Rockler Pro Fence Issues

3835 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by mgmine, May 14, 2021

valp74

Discussion Starter · Apr 28, 2021 (Edited)

Hello Everyone,

I am brand new to routing and recently purchased a Rockler router table with a Pro fence. It seems everything is going well, but only one thing is bothering me. I hit this corner on the outfeed part of the fence, as shown on the image. Am I doing something wrong? Thank you! View attachment 398451

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sreilly

· #2 · Apr 29, 2021

It would appear that there isn't/is an offset to the fence. If you're using a trim bit bit the outfeed side (left) needs to be even with the beraing and teh right side offset the amount you're trimming. If you're using a cutter like a round over bit then the fence parts should be even to the bearing. Use a ruler to make sure both fence sections are even with the bearing and close the gap to minimize the distance between them for added support. On larger bits I took MDF and made custom fences allowing the profile to cut into the fence and giving me support across the entire fence or at least a large portion of it which helps on smaller parts. Hope this makes sense,

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old55

· #3 · Apr 29, 2021

Welcome to the forum.

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TenGees

· #4 · Apr 29, 2021

It seems that the outfeed side is proud a little. Is there sawdust behind it? Are the fences equal thickness? Sometimes people shim the outfeed side when cleaning up a workpiece (taking a hair off) make sure it isn't shimmed. If the two sides are slightly unequal thickness perhaps you can swap infeed and outfeed if they are similar. You could shim the infeed side with a piece of paper or something.

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DesertRatTom

· #5 · Apr 29, 2021

TenGees covered most of the easier issues. Definitely check for sawdust. Also check to make sure the outfeed side isn't a little warped, or maybe got wet and is slightly swollen. Another thing is that when using a bearing like that, you must use a straight edge across the gap, just touching the bearing. That lines things up. I think that is the first thing to check out. The bearing looks slightly out of line with the fence to me. If that's all, then you don't need to worry about the rest. I have the same fence and find I must sweep the sawdust off between each pass because it gets under the workpiece and messes up alignment.

If there is a warp, or water expansion on the left side, you may need to replace that side. You can also use a really good square to make certain that the fence is exactly 90 to the table all the way across. If there is a deviation, then there is a slight warp or twist. The MDF it's made from takes very little moisture to cause swelling. You're only talking a mm or so.

I have that fence, got it years ago, but I live in a dry climate and keep the table covered when not in use. But I could see how a wet climate would play heck with it. If it's off, contact Rockler for new split fences. They've always been pretty good with customer service.

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valp74

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 30, 2021

Thank you so much for your comments. I called Rockler support, and they confirmed there is a slight defect with this fence, and they are already working with a manufacturer to fix this issue. They offer me to return this or continue to use it with a bit of adjustment, which uses small shim such as tape or a piece of paper. I tried both, and it works fine. Thank you, Guys!!!

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jpedi

· #7 · May 6, 2021

valp74 said:
Thank you so much for your comments. I called Rockler support, and they confirmed there is a slight defect with this fence, and they are already working with a manufacturer to fix this issue. They offer me to return this or continue to use it with a bit of adjustment, which uses small shim such as tape or a piece of paper. I tried both, and it works fine. Thank you, Guys!!!

When I retired (again) I moved my leftover business cards to the shop for situations like yours. They also work well as glue spreaders. I believe I have a lifetime supply.

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fishin&routin

· #8 · May 13, 2021

I have the same table and fence and also have the same exact problem. Think I will try what jpedi did, use an old business card taped to forward edge of infeed table. I'm also the same guy that had trouble installing my Jessem Mast R Lift into this table. Together a friend worked on it until we got it mounted and it is now flush. Also, wife continuing chemo - and now that pain meds are regulated properly she's not in constant pain. As of now, we hope only four more treatments of chemo.

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jpedi

· #9 · May 13, 2021

fishin&routin said:
I have the same table and fence and also have the same exact problem. Think I will try what jpedi did, use an old business card taped to forward edge of infeed table. I'm also the same guy that had trouble installing my Jessem Mast R Lift into this table. Together a friend worked on it until we got it mounted and it is now flush. Also, wife continuing chemo - and now that pain meds are regulated properly she's not in constant pain. As of now, we hope only four more treatments of chemo.

Oh dear, so sorry to hear about your wife and hope for a prompt recovery!

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mgmine

· #10 · May 14, 2021

I would take this as an opportunity to return the table and fence and build one yourself. Even the most basic table would be just as good as one you can buy. There are a lot of plans out there to look at. Don't be concerned about a fancy cabinet it's only the top and fence that's important. Go to Youtube and see watch a few videos.

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