5 DIY Table Saw Fence Plans – Fast and Easy to Build

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A single rough and imprecise cut is enough to mess up your entire woodworking project.

Whether you’re using a standalone saw or a fenceless industrial model – you can prevent that with a DIY table saw fence.

Here, we’ll show you some of the BEST ALTERNATIVES: the cheapest, easiest-to-build, and faster options.

Even the most inexperienced woodworker will find our plans below a piece of cake (AND QUICK ENOUGH TO START WORKING WITHIN AN HOUR).
Check them up!

1. A Rudimentary Solution

A Rudimentary Solution

You don’t have to look for complex solutions when a rudimentary one gets the job done. As simple as it seems, you can start cutting any piece of wood with maximum precision and without losing a finger.

The advantage of this system would be its cheapness. But more importantly, you’ll be saving an incredible amount of money.

And if you want to take it a step further, this is an adjustable solution that you can use with pretty much any table saw. From small to big ones, there’s no table saw this fence wouldn’t work with.

The process is simple:

  • Find a big wood board. Preferably, go for something thin and straight, so the fence ends up precise.
  • Then find a couple of large clamps. They need to be large enough to grab the board and the table saw at once.
  • Clamp the board into the table fence exactly where you need it, and that’s it. Adjusting the system won’t be much of a problem, but be sure to bring a square or measuring tape to avoid errors.

You won’t have to spend more than a few minutes installing a rip fence like this. Even if you are entirely inexperienced, this should take you less than 10 minutes.

Don’t have any clamps at home to use? Well, a set of parallel clamps always works. Like the one below:

Bora 571150T Parallel Clamps

Bora 50' Parallel Clamp Set, 2 Pack of Woodworking Clamps with Rock-Solid, Even Pressure, 571150T
700 Reviews
Bora 50" Parallel Clamp Set, 2 Pack of Woodworking Clamps with Rock-Solid, Even Pressure, 571150T
  • Strong And Even: 3.5-Inch-Wide Padded Jaw Provides Constant, Even Pressure Without Damaging Material And The Passive Lock Jaw Stays In Place When Winding The Clamp
  • Perfect Pressure: Not Too Loose, Not Too Tight, Just Right With 1,100Lbs (500Kg) Of Clamping Pressure

These are 50-inch long, so they’re big enough for the largest table saws. This also adds up the strength to keep the rip fence in place. And they’re easy to tighten with turning handles.

The best about this set of clamps would be the 3.5-inch padded jaws. Regardless of what board you use, it will keep it straight and stable at all times.

2. Adjustable DIY Rip Fence for Table Saw

Adjustable DIY Rip Fence for Table Saw

Flush-fitting rip fence, adjustable, and easy to use – this design helps you make the most accurate cuts without taking much time from your hands.

You won’t need many items to make it work either. Screws, a tape measure, a 2×4 board, a jigsaw, and a threaded rod with nuts will be enough.

The process is as simple as you can imagine:

  • Measure the table saw width. Make sure you can cut the boards to meet this width.
  • Cut the board using the jigsaw. You should leave not a single angle in the borders or bottom portion of the board (this could cause instability later).
  • Proceed to drill a few holes on top of the boards to add the threaded rod.
  • Secure the rod with the nuts. You will have to open a few pilot holes in the wood to tighten everything.
  • Finish by placing the board on top of the table saw. You should see no more than 1 inch of a gap on one of the sides. That’s normal.

You can now use the rip fence and make sure it works.

If you want to build that table saw fence to perfection: here are the detailed plans.

Now, do you need a jigsaw for this project? Well, we have the perfect selection:

DEWALT DCS331B 20V MAX Jig Saw

Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (DCS331B) , Black
7,467 Reviews
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (DCS331B) , Black
  • All-metal, lever-action, keyless blade change allows for quick and easy blade changes
  • All-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 degree, 15 degree, 30 degree, and 45 degree provides versatility for easy bevel cutting

It’s perfect for getting even the most intricate sewing projects (LIKE THIS TABLE SAW FENCE).

The 3,000 SPM variable-speed system alongside the 4-position orbital action makes it possible to cut pretty much any piece of wood with maximum control.

There’s also an anti-slip grip and a keyless shoe bevel, making it possible to cut at up to 45 degrees angles WITHOUT ANY DRAWBACK.

And sure enough, it is entirely CORDLESS. A 20V battery lets you operate the jigsaw for over half an hour straight – so you can work on anything without a single worry.

3. DIY Wooden Table Saw Fence

DIY Wooden Table Saw Fence

This is another simple alternative, ideal for those who have DIY table saws.

Yet, you read that right. While it works for pretty much any table saw, it is specifically designed to work with homemade models that are often hard to fit with one.

The process is nothing out of the typical, and the items you’ll need aren’t either.

What makes this fence such a great choice is the ability to move freely but ACCURATELY across the table saw. You’ll have no excuse to make bad cuts after installing this one.

Here’s how it goes in brief:

  • Find the items: a rectangular profile made of aluminum, 50mm wood screws, a 2×7 wood board (for the fence), a few small square wooden pieces, T-nuts, carriage bolts, clamps, circular saw, and a hammer.
  • Start by making the rail. For this, use the rectangular profile. If you need to cut a middle groove so you can use it as the rail.
  • The rail will be installed on the side of the table saw. Make sure it is at least half the length of the table saw, so it offers enough versatility. Use the screws to secure it.
  • Now create the sliding mechanism using the square wood pieces. Drill a few holes in the piece and adapt the T-nuts. Then insert the carriage bolts in the nuts.
  • There should be a slight gap between the piece of wood and the bolt heads. The focus is to insert the caps on the rail so you can move the fence effortlessly.
  • With the sliding system ready, you can now finish the fence itself. Cut the board to meet the table saw’s width and then secure it to the sliding mechanism using the 50mm screws.

