Replies

1. 
   Sphere | Dec 31, 2003 01:58am | #1

   You will be a lot happier with the Uni-fence..much more versatile.

1. 
   porch68 | Dec 31, 2003 02:03am | #2

   How So ?

1. 
   Sphere | Dec 31, 2003 02:25am | #3

   It comes with the short rip fence, it is "flippable" so it can be low or high, it is easy to keep parallel, it is made FOR that saw, not an addon, you can easily attach jigs by utilizing the T-slots machined in, you can raise or lower the fence in relation to the table ( great if you have overhanging laminations on a substrate) All in all, I would recommend it highly. while your at it the overarm guard is the way to go..

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 31, 2003 10:30am | #4

   I would certainly choose a Biesemeyer over the Exacta.  But there is another option you might want to consider, an AccuSquare by MuleCab equipped with their Euro Jig:

   http://www.mulecab.com  They run from $209 (25" rip) to $229 (50" rip)

   The Euro Jig gives you that short-fence capability for $29 (see this page) and provides added safety when cutting laminates or other thin material.

   I've seen this fence, though not used it, and have read a number of reports from various users who have given it A+ ratings.

   forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)  you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Dec 31, 2003 05:23pm | #5

   FIrst of all, welcome to Knots!  Hope you find it an informative place.  Don't hesitate to jump in and offer your advice and share your experience.

   I hate to disagree with Forest Girl (sorry, your Sylvan Highness), but you'l find very little difference between a Biesemeyer and an Xacta Fence II.  In fact, you'll find that, with the exception of paint and stickers, this is the same US-made fence used on the Powermatic.  The only criticism I have of it is the difficulty of seeing the ruler because of the magnifying cursor.  That's easily fixed, however, by removing it and, using small washers for spacers, lowering the cursor nearer the fence rail.

   At that price, I'd say go for it.  Just be aware that some drilling will be involved, which will probably be the case with any fence not machined specifically for the Unisaw.

   Jeff

4. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Dec 31, 2003 09:57pm | #6

   A couple months ago, I did exactly what you contemplate.  I put an HTC fence on my Unisaw.   The HTC and the Jet Exacta II are so similar that I'll bet they're made by the same factory.   I had to do some drilling to do the fastening, but it was straightforward.

   My only grump is that I was not impressed by the plastic faces on the fence.  They're hooked to the steel with trick invisible clips.   As delivered, the faces were not straight.   As far as I could tell, the trick clips deformed the plastic.   I removed the clips, and fastened the faces to the steel with machine screws that go completely through the plastic.  The faces are now much straighter.