Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 03, 2011 11:21am | #1

   en guard

   Don't forget the face guard when fencing.  ;-)

   How old is the saw, and which fence is on it now? If it's a Unifence, you might want to try it for a while before switching to another fence. Some folks prefer the Unifence over the Biesemeyer. Then, there is also the interim Delta T2 fence, which you might still be able to find. The T2 was Delta's answer to the Biesemeyer before they acquired the Biesemeyer company, and is quite nice.

   Design wise, the older Delta fences used relatively small rails by today's standards, and had a lock-down mechanism at the rear of the fence. In contrast, the Biesemeyer and Delta T2 fences use much heavier front rails and a much wider head to assure proper (but, adjustable) alignment. The rear of the new fences are thus able to essentially float free, with no lock-down on the rear guide rail.

   Note, too, that in retro-fitting a Biesemeyr or T2 fence to an old Unisaw, you will likely need to drill new holes - either in the fence rails or the saw table. When doing so, pay attention to both horizontal and vertical alignment and spacing requirements, including the heads of any adjustment screws. (You can guess what is prompting that suggestion.)

1. 
   dlb | Jan 04, 2011 06:57pm | #2

   Ralph,

   Thanks for the info. The saw is a 1997 model w/ less than 8 hours of usage. It has a Unifence (in pieces as of now) which I have had no experience w/ but do want to upgrade. I do appreciate the info and will be careful if I have to drill any holes.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 04, 2011 07:09pm | #3

   I've never used one, either. But from previous conversations here, I got the impression that Unifence fans considered the Biesemeyer to be a down grade. Just sayin', as they say. You might try posting your question on The Burl to see if you get more or better input.

   http://forums.delphiforums.com/burl/messages

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 05, 2011 09:28am | #4

   I'd agree with Ralph that I'd get the saw into use with the Unifence.  It's a quality fence.  You may prefer the other style, but I wouldn't make that judgement until after giving the Unifence a good trial. You save a lot of bucks.  (Biesemeyer fence and guide rails are in the $400 range.  Your main choice is how long you want the guide rails--30" (capacity to the right of the blade) up to about 50".  Get the longest you can fit in your shop.  I think all models will fit the Unisaw.  Even while Biesemeyer was a separate company, they were mostly made to replace the older JetLock fence design on the Unisaw.  Now Delta owns Biesemeyer. 

1. 
   dlb | Jan 07, 2011 08:08am | #5

   Thanks for the reply. I believe that you are correct in that I should give the Delta fence a try and not throw out the baby w/ the bath water. I have not begun to disassemble the saw in preparation for moving it to my shop but will soon (as soon as it quits snowing here) and at that point will examine the fence a little closer.

   Thanks again for everyones help.

   dlb

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