Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jul 29, 2005 02:30pm | #1

   You talking round rails on the old Delta jet lock fence? Get a Biesemeyer or anyone of the newer retro fences. No comparison in ease and accuracy of the fence.

1. 
   Joby | Jul 29, 2005 05:40pm | #2

   My old one is the round style, which is what I am trying to get away from.  I was wondering if the newer fences all use the same type of rail or if each rail goes with its own fence.  Basically, can I mix and match rails and fences with the T-square systems.

2. 
   hammer1 | Jul 29, 2005 05:53pm | #3

   Older Delta and General rails were not the same diameter and there can be a difference in the way the micro adjust fits the notches on the underside of the rail. I still have a Delta/Rockwell contractor saw with the jet lock fence. The jet lock is a misunderstood fence. With some tinkering it can be a very good fence. One thing that is nice about it, is the fact that it locks front and back. This is handy when using power feeders and feather boards. The Unifence and Beisiemeyers only lock at the front. The jet lock is one of the easiest to attach auxiliary fences and accessories to.

   I had four table saws in my last shop. A 10" Unisaw, 2 14" Deltas and a 10" Delta contractor saw. I changed the fences to a Beiesiemeyer on the 10" cabinet saw, 2 Unifences on the big saws and kept the jet lock on the contractor. I just couldn't see putting a $300 fence on a saw that wasn't worth much more. The Beiesiemeyer was a nice fence until it got dropped and hit with the blade. You couldn't attach auxiliary pieces to it very well and tight feather boards pushed the back end. One of the Unifences also got hit with a moving blade and dropped. I was able to file the ding off the aluminum and figured a way to put spring loaded aircraft nuts in the fence channel to attach a wood face to. Both of these expensive fences would hang up on the miter ways, you had to hold up on them when moving back and forth. I pinched my fingers a couple of times at first. The locking handle on the Unifence can be disengaged with a slight twist. It was common for students to miss this "feel" and the fence would just slide off the saw.

   There are a couple of things with the jet lock that can make it a bear to use. Most folks over tighten the adjustments, especially the two top bolts that control the squareness of the fence as well as the cam lock rod. The two top bolts will cause the steel channel to twist if they are cranked on. There is a small rubber bushing next to the cam lock that can get worn and render the fence useless. The far end lock often gets pulled in by over tightening of the rod, this is the big headed screw that faces the operator.

   If the fence isn't bent or rusted, it can be adjusted and will perform very well. It was the standard in commercial shops for many years. If you are convinced that spending big bucks on the latest gi$mo will improve your woodworking, go ahead and break out the credit card.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   Joby | Jul 29, 2005 06:42pm | #4

   Thanks for the advice on the jet lock fence.  The short history is that I rescued three Delta Contractor saws from a junk heap and I am in the process of refurbishing them.  There is definitely rust, the steel wings are bent and the fences ride really hard.  Your info will help as to trying to restore what I have.

   The reason I am looking to mix and match is that as a set, the fence and rails are quite expensive, (and I am hoping for the long version) but sometimes individual parts pop up on e-bay and I was wondering if I could mix a General fence with Biesemeyer rails, or exacta fence with Shop Fox rails, etc.

   Thanks for your help

1. 
   RickL | Jul 29, 2005 08:54pm | #5

   The Bies rail is 3" wide. The homeshop one is smaller.  Not sure what the other brands are but if the fence yoke is wider a shim could be added. If the yoke is smaller than the tube then it could be cut and extended wider. I'd call all the manufacturers for measurements.