You can now use a practical fence without making much of an effort.

Now, need a circular saw for the cuts (or building the homemade table saw itself)?

Here’s a great choice:

Makita 5007MG Magnesium Circular Saw

Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
2,108 Reviews
Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
  • Magnesium components create a lightweight saw (10.6 pounds) that is well balanced and jobsite tough
  • Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM for proven performance and jobsite durability

Circular saws that deliver 15 AMP of motor power and up to 5,800 RPM are never dismissed – like the Magnesium model from Makita.

Not only will it help you to make PERFECT cuts when creating that DIY table saw fence or the homemade table saw, but it will work ON ANY OTHER PROJECT WITHOUT A SINGLE ISSUE.

Plus, the name comes from the Magnesium components, so it can handle DECADES of use.

Alongside the built-in LED lights, it is easily one of the best circular saws ever made (we’re not exaggerating).

4. DIY Fence for Old Table Saws

DIY Fence for Old Table Saws

Some table saws are robust and easy to use – but they come with no fence. They’re large and hard to measure pieces of wood at. Even if you’re extra careful and patient, cutting with precision is hard.

On the other hand, you maybe have a contractor saw model. These traditionally-looking pieces come without a working area, so you can adapt the saw on large tables.

In either case, you end up with the cutting part of the saw but without the measuring portion (the fence).

Here’s where this DIY fence enters into action.

You won’t need much to make it happen: a large melamine board (as wide as the table saw), at least two different wood boards for the rail (as long as the table saw), the screws for putting everything together, and a scale for aligning.

With all those pieces ready, you can proceed with the building:

  • Start by cutting the melamine board. We recommend using at least two boards with a few wooden pieces inside, working as support (so the MDF doesn’t bend later).
  • Create a base portion. This part should include a hanging board that will work as the rail’s foot. It will keep the fence attached and moving.
  • Secure one of the rail pieces to the table saw. Make sure it is long enough to go from one side of the table to the other. This will ensure freedom of movement.
  • Proceed to install the rest of the fence rail. Using a bottom piece, connect the board with another one measuring the same. The focus is to put them parallel to each other, at a distance where another wood piece fits flush inside the gap.
  • Finish by adapting the fence to the rail and aligning it to the table saw. It should be perfectly aligned so you can enjoy the most accurate cuts possible.

By now, you should move the fence freely with the base portion railing from side to side with little resistance. This is not the smoothest fence, but it gets the job done.

Now, do you have a table saw to build this fence on? If not, you may find a homemade table saw using a contractor saw to be perfect.

Here’s a contractor saw we couldn’t dismiss:

Triton 10-Inch Contractor Saw Module

Triton 10 in. 15 Amp Contractor Saw Module for Use with WorkCentre
3 Reviews
Triton 10 in. 15 Amp Contractor Saw Module for Use with WorkCentre
  • Powerful 15A motor and precision 10" TCT blade easily performs a multitude of sawing tasks
  • Includes protractor gauge for precise cross cutting and miter cutting

It works almost exactly like a table saw but without the size or the price.

A 15-AMP motor with the 10-inch TCT blade makes it possible to cut pretty much any wood you throw it.

The saw is also standalone. That means you can install it on any table, given it has no feet or support. This adds to its overall practicality – building a homemade table saw won’t be much of a problem.

5. DIY Fence with Threaded Rod

DIY Fence with Threaded Rod

Let’s be honest – you don’t want to waste ANY TIME.

Your projects need to be finished ASAP. And you can’t stand not being able to cut those pieces of wood precisely.

Well, there’s a solution for you: a rip fence attached via a threaded rod. It is the QUICKEST solution in the whole list, as well as the easiest.

Here’s what you need: a 2×4 wood board (larger than the table saw itself), a couple of other pieces of wood for securing the fence, a quality drill to open pilot holes, and a threaded rod that works as a clamp.

Once you’ve gathered these items, follow these steps:

  • Start by cutting the main piece of wood to about 1/2 inch longer than the table saw on each side. This will leave a gap so you can install the threaded rods later on.
  • With the main fence piece already cut, you can now adapt the wood pieces on the sides. These should be a little long, so there’s a portion that goes flush with the table.
  • Now open some holes in these new pieces after hooking them up to the fence part. The hole should be at the same level as the table saw, so the threaded rod hits the table when it’s turned.
  • In these holes, install the threaded nuts. These are where the threaded rods go in and out by turning them.
  • Proceed to secure everything so the fence stays stable on top of the table saw. You can now test the new table saw fence.

This is a quick process (you will probably spend less than 30 minutes to make it happen). The best of all is how effective and easy it is to use.

Get Your Homemade Table Saw Fence Working!

Learned how to make a DIY table saw fence? These plans have EVERYTHING.

From the most straightforward ideas that require little to no time to the most complex fences that will deliver professional-level results – you have it all.

There’s a solution for everyone and anyone above.

Whatever you go for, it will be a game-changer for your fenceless table saw. THAT’S FOR SURE!

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