5 Best Table Saw Fences (Tested & Reviewed in 2024)
Table saws are a staple for most woodshops. These saws can –make cuts quickly, easily, and accurately – given that you have a quality fence system.
While most table saws comes with a fence of their own, there are quite a few great aftermarket table saw fences that can increase the accuracy of your cuts.
In this post, I’ll uncover the best table saw fences you can buy so you can make accurate cuts time and time again.
In a hurry? The best table saw fence overall is the Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence, since it’s a reliable, durable, and precise fence that’s capable of delivering top-tier results, even though it’s cheaper than other high-end models.
Quick Answer: Here are the Best Table Saw Fence Systems! 👇
Best Aftermarket Table Saw Fence
- #1 Best Overall – Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence
- Best Value – Delta 36-T30T3, 30 in. Fence System
- Highest Quality – Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System
- Easiest to Use – Shop Fox W1410 – Fence w/Standard Rails
- Best Magnetic Fence – CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence
1. Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence – #1 Best Overall
- Standard 57-inch rails provide 30-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade
- Fits most table saws easily
- Steel and aluminum fence body for durability, strength, and reduced weight
The Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence is a sturdy, durable, and precise 57” table saw fence that’s both easy-to-use and affordable, and for all these reasons (and more) it’s the best aftermarket table saw fence.
This aluminum-steel, right-angle table saw fence has widely spaced adjustment points and a cam-level front locking mechanism which help ensure it’s sturdy and precise.
And thanks to its torsion box design, this single-lock fence can be attached to virtually any table saw without a rear locking mechanism.
Along with standard rails, it includes an adjustable magnified cursor and a self-adhesive measuring tape so it can be positioned in mere seconds.
To use the self-adhesive measuring tape, simply mount it on the fence; it has highly visible black numerals and graduations against a yellow tape, and both SAE and metrical scales are included.
With this table saw fence engaged, you can make rip cuts up to 30” right of the blade, and at just l6 lbs this fence is easy to adjust, transport, and store.
What I Liked:
- Yellow measuring tape against a white fence means precise cuts are easier to achieve
- Fence can be adjusted frequently without wearing down since it’s lightweight yet durable
- Multiple fastening features ensure this fence is totally sturdy when engaged
- No material deflection when guiding wood thanks to torsion box design
What I Didn’t Like:
- Having to disengage each fastening feature just to adjust the fence can get tedious
- Main locking lever can get sticky after many uses
My Thoughts
Overall, the Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence is a terrific table saw fence because it’s durable yet lightweight and extremely sturdy when all its fastening mechanisms are engaged. It’s also solid white, which means its vibrant yellow measuring tape is easier to read in dim and bright settings. And because it prevents material deflection, it’s safer than other table saw fences. The only noteworthy problem I’ve noticed is the main locking lever can stick after many uses, but this is but a minor issue when stacked against all this fence’s advantages.
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2. Delta 36-T30T3, 30 in. Fence System – Best Value
- One piece square tubular rail. Max Rip to Left of Blade-13-1/2 inch, Max Rip to right of Blade- 30 inch….
- Mounting design attaches to Delta table saws. This includes fence, steel guide tub with scale, front support…
- Three-point locking system with twin hairline pointers to assure fence is parallel to blade and accurate to…
The Delta 36-T30T3, 30 in. Fence System is well-designed, sturdy, and easy to adjust, but the most attractive thing about this table saw fence is it’s much cheaper than models of similar quality.
This fence is 37” long and 2-1/2” tall, and it comes with two 57-1/2” support rails; one for the front and another for the rear.
And since the fence locks on to the front support rail and hooks on to the rear support rail, it’s capable of accommodating certain fence attachments which can come in handy.
Like other table saw fences, it’s comprised mostly of aluminum and steel, so it’s relatively lightweight (38 lbs) and easy to maneuver.
A three-point locking system with two hairline pointers will keep the fence parallel (within 1/64”) to the blade when it’s cutting.
To the right of the fence, you can make rip cuts up to 30”; to the left up to 13-1/2”.
What I Liked:
- Easy to make quick adjustments so you can spend more time cutting
- You can comfortably lock my hand on this fence because of its height and thickness
- Locking mechanism is simple and therefore less prone to malfunctioning
- Relatively low price means it can be used by hobbyists and DIYers (in addition to pros)
What I Didn’t Like:
- At first it’s hard to distinguish the front rail from the rear rail because neither is labeled
- Rails may need to be loosened if they look concave (when they should be flat)
My Thoughts
For a cheaper table saw fence, the Delta 36-T30T3, 30 in. Fence System can be a big help when you need to make precise cuts with a table saw, as it’s easy to set up and adjust, durable yet lightweight, and sturdy even when a decent amount of pressure is applied against it. I only wish the pieces were labeled better and the rails didn’t come so tightly wound, otherwise is a one of the best replacement table saw fences for the price.
