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How often does your bandsaw fail you with imprecise cuts?
That’s why you should consider getting a bandsaw fence. This equipment latches onto your saw to improve your accuracy and stabilize the blade.
This guide will help you choose the best bandsaw fence for your wood saw machine.
Contents
Top 5 Bandsaw Fence Reviews
In the section below this one, you’ll find the primary, essential features you need to look for in a bandsaw fence. If you already know what you want, you can go ahead and start going over my top picks and reviews.
Best Overall Bandsaw Fence: Kreg KMS7200 Bandsaw Fence
The Kreg KMS7200 model is the most sought-after bandsaw fence in the woodworking market. One of its prominent features is its adjustability. This equipment can mount onto most standard bandsaws. In other words, it has multiple installation points, so you can adjust your bandsaw accordingly.
Not only that, but when you place this Kreg model onto your bandsaw, it’ll angle the drift of your saw to become perfectly perpendicular with the wood. You’ll notice as a result that your accuracy and precision will increase.
Another feature that boosts your cutting accuracy is the precision lens cursor. This technology is pre-installed onto the bench, just like the Rikon 13-900 model. It offers you clear visibility for any minute adjustments. The magnifying function will help with fine woodcutting too.
Since the Kreg fence is made of lightweight aluminum, it’ll last longer, thanks to the corrosion resistance. But, because of its complex structure, it takes time to install and remove it. It’s also not a budget-friendly option. Regardless, compared to my picks below, the KMS7200 was the best in terms of functionality and range.
Feature Highlights
- Multiple T-slots that allow you to cut wood of different heights
- A magnetic base to stabilize the blade when cutting
- High rigidity that helps with tighter cuts
- Compatible with most 14″ bandsaws
Product Cons
- You’ll need to install extra modifications if it’s not compatible with your bandsaw
- Includes some plastic parts which may act as a fire hazard in the workplace
Best Value: RIKON 13-900 Bandsaw Fence
Rikon isn’t just a brand name. It also offers the ideal bandsaw fence that provides good value at a reasonable price. The Rikon 13-900 model has many features that help zero in your accuracy to make your cuts cleaner. These include a magnified cursor alongside an adjustable scale.
The Rikon model works best with resawing woodwork. It comes with a resaw bar that’s easily installed onto your bandsaw. Unlike the Kreg KMS7200, the Rikon’s design has a gliding rail, which gives you better control of the wood since it allows you to move it back and forth freely.
For more accuracy, the design also features a cam-lock lever. That, plus the multiple adjustment points along the bandsaw fence’s drift, help boost your precision. You can achieve more with the Rikon model because the blades can be removed and swapped with each other. This way, you can carry out various woodworking tasks, such as resawing and ripping.
The main downside to the Rikon bandsaw fence is that its compatibility is limited to only Rikon or Craftman bandsaws. Not only that, but this product is also quite challenging to install. Considering that it doesn’t come with a detailed set of instructions to help you.
In other words, it’s not an ideal choice for beginners.
Feature Highlights
- Accurate wood chopping due to cam-lock lever
- The magnified cursor allows for an easy-to-read and trackable scale
- You can swap the blades to serve a range of functions
- Durable, lightweight aluminum that’ll withstand excessive use
Product Cons
- Is useless if you don’t own a Rikon or Craftman bandsaw that’ll work with it
- The lack of an instruction manual makes it challenging to install and make full use of
Best Budget: POWERTEC BS900RF Rip Fence
For a more affordable option, you can get the PowerTec Rip Fence. Like the Rikon model, the PowerTec fence is most compatible with bandsaws from the same brand. However, this product doesn’t limit itself like its Rikon counterpart. Simply put, the PowerTec Rip Fence will still work on other bandsaws—just not as efficiently as with its own.
That said, what makes this PowerTec model stand out from the rest of the reviewed fences here, is that it perfectly balances budget and functionality. The PowerTec BS900RF features a cam-lock lever and glide rail like the Rikon model. Meaning this bandsaw fence gives you the accuracy you need when cutting and at a reasonable price.
Add to this that the PowerTec’s lever is easier to install than Rikon’s. Its design features multiple locking points to help secure its attachment to your bandsaw. Another advantage is the increased rigidity that’ll allow you more control of the saw.
All things considered, PowerTec’s main disadvantage is its shelf life. Compared to its peers, this bandsaw fence doesn’t last as long. Even though it’s manufactured from industrial aluminum, the rest of it is made of cheap materials that won’t withhold heavy woodwork. So, if you don’t intend to use it as often, it’s a pretty great and affordable choice to consider.
Feature Highlights
- It comes pre-installed for quick and easy mounting onto your bandsaw
- The cam-lock lever allows for precise adjustments
- The rear glide rail is perfect for parallel and straight sawing
- Features a one-of-a-kind clamp that secures the fence’s attachment
Product Cons
- Won’t be compatible with a 14″ bandsaw
- Not suited for prolonged woodworking use
Best for Professionals: Woodhaven 7280
The Woodhaven 7280 is a solid choice for laborers that want to create high-quality woodwork. Its design is futuristic, boasting back and front handles that help lock the bandsaw fence. This upstands the model from the other options I reviewed.
