Shop space is usually the #1 determination. Bigger is better if you have the room (and extra $) because as the saying goes, better to have it and no need it than to need to need it and not have it. The extra table space is also nice for support when crosscutting longer boards with a sled.

That aside, the extra space is a valuable convenience if you plan to work on larger projects, but 30" of fence will probably cover 95% of most anything and you can add more table space (albeit without the extra fence capacity) easily. You can also upgrade most common fences to 52", but at a higher cost than buying it with the original saw package.

 

IMHO - It depends on what you want to make?

I don't use past 32" very often, but when I have larger project that needs it, am really glad I have it?

Projects I have used more than 30" on table saw are:

- Cabinetry:
Often need to cut 34-36" shelf boards and 32-48" tall plywood cabinet sides.

- Table tops:
52" fence lets you cross cut trim coffee/sofa table top to final size, and trim aprons to exact same length. Dining tables trimmed at 36-42" wide.

- Blanket chest:
Single piece panels run 38-50" wide. Frame & Panel uses same size rails.

Note that aprons and rails can be cut on decent miter saw IF equipped with long fence and stop block. I don't have room to dedicate a 7-8 feet of wall space to a miter station.

Another aspect of longer fence to consider is having a router table in the saw extension.
Having the router table at end of 54" fence means you can leave router setup while using the saw for short cuts. With some planning can use the TS fence to support a clamp on router fence too. This dual use reduces the wasted space. When I had contractor saw with 30" fence, had to remove the router fence to use TS, and always seemed like I needed one more test piece ripped than I cut before I started using router table? #IAMAKLUTZ What more needs to be said? LOL

Best Luck.

 

Like Capn K pointed out, what you make is very much a part of this dicussion.

My only concrete advice is if you have the room get it. You never "need" to use it all, but if you don't have it available then getting a work around that is as accurate will take you some doing, and still may not be as accurate. It's not just a platform to lay something on, it's a yardstick directly attached to the fence system. It is the center of all things accuarcy on a TS. IT, being the fences rail system.

Now if you have a smallish shop, and never see a project larger than a small box, NO would be the answer, not sure, or nope then get the extra.

 

For many years I had a 30something fence and in all those years I needed more capacity maybe 4-5 times. I now have a 52" fence (last 20 years or so) and I don't think I've used the extra capacity at all, or maybe 3-4 times. Still, if you have the room it's not a bad idea to get it. You can make them shorter, but stretching them out requires an expensive "fence stretcher".

 

If you have the room for it, I'd recommend it. I have a 52" table and why I haven't used it yet, it sure comes in handy as a storage space for wood or tools or other clutter. Lol

 

Lot of good advise. I had needed more than the 30" capacity my saw came with many times. Upgraded to a 52" fence and love it. However, I have never used the full capacity of it. Maybe 40" a time or two.
I tend to stack work to be cut to the right of my fence, and as I cut it I will move it to a cart on my left.
You can also cut the rails to a desired length, saying 30" is to short, and 52" being too long. Custom to what works for you. I have considered cutting my rail down to about 40". But have not committed to it yet.

 

If you break down sheet goods a lot then yes, if not no. Here and there's aren't enough to say you néed it.

If the room is available and you can afford the difference then why not.

Everybody buys something , then wishes they had spent a little more for the lager unit,..

 

I think the "need" depends on what you want to build. If you think you might want to do larger furniture pieces like book cases and chest of drawers then I think you will be kicking yourself later for not getting the 52" fence. Personally I don't understand why the standard fence sizes for Jet and Delta are 30" and 52". The smallest size should be 36" so at least you can build standard cabinets with it. I have a 30" delta because its all the saw I can power at the moment. Problem is I have 3 bathrooms and a kitchen to remodel.

 

36" isn't a standard…

 

I up graded from an old contractor saw to a Unisaw with a 52" fence and table. I can't imagine how I going back to a smaller saw.

 

Do you "need" a 52"? No, you don't even "need" a table saw. Is a table saw nice to have? Yes. Is 52" nice to have? Sometimes, depending on what you are building.

 

Nice to have when you need it, and it easily pushes out of the way for crosscuts, but takes up a lot of shop space.

For hobby use I wouldn't want one unless I had at least 600 sq ft of working space or just wanted a few basic machines in there. Table saws really excel if you have space for larger outfeed tables too.

 

If you have the room for it, I d recommend it. I have a 52" table and why I haven t used it yet, it sure comes in handy as a storage space for wood or tools or other clutter. Lol

- Steve

Now that you mention that, it makes a lot of sense. It is nice to have the extra space right next to where you are working. Kind of like a small work table next to your saw.

 

Nice to have when you need it, and it easily pushes out of the way for crosscuts, but takes up a lot of shop space.

For hobby use I wouldn't want one unless I had at least 600 sq ft of working space or just wanted a few basic machines in there. Table saws really excel if you have space for larger outfeed tables too.

- Loren

I plan to put it under the staircase coming down to the basement workshop. I have about 80" clear side to side and easily 8' front and back. That space is just a bunch of old junk I need to get rid of now.

 

Lot of good advise. I had needed more than the 30" capacity my saw came with many times. Upgraded to a 52" fence and love it. However, I have never used the full capacity of it. Maybe 40" a time or two.
I tend to stack work to be cut to the right of my fence, and as I cut it I will move it to a cart on my left.
You can also cut the rails to a desired length, saying 30" is to short, and 52" being too long. Custom to what works for you. I have considered cutting my rail down to about 40". But have not committed to it yet.

- bigJohninvegas

I like that idea as the full 52" is probably overkill for me - Something like 40 - 45 would probably be ideal. If I get the 52, I work with it a while before making any changes. I dont have any BIG projects lined up, but who knows?

 

If you got the space, then it's an easy choice - but they do take up a huge amount of real estate, and unless you have a matching outfeed table, it's just so much easier to break down sheet goods with a circular saw and straight edge. I have a 50 inch Biesemeyer fence and overarm guard sitting in the corner of my garage because I don't have the room. However, I have found that with the short stock fence on my Unisaw, I have never needed anything more - even with the shortest Jet-lock rails I have, I can cut to the middle of a 50" panel.

Cheers,
Brad

PS: There have been at least two or three users here recently trying to trade their long rails for shorter ones… the bigger is better thing works great on paper, but not always in the workshop

 

I have a 36" and works for me. As I get older, the ability to put large panels up on the saw has gotten difficult or not possible. I use a track saw for large pieces.

 

There only one reason not to. If you don't have the room. And remember you can build storage underneath. I don't know anyone who can't use more flat surface in their shop.

 

Also, extra flat space for assembly.

 

The only reason I have a 52" fence on my Unisaw that was the only option with a 5hp motor. I rarely use the extra length.

 

The extra flat surface can be a multipurpose area.

 

...or a router table in the extra space. With a quick up/down mechanism (like the Woodpecker's lift), you can still have all the flat space to the right of the fence, and pop up the router bit when needed.

It's not how often you think you'll need to make a 52" cut, it's how often you'll need to make a 31" cut.