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3. Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System – Highest Quality
- Table saw fence system fits a variety of saws
- 36-Inch fence bar (26 inches to right, 8 inches to left of blade); micro adjustment and auxiliary table…
- Steel construction; assembly required
The Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System was designed with precision in mind, which explains why it’s an extremely precise and well-built table saw fence.
Built to accommodate 10”-12” saw blades and heavy-duty materials, this 37” fence allows rip cuts up to 26” to the right of the blade, and up to 8” to the left.
Unlike other fences, this one can utilize existing bolt holes, so no drilling is required which is super convenient.
And if there are floated front brackets and jacking plates already equipped, installation can take just 15 minutes or less.
There are fine-positioning knobs so you can make precise adjustments (to a few thousandths of an inch) in either direction.
This fence is comprised of three extremely precise aluminum extrusions and high-grade tubing that’s been coated with top-quality epoxy.
Its front guide rail is a thick and stiff chrome-plated tube that’s easy to guide and adjust and the same goes for the rear guide rail.
The extruded aluminum mounts make it fast and easy to install, and both horizontal and vertical adjustments are easy to make.
The four jacking plates ensure it’s level, and the rear hold-down bracket prevents the fence’s rear from rising.
There are also support plates for extension tables which can be nice.
What I Liked:
- No-drilling installation means you can get to cutting quicker
- Easier to achieve precise cuts as fence rarely hiccups when moving up and down the rails
- Simple locking mechanism allows for easy adjustments and ensures stability
- Will remain in place even when guiding heavier materials despite being lightweight
What I Didn’t Like:
- It may take some adjusting to get the aluminum rails 100% straight
- The presence of many sharp edges makes gloves a necessity
My Thoughts
An expertly designed table saw fence, the Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System is a great product for woodworkers who need to make extremely precise cuts, routinely. All its components are built to last and they work together seamlessly. Its sturdy yet easy to adjust, so it’s ideal for making cuts in larger, denser materials. If it was just a little cheaper, didn’t have so many sharp edges, and came with rails that were 100% straight out of the box, I’d put it at the top of my list – but it’s still an amazing option that I would recommend.
4. Shop Fox W1410 – Fence w/Standard Rails – Easiest to Use
- Fits saws with 27-inch tables
- Moves on ball bearing guides
- Fine positioning knobs on both sides for left or righ-handed use
The Shop Fox W1410 – Fence w/Standard Rails is a simple yet reliable 27” sliding fence that’s easy to use, which is why it’s a good buy for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Able to achieve near-exact alignment (within 4 thousandths of an inch) whether the lock is engage or not, this will help you make precision cuts quickly and with minimal effort.
This fence also has ball bearing rollers to ensure smooth movement, and there’s a large locking level as well as built-in micro precision adjustment knobs.
Plus its track goes with the Board Buddies anti-kickback system, so it’s safer than other fences.
It’s T-slotted so different fixtures can be attached, and it’s compatible with on most brand name table saws.
What I Liked:
- Simple installation means you can start using this attachment immediately
- Precision cuts are easier to achieve since this fence is heavier and therefore more stable
- The knobs are responsive and therefore don’t inhibit the fence from moving
- Simple locking system ensures minor adjustments can be made quickly and easily
What I Didn’t Like:
- The more technical sections of the Instruction are confusing at times
- The rails come a little too greasy so de-greasing is necessary
My Thoughts
If a simple yet reliable table saw fence is what you’re after, consider the Shop Fox W1410 – Fence w/Standard Rails. Its streamlined design not only makes operation easier but installation as well, and even if you don’t have a lot of table saw experience you can get the hang of it quickly. It features many components to ensure precision, and since it’s on the heavier side it’s more stable. Aside from the rails being a little too greasy out of the box, I have no complaints since this is a top-notch product overall.
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5. CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence – Best Magnetic Fence
- Attaches magnetically for universal fit on most ferrous metal tables
- 16″ long, 3-1/2″ tall L-shaped aluminum extrusion with multiple T-slots
- Two powerful, switchable magnets for quick, precise adjustments
The only magnetic fence on this list, the CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence is a versatile, simple product that’s capable of being just as good as models that are much more expensive.
Made of mostly aluminum with some steel, it’s a 15” long, 3” tall, 33 lbs table saw fence that works on any nonferrous table.
The magnets are controlled using two knobs, and because this is a magnetic system no mechanical mounting holes are required.
This fence can be positioned at virtually any angle, and once it’s in position the magnets will keep it firmly in place on the table.
But since the magnets are easy to adjust, positioning the fence takes no time at all.
And if the table is too small for two magnets, you can remove one.
