Suggestion on a table saw fence

[oldpops]

Hello all! In my quest to get my old tools up and running, in a useful way, I have come across my 2 old craftsman table saws, one from the 50's/60's era (can't read the model number), and another from the 80's/90's era(craftsman model #113.241691) . Neither has a fence, and long ago when they did, they were always moving when making cuts. The table saws themselves are decent/cut OK, but now I want to get a good fence for at least the newer one, hopefully without breaking the bank. I thought about making my own, but my other cutting tool selection right now is a bit limited, so it would be hard, but not impossible, if it the plans to make it weren't too hard to follow. If so, then I would just make my own. I would also like to figure out a way to fit these tables with a riving knife or splitter to reduce kick-back. Anyone here know of a table saw fence that will work with the newer craftsman saw, that is pretty accurate, stable and won't break the bank? Or does anyone have a suggestion(s) on an easy fence to make that could be used? Suggestions/advice on the riving knife/splitter would also be welcome. As always, let me say thanks in advance for any and all help or suggestions.

 

[The Cobbler]

look at Vega Fences. decent price and good quality

 

[Indexmill]

UniFence. You'll never look back..

 

[tabethalockwood03]

Vsctools has been on my radar for a long time. I've been using it. Successful tracks are available. You can have a look.

 

[PBCampbell]

Delta T2 with some modifications.

 

[Max]

I used to have a craftsman table saw as well, and I know what you mean about the fences. For mine you had to push the back just the right amount when you locked it to get it square. That worked maybe 25% of the time. I hated that saw and was very happy when i replaced it.

For that level of saw, I think your best option will be some variant of a Biesemeyer fence. Basically a B fence is a large T that forms a consistent right angle and locks solidly when you lock it up.

There is an article here about how they work plus how this guy built his own: https://vsctools.com/diy-biesemeyer-fence/ Biesemeyer themselves were bought out by Delta years ago so unless you buy an old one you'll need to get a clone.

The suggestion of a Vega fence is a good one as it's another flavor of a T fence. Rockler has them for $350-380 depending on what width you want: https://www.rockler.com/table-saw-fence-systems

 

[csp]

Delta T2 with some modifications.

That's what my Crapsman has on it. Lowes used to sell the Delta fences.

Now that I have a Unisaw I'm probably going to move the T2 to it, as I really like that fence.

 

[KenC]

Second the Beisemeyer or variant, such as the Delta T2. I've had a beis on an old unisaw since the late 90s. I think it was adjusted once in all that time. Still dead on. If you have a welder and metal saw of some sort, even a hacksaw or 4"grinder with a cutoff wheel, that style is easy to make. Just a couple of pieces of tube and angle. Add the adjustment screws and lock.

 

[Av8rtrav]

I have the Delta T3 (actually the T4 with a flip over fence for cutting thin material, for use on left side of saw. It now comes with a height alignment tool which is a must have. Using exactly the right size drill bit, I had no issues. It is an aluminum head steel rails. The rails contribute to the overall weight of the saw being very heavy. If you roll it around a lot, you might want an all aluminum fence. For me, I love it. As far as splitter, I tried the micro jig pro and took my time for precision. Turns out their jig for drilling the holes was defective so I had a crooked micro jig. Returned. Bought a factory guard assembly on eBay and it works great for me. There is one aftermarket company making splitters that bolt from the end but are pricey. Using a cogged v belt also greatly reduced vibration.

 

[tabethalockwood03]

I have the Delta T3 (actually the T4 with a flip over fence for cutting thin material, for use on left side of saw. It now comes with a height alignment tool which is a must have. Using exactly the right size drill bit, I had no issues. It is an aluminum head steel rails. The rails contribute to the overall weight of the saw being very heavy. If you roll it around a lot, you might want an all aluminum fence. For me,, I love it. As far as splitter, I tried the micro jig pro and took my time for precision. Turns out their jig for drilling the holes was defective so I had a crooked micro jig. Returned. Bought a factory guard assembly on eBay and it works great for me. There is one aftermarket company making splitters that bolt from the end but are pricey. Using a cogged v belt also greatly reduced vibration.

Seem like a sensible purchase. May I know the price you bought from eBay?

 

[Av8rtrav]

Seem like a sensible purchase. May I know the price you bought from eBay?

58 shipped..some of them go for closer to 100.