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Router table fence is a utility product put to use by woodworkers globally for their various applications. You can use it to set a stock piece for precision, control router bits’ performance, and for several woodworking operations like sawing, milling, carving, and more.
These nifty tools are usually made from aluminum – it has various properties like resistance to rust, durability, high-quality performance, and light-weight.
Today, we will review various router table fences that professional woodworkers widely utilize because of several advantages. Most router fences include additional utility features like a dust collection port, micro-adjustment knobs, side-mounts with precision scale, and T-track sliding.
However, if you are confused about your ideal tool, don’t forget to check out the buying guide and our top picks.
🔎Router Table Fence: Buyers Guide
What is a router table fence?
Experienced woodworkers or not, we know that routing tables are required for furnishing various types of cuts, carvings and joints when working with stock. Router tables are the backbone for routers, templates, and bits. Similarly, a router table fence is a woodworking tool in which a bit is partially emerging from the fence cavity or router table.
The router table fence helps maintain a shape on the working stock and aids in making precise cuts. Setting up a router fence is a complex task:
- The woodworker needs to measure a suitable height for the bit.
- Align the fence as per the bit’s centerline.
- Fine-tune the fence as per the workplace and output requirements.
- Lastly, clamp the fence against the bit and on the router table.
A router table fence consists of various parts:
- Medium-density fiberboard
- Bit guard
- Feather board
- Miter gauge
- Push block
- Locking knobs
How do you operate a router table fence?
When you are feeding stock to the rotating bit, always feed the job against the bit’s rotation. In case the bit is rotating in an anti-clock direction, feed the job from right to left side.
If you feed the work aligning with the bit’s rotation, it will push the stock away and ruin the job. You can make wide grooves by moving the fence forward and backward as per requirements and instructions. Sounds easy, right?
What is the need for a router table fence?
A router table fence is an alternative to template guides – the latter is used alongside routers and router guides to remove material and shape stock for the final product.
A router table fence finds application when a template guide is not available or when you desire output of similar or higher quality along with the convenience factor. A fence improves the flexibility with which you can carve various profiles via a single bit or more bits – it also eliminates a bearing guide’s need.
Some advantages of using a router table fence are:
- A router fence is used to reposition workpieces that increase profile cutting possibilities.
- There are various types of router fences, constructed from different materials and for varying purposes – they can handle different sizes of panels.
- You can make various cuts using router fences and the right bit like mortise, tenons, dadoes, and grooves.
- Router table fences consist of alignment tools, scales, and micro-adjust that improve precision and overall output quality.
What to look for in a router table fence?
⚙️Compatibility
Compatibility is always an important feature when it comes to selecting woodworking accessories, especially a router fence. You wouldn’t want an incompatible product, would you? Ensure that the router fence is compatible with the router you regularly utilize, the router table in your working space, and the types of router bits you need.
⚙️Construct
Sure, a router fence is made in varying constructs, like heavy-duty aluminum, extrusion aluminum, ferrous-cast fence material, magnetic fence or some other material. The construct is crucial because it determines the tool’s shelf-life, and it determines the compatibility with the type of router table. An example could be that a magnetic fence works well with ferrous-cast or steel router tables; however, it may not be the best choice for a DIY wood routing table. The construct and design also determine the tool’s weight and ease of transport.
⚙️Additional Features
There are multiple additional features you should consider when selecting a router table fence:
- Dust port: Most of the router fences contain dust collection ports attached directly to the part from where wooden shavings or dust is generated. This is an important feature as it collects wood shavings and keeps the workspace clean.
- Miter gauge & T-slot: These additions enable an accurate setting with the fence for a precise cut.
- Bit guard: The bit guard holds the routing bit in place and presents a partially exposed surface for the workpiece.
- Feather board: The feather board is used as a safety device to keep the wooden workpiece in place while operating with routing bits.
- Side Mounts: Most router fences have side mounts with appropriate knobs to fix the fence to the router table; however, the magnetic fence and other similar router fences lack side mounts.
These points can help you establish the selection criteria needed for choosing a suitable router table fence.
Kreg PRS1015 Router Table Fence
- The fence adjusts easily with just one hand
- T-square style self-squaring carriage
- From 3/4″ to 1 1/2″ (19-38mm) thick
Kreg Tool Company has been active for more than 30 years, primarily dealing in tools and setups for cutting, clamping, routing, and hardware parts for woodworking. The company developed Kreg PRS1015 to ease functions in woodworking.
Construct & Design
PRS1015 router table fence is constructed from anodized aluminum, giving the tool its rugged look and durability. The fence is equipped with dual locks – a large paddle lock on the infeed side and a quarter-turn lock on the outfeed side; this helps adjust the fence in place with the router. It is structured in a T-square saw-style system, enabling parallel adjustment with the miter-gauge slot.
Versatility
The product includes a measuring system with an adjustable measuring scale. What does this mean for you? You can comfortably create your desired setup with various router bits without losing precision. The micro-adjustment imbibed in the system enables precise measurements with different router table systems ranging from 3/4″ to 1 1/2″ thickness.
Where to buy
Taytools 300015 Deluxe 32 Inches
- Fence faces are made from smooth melamine coated MDF
- Made from 3/8 inch thick precision straight extruded anodized aluminum
- Has a Dust port with 2-1/2 inch OD and 2-1/4 inch ID opening
Taylor Toolworks, an American tools company, manufactures Taytools 300015. They also manufacture carving tools, measuring tools, hunting knives, woodworking supplies and miscellaneous hardware supplies.
Construct & Design
Taytools 300015 router fence is fabricated from extruded anodized aluminum that is resistant to various temperature changes. The fence faces feature an accurately squared medium-density fiberboard with a smooth melamine coating. Hard plastics are used to design the rear-mounted threaded knobs – they enable comfortable adjustment of the faces with the rest of the tool body and router table.
