Can the rails on a 50" Vega fence be cut down?

[Craig Stueve]

I am looking at upgrading the fence on my Jet contractors saw. From what I have seen and read for the money the Vega fence seems like it would be a good option. I am strictly a hobby user and have looked at the Biese, Mule, HTC, Jet and others. For the price that Amazon has on the utility model this weekend I think that is what I am leaning towards.

Does anyone know how difficult it is to cut down the rails on the 50" model? I don't have room for the full 50" rails, but I would like to have more then 26" as well.

Thanks,
Craig

[tod evans]

craig, years ago i bought a vega "pro" fence, after a short time and several hundred dollars of wasted sheetgoods(due to the fence sliding) i gave it away. for what it`s worth..02 tod

[Joe Spear]

Yes, the rails can be cut down. The fence rides only on the front rail. It is a round pipe. The fence will move sideways if you don't adjust it so that the clamp grips the rail tightly. You can make it tight enough. There is a hook on the back end of the fence to catch onto the back rail so that the end of the fence doesn't pull up if you are using a jig or featherboard that puts an upward force on the fence body.

[Larry Conely]

I have also had a Vega fence and was very happy with it. It was on a Vega rolling table saw that I regret selling. It was a true rolling table saw, split at the blade.I found the fence to be durable and accurate. Although I did not have reason to cut the rails, I think a grinder with a cutoff wheel would do the trick.

[Jim W. White]

The rail can be trimmed to size easily. I've had one for about 5 years now and it has never moved from where I set it or deflected in any way even slightly. I would not hesitate to buy one again.

...Jim

[Craig Stueve]

Thanks for all the answers. I am still debating wether or not to pull the trigger this evening. I already spent plenty on tools lately but for 207.99 delivered it is hard to pass up.

Thanks again,
Craig

[RichMagnone]

I've had one for about 5 years now and it has never moved from where I set it or deflected in any way even slightly. I would not hesitate to buy one again.

I second those remarks. I purchased one used from a woodnet classified and I could not be happier. I had an old style jetfence on my Jet Contractor. I can now actually make accurate and straight cuts. No problem with deflection or movement.

[Richard Blaine]

I have a U26 on my jet saw, and I have been pleased with it.

Vega woodworking does make a 40" pro model. It's a little beefier than the u26 or u50.

Amazon has the pro 40 for $280.