. I do big projects. I just did a massive kitchen island with a 200lb butcher block top. I'm upgrading to a sawstop cabinet. If you had the choice, and the money wasn't too, too much of an issue, would you pick the 3hp over the 1.75? Why?

[@charlesl4291]

Rex, you are so funny. You should be doing Netflix Comedy shows. I started watching your videos to learn the basics of woodworking, thanking you BTW. But now, at least half the time, I watch your videos because you are so damn funny and entertaining!

[@alimaleki217]

I think the T-Glide fence is a definite improvement over the cheesy standard fence. Were you using dust collection during that cut? I can’t believe how much sawdust flew in the air.

[@RexKrueger]

This video was a while ago. I do not remember if the dust collector was hooked up.

[@artfullycrooked]

YES.

[@residentmusician]

Me over here using a homemade plywood fence and clamps 😂

[@ronnakeil3313]

Nice

[@darkzine]

Why wait 8 months to install, if the saw is so vital to your woodworking process?

[@markschwarz2137]

As usual, an informative and honest video. Thanks. However, I live in Japan, where the concept of a "table saw" doesn't seem to exist. I've watched a couple of other KZbinrs make their own, (you can probably guess who) but they are all a bit above my pay-grade (amateur wood fiddler). Maybe you could come up with something really simple that people could build without power tools. I do have a couple of electric drills, but apart from that it's all by hand at the moment.

[@RexKrueger]

John Heiz's recent video on his table saw build is very economical. Really just a circular saw and some plywood. I'm curious though, what do the Japanese use instead? How do they process sheet goods or do cabinetry?

[@markschwarz2137]

Yes, I saw John's video, and it was one the easiest to build so far, but as he kind of implies, "The easiest way to build a table saw is by using a table saw." As for how the Japanese process sheet goods etc., I don't really have access to the pros, so I'm not sure. I think most of the high quality stuff is done by hand as a matter of pride. DIY stores (few and far between here unfortunately) do have circular saws, and I guess they use them a lot on building sites etc.

[@davepatrick4103]

You should do a yearly giveaway.

[@researchcapt]

Rex has the old style fence and not the much better Biesemeyer type of fence which is sold with the saw now.

[@markkoons7488]

I wish you had gone into the design so we could emulate whatever makes this fence so great. I've been accumulating the components to copy Jeremy Schmidt's incremental fence for an installation on an old Powermatic 72. Is this Sawstop fence anything Biesemeyer's isn''t ?

[@RexKrueger]

It's a lot like the Beisemeyer.

[@johndavid3114]

This boy isn't lying. I got the jobsite pro and am upgrading because the fence is small and just not that great.

[@jehandemonperil]

Hello! Did I miss the plane giveaway video on September 15th? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks

[@RexKrueger]

Nope! Just been super busy. I plan to draw the name today or tomorrow and get the drawing video up right away. Sorry for the delay.

[@jehandemonperil]

No problem! Take your time, as long as you pick me It's all fine :)

[@Chris.Davies]

Betteridge's Law states that every title which has a question which can be answered with a "yes" or "no" answer - ALWAYS has the answer "no". I just made my own high-precision bandsaw fence for about $40. So, Betteridge is correct, yet again!

[@jeffhreid]

$500 for a fence is nuts! You can buy a whole contractor saw for that.

[@phantomviewer]

You could have also called in for a replacement part. Probably less the $40 with shipping

[@horseblinderson4747]

The old fence is like a tricycle? I look at that and it's screaming late 90's early 2000's Craftsman.

[@hj8607]

The biggest flaw n original fence it the really short T brace at the base . (a modification might have kept it aligned ) YOU buy the SAW STOP for safety so at least you still have all your fingers to do a later upgrade . Tighter budget check verysupertools

[@holtzy2199]

Rex, Sawstop said the 36" T-glide is not compatible with 30" fence contractor's saw. I see your rails go way past your cast iron table. Did you fill that in additional wing with legs or did you leave it like that?