Versatility
The product works well with various routers, router tables and accommodates router bits via T tops on the top and front. It includes a bit guard, feather board and adjustable stop with a spacing range from 18 to 22 inches. The setup also features a dust port with 2-1/2 inch outer diameter and 2-1/4 inch inner diameter, enabling the hassle-free collection of shavings.
Where to buy
JessEm 4010 Master Fence II
- Heavy duty aluminum extruded fence frame
- Fully adjustable fence faces with quick locking knobs
- 1/32″ and 1/16″ shimming/offset bars standard
The manufacturing company, Jessem Tool Company, is based in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. The company develops and markets dedicated woodworking tools and accessories.
Construct & Design
JessEm 4010 is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum, making it the ideal tool for woodworking on varying router tables and different wood grades. The fence is also equipped with quick locking knobs enabling convenient locking of the fence to the table. JessEm 4010 features an effective dust chute that collects wood shavings and keeps the workplace free of dust.
Versatility
The product features side-mounted fences with scales as working aid – is this beneficial for the average woodworker? Yes, the side-mounted fences enable precise adjustment on the table without affecting the overall setup. The fence is practical for doing stiles and rails.
Where to buy
JET 737001 32″x24″ Fence Assembly
- Easy-to-read guide rails
- Adjustable fence surface allows for maximum support of the work piece
- The integrated dust port collects dust at the source of the cut
Jet 737001 fence is manufactured by Jet Tools, a subsidiary of JPW Industries. The company has been in business for more than 50 years; they manufacture several types of products that see use in woodwork, metalwork, lifting systems, and air tools.
Construct & Design
The fence assembly is made from highly durable metal alloys coated with a matte black layer. Apart from that, guide rails present with the fence ease the task of cutting an accurate profile. Jet 737001 features an inbuilt dust collection port to collect dust at the source and ensuring a clean workspace.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, this fence assembly comes with various additions to produce high-quality output and saves working time. The fence features an adjustable fence surface – an additional measuring scale, present with the setup, which you can utilize for precision and comfortable work.
Where to buy
Carter Magfence II V2 Universal 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
- Easily removed to use with multiple equipment
Carter Magfence II V2 is manufactured by Carter Products, a US company that also develops and markets turning tools, hardware accessories, woodworking tools, and high-end manufacturing technology. The company has been active for over 90 years.
Construct & Design
The product features an L-shape design – 16 inches long and 3-1/2 inches tall; it is constructed from extrusion aluminum and consists of two switchable magnets. Carter Magfence II V2 attaches magnetically to ferrous metal tables and supports precision work.
Versatility
The fence design is exclusive for steel tables, cast-iron tables, and tables with tools with a ferrous metal surface. It directly attaches to such tables and is therefore not equipped with side mounts or attachment fixtures. Carter Magfence II V2 can be transferred easily from one place to other and utilized alongside various equipment.
Where to buy
Peachtree Woodworking PW3319 32″ Deluxe Router Table Fence
- 2 MDF fence plates supported by solid aluminum “L” fence
- Accommodates router bits up to 3 1/2″ in diameter
- Built in t-track
The router table fence – PW3319 is manufactured by Peachtree Woodworking Supply Inc., the company is based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and produces various woodworking components, tools, and accessories.
Construct & Design
Peachtree PW3319 deluxe router table fence is another reliable woodworking tool made with heavy-grade aluminum. It consists of 2 medium-density fiberboards – the L-shaped aluminum body supports the fiberboards. The tool presents a sliding t-track allowing comfortable routing operations.
Versatility
Peachtree PW3319 can accommodate routers up to 3 1/2 inches in diameter. This enables a wide variety of operations for cutting, carving, designing and milling with the fence. The tool also presents a dust collection duct which will ensure a mess-free workspace and comfortable operation.
Where to buy
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Size of Table | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Kreg PRS1015 | 32″ | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Taytools 300015 | 32″ | Anodized Aluminum, MDF |
| JessEm 4010 | 32″x24″ | Aluminum, MDF |
| JET 737001 | 32″x24″ | – |
| Carter Magfence II | Nearly any size | Aluminum |
| Peachtree Woodworking PW3319 | 32″ | Aluminum, MDF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a router fence necessary?
A router fence may not be necessary if you are using a template guide or a router guide; however, a router fence is an ideal alternative to the template. It helps follow through lengthy operations and provides more safety than using a template.
What are the advantages of a router fence?
With a router fence, you can establish various profiles on your workpiece because of the tool’s versatility – you can move it forward or backward depending on how wide a cut you want to make. A router fence is useful for creating dadoes, tenons, grooves, mortise, and saw cuts.
Will I need to buy a separate router or router table if my router fence is not compatible with my setup?
Firstly, establish some selection criteria for yourself – consider a router guide after ensuring that it has all the necessary additions and is compatible with your router table, router and other woodworking setups. However, if you already own a router fence that is incompatible with your setup, consider switching the fence instead of the entire setup or make modifications.
Verdict
What have we established till now? Yes, router table fences are essential building blocks of quality woodworking operations – they are convenient for various techniques, improve compatibility with tools, and help create precise, high-quality output.
In this review, we have gone through various router fence brands noted for exclusive properties and aiding in woodworking – To make things easier, we have highlighted our top picks.
Regardless of your choice, please ensure that you pick a tool that will make your woodworking tasks comfortable and improve your output quality.
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Brayden Silva
Hand-made furniture, remodeling projects, and consulting on all your home needs! I've been a carpenter for over 10 years and I'm still loving it. I learn a new skill every day and can talk your ear off about it! I love to make things. I've been doing it my whole life. Check out my blog for some of my latest projects!
