[NohoGerry]

For quite a while now I've just used a simple MDF fence clamped to my router table and cut out the space on the vertical piece to fit the router bit I was using. Dust collection was usually a shop vac hose duct taped to the back of the fence.
Now that I've moved into my new shop, I'd like to design and build a better router fence with improved dust collection (e.g. a 2 1/2 port on the back of the fence connected to dust collection).

Have seen videos of both split fences and solid fences being used.

What's your preference? and why?

Do you prefer a split fence that adjusts to the bit size you're using? Or (like me) do you use a solid fence, and create a zero clearance fence overlay out of 1/4 mdf to fit the bit you're using on a project, then keep or throw away the overlay when you're done?
Thanks in advance for the help guys.
Gerry

 

[Semipro]

Hello and welcome to the router forum
I prefer a split fence my vacuum cleaner is set up to the backside to clear the sawdust trouble with the solid fence it is hard to figure out a way to extract the sawdust and I always can attach a solid fence to it
Most the work I do is edge work and if you are working the center of work piece there really no way to attach a vacuum cleaner, like a dado sawdust follows
the groove

 

[jw2170]

G'day and welcome to the router forum.
Why not clamp a sacrificial mdf board to the front of the split fence.
Dust collection, in any way, is very important in any workshop. I work outdoors, so not an issue for me, so I use a solid fence.

 

[Marco]

For quite a while now I've just used a simple MDF fence clamped to my router table and cut out the space on the vertical piece to fit the router bit I was using. Dust collection was usually a shop vac hose duct taped to the back of the fence.
Now that I've moved into my new shop, I'd like to design and build a better router fence with improved dust collection (e.g. a 2 1/2 port on the back of the fence connected to dust collection).

Have seen videos of both split fences and solid fences being used.

What's your preference? and why?

Do you prefer a split fence that adjusts to the bit size you're using? Or (like me) do you use a solid fence, and create a zero clearance fence overlay out of 1/4 mdf to fit the bit you're using on a project, then keep or throw away the overlay when you're done?
Thanks in advance for the help guys.
Gerry

When you describe the process of using a sacrificial zero clearance 1/4" piece of MDF the only differencesI see are creating the sacrificial fence for each different bit instead of closing the split fence to meet the bit. It is quicker to adjust a split fence and there is plenty of suction for dust collection as well. Besides not being able to use the fence for a jointer with a straight fence I see it as a personal preference.

 

[old55]

Welcome to the forum Gerry.

 

[Holsterguy]

Hi Gerry and welcome. I prefer a split fence with “zero clearance “ inserts.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Here's a diagram of a nice split fence. I have a commercial split fence, but this one is easily as good. Dust collection behind the fence. You can always set up a high solid fence for end cuts. If you make our own, you must tune up your table saw so that those triangular pieces are a perfect 90.

 

[NohoGerry]

Guys,
Thanks for all the helpful advice-I'm going with a split fence design, and using zero clearance disposable sacrificial overlays of 1/4" material when needed (not always).

DesertRatTom-I'm actually designing my split fence to almost exactly look like your diagram-thanks for sharing. Modifying it slightly to eliminate the lucite safety shield because I typically use an L-shaped wooden bit guard clamped to the fence, or a featherboard clamped to the fence to keep my hands away from the bit. Won't have any problem cutting exact 90 degrees on the support pieces, since my SCMS is tuned up to cut very accurate angles.

I'll try to remember to post pics of the fence here when I have it finished.

Appreciate everyone's input.
Gerry

 

[dwardio]

Adjustable fence for the win! Being able to optimize dust collection for each bit is great.

 

[DesertRatTom]

Adjustable fence for the win! Being able to optimize dust collection for each bit is great.

Hi @dwardio, my brother is a retired physics professor, a math maven and worked for many years at JPL He worked there on a number of missions, especially on the imaging systems. We have an ongoing discussion going on the origin of the universe, and he is working on questioning the basic model of the hydrogen atom. I bet you two would get along well. He also taught computer science, programming,and related topics. A little off topic, but I get the sense you are another guy who just likes to know stuff.