[@RexKrueger]

I actually spoke to SawStop HQ before I got this fence. They said it would fit fine and it does. I just left that space open. It's been months and it doesn't bother me at all.

[@holtzy2199]

Rex Krueger Thanks Rex, the video was great.

[@adrianabshire]

SawStop should be sending you this for FREE! Even though you don’t do sponsors you are selling their products for them! BTW, I justify all my tool expenses by how long they will last and since you used that old fence for over 6 years I think you amortized the new fence out just fine...

[@kabturek]

Rex: It's like a Sherman tank Me: Why would it catch on fire all the time ?

[@gleggett3817]

Wet stowage version with applique armour over ammo bins

[@cuebj]

Yeah. The Sherman was equivalent to big box store - build tens of thousands, never mind the quality, just swamp the enemy with numbers. Actually, that's a bit unfair. German tanks were hard to service so no good if broken down. Fortunately, Dad never came up against Japanese tanks so couldn't judge them

[@thomasarussellsr]

While I don't do a lot of commision work, I have had the same table saw for 16 years and could buy three more with change left over for what his fence alone cost. Yes, it is a job site saw, and yes it is from Harbor Freight, but 16 years, and with care of set up a 6 foot cut is within 1/16th of an inch. A little planing, which I'd be doing anyway, and my boards are milled in beautifully for my projects. Heck, if I wasn't suffering from chronic pain and joint issues, my cheapo table saw would be collecting dust in a corner and I would only be using hand tools still. But hey, power tools do have their place. I just can't see paying several month's income on a saw and almost another months SSI check on a fence. And let's be honest, that is a lot closer to $600 than 5.

[@mothman-jz8ug]

Excellent video, as well as useful for me personally. I was surprised, however, to learn that you consider the table saw central to your shop. I thought you (and, must of the followers) just used a plane. For example, you have a 6 inch board, but need a 4 incher, plane it down... (Sorry, couldn't resist my jab at the seemingly widespread plane fetish, but I REALLY APPRECIATE this and many of your other videos.)

[@vulcanville]

I bought that fence with my sawstop. It’s perfectly aligned when it’s locked down but not when it’s being moved. At times I wish I’d bought the Incra fence. I can get the rectangular beam closer to the rail. Would that help? It’s already closer than recommend. Otherwise how do you move that fence into position so that it doesn’t move when locking in place?

[@RexKrueger]

You know, that's EXACTLY my frustration with this kind of fence and I even shot a segment about that but I think I cut it for time. It's the same on all of these T-style fences. What you need to do is get the fence close and then move the locking lever about 50% down. that will engage the locking cam and align the fence. Then tap the fence into place and push the lever home. Takes an extra second. Really works.

[@vulcanville]

Thanks Rex. Great to know I'm not alone. I like your solution, it will be my new normal. I know it works, I saw it happen while messing around and just dismissed it as some sort of fluke. Now I know it really works. Thanks so much, enjoy your content. Best wishes for your business, I know youtube isn't always kind but I appreciate it.

[@bdormer1]

The Incra fence isn't necessarily any more aligned when it's unlocked. However, because of the precision and repeatability, if you want to make a cut at 4 7/32 inch, you set that, lock it down and that's exactly what you get (+/- .002"). No fuss, no bumping and tapping the fence, no sneaking up on a cut... just dead-nuts precision. And if you go make another cut at another dimension and want to go back to 4 7/32 - you just do it. It utterly changes the way you use your saw (and router if you put your router table in a wing of your table saw).

[@vulcanville]

Very interesting thanks for sharing. I especially didn't know that the Incra works for a router installed in the wing. I could install one there even if it's not my main router table. I think if I look ahead two or three years I'm looking at one of those Incra setups. Then I'll sell my SawStop fence system for a discount and it will be a win-win. I like precision.

