Table Saw Fence: Types and How to Square One

A table saw fence holds the board at a fixed distance from the blade, so a rip cut comes out straight and the same width along its length. Most fences are T-square types that lock onto a front rail and clamp square to the table. The fence must be parallel to the miter slot, and the blade parallel to the slot too, so the board does not pinch the blade. A fence is for ripping only: never use it as a stop when crosscutting.

Types of table saw fences

Type	How it works	Where it shows up
T-square fence	Locks on a front rail, with the head clamping square to the table	Contractor and cabinet saws
Rack-and-pinion fence	A gear drives the fence along the rail, so it stays parallel as you move it	Job site and some hybrid saws
Rail-and-clamp fence	A simple clamp on a rail, adjusted by hand	Entry-level saws

A T-square fence stays square because the head locks on both sides of the rail. A simpler fence can drift, so check it before every important cut.

How to square a table saw fence

1. Unplug the saw and raise the blade fully.
2. Check that the blade is parallel to the miter slot first. Measure from the slot to a tooth at the front, then to the same tooth at the rear. The two values should match.
3. Lock the fence about 1 in from the miter slot.
4. Measure the gap between the fence and the slot at the front and at the back of the blade. A dial indicator, a combination square or a ruler all work.
5. If the numbers differ, loosen the fence head screws, nudge it, and tighten again.
6. Hold a combination square on the table and the fence face to check that the fence is square to the table.
7. Slide the cursor to the right distance on a test cut, so the tape reads correctly.

Some makers allow the back of the fence to open by a few thousandths of an inch, but never to close in. Check your saw’s manual for the number it allows.

Common fence problems

• Fence drifts. The head clamp is loose or the rail has dirt or burrs.
• Burn marks on the cut. The fence is closing in at the back of the blade, or the blade is dull.
• Tape reads wrong. The cursor needs recalibrating after you move or replace the blade.
• Board wanders. The board is not held firmly against the fence, or the fence face is warped.

Safety

• Use a push stick or a push block when the board is narrow.
• Never crosscut with the board against the fence. Use a miter gauge alone or a sled.
• Keep the blade guard and riving knife on for rip cuts.
• Stand beside the cut line, not directly behind the board.

When another tool is better

For full sheets of plywood, a table saw fence is awkward at best. A track saw or a circular saw on a guide handles sheet goods more safely, and track saw vs circular saw compares the two.

Related guides

• Track saw vs circular saw: which cuts straighter?
• Radial arm saw vs miter saw