Extension table and Bies fence

[Greg Koch]

I recently got a Biesemeyer 40R/12L home shop fence system. I liked the T2 fence that came with my Delta 36-680, but I found a great deal on the Bies. It sure holds true and is rock solid. Today I made an 24" extension table for it using white MDF. I may end up putting some legs at the end of the table, but at only 40", and the other cast iron extensions, it's pretty steady as it is.

If later in my "career" as a woodworker, I get a cabinet saw, I might upgrade to the commercial system, but for now I think the home shop version will work fine.

Obligatory pics... LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/th_Goodfronttable.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/Goodfronttable.png)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/th_Goodfencetable.png (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/Goodfencetable.png)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/th_Biese-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/kgregc/Woodworking/Biese-1.jpg)

[scott spencer]

Nice looking setup Greg! Beautiful job with all the custom additions. Looks like you've got it all tricked out.

When I switched from the GI 50-185 to a 22124, my Biese fence also switched from a Homeshop to a Commercial version. The commercial version is a bit stouter and definitely heavier, but I thought the HS Biese was about the perfect compromise of strength and weight....it was just so nice to move back and forth, yet still felt really sturdy. The commercial fence takes a bit more effort. I don't think you'd be gaining alot by making the switch, and you just might miss some of the mobility.

Gonna put your T2 up for sale?

[Greg Koch]

Thanks, Scott...

Actually, I am considering selling the T2. It's less than 6 months old, and like new.

I plan on making a few jigs for the Bies fence that are in the "Table Saw Magic" book. Anyone have a favorite or two they have built?

[Vaughn McMillan]

...I plan on making a few jigs for the Bies fence that are in the "Table Saw Magic" book. Anyone have a favorite or two they have built?
Nice setup, Greg. A good fence makes a world of difference. Here's my entry from the Tolpin book:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=23905

I built it to fit the fence I had at the time on my TS3650. I've now got an Incra TS-III setup, but I can still attach the Tolpin jig(s) to the outer face of the Incra fence and get the same functionality.

- Vaughn

[scott spencer]

At the risk of stealing Greg's thread, that's really slick Vaughn!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

I have the exact same fence on my Delta. It sits in a workcenter much like the ones you've seen in the mags. I doubt I'll ever need anything bigger than this setup and I love the fence!!

Enjoy the Beis, there is no better fence.

[Greg Koch]

Vaughn,

That's a great looking jig...I remember now seeing the post, but I'll copy it form my "future reference"...(btw, you did take that piece of blue masking tape off, right? LOL!)

Scott, ...slick, isn't it. He did a great job.

Kelly, which Delta do you have? I think mine will also be with me for quite a while, as just no plans for a larger shop that would justify a newer "beast". LOL. The fence design is so simple, yet it really locks down!

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Greg, I have a 36-670...you can see it here...

http://www.hannawoodworks.com/NewTSandbase.html

[Greg Koch]

Kelly,

I have essentially the same saw but with 2 cast iron extensions. Your stand/station is awesome! (So are the decks you do! WOW!) Do you have the 50" rails? Do you have a "drop in" router insert for the hole at the end?

[Randy Gillard]

Hi Greg,

I have had the General Homeshop (Bies clone) on my cabinet saw for 3 years and would not upgrade to the commercial fence. The Homeshop is easier to adjsut using the old "bump a smidgen" method. I find the commercial fence too heavy and bulky. I suppose if you were throwing 4x8 sheets of plywood at it 24/7, then the commercial might be a better choice.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e397/hrgillard/IMGP0719.jpg

[Kelly C. Hanna]

Thanks...I need a cast iron extension for mine, had the steel ones and chucked them. I have the 42" fence system and I do have a router table on the right side. It has it's own dust collector port as well.

I put my Bosch 1617 in there and it is a great setup. I need to make and extension for the fence and add dust collection to it for the router side.