[@ucuniversity2869]

I would love to see a major saw company replicate dewalts rack and pinion fence system on a cabinet saw but heavier duty. I own their contractor saw and have used the saw for 5 years and it has never gone out of sqaure since I've tuned it. Its the only reason why i haven't bought a cabinet saw, Im afraid I'll hate fence.

[@johnnichols8553]

Amen to that, my first and only table saw has been a DeWalt, and I LOVE the rack and pinion fence. Super easy to set, always accurate. I recheck the calibration on it sometimes but it is never off. I can't imagine having to measure from the fence to the blade for every cut.

[@Antweak83]

Could you have bought another fence? A cheaper one that is almost or as good as the new fence?

[@careymacisaac9165]

I didnt realize you could buy that fence system without having to buy the whole saw .

[@georgeetherege8347]

My big takeaway is that you are routinely doing top grade commission work with a “contractor” table saw-you don’t see having a “professional” “cabinet saw” as an absolute necessity. Conventional wisdom (and the SawStop fence alignment instructions) says the accuracy you get with a contractor saw is not quite as good as with the more expensive (and larger) cabinet type design. It’s significant for an inexperienced “newbie” woodworker to know he/she can consistently do finish carpentry and anything beyond with a saw that some folks see as limited. Of course a good contractor saw is really a better tool than an inexpensive one. But you did an excellent job of bringing to mind this important point.

[@rakashaagain]

why didn't you get the Incra fence? it's awesome

[@RexKrueger]

Because the SS fence was designed to fit my saw. Guaranteed plug-and-play. Fast install and back to work. If I knew anyone who had an aftermarket fence I could check out, I would have. Read a LOT of reviews and just didn't see one that looked good enough to take a chance.

[@oldschoolsmart]

@@RexKrueger Vega Pro, $300.00 on sale and worth a lot more.

[@cuebj]

Plug and play might save a day's work - pays for itself. Hobbyists have time to research and fettle. Time spent watching reviews and trying out a borrowed item costs money. Hobbyists who turn pro often fail to change mindset of costing everything

[@ryanclelland6743]

The most surprising thing about this is that you waited 8 months to open it. I can barely leave the store before I want to open my new tools like a kid in a candy shop. If they're little hand tools I'll even open them while still parked outside the store.

[@na2305]

I really like that you will NOT review free tools. I'm going to upgrade my saw with this fence.

[@charliecrash3450]

What is the accuracy (+/-) of this current fence set-up, when cutting long stock? Could you base your initial fence measurements, from a 2-ft steel ruler, extended from the saw blade, rather than just the saw blade itself?

[@RexKrueger]

With all possible respect, you're thinking about all this WAY harder than i do. No insult intended!

[@bobbg9041]

you want accuracy use a caliper from sturret and cut both 4" and 6" parts, as for length that's going to depend on if somone can keep the part on the fence, when you cut look at the fence and not the blade. on my Jet I can cut within .0001 but it depends on where you point the line over the tape measure on the glass. These are not digital adjustments yet closest your come is an incra fence and its within 1 thou. unless you can read a tape measure with accuracy. But here is the deal your working with wood trying to split hairs, I've got news wood moves.I've seen wood move as much as 1/16 of an inch with seasonal changes. somone times you woodworkers kill me with this accurate crap, I worked in a machine shop you have no clue what accuracy is but you talk about it all the time. Woodworking 1" 1/2" 1/4" 1/8" 1/16" ok some guys go 1/32" and 1/64" Metal shop 1" .00001" and everything in between.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@bobbg9041 so true. But we do have straight-edges to check against. Light/no light shows through against my 48 inch micro-ground straight edge. Mic dropped again! Ahh-boom!

[@theodorehartman5086]

If you guys would just buy a delta table saw and add a Incra LS fence system along with the Incra router table you would save over 1500.00 dollars and have a saw with more repeatable accuracy than a saw stop could even imagine.

