Woodworking tends to be easier if you have the right tools at your disposal and anything that allows you work more effectively will ultimately lead to your project being completed quicker and more successfully. Some woodworking tools and additions might just seem like a nice to have but some are essential.
A router table fence is something that you could probably manage without but once you use a quality one it will be hard to go without it. Certain projects will also need a router table fence to make the work much easier.
A router table fence allows for better control of your work piece, it allows you to guide or direct the workpiece more accurately towards the router piece. Often a router table fence will come with accessories and additions to make woodworking much more simple. These can include a dust collection port or t-track that can be used to attach other accessories like a featherboard.
Basically a router table fence will help you handle your woodwork projects more easily and accurately. We have the best router table fence options on the market that can easily be used with most router tables and are of the highest quality so you can see which one will simplify your woodworking all in one place.
Table of Contents
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Kreg PRS1015 Router Table Fence
|
CHECK PRICE ► | |
POWERTEC 71536 Deluxe Router Table Fence System
|
CHECK PRICE ► | |
JessEm 4010 Master Fence II
|
CHECK PRICE ► | |
POWERTEC 71488 Aluminum Multi T-Track Fence
|
CHECK PRICE ► | |
Woodpeckers SF-36SINGLE Single Offset Router Table Fence
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
1. Kreg PRS1015 Router Table Fence
Features
- The fence adjusts easily with just one hand, and locks firmly in place with dual locks
- A large paddle lock on the infeed end, and a quarter-turn lock on the out feed end
- Features a measuring scale that allows you to position the fence and make adjustments
- Precision measuring system with micro-adjust
This innovative, anodized-aluminum fence features a table saw-style T-square adjustment system that ensures the fence will always stay parallel to the miter-gauge slot. The fence adjusts easily with just one hand, and locks firmly in place with dual locks: A large paddle lock on the infeed end, and a quarter-turn lock on the outfeed end that prevents fence deflection.
A magnified measuring system with an adjustable measuring scale allows accurate setup with any bit. The included Micro-Adjuster allows you to dial in precision measurements exactly. Independent sliding fence faces can be positioned exactly where needed to provide workpiece support close to the bit, and to maximize chip collection into the fence’s built-in dust port.
WHAT WE LIKE
All the parts of the table are nicely finished and the fit is perfect. The steel frame is of a very heavy gauge and all went together smoothly. It moves effortlessly with one hand and stays square. It locks in place at both ends of the table.
It also comes with a measuring tape that mounts to the top of the fence which is very handy. The fence extensions are also helpful. The power switch is very handy, given how inaccessible most router power switches are when mounted on a table. The table and fence are smooth, flat, square, and true with no adjustments out of the box.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The instructions are a little vague in one or two areas which makes assembly a little bit of a challenge. It is a heavy router table fence so keep this weight aspect in mind when assembling and working with it. The dust collection hose adapter was a little better. It has a tendency to unclip when adjusting the fence. It is a more expensive option.
PROS
- All parts nicely finished and fit perfectly
- Moves with one hand and stays square
- Locks in place at both ends
- Fence extensions are helpful
- Needs no adjustments out of the box
CONS
- Instructions are a little vague
- Very heavy table fence
- Dust collection hose adapter not ideal
2. POWERTEC 71536 Deluxe Router Table Fence System – Best Value
Features
- Heavy duty, anodized fence extrusion with universal t-slots, front and top
- Movable fence faces made with melamine coated MDF
- Fence Faces adjust in and out for vertical jointing
- Fully Adjustable Bit Guard
This premium, all-inclusive router table fence kit is designed to provide you with high precision results for a multitude of workshop and woodworking applications. From its high quality build, to the assortment of bells and whistles – this system is full featured and performs all router fence functions, including vertical joining.
The fence features a design that is straight and true, possesses fully adjustable components, and compatible with a wide range of router tables and accessories. It even flaunts a dust port that will simplify clean up. It’s versatile, easy to assemble and over-delivers in terms of value.
WHAT WE LIKE
Comes with everything as advertised it is quick and easy to set up. Can be used with most router tables which adds to its versatility. Included instructions are helpful and allow for easy set up and use. The dust collection port is a great addition and functional as well. This table fence is well engineered with heavy duty anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The knobs to tighten the fence down to the T track are so short and slippery, it’s super hard to tighten it down to keep the fence from moving. Unfortunately packaging is not always ideal and means that the fence can arrive damaged as a result. It is also not square when it comes to installation which is not ideal.
