Band Saw Fence

[Todd Crawford]

I picked up a 14" Delta band saw a couple of weeks ago. Model is 28-276. I know there are a lot better saws out there, but this one had been used for about 2 weeks and I got it for $150. The guy bought it to do one job. Anyway, it doesn't have a fence. I've never done much bandsaw work, but I am thinking I will need a fence at some point. What do you guys recommend?

[Todd Crawford]

Also have a couple of blades with the band saw. I think the one on it is a 1/2" blade and he also gave me a 3/16" blade ( I believe, it my 1/4") When would I use one vs. the other?

[Robert Chapman]

Kreg makes a nice bandsaw fence that is reasonably priced and easy to install and use. I paid about $100 from Rockler

[Norman Pyles]

I have that same saw, I picked mine up used also. It had a Kreg fence already installed, and I'm very happy with it.

[Maurice Ungaro]

Another vote for the Kreg.....from a fellow Palmetto State Creeker.

[Brent Ring]

+1 for the Kreg - I have mine on an old PM 141 and just love it. It is a great fence!

[Norman Pyles]

Also have a couple of blades with the band saw. I think the one on it is a 1/2" blade and he also gave me a 3/16" blade ( I believe, it my 1/4") When would I use one vs. the other?
1/2" blade for re-sawing, and cutting straight lines. 1/4" blade for cutting circles down to the size of a quarter (coin) and straight lines.

[Pete Bradley]

For simple rips of flat stock I use a Clamp 'N Tool Guide:

http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:p3jx43KOIgsHHM:http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Q51XN24ML._SL500_AA280_.gif

For resaws and situations where a higher fence is required, I use one made from two sheets of MDF about 6" wide and about 8 inches longer than the table joined lengthwise at a right angle. Once it was joined at the corner, I carefully clamped it flat and epoxied in triangles to hold it there. The 6" is a compromise. You probably want it shorter for a 14" saw, but perhaps taller for resaw. To use it I just clamp it in place with a couple of big clothespin-type clamps. For a 14" saw you may want to go with

Pete

[Bill Huber]

Here is another one for the Kreg fence, I have it on a 14" Jet and it works very well. Easy to install and the fence is easy to put on and take off.
I did get the Micro Adjuster with it and I have used it a few times and it is very nice.

[John Bailey]

I've always used a home made fence. I made one from 3/4" ply, put a 90 deg. T on one end. I place the T on the side of the table facing me. That squares the fence to the table, then it's easily clamped down with a spring clamp on both ends. I also made a taller, 4", fence for resaw work. They always worked very well, but will only work if the table is square to the blade.

John

[Paul Saffold]

I have a Mule fence. It is rock solid. Not hard to find on the net. See
http://www.nicks.ca/machacs.html#bandsaw for photo.

[Bill Huber]

I have a Mule fence. It is rock solid. Not hard to find on the net. See
http://www.nicks.ca/machacs.html#bandsaw for photo.


Not really that hard to fine, just do a Google search on mule fence and they are the first to pop up.

You can buy it from the for about $20 less....

http://www.mulecab.com/bandsaw.html

[Frank Drew]

I've always used a home made fence.

Me, too; mine for years was a 3"x4" piece of oak, with two adjoining faces at 90 degrees. I f-clamped it front and back and it worked like a champ.

[Chris Padilla]

Depending upon your needs, you may find that a small variety of fences are useful.

I recently put a Kreg fence on my 20" BS and while I like it, it is only okay for holding a fence that is 10" tall (for resawing). I get a little too much deflection at the top of the fence. It is solid near the base, of course.

I think the Kreg is a great little fence for the money and a good place to start.

[Rob krokus]

Depending on your needs/budget - as previously mentioned, pretty easy to make. I fabricated two extension wings that bolt to the table. They each have a t-track insert. To square the fence, all I need to do is place a speed square against the table top extension wing and the fence. Very easy to make and cheap!!!