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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →An auxiliary rip fence is an added surface or support used with a table saw’s rip fence. It may be built into a particular saw, sold as an accessory, or made in the shop—but those designs are not interchangeable. Use the configuration and dimensions specified for your saw, especially when ripping narrow stock.
What an auxiliary rip fence does
The term describes several different things: a board attached to the rip fence, a jig for narrow ripping, a sacrificial facing, or a movable feature built into a saw. Depending on its design, it can provide a taller or longer fence face, support a workpiece, or help guide a narrow cut. The saw’s manual determines which use is intended.
For example, the Harbor Freight item 71278 manual describes a built-in auxiliary fence that can be flipped out of its stowed position to support a workpiece extending beyond the table or to work with a very narrow workpiece. That feature is specific to that saw’s design (Harbor Freight item 71278 manual).
When to use one for narrow stock
Narrow-rip instructions vary by saw. DEWALT says the narrow-rip auxiliary fence described in the DCS7485 manual should be used for a rip measuring “2 in. (51 mm) or narrower.” That setup leaves room for the specified push block while allowing the guard to remain in place (DEWALT DCS7485 Instruction Manual).
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- SPECS - ARF-BSCS | 36 Inch Table Saw Fence | 3-1/2" Tall | Built In T-Track Slots | 7" Material Support | 2 Sliding Clamping Blocks | Fence & Clamping Block Thickness Measure Exactly 2" | Made in USA
- SIZED FOR COMPACT MACHINES - 36" fence length, ideal for job site table saws, band saws, vintage contractor’s saws, router tables, and more.
- QUICK SETUP & REMOVAL - Installs in seconds without modifying your existing fence. Just use standard track clamps (not included).
- ENHANCED SUPPORT - Includes two 7" material supports to stabilize workpieces on the infeed and outfeed side of the blade.
- AMERICAN MADE QUALITY - Like all Woodpeckers products, the Compact Auxiliary Rip Fence is precisely built and carefully inspected in our Strongsville, Ohio facility.
A separate table-saw manual hosted by Lowe’s directs users to make and use an auxiliary fence when ripping material “1/8 in. (3 mm) or thinner,” to prevent the stock from slipping under the fence. Its directions and fence dimensions apply to that manual’s saw, not to table saws generally (table-saw manual hosted by Lowe’s).
These thresholds are not universal rules. Check your saw’s manual for the narrow-stock configuration, guard arrangement, push block or other required aid, and any stated limits. An auxiliary fence by itself does not guarantee against kickback or injury.
Rank #2
- SPECS - ARF-48 | 48 Inch Table Saw Fence | 3-1/2" Tall | Built In T-Track Slots | 12" Material Support | 3 Sliding Clamping Blocks | Fence & Clamping Block Thickness Measure Exactly 2" | Made in USA
- STRAIGHTER, SMOOTHER CUTS - Clamp the Auxiliary Rip Fence to any table saw fence for a longer, straighter, and more precise reference surface - no twisting or warping like plywood fence faces.
- MORE CONTROL FOR BIG PROJECTS - The 48" length and 12" material support keep panels balanced and stable on the infeed or outfeed side of the blade for safer, cleaner cuts.
- VERSATILE SETUP OPTIONS - Configure high, low, or L-fence positions to match the task - from thin rips to box lids to edge jointing straight stock.
- MADE IN THE USA - Built and inspected to our strict standards in Strongsville, Ohio, ensuring top-tier accuracy and durability.
Shop-built designs in manufacturer manuals
Manuals show different ways to make a model-specific auxiliary fence. Treat each as an example for the saw it covers, not a universal plan.
DEWALT DCS7485 narrow-rip fence
DEWALT describes a fence shaped to fit over the saw table top. It slips over the top and sits flush to the rip fence; the manual’s illustrated fence height is 4-3/4 in. (121 mm). The instructions pair it with the accompanying push block and describe retaining the guard. Those dimensions and steps belong to the DCS7485 setup (DEWALT DCS7485 Instruction Manual).
Rank #3
- PRECISION TABLE SAW RIP FENCE UPGRADE : Built from high-strength extruded aluminum, this table saw rip fence extension provides a stable, straight reference surface for cleaner and more consistent cuts. The rigid profile helps reduce flex and supports accurate alignment during repeated table saw operations
- 46" EXTENDED SUPPORT WITH SPACE-SAVING DESIGN : This 46" table saw fence extension kit with featherboards measures 47-1/4" overall and adds support when working with long boards or sheet goods. It functions as a table saw extension and outfeed support without requiring a bulky outfeed table
- VERSATILE 3-IN-1 MULTI-FUNCTION FENCE SYSTEM : Configure the fence for different cutting tasks: High Fence Mode supports tall panels and box work, Low Fence Mode 3/4" helps with controlled thin ripping, and L-Fence Mode supports edge jointing or template-guided cuts. It also works as a thin rip jig and table saw jig for added workshop flexibility
- 8 BUILT-IN T-SLOTS FOR CUSTOM JIG SETUPS: The fence body features eight integrated T-slots for mounting featherboards, stop blocks, hold-downs, and custom woodworking jigs. The included drop-in T-bolts can be inserted directly through the slot opening, allowing faster setup and adjustment without sliding hardware in from the ends of the track
- FITS MOST TABLE SAW FENCES WITH 1-1/4" OFFSET ALIGNMENT :Designed to clamp securely to most table saw rip fences without drilling or permanent modification. The 1-1/4" total thickness provides a clear offset reference
SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw fence
SawStop illustrates an assembly made from a 3/4-inch plywood piece and a 1/2-inch plywood piece. The manual says to glue and countersink screws to join them, place the lower piece flat on the table with the upper piece against the rip fence, and clamp the assembly securely. It also specifies a push block and says to use it when a hand comes within 6 inches of the blade in the described setup. Follow the complete instructions for that saw rather than transferring these measurements or steps to another model (SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw Owner’s Manual).