Lastly, it’s compatible with all MagFence® II accessories, and it works with T-slot systems too.
What I Liked:
- Adjustments are neither complicated nor time-consuming due to magnets
- It’s a capable and dependable table saw fence yet its price is relatively low
- It can withstand applied pressure because the magnets are powerful
- Easy to master since it’s simple and comprised of only a few components
What I Didn’t Like:
- Shorter fence means cutting larger workpieces may take some time
- You’ll have to be more careful since there are no measurement markings
My Thoughts
Few table saw fences can measure up to the CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence in terms of versatility, but the fact that it can be used with virtually any metallic table saw isn’t the only quality that makes this fence so appealing. It’s also easy-to-use, sturdy, and well-designed, which explains why it’s liked by both amateur and professional woodworkers. I just wish it was longer and had some measurement markings. These minor issues aside, however, this is a superb table saw fence that’s worthy of any workshop.
What to Look for in a Table Saw Fence
Size (Length & Height)
The length and height of a table saw are both important, as these measurements in large part determine its capacity to guide and support a range of materials.
But just because a table saw fence is marketed as “x inches long” doesn’t mean its capacity is actually that number.
In the case of a 37″ table fence, for example, 30″ or so will extend off the table.
Height is important because the taller the fence, the thicker the material it can support.
Length and height are also closely related to rip capacity, but this measurement deserves its own section.
Rip Capacity
The distance between a fully extended table saw fence and the saw blade is known as “rip capacity“.
Basically, if a table saw has substantial rip capacity, it’ll be able to accommodate workpieces that are wider and larger.
Moreover, aftermarket fences with long rails tend to provide more rip capacity than basic sliding table saws.
Compatibility
The best aftermarket table fences are compatible with all kinds of table saws, and they usually have simple locking systems to ensure quick and easy installation.
Plus, if you have a fence that’s compatible with most table saws, you can get more out of it, especially if your work regularly requires you to use different table saws.
And when considering compatibility, you have to consider cost as well. After all, if a fence is compatible with virtually all table saws, this will make it most cost-effective in the long run.
Furthermore, fences that are highly compatible tend to cost less than fences that are designed for one saw, since compatible fences don’t have as many specialized components.
Looking for other table saw accessories? Check out my favorite table saw miter gauges!
Durability
Since table saw fences are guiding instruments first and foremost, making contact with materials is required, which means table saw fences must be durable.
Whereas many utilize a steel-tube fence body, others have an aluminum fence body. Then there are fences that utilizes both materials.
Durability ensures you won’t need a replacement table saw fence for many years.
And don’t forget: if your fence system keeps getting dinged, bent, etc., it won’t be able to deliver the precise results it once coat, and at a certain point a perfect T-square fence may become unattainable.
Ease of Use & Installation
Not should a table fence be easy to use; it must be easy to install as well.
A fence system that employs fine-positioning knobs, for example, is easier to use, since you can control how tight you want the fence to be.
The locking system should be simple yet reliable so adjustments don’t take forever to make. And if a system doesn’t require drill holes, installation will be much faster, especially if the fence is utilizing standard rails.
Finally, regarding movement, the sliding fence should move as if it’s going across a totally smooth surface.
Need help installing your table saw fence? Check out the video below!
Price
As far as prices go, most quality table fences are more than $150, with top-tier systems being upwards of $300.
Several factors collectively determine the price of an aftermarket table saw fence, like materials, size, features, compatibility, brand, and demand.
Lastly, when it comes to specific brands, fences made for Delta table saws tend to be most expensive, while Shop Fox systems tend to be more affordable.
Benefits of Using an Aftermarket Table Saw Fence
Customization
Unlike the built-in table saw fences that come with many table saws, aftermarket table saw fences can be highly customized so they’re able to do exactly what you want with minimal hassles.
For example, you could employ a custom locking system to ensure total stability, or you could insist on greater rip capacity and include a longer rail system.
Cheaper
Especially if you don’t have to drill mounting holes, using an aftermarket table saw fence with a basic table saw can be a lot cheaper than using a table saw with a built-in fence.
That said, if your fence system is decked out, its price (plus the price of the table saw) could be more than an all-in-one model.
Final Thoughts
To recap, the best table saw fence overall is the Shop Fox W1716 Table Saw Fence, since it’s built to last, highly precise, and compatible with the majority of table saws being sold today, yet it’s more affordable than many of the products it’s in direct competition with.
The Delta 36-T30T3, 30 in. Fence System is the best value table fence because it’s much cheaper than other models but still capable, reliable, and easy to use.
Finally, there’s the Vega U26 Table Saw Fence System, which employs numerous high-end components to ensure the user can effortlessly achieve highest-quality results quickly and consistently.