PROS
- Includes all parts as advertised
- Fits most router tables
- Useful instructions
- Functional dust collection port
- Well engineered and corrosion resistant
CONS
- Knobs for adjusting T track not functional
- Poor packaging
- Not square
Features
- Heavy duty aluminum extruded fence frame
- Fully adjustable fence faces with quick locking knobs
- Side mounted fence tracks with built in scales
- Tool free fence adjustments
The Mast-R-Fence II is designed for any 32″x24″ router table. The unique mounting track design allows for easy assembly and adjustability. The edge banded MDF fence faces are fully adjustable and easy to remove. The new and improved dust chute allows for quick, easy, and efficient dust removal. The fence has fully adjustable fence tracks that offer adjustable scales for precise setting and positive locking knobs. Innovative offset bars with built-in on-board storage makes offsetting the fence fast and precise with preset offsets of 1/32″ and 1/16″.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a high end, well-made router table fence. The fact that its mounts are on the side of the table (as opposed to the fence types that use slots in the table top itself) are ideal. The mount rails have easy to read measurements on the sides, which allow for quick and accurate adjustments. Fit and finish of the fence and aluminum tracks are of the highest quality.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Disappointed in the instructions and the imagery, could have been so much more for the price. The whole fence doesn’t move smoothly across the top as other options do. The fence slide mechanism is less than ideal. Considering the level of quality you don’t expect a nut sliding in a metal track to adjust the front to back location of the fence. It also binds all the time.
PROS
- High end and well made
- Side mounts are ideal
- Easy to read measurements
- Great fit and finish
- High quality aluminum
CONS
- Poor instructions
- Fence does not move smoothly
- Slide mechanism is poor and binds
4. POWERTEC 71488 Aluminum Multi T-Track Fence – Best for Beginner
Features
- Good quality tracks made with corrosion resistant extruded aluminum for strength and long-term durability
- This multi-t track can be used for a wide assortment of woodworking projects
- This multi-functional item accepts the most common accessory fasteners 1/4” T-bolts, 5/16” T-bolts and 1/4” hex bolts
- 24 inches long (superior straightness – laser measured right to left), spaced 3/4” apart (on center), 3/4” thick and 3 inches high
This product was designed to help you customize and create your own workstations, fences, jigs and fixtures. Its multi-functional design helps add structure, workflow efficiency and flexibility to your woodworking applications.
T-tracks are laser measured (right to left), spaced 3/4″ apart and 3/4 thick – providing you with truly simplistic and highly practical assembly requirements. Once assembled, this track gives you the versatility to attach production stops, sacrificial fences and feather boards. Simply put, this Multi T-Track allows you to bring your woodworking ideas and visions to life with optimal efficiency.
WHAT WE LIKE
An extremely versatile tool. It’s absolutely straight, and accepts all standard t-track accessories that use quarter by 20. Installation is simple and within a few minutes the fence is squared to the blade and the table top, and your work will never be more accurate. The rail is beautifully flat and straight, and the channels allow for the possibility of a number of jigs and guides.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Poor packaging results in dented and damaged fences which are less than ideal. Would like to see more sizes from 1ft to 4ft. It’s a fence rail. To create a fence with this, you need hardware, hold downs, and a mechanism to adjust and mount this rail to your machine.
PROS
- Versatile tool
- Accepts standard t-track accessories
- Simple installation
- Beautifully flat and straight
- Channels for a number of jigs and guides
CONS
- Poor packaging
- More sizes would be ideal
- Fence rail only, the fence needs to be manufactured
5. Woodpeckers SF-36SINGLE Single Offset Router Table Fence – Best for Metal Tables
Features
- Used straight or offset
- Easily turn your router fence into a jointer
- Feather boards attach directly to the fence
- Dust Collection port adapts to any 2-1/4 inch and 2-1/2 inch hose
The Woodpeckers SuperFence will handle every joinery and shaping task you throw at it. The base and vertical sections of the fence are straight, strong extrusions of aircraft grade aluminum with multiple t-slots in the fence sections to allow for quick, easy attachment of sub-fences, stops and other accessories. Designed for the Woodpeckers router tables but has mounting options for any table.
WHAT WE LIKE
Always stays at the set height with no variation. The material used is high quality, the precision and adjustability is great. The heavy weight of this table fence allows it to be very stable with dead-on alignments. It’s beautifully designed, and built like a tank. It is easy to control and manipulate.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Assembly instructions leave a lot to be desired and could be more helpful. Product assemblies are sometimes a little more complicated than they have to be. This is an expensive piece of equipment and may not suit all budgets.
PROS
- Stays at set height
- High quality material
- Heavy weight for stability
- Easy to control
- Adjust and manipulate with ease
CONS
- Poor assembly instructions
- Complicated assembly
- Expensive option
Conclusion
Router table fences are a helpful solution to accuracy and precision in your woodworking needs when using a router. We have found the top options available and the Kreg PRS1015 Router Table Fence” is our best choice for best router table fence. It is the best all round option that is nicely finished and fits perfectly. It has a heavy steel frame for added stability.
This router table fence moves effortlessly with one hand and stays square while doing so. The ability to lock at both ends of the table means it is easy to use. A handy measuring tape that attaches to the top of the fence adds to its functionality.
The fence extensions are useful and practical. There are so many positives with this router table fence option and it is ready to go out the box without any adjustments. Your woodwork projects will be completed in no time with precision and accuracy with this top router table fence choice.
If you liked this article about the best router table fence, consider checking out these other articles below —
- Best Router Bit for Cutting Letters
- Best Wood Router for Beginners
- Best Flush Trim Router Bits
- Best Whittling Pocket Knife
- Best Router Table
I am a woodworker with over 21 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.