Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jun 16, 2006 11:22pm | #1

   The extra capacity of longer rails is always nice, but you know your shop better than me.

   I'm a big fan of the Biesemeyer style fences, but the Biese brand can be expensive. I've used a Mule, Vega, 2 Biese's and 2 Biese clones. Of the better value fances, I prefer the ruggedness of the Vega over the Mule, and the Vega rated higher in recent comparisons. Since the Vega is on sale at Amazon, I'd suggest looking into it. The 26" is $175 delivered, the 50" is $204.

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ss_hs/104-7644485-9915142?platform=gurupa&url=index%3Dblended&keywords=VEGA+FENCE&Go.x=8&Go.y=10&Go=Go

   
   

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   Edited 6/17/2006 12:08 am ET by Scotty_

1. 
   Wanda200 | Jun 17, 2006 06:08pm | #5

   Hi Scotty,

   I wish Amazon would deliver powertools to Canada.  Way too expensive ordering from the States because of customs. Amazon has such a mazing deals.

   Wanda

2. 
   forestgirl | Jun 17, 2006 05:15am | #2

   The Mule Cabinetmaker Accusquare gets pretty good reviews from the folks that have them, I think especially for the price.  What's up with your fence that you're not liking???  I've considered putting the Accusquare on my old dinosaur of a Jet saw, and was concerned about the "twist and lock" as opposite to a lever, which I'm used to.  One of the Accusquare owners wrote to let me know that it's easy to get used to.  If you do a search, you might be able to find the thread this was all discussed in.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   Wanda200 | Jun 17, 2006 06:20pm | #6

   Hi Forest Girl,

   So far I haven't experienced too many problems with the fence that came with my table saw. Except for last week when the darn thing moved on me while ripping a piece of 1X 4 pine. First time that ever happened. And I had the thing clamped down. My fence also works with a lever.  So I cleaned out around the lever where the spring is. That seems to have worked. It's working ok now. I've checked to make sure the fence is parallel to the miter slots. Maybe a fraction... 1/64" out on the back of the fence. I have yet to put this 10" contractor style table saw through it's paces. I've only been cutting 2X 4 pine and a few sheets of masonite and 1/4 " plywood. Although it's a 2hp machine I have no idea how accurate it would be when it comes to cutting thick hardwood. 

   I'm just looking around checking out aftermarket fences. For now the one that came with my table saw is ok.  Never hurts to have a look at other fence systems.

   How many table saws do you have? I hear Powermatic 2000 10" table saw is a great machine. Have you ever heard of the SAWSTOP table saw?It's suppposed to be one of the safest table saws on the market.  But it comes with a hefty price tag. Somewhere around $3200 My god I could have a beautiful General 3hp cabinet makers table saw for less.  I just wish the North American table saws would come with better safety features. like a riving knife for starters. I think the powermatic saw does...

   So what type of aftermarket fence system do you have on your table saw?

   Wanda

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 17, 2006 07:01pm | #7

   "How many table saws do you have?"  I'm quite lucky to have one, given my $$ constraints.  It's an old "Blue" Jet 10" contractors, with the original crappy aluminum fence.  It works for now, so it's down the list of purchases.

   I don't know how the mechanism on your King works, but make sure when you clamp down the fence (I assume at the outfeed end) you're not stressing the locking mechanism at the other end.  If there is any space underneath the fence (between the fence and the table) you could be throwing something off, I suppose.  Just a thought.  Fill that gap with a piece of laminate or something.

   It's scary to have the fence move, for sure.  If it happens again, you might want to call King tech support and see if they have any advice.

   Many of us wish the American manufacturers paid more attention to safety.  The newest Powermatic comes with a quick-release riving knife, which solves the biggest problem most of us have with these saws.

   The Saw-Stop seems to be not only the safest saw around, but also a superbly made saw.  As many point out, the extra $$'s easily pay for a trip to the emergency room to suture up your amputated finger(s).

   Re: the old Jet saw.  I was pleased to find, when I checked for blade run-out the other day, there is none.  Amazing for a saw it's age and history. ;-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   Wanda200 | Jun 17, 2006 08:54pm | #8

   Hi Forestgirl,

   I'll take your advice and check to see whether or not I'm stressing out the locking mechanism. Might need a wee adjustment.

   I"ve had this saw now since 1998 and have had no issues with it. King makes pretty decent machines. Their King Industrial line is better than the King Canada line.

   Would you say the Sawstop is just as good if not better than the General 3HP 10" cabinet maker saw? I just heard of the Sawstop in the Houseoftools online fyler. Then I saw it mentioned in Popular Woodworking mag.

   Glad your Jet saw is still holding it's own. Probably outperform most of the new saws on the market. I don't think they make them like they used to. 

   Soon be time for me to get back in the shop. I was in  the middle of putting  false faces on the drawers I made for an old birch dresser..  But got distracted with other things. LOL been way too busy trying to get the garden sorted. I can't keep up! 

    

   Wanda

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 17, 2006 10:12pm | #9

   "Would you say the Sawstop is just as good if not better than the General 3HP 10" cabinet maker saw?"  I can't answer this question -- have used neither saw.  When you have time, you can search various forums and you will find WWers who have used PM's, Generals and other saws, and moved to the SawStop.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 6/18/2006 6:01 pm by forestgirl

3. 
   DougF | Jun 17, 2006 05:29pm | #3

   Wanda,

   I would consider getting the 50" and since space is a problem right now, you can mount the fence rails so they do not extend as far to the right of the blade.  I'm not familiar with the Mule system but most rail systems are very easy to adapt by drilling new mounting holes in the table top/wings.  The top and wings are made from very soft metal and are easy to drill and/or tap.  This way you can locate the rail(s) where ever you want.  By shifting the rails more to the left you also create greater cutting options right and left of the blade.  Then, when you have more shop room you can relocate the rails to provider greater capacity from the blade. 

   Doug

    

1. 
   Wanda200 | Jun 17, 2006 06:06pm | #4

   Hi Doug,

   Might be a little bit tricky on my saw. But it says the mule is made to fit king table saws. So I doubt I'd have too much of a problem mounting the fence. My table saw has a cast iron top.

   Wanda