[@joseph11835]

the tglide was only a $200 options when getting a new saw. To buy that fence after the fact is 500?

[@RexKrueger]

Hard to believe, right?

[@danielebling]

My school has 3 saw stops with the upgraded fence but the fence moves a tiny bit when you lock down the fence. My dads dewalt table saw has a better fence

[@mikehikes710]

The dewalt fence is far superior. Thats the same style fence u get on a cheap ryobi table saw.

[@mikehikes710]

The saw stop one I mean pretty sad

[@jasonleonard4838]

They have an aluminum face you can put on it i cut on one every day we put a piece of metal on the sawstop fence to keep from getting divits in it from plywood rubbing up against the fence all time i think the 169 the other website b worth try sucks sawstop didn't come out with aluminum fence in first place

[@richardjuday20]

At 7:00, it's clear from the cloud of dust that you don't have dust collection operative on the saw. Having coughed up oak dust for a month after getting into making some grandkid toys before the dust collection system went into my new shop, I'll recommend that you use it all the time. But more to the point of the video, I will aver that for the same half-kilobuck that you put into the advanced SawStop fence, you could have had an Incra TS-LS (for "table saw-lead screw"). With no type of free-sliding fence, even with the magnifying lens on your advanced SawStop fence, will you match the precision and the accuracy (those are different concepts; precision is how fine a setting you can repeatedly make, whereas accuracy is how close to the indicated width the cut actually is) of the Incra TS-LS. The guide for the Incra notches in at 1/32 inch spaced locations along the lead screw carrier, and the clicking rotating knob divides a full rotation on the lead screw into 32 equal sections. Well, I have unsuccessfully picked a nit with Incra. Each click is 1/32 of a 1/32 inch, or 0.000977 or so of an inch, yet Incra blithely continues to refer to there being 0.001" per click. Sometimes I am too much of an engineer, perhaps. Previously to Incra's coming out with the TS-LS fence, my Incra at the time had a different technology that was also based on the 1/32" base grid off of which you made a final screw adjustment that was different than the lead-screw technology. That one is now mounted on my router table. I think the updated SawStop fence has an advantage of ruggedly holding a setting during hard use making repeated cuts. The Incra is slightly wobbly in comparison, though it can be locked down hard in any setting to hold full precision. Doing that lock-down is just noticeably more difficult than sliding the updated SawStop fence into position and one-hand levering it down. For one cut in 20 I might use the hard lockdown, but mostly the Incra is sufficiently solid even without it. For rough carpentry the updated SawStop fence is likely the winner. But for cabinetwork, I far prefer the Incra. It's interesting doing work with my ol' buddy Rick, a carpenter from 'way back. He deals in "fat eighths" and "skinny eighths", where I am applying my dial caliper and making measurements at 0.001". But it works, and he appreciates that there is the Incra precision available.

[@RexKrueger]

Man, don't tell me what is and isn't in my shop. You have no idea where that dust came from.

[@richardjuday20]

@@RexKrueger Um, well... I am referring to the cloud of sawdust being ejected above the saw from the blade, during the cut itself! I did mis-type the time, though; check it at 7:33-7:37. It is quite clear where that dust is coming from. Frankly, I didn't put any attention to other dust in the shop. With a dust collection system running, and especially with the added-on diverter that SawStop designed for the bottom of the shroud around the blade, that active cloud is sucked straightaway. No disparagement is intended in my comment, Rex.

[@Chefm4477]

I've got the same model SS TS and love it. I replaced the Stock fence immediately with their 52 incher, probably overkill. I got lucky and found a used Sawstop TS for a College that was shutting down one of the their Maintenance Shops, maybe 2 hours on the saw, for $700.00. I switched from a Craftsman TS that I had installed a Bessmeyer Knock off Fence ($104.00) on it, sold it for $500.00. I still need to upgrade my Dust Collection features on the Saw and in my Shop! Definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made, I still have all my fingers!