Project Information
I have a Craftsman TS (model 315.228390) with an original fence that is extremely difficult to adjust. I wanted to upgrade it to a better fence. Incra LS32 was what I had in mind originally but after some more consideration I have to give up that idea simply I don't have that much room on the right side of my TS and I wasn't sure the ultra-accuracy was that critical to me.
After reading many positive reviews on the Delta T2 30" (a Biesemeyer clone), I decided that was the right fence for me and the price is definitely a plus. I ordered it from Tool Plus for $155 including shipping. It arrived in good condition in 3 days. I did not realize how heavy the carton was with just 2 steel rails and a fence!
Following many of the good advice given in LJ from various forums, I was able to install the fence successfully. I chose to drill the new holes in the rails as it was much easier than to drill into the TS wings. I got the holes drilled as close to the edge as I could but I still get about 1/8" between the fence and the top of my TS. Fortunately, the aluminum sides of the fence is adjustable (by almost 1/8") but turning the fence upside down and loosening the nuts inside. I was able to get the gap down to 1/16".
The fence glides effortlessly on the rails and I had it zeroed in on the scale right at the blade. Once locked, the fence is rock solid. I also like the adjustability of this fence. My old Craftsman fence only allowed me to rip up to 23", not enough to split a 48" board in half. My new fence now allows me to rip up to 30 3/4"! I have yet to run some test cuts but I am looking forward to putting my upgraded tablesaw to some exciting projects after the holiday.
Thanks for looking!
PS. Thanks to MikeBerry I have added a T-Track on top of the fence following his idea with minor modifications. Here are a few pictures of my fence modification.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/008-3.jpg
Here is the front of the fence.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/006-5.jpg
Here is the back of the fence.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/007-3.jpg
After reading many positive reviews on the Delta T2 30" (a Biesemeyer clone), I decided that was the right fence for me and the price is definitely a plus. I ordered it from Tool Plus for $155 including shipping. It arrived in good condition in 3 days. I did not realize how heavy the carton was with just 2 steel rails and a fence!
Following many of the good advice given in LJ from various forums, I was able to install the fence successfully. I chose to drill the new holes in the rails as it was much easier than to drill into the TS wings. I got the holes drilled as close to the edge as I could but I still get about 1/8" between the fence and the top of my TS. Fortunately, the aluminum sides of the fence is adjustable (by almost 1/8") but turning the fence upside down and loosening the nuts inside. I was able to get the gap down to 1/16".
The fence glides effortlessly on the rails and I had it zeroed in on the scale right at the blade. Once locked, the fence is rock solid. I also like the adjustability of this fence. My old Craftsman fence only allowed me to rip up to 23", not enough to split a 48" board in half. My new fence now allows me to rip up to 30 3/4"! I have yet to run some test cuts but I am looking forward to putting my upgraded tablesaw to some exciting projects after the holiday.
Thanks for looking!
PS. Thanks to MikeBerry I have added a T-Track on top of the fence following his idea with minor modifications. Here are a few pictures of my fence modification.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/008-3.jpg
Here is the front of the fence.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/006-5.jpg
Here is the back of the fence.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/007-3.jpg
