Woodworking Diys: How To Make A Rip Fence For A Table Saw!

Cutting with a table saw is a very basic task that woodworkers go through. However, even the most experienced woodworker might find it quite difficult to make aligned cuts. So, what can help in such a crisis?

A Table Saw Fence! Yes, this can work as a guide to get you through the cut easily. To make sure your cuts are straight and smooth there is no other better choice than a fence. It also reduces any potential risk of wood movement or kickback.

A few table saw models might come up with their own fence. However, if your one does not include a fence, you can get it. There are some really cool DIY table saw fence plans you can follow. Today, we’ll talk about how to make a rip fence for a table saw in the simplest way.

Creating A Table Saw Rip Fence All by Yourself

What Exactly Is A Rip Fence?

When you make cuts on woods there should be helping tool that makes sure the rip is straight. Especially with a circular bladed or table saw. This “ripping guide” is usually known as a fence for table saw.

This amazing tool can help you with ripping wood really fast and smoothly. You would be able to play with different types of designs and make new interesting cuts. It helps with lengthwise cutting and usually weights a lot. This extra weight plays a huge part in giving straight cuts.

There are several options available for the best replacement table saw fences, but making one can be a cost-effective solution.

Why Would You Need a Rip Fence?

If you are a beginner, there are a whole bunch of reasons existing to make a rip table saw fence. It’s practically impossible for you to make straight cuts without the help of a guide. Don’t waste your practice session by cutting without any guide.

For better accuracy, you should be using a fence from day one. This way you’ll need comparatively less time learning how to make aligned and accurate pieces.

Another important reason is safety. Those who use no guide will depend barely on their hands. This might dramatically increase any mishap chances and you probably will get hurt. The best way to avoid such unnecessary hasle is to be prepared beforehand. Depend on a table saw fence for the guide and you’ll be saving yourself.

Also, a good rip fence will save the wood from racking. You may fall into dangerous injuries due to racking. Using a fence will prevent such incidents.

Step by Step Guide on Making Table Saw Rip Fence

1. Making plywood strips

For the early stage, get some important tools for the process. You should get threaded pipe, clamp kit and pieces of plywood.

Now you need to measure your table saw. You should calculate the width of your table part. This measurement will refer to the front and back actually.

For the next step, you would need 4-inch wide plywood strip. You should get a couple of these. We will be making a square tube using the strips. Also, you are going to require a couple of 2-inch wide plywood strips. Once you have the total four pieces trim them. You should make sure these match the table saw measurement completely

Once the plywood strips are ready, cut two squares. These cut out needs to be of half-inch wide and long separately. There should be two pieces for each type, total four. You will have to drill a hole through the center of each strip one by one.

2. Building Square Tube & Pipe Clamp!

You would need to make a square tube for rip fence body. You should use 4-inch wide strips for both sides and two-inch ones for top as well as the bottom.

Now using wood screws, simply connect these pieces. Once you are done making these square tubes, go to next step.

In one end of the tube place a plywood square. It should be in a position of flush with an exterior edge. Use wood screws to lock the square. With other end continue with a similar process.

Inside the 4 ft pipe, you would need to thread a clamp’s one end. You should be sliding the pipe inside one end of the tube. It should go through the other end as well. Now in this section of pipe, simply fasten the clamp end.

3. Placing on Saw & Using It

Once you are done with making the rip fence let it set on top of your table saw. The pipe clamp’s cracking end should be facing you.

You should place the jaw of pipe clamp downwards. Also, the rear part of slide should be facing table saw. The saw should be in contact with both ends of pipe clamp.

Once the positioning is over, it’s ready to guide. You just need to loosen the pipe clamp in order to use rip fence. Simply slide assembly and get your measurements right. It should be similar to the wood you want to cut.

To make sure cuts are accurate, simply measure the distance from rip fence to blade. Fasten the pipe clam accordingly afterward. Now it should give you easy cutting for several pieces of wood.

Should You Upgrade to A Professional Fence?

If you are someone who just started their woodworking journey, this simple DIY rip fence will be a great beginning. However, don’t forget this is self-made and simple in functionality. At some point, the connection points will start to get weak. So, moving around will become tough.

You may also meet circumstances where the end caps loosen slightly. This will turn the whole saw fence off-center and less appropriate to work with.

If you are someone who needs to work with a fence regularly, then a simple version might not be the only solution. There are several professionals who have to deal with complicated cuts. So, looking for a commercial option is the very right thing for such people.

There is a good chance that your table saw manufacturer has some available fence for purchase. Look out for them. For example, RYOBI table saw fence upgrade is available to purchase separately.

If you are someone who needs to be sure about rip cuts and get them with absolute precision, looking for an upgrade will be a good idea.

Also, a self-made tables saw fence will not be able to give you complete safety like the professional options available. So, for the safest bet, getting a professional fence that matches your tables saw with high-quality workmanship can save you from a lot of pain eventually.

Conclusion

I hope now you have a good idea about how to make a rip fence for a table saw. By following these simple instructions you’ll be able to make one in no time. Even if it can’t be the perfect measurement for safety and accuracy, it surely improves quality.

For those who want to have a spare fence or just for the sake of practice, this DIY project can be a huge hit. Try It Out!