Building a Fence for My Router Table-Split Fence? Or One Piece?

1022 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by jw2170, 2 mo ago

NohoGerry

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

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

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DesertRatTom

· #7 · 3 mo ago

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.

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DesertRatTom

· #10 · 3 mo ago

dwardio said:
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.

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DesertRatTom

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Rebel is right on. Fences ARE cheap to make, and I would add that you might also want a fixed fence that is tall, 12 inches for example. Makes working on the ends of pieces easier and other special applications, such as using a tall bit to mill picture frame stock.

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