SS Bandsaw Fences - differences??

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 12:08 pm

As per your request for more opinions; I have just this week installed the Kreg fence system on my SS band saw. I have the alum. table and it was a "no brainer" to install. I have not had enough time to give a full report, but so far I am totally pleased with it. I originally had the front and back clamp fence and it did a decent job. The only real reason I "up-graded" is that I am a confessed "TOOL JUNKIE". Your mileage may vary...

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 2:22 pm

[quote="curiousgeorge"]As per your request for more opinions]George, I am curious did you get the Kreg resaw attachment also? If so, have you installed it yet?

I got the fence and resaw attachment and the thickness of the fence extrusion at the t-slot prevents the t-nut from tightening enough to lock the resaw attachment in place along the fence face. I am thinking that I got a bad fence extrusion as the flange at the t-slot is thinner than those on my other attachments with t-slots.

bobgroh · Post by **bobgroh** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 7:37 pm

Well, what an interesting thread. There seems to be 3 general types of bandsaw fences that have or are sold by SS:
1. The Kreq adaptation that is sold by SS. This does include a means to adjust the fence for drift - apparently by skewing the entire fence while leaving the clamping attachment alone.

2. The SS fence that clamps on BOTH sides of the table. For that one, SS (in their catalog writeup) does not mention the ability to compensate for drift. One could do that, I guess, with the two screws in the front of the mount. It kind of looks like the back clamp has a bit of play in it so that the fence can be skewed but the back clamp won't try to yank it back. I think this variation was the oldest, was replaced by #3 (below) and now has been brought back.

3. The SS fence that clamps only on one edge of the table. The catalog write up did (at one time) specifically mention the ability to adjust for drift. But, as noted, this version is apparently no longer being provided/sold.

OK, confusing. I know I want the Kreg version!

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 7:47 pm

bobgroh wrote:Well, what an interesting thread. There seems to be 3 general types of bandsaw fences that have or are sold by SS:
1. The Kreq adaptation that is sold by SS. This does include a means to adjust the fence for drift - apparently by skewing the entire fence while leaving the clamping attachment alone.

2. The SS fence that clamps on BOTH sides of the table. For that one, SS (in their catalog writeup) does not mention the ability to compensate for drift. One could do that, I guess, with the two screws in the front of the mount. It kind of looks like the back clamp has a bit of play in it so that the fence can be skewed but the back clamp won't try to yank it back. I think this variation was the oldest, was replaced by #3 (below) and now has been brought back.

3. The SS fence that clamps only on one edge of the table. The catalog write up did (at one time) specifically mention the ability to adjust for drift. But, as noted, this version is apparently no longer being provided/sold.

OK, confusing. I know I want the Kreg version!

Chronologically, it would be 3, 2 and then 1, oldest to newest.

Drift on 2 and 3 can be done with the 2 set screws in the fence bracket that each have. On the Kreg, you loosen 2 1/2" bolts and adjust the fence.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sun Oct 07, 2012 2:59 pm

SDSSmith wrote:Chronologically, it would be 3, 2 and then 1, oldest to newest.

Drift on 2 and 3 can be done with the 2 set screws in the fence bracket that each have. On the Kreg, you loosen 2 1/2" bolts and adjust the fence.

I am using the newest version which is in fact the Kreg model. I really do like the adjust-ability of it. I also purchased the Blue Kreg resaw guide which resembles the cats pajamas when resawing. Yeah okay that pun may predate some of you gentlemen of culture:p Jim

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Oct 07, 2012 5:59 pm

fjimp wrote:I am using the newest version which is in fact the Kreg model. I really do like the adjust-ability of it. I also purchased the Blue Kreg resaw guide which resembles the cats pajamas when resawing. Yeah okay that pun may predate some of you gentlemen of culture:p Jim

I think that predates ALL of us!:D

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Sun Oct 07, 2012 9:56 pm

SDSSmith wrote:George, I am curious did you get the Kreg resaw attachment also? If so, have you installed it yet?

I got the fence and resaw attachment and the thickness of the fence extrusion at the t-slot prevents the t-nut from tightening enough to lock the resaw attachment in place along the fence face. I am thinking that I got a bad fence extrusion as the flange at the t-slot is thinner than those on my other attachments with t-slots.

I haven't used it but I did install it to see if it fit. There is no problem with mine as far as being able to tighten it down. You should call customer service about yours and maybe they will know how to fix it for you.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sun Oct 07, 2012 11:08 pm

curiousgeorge wrote:I haven't used it but I did install it to see if it fit. There is no problem with mine as far as being able to tighten it down. You should call customer service about yours and maybe they will know how to fix it for you.

Thanks for checking, George. I will call CS in the a.m.

hjlssfor1 · Post by **hjlssfor1** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:32 am

[quote="curiousgeorge"]As per your request for more opinions]
George, if you can find the time, I posted a thread asking for some dimensions for the Kreg/SS bandsaw fence (specifically, the "front" and "rear" rails). I wanted to send you a direct email, but the Forum software could not provide a link. Hank

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:55 pm

SDSSmith wrote:George, I am curious did you get the Kreg resaw attachment also? If so, have you installed it yet?

I got the fence and resaw attachment and the thickness of the fence extrusion at the t-slot prevents the t-nut from tightening enough to lock the resaw attachment in place along the fence face. I am thinking that I got a bad fence extrusion as the flange at the t-slot is thinner than those on my other attachments with t-slots.

Contacted customer service on the fence extrusion and they sent me out a replacement. The replacement was also bad. Today I learned from Shopsmith that they had in fact sent out fences that were from a rejected extrusion. That said if you received one of the recent Kreg bandsaw fences or the 20" aluminum miter gauge extension (556005), then you may want to check the t-slot on the fence face to make sure your t-nuts will lock in them. The flange/lip on the bad extrusions I received measured around .144". The following drawing provides some of the information I found on my extrusion.

[ATTACH]18957[/ATTACH]

Shopsmith Forums

SS Bandsaw Fences - differences??

FYI - Bad Aluminum Extrusion