Building a wooden fence can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to woodworking. But with the right tools and a little know-how, you can build a beautiful and sturdy fence that will last for years to come. One of the most important tools you will need is a table saw. A table saw can be used to cut and rip wood to length, making it the perfect tool for building a fence. In this article, we will show you how to attach a fence to a DeWalt table saw. Once you have your fence attached, you will be able to cut your fence pickets to length and assemble your fence with ease.
Before you can attach a fence to your DeWalt table saw, you will need to gather a few tools and materials. You will need a tape measure, a pencil, a square, and a drill. You will also need a few screws and a screwdriver. Once you have gathered your tools and materials, you are ready to begin attaching the fence to your table saw. First, you will need to measure and mark the location of the fence on the table saw. Use the tape measure and the pencil to mark the location of the fence on the table saw. Once you have marked the location of the fence, you will need to use the square to make sure that the fence is square to the table saw. Once you have made sure that the fence is square, you can begin drilling the holes for the screws. Use the drill to drill the holes for the screws. Once you have drilled the holes, you can insert the screws and tighten them with the screwdriver. Once you have tightened the screws, your fence will be attached to your table saw.
Now that your fence is attached to your table saw, you are ready to begin cutting your fence pickets to length. To cut your fence pickets to length, you will need to use the tape measure and the pencil to mark the length of the pickets on the fence. Once you have marked the length of the pickets, you can use the table saw to cut the pickets to length. Once you have cut the pickets to length, you can assemble your fence with ease.
Gather Necessary Materials
Preparing the right materials is crucial for a successful fence tie-in on your DeWalt table saw. Here’s an in-depth list of everything you’ll need:
Measuring and Marking Tools
- Tape measure or ruler: For precise measurements and accurate alignment.
- Pencil or marking crayon: For clearly marking guide lines and reference points.
- Combination square or protractor: For creating precise 90-degree angles and measuring angles.
Woodworking Supplies
- Fence board or rip fence: The board that will be attached to the table saw to guide your cuts.
- Clamps: To hold the fence board in place while you secure it.
- Wood screws or bolts: To fasten the fence board to the table saw.
- Sandpaper or sanding block: For smoothing the edges of the fence board.
Power Tools
- DeWalt table saw: The saw on which you’ll be installing the fence.
- Drill or impact driver: For making pilot holes and driving screws or bolts.
Safety Equipment
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from flying sawdust and debris.
- Ear plugs or earmuffs: To minimize noise exposure.
Adjust Miter Gauge
To attach a fence to your DeWalt table saw using the miter gauge, follow these steps:
- Align the Fence to the Miter Slot:
- Position the fence along the miter slot of the table saw, ensuring that it is parallel to the blade.
- Secure the fence by tightening the clamp or knob that holds it in place.
- Set the Miter Angle:
- Loosen the miter gauge lock and rotate the gauge to the desired angle against the fence.
- Tighten the lock to secure the gauge at the correct angle.
- Adjust the Fence Height and Distance:
- Use the height adjustment knob to raise or lower the fence to the desired height above the table surface.
- Use the rip fence knob or scale to set the distance between the fence and the blade, ensuring that it is parallel to the blade.
- Tighten the knobs to secure the fence at the correct height and distance.
- Position the fence along the miter slot of the table saw, ensuring that it is parallel to the blade.
- Secure the fence by tightening the clamp or knob that holds it in place.
- Loosen the miter gauge lock and rotate the gauge to the desired angle against the fence.
- Tighten the lock to secure the gauge at the correct angle.
- Use the height adjustment knob to raise or lower the fence to the desired height above the table surface.
- Use the rip fence knob or scale to set the distance between the fence and the blade, ensuring that it is parallel to the blade.
- Tighten the knobs to secure the fence at the correct height and distance.
Position Fence Rail on Table
To position the fence rail on the table, loosen the two knobs that hold the rail in place. Slide the rail toward the front or back of the table until it is aligned with the desired position. Tighten the knobs to secure the rail.
Adjusting the Fence Rail
The fence rail can be adjusted to different angles to create angled cuts. To do this, loosen the knob that locks the rail in place. Rotate the rail to the desired angle. Tighten the knob to secure the rail.
Using the Fence Rail
The fence rail is used to guide the workpiece during cutting. To use the fence rail, place the workpiece against the rail and hold it in place with your hand. Push the workpiece through the saw blade. The fence rail will keep the workpiece aligned with the blade, resulting in a straight, accurate cut.
Mounting Hook and Clip
1. Remove the T-slot and Nose Plate at the Outfeed end of the saw.
2. Place the Mounting Hook on the end of the T-slot and fasten with a 5/16″ hex bolt (included with your fence).
3. Place the Clip onto the Hook. The Clip has a stop that fits in the stop pin hole in the Hook. This orients the Clip correctly.
4. Push the T-slot back into the saw with the Nose Plate and secure it using the original two screws removed in Step 1.
Installing Fence Rail
1. Place the Fence Rail on the Clip and push forward until the Rail is over the Mounting Hook.
2. While holding the Rail firmly against the Clip, push the Handle up as far as it will go and hold it about 1/8″ away from the Hook.
3. Pull the Rail back about 4″ then push it all the way back until the Handle drops down behind the Hook.
4. Move the Rail to the desired position along the saw table. Tighten the Handle to clamp the Rail in place.
Test Cut and Adjust
Verify Fence Alignment
Test cut a narrow strip of plywood or MDF, preferably at least 12 inches long. Place the cut face down on your flat surface, then measure and mark the distance from the saw blade to the edge of the workpiece at both ends.
Calculate and Adjust Zero Point
If the measurements differ by more than 0.005 inches, adjust the zero point of the fence. To do this, loosen the lock screw on the fence adjustment knob. Turn the knob to move the fence either towards or away from the blade until the measurements are equal.
Fine-Tune Fence Position
Once the fence is roughly aligned, perform a series of test cuts while measuring and adjusting the fence as needed. Make small increments of adjustment (less than 1/32 inch) to fine-tune the fence position.
Final Check
When you are satisfied with the fence alignment, make a final test cut and check the measurements one last time. If necessary, make a final minor adjustment to ensure that the fence is perfectly parallel to the blade.
| Measurement A | Measurement B | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 0.255 inches | 0.252 inches | Move fence towards blade |
| 0.250 inches | 0.250 inches | Fence alignment is accurate |
How to Attach Fence to DeWalt Table Saw
Attaching a fence to a DeWalt table saw is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your fence is securely attached and properly aligned, allowing you to make precise and accurate cuts.
- Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a square, and a tape measure.
- Loosen the bolts that hold the fence to the saw table. The bolts are located on the underside of the table.
- Align the fence with the saw blade. Use the square to ensure that the fence is perpendicular to the blade.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the fence to the saw table. Be sure to tighten the bolts evenly to avoid warping the fence.
- Check the alignment of the fence. Use the tape measure to measure the distance from the fence to the saw blade. The distance should be the same on both sides of the blade.
People Also Ask
How do I adjust the fence on my DeWalt table saw?
To adjust the fence on your DeWalt table saw, loosen the bolts that hold the fence to the saw table. Adjust the fence to the desired position and then tighten the bolts. Be sure to check the alignment of the fence before making any cuts.
How do I replace the fence on my DeWalt table saw?
To replace the fence on your DeWalt table saw, loosen the bolts that hold the fence to the saw table. Remove the old fence and then install the new fence. Be sure to align the new fence properly before tightening the bolts.
How do I clean the fence on my DeWalt table saw?
To clean the fence on your DeWalt table saw, use a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Be sure to dry the fence thoroughly before using it.