Grizzly G0651/G0652 example
The Grizzly manual gives another shop-built design using 3/4-inch plywood and 3/4-inch hardwood. It recommends furniture-grade plywood or kiln-dried hardwood to reduce the risk of warping. This is material guidance for the manual’s design, not a substitute for checking the fit and instructions for your own saw (Grizzly G0651/G0652 manual).
Rank #4
- Accurate Cutting: Upgrade your rip guide precision with the Wixey digital rip saw fence system that offers ±0.002" accuracy per ft and a digital readout for reliable, repeatable cuts across all woodworking projects
- Heavy-Duty Build: Crafted from durable steel and aluminum, this professional-grade table fence delivers long-lasting stability and is perfect for woodworking benches, rip cuts, and shop work tables
- Digital Readout: Features a backlit digital display showing readings in inches, fractions, or millimeters; constant memory preserves calibration even when powered off or removed from the bench rail
- Smooth Adjustment: Micro-adjust wheels and roller glide ensure fine-tuned, smooth fence movement - ideal for setting precise bevels, rip cuts, and repeat measurements on contractor or cabinet saws
- What’s Included: You get (1) Wixey Table Saw Fence System (WR750) - (1) Digital Readout Display – (1) 72” Fence Rail (ships in two parts) - (1) Drilling Jig & Bit - Mounting Hardware Included - Batteries (2×AAA, not included) with this digital fence tool
Commercial accessory or shop-built fence?
A ready-made fence can save fabrication time, while a shop-built design can be tailored to a specific saw and operation. Neither option is established as universally safer or more accurate; fit and intended use matter.
| Choice | What the source specifies | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Woodpeckers Auxiliary Rip Fence | Woodpeckers describes a 48-inch unit that adds length and height to a standard table-saw rip fence. The product page also lists thin-rip, L-fence and work-support setups, plus attachment points for jigs, stops and featherboards. | Verify current mounting method, dimensions and compatibility with your fence and intended setup. These are manufacturer-stated features, not independent performance test results. |
| Shop-built fence | Manufacturer manuals provide model-specific examples, including narrow-rip and clamped plywood assemblies. | Use the design and materials that match your saw’s instructions; check clearance, secure fit, guard compatibility and the specified push block or other aids. |
Woodpeckers’ product description is available at its Auxiliary Rip Fence product page. Check its current specifications rather than assuming it mounts to every table saw.
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Best Value
- FEED CONTROL AND SAFETY: The XT XTENDER T Track Fence adds a 5” tall face to improve workpiece guidance on table saws and bandsaws. The increased surface helps stabilize material, supporting straighter cuts and controlled feeding.
- MULTI-SAW FIT: This 46” XTENDER clamps to existing fences using Bow T-Track clamps (sold separately). Fits portable saws, cabinet saws, UniSaw, Harvey, and bandsaws—a choice among woodworking gifts for dad to upgrade his existing fence.
- MULTIPLE T-SLOTS FOR ACCESSORIES: Features three T-slots on the face, top, and back for 1/4” and 5/16” T-bolts. Our table saw fence system supports featherboards, stops, and feed accessories for customizable setups and improved control.
- HEAVY-DUTY ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION: Built from aluminum extrusion with sandblasted anodized finish. The 4” flat face supports smooth material glide, while rigid 1” width maintains stability and alignment during woodworking operations.
- ADJUSTABLE POSITIONING AND EXTENSION SUPPORT: With milled rear slots, our table saw fence allows quick repositioning for infeed, center, or outfeed use. Standoffs help smooth movement, while accessory compatibility extends support for longer boards.
Checks before making a cut
- Confirm that the auxiliary fence is intended for the operation—narrow ripping, work support, sacrificial facing or another use stated by the saw or accessory maker.
- Check that it fits the rip fence and table as designed, sits securely, and provides the required blade-side clearance.
- Follow the saw manual’s instructions for the guard, push block, clamping and hand position. Do not use a generic auxiliary-fence design as a substitute for those directions.
- Make sure the rip fence is parallel to the blade and locked in place, as Harbor Freight’s rip-cut instructions direct for item 71278.
Because auxiliary fences vary in design, there is no single attachment method or set of dimensions that applies to every saw. Use the manual for your exact model and configuration; stop if the setup cannot be secured as instructed.
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