This Woodhaven product is suited for 14″ bandsaws and fits well with 16″ work tables. Despite that, you can still mount this fence model onto other bandsaws, unlike the PowerTec and Rikon ones. That’s because the Woodhaven features multiple drilling holes in its design that allow for such adjustment.
But the Woodhaven 7280 is best known on the market for its durability. It’s manufactured of sturdy aluminum that’s easy to clean and should last long. Installing shouldn’t take long either since the bandsaw fence’s design is user-friendly and intuitive.
For all its benefits, the Woodhaven does come with a trick. For starters, it’s too expensive for what it has to offer. So you can essentially get the same benefits for a lesser price with the Kreg KMS7200 or the RIKON 13-900.
Feature Highlights
- The fence is fixed and rigid for better control of the blade
- Easy and secure installation due to the locked-in hatches
- Two locking systems to boost cutting accuracy
- You can adjust the aluminum rail to achieve multiple sawing positions
Product Cons
- If pushed from the middle, the fence will lose its stability
- The blade will need constant lubrication if the product isn’t frequently used
Best for Beginners: CARTER MAGFENCE II Universal Magnetic Fence
The Carter Magfence II is the simplest bandsaw fence regarding design and price. It doesn’t have the extra complications of the other models mentioned above since there’s no need to install or add anything. What you see is what you get.
In terms of functionality, similar to the Kreg KMS7200, it features magnetic T poles. The Carter’s base is also magnetized, making it stand out from the Kreg KMS7200.
Another advantage to this feature is that the Carter model works best with work tables or bench saws made from ferrous metals. These include steel, cast iron, or aluminum sheets. Not only that, but you can also quickly move the fence around and accurately adjust the scale while you’re cutting.
Having said that, this Carter’s fence has limited use since it can only work with ferrous-based tables. In addition, while the magnets are switchable and the design has four magnet slots, it won’t function on workbenches smaller than 16″.
Feature Highlights
- Smooth attachment and removal that’ll save effort
- Easy installation so it’s beginner-friendly
- The magnetic design increases the accuracy rate
- Allows for extra accessories such as a drill press
Product Cons
- It can’t be mounted onto nonferrous tables
- Since it relies on magnetic fields, a secure adjustment might not be possible
Features to Consider When Buying a Bandsaw Fence
I’ve gone through my top picks and reviews; now it’s time to tell you what you need to know before you get a bandsaw fence. This helps you make the right decision to ensure money is spent well.
Fence Compatibility
The main feature of your soon-to-be bandsaw fence is that it should be compatible with your bandsaw. Many fences don’t have cross-band compatibility, while others will only work with certain bandsaws.
Ideally, then, a bandsaw fence should be labeled compatible with most standard bandsaws. It should at least be able to operate with 14″ inch bandsaws. As an added measure, check that you can install the fence onto both small work tables and big ones up to 16″.
Most of the top end bandsaws on the market will come with a fence, but a lot of the budget bandsaw options come without.
Fence Quality
Quality comes down to the fence’s material. In the market, you’ll find that you have three options: plastic, steel, and aluminum. Choosing one of them depends on how often you’ll be using your bandsaw fence.
The golden rule is, if you’re looking for durability, go with aluminum. Most fences are made of it since it’s both sturdy and lightweight. For industrial work, choose steel. But, note that it’s significantly heavier than aluminum. Finally, plastic is the least durable option, although the best for infrequent woodwork.
Fence Installation
Installing most bandsaw fences might be difficult. But it depends on how much experience you have in the end, especially since fences don’t usually come with a clear, detailed manual of instructions.
So, I’d recommend easy-to-install bandsaw fences for beginners. Those models are typically designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Bandsaws are relatively easy to use and safe to operate, even for beginners.
By the same token, many fences are easy to install, with most of the work being done by the manufacturer.
Fence Lock Mechanics
A bandsaw fence should be securely mounted onto your bandsaw. That’s why it’s essential to factor in which lock mechanism the fence has. That said, there are two locking systems: the magnetic one or the cam-lock lever.
The magnetic system is best in terms of installation, but you need to have a ferrous-based work table. On the other hand, the cam-lock lever is more secure than the magnetic system. However, it has a more complicated design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Band Saw Fence?
A bandsaw fence is essential for accurate cutting, while also helping to keep your hands safe during cuts. Bandsaws are great for cutting large wood stock, but they are not incredibly accurate when guided by your hand.
What Size Bandsaw Fence Do I Need?
Most bandsaw fences will fit a 14″ bandsaw, a 12″ bandsaw or both. The size you need will depend on the size of your saw, as well as the type of stock that you tend to work with. The larger the fence, the larger the stock that you will be able to safely use.
Is It Safe to Use a DIY Bandsaw Fence?
It is always best to invest in a professional bandsaw fence that comes from a reputable manufacturer. Even though you may be able to DIY a solution for your fence, it won’t be as safe as a professionally built one.
Conclusion
An ideal bandsaw fence should be compatible with your working saw before anything. It should also be able to serve you correctly by improving your accuracy rates. A fence is an essential piece of equipment in the woodworking business, so you should definitely consider one.
That’s why I’d recommend getting the PowerTech fence since it’s my top pick. It provides a wide range of functions and at a great price too. However, if you’re a frequent woodworker, I’d recommend you get the Woodhaven.
