frankp

So I've seen a lot of comments here and elsewhere about the quality of fences and jigs and so on. I'm wondering what exactly the big deal is. I'll admit that the projects I've made have never been particularly special, but people seem to like them. I don't have really tight tolerances on anything I've made to this point but I've never noticed any real issues using the standard fences and such that come with my tools.

So the question is, what do you gain by buying after market fences, jigs, miters etc? Is it just a tolerance thing or is there something else I'm missing?

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Geoguy

I've used saws with crappy fences and mostly, they're inconvenient. Aside from the issue of tolerance, you must constantly check and recheck the distance between the blade and fence everytime you set it - and sometimes with every cut. A bddy of mine had a fence that shifted an eighth of an inch every time you actuated the handle to lock it down. It's nothing that can't be overcome with some patience - but that's something I'm lacking - just ask my wife

Wood Hack

What kind of tools do you have? Maybe you have high quality tools with good components to begin with.

user4178

The big deal is, not only do tight joints look better, you get a better glue bond. And Geoguy is correct about the fence, if your useing a crappy one now, you'll know immediately what you were missing when you use a good fence.

Terry Beeson

Frank,

I use a Craftsman saw that is probably close to the same as you (if I remember from an earlier thread) and I can tell you, it frustrates me every time I rip something. I've used higher quality fences on not that much higher quality saws, and it was a difference you could feel the second the teeth hit the front of the board you're ripping.

I'm into fly fishing and I thought the cheaper rods were just fine until I cast a high end rod... wow....

But, my Craftsman saw and TFO rod get the job done. Just a lot better if I had better stuff.

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Check twice!

I guess you can compare it to a Volkswagon and a Porsche. Both do the job but some like the nice toys with the ease and comfort of use. I personally like to find a center line and figure my needs verses my available cash.

If it works why change it, just my opinion.

Have a great woodworking day

John

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frankp

Wood Hack, definitely not using high end tools. I have too many hobbies and not enough disposable income for that.

Terry, yes I'm using a low end craftsman saw, and I used an old hand-me-down craftsman before that, and a Makita benchtop before that. I guess I've just always assumed all saws needed minor adjustments and double checking/tweaking every once in a while to make sure they're still in line. My old saw didn't have a fence so I just clamped a straight board to the top using some clamps. Never seemed to have any trouble with it shifting. The new fence does move slightly when it's clamped down, but I found that out before I ever ripped anything so I know to accommodate for it.

Well, like check twice said, I think I'll stick with it for now because it works for me.

Thanks for the information everyone.

__________________
"I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!"

--Theodore Roosevelt