Band Saw Fence: Types, Uses, and Selection Criteria

You want to add a fence to your band saw for ripping and resawing. A band saw fence is a guide that holds the workpiece at a fixed distance from the blade, producing straight, repeatable cuts. You need to know the types, how to choose one, and how to set it up.

A band saw fence is a straight guide attached to the band saw table that holds the workpiece at a fixed distance from the blade. The fence allows you to rip boards to width and resaw boards to thickness with accuracy and repeatability.

Types of Band Saw Fences

1. Rip Fence (Two-Point)

A fence that mounts to the table at two points (front and rear) and spans the full width of the table.

How it works: The fence clamps to the table at the front and rear. The workpiece rides against the fence as it is fed into the blade. Best for: Ripping boards to width. General straight cutting. Accuracy: Good. The two-point mounting keeps the fence parallel to the blade. Cost: 30 to 80 dollars (if not included with the saw).

Examples: Delta rip fence, Jet rip fence, Grizzly rip fence, Kreg band saw fence.

2. Single-Point Fence

A fence that mounts to the table at one point (usually the front) and pivots for alignment.

How it works: The fence clamps to the table at the front. The rear of the fence is adjusted to align with the blade. Best for: Ripping and light resawing. Accuracy: Fair to good. The single-point mounting can allow the fence to drift out of alignment. Cost: 20 to 50 dollars.

3. Resaw Fence

A tall fence designed specifically for resawing. The extra height supports tall stock during resawing.

How it works: The tall fence mounts to the table and provides support for stock up to 12 inches tall (depending on fence height). The workpiece rides against the tall face of the fence. Best for: Resawing thick boards into thinner boards. Accuracy: Good. The tall face provides good support for tall stock. Cost: 40 to 120 dollars.

Examples: Carter Products resaw fence, Kreg resaw fence, shop-built resaw fence.

4. Drift Fence (Single Point, Adjustable Angle)

A fence that can be angled to compensate for blade drift. Blade drift is the tendency of the blade to cut at a slight angle rather than straight.

How it works: The fence is angled to match the blade’s drift angle. The workpiece is fed straight into the blade while the fence is angled. Best for: Saws with significant blade drift. Resawing with blades that drift. Accuracy: Good. Compensates for blade drift. Cost: 40 to 100 dollars.

Examples: Carter Products Magfence, Kreg drift fence, shop-built drift fence.

5. Magnetic Fence

A fence that attaches to the table with magnets instead of clamps.

How it works: Strong magnets hold the fence to the cast iron table. The fence can be repositioned quickly without loosening clamps. Best for: Quick setup and repositioning. Saws with cast iron tables. Accuracy: Good. The magnets hold the fence securely. Cost: 50 to 120 dollars.

Examples: Carter Products Magfence, Magswitch fence.

Uses

Ripping

A fence allows you to rip boards to a consistent width. Set the fence to the desired width, feed the board against the fence, and the blade cuts the board to width.

Resawing

A tall fence allows you to resaw boards to a consistent thickness. Set the fence to the desired thickness, feed the board against the tall fence, and the blade splits the board into thinner boards.

Repeatable Cuts

A fence allows you to make repeatable cuts of the same width or thickness. Set the fence once and make multiple cuts without measuring each one.

Straight Cuts

A fence provides a straight reference edge for the workpiece, producing straight cuts without the blade wandering.

How to Choose

1. Compatibility

Check that the fence fits your band saw table. Some fences are brand-specific. Universal fences fit multiple brands. Check the mounting requirements and table size.

2. Fence Height

For ripping: A standard height fence (1-1/2 to 2 inches) is sufficient. For resawing: A tall fence (4 to 6 inches or more) is needed to support tall stock.

3. Mounting Type

Two-point: Most accurate. Best for ripping. Single-point: Easier to adjust. Good for general use. Magnetic: Quickest to set up and reposition. Good for occasional use.

4. Drift Compensation

If your saw has blade drift, choose a fence that can be angled to compensate. A drift fence or a single-point fence that pivots will work.

5. Cost

Basic rip fence: 20 to 50 dollars. Quality two-point fence: 30 to 80 dollars. Resaw fence: 40 to 120 dollars. Magnetic fence: 50 to 120 dollars.

Installation and Alignment

1. Install the Fence

Mount the fence to the table according to the manufacturer instructions. For two-point fences, clamp both the front and rear. For single-point fences, clamp the front. For magnetic fences, position the fence on the table.

2. Align the Fence to the Blade

1. Set the fence to the desired distance from the blade.
2. Check that the fence is parallel to the blade. Use a combination square to measure from the blade to the fence at the front and rear.
3. Adjust the fence until it is parallel.
4. Lock the fence in position.

3. Check for Drift

1. Make a test cut in a piece of scrap wood.
2. Check if the cut is straight or if the blade drifts.
3. If the blade drifts, adjust the fence angle to compensate.
4. Make another test cut and check again.

Tips for Better Results

1. Use a sharp blade. A dull blade wanders and produces poor cuts regardless of the fence.
2. Use the correct blade for the cut. 3/8 inch, 4 TPI for ripping. 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth for resawing.
3. Feed slowly. Let the blade do the work. Do not force the workpiece against the fence.
4. Use a backer board. For resawing, use a backer board between the fence and the workpiece to prevent the workpiece from rocking.
5. Check alignment regularly. Fences can drift out of alignment. Check before each cutting session.

FAQ

Do I need a fence for my band saw?

If you plan to rip boards to width or resaw boards to thickness, yes. A fence provides accuracy and repeatability that is not possible with freehand cutting.

What is the difference between a rip fence and a resaw fence?

A rip fence is standard height (1-1/2 to 2 inches) for ripping boards to width. A resaw fence is tall (4 to 6 inches or more) to support tall stock during resawing.

How do I align my band saw fence?

Set the fence to the desired distance from the blade, use a combination square to check that the fence is parallel to the blade at the front and rear, and adjust until parallel. Make a test cut and adjust for blade drift if needed.

What is blade drift and how does it affect the fence?

Blade drift is the tendency of the blade to cut at a slight angle rather than straight. If your saw has drift, the fence must be angled to compensate. A drift fence or a single-point fence that pivots can be adjusted for drift.

References

• Carter Products. “Band Saw Fence Guide.” Carter Products.
• Kreg Tool. “Band Saw Fence Installation Guide.” Kreg Tool Company.
• Fine Woodworking. “Setting Up a Band Saw Fence.” Taunton Press.
• Popular Woodworking. “Band Saw Fence Tips.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
• Woodcraft. “Band Saw Fence Selection Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.