Once you realize you need a fence for your bandsaw, you might notice that some brands don’t carry them or they are priced exorbitantly. Purchasing a universal accessory can be risky because of compatibility. You could end up with a fence that doesn’t work with your bandsaw model. Luckily, our team has identified the best aftermarket bandsaw fences and the tools they work with.
Reviews of the Best Aftermarket Bandsaw Fences
1. Kreg KMS7200 Bandsaw Fence
As the number one pick on the list, our experts were very pleased with the Kreg KMS7200 bandsaw fence. The fence makes sure all your cuts are precise each time by incorporating a lens cursor guide. The thin red line you get with the cursor is easy to read and magnified so there is no need to squint.
The band saw fence fits most 14-inch bandsaw models and eliminates the blade drift angle with easy adjustments. The integration of the fence is tool-less, allowing workers to attach and remove it quickly. You can also adjust the KMS7200 to a lower position so it’s closer to your workpiece for more control.
What We Like
- Quick and easy setup and removal
- Well-built band saw fence
- Comes with a precision lens cursor
- Adjustable in two dimensions
- Can be lowered closer to your workpiece
- Compatible with most 14-inch band saws
- Can be adjusted to fit the blade drift angle
- Compatible with a resaw guide
- Has T-slots for adding stops
What We Don’t Like
- No instructions
- Has some plastic parts
2. Grizzly Industrial H7587 Resaw Fence
Resaw fences are an improved version of standard fences. The Grizzly Industrial H7587 can lower and rise with a simple lever adjustment. The resaw fence can be used as a retrofit accessory for Grizzly bandsaws or as an aftermarket fence for other brands, as long as you have a 14-inch bandsaw.
It’s a little heavy, but that’s what you can expect from a tough and well-built fence. A lot of the weight is attributed to the cast iron support fence plus the aluminum body. It also features a reliable stop mechanism and adjustments to help with blade drifting.
What We Like
- Very well-built aftermarket bandsaw fence
- Can fit with bandsaws that measure 14 inches
- It can be lowered or raised
- Can be used in close vicinity to your workpiece
- Compatible as a retrofit kit for Grizzly band saws
What We Don’t Like
- On the expensive side
- Heavy
3. POWERTEC BS900RF Rip Fence
On the other end of the spectrum is the Powertec BS900RF, one of the most affordable aftermarket fences out there. The bandsaw fence still features a sturdy aluminum construction and functions as the perfect saw blade guide for parallel and straight cuts.
The clamp is adjustable from 11 to 12 inches and the cam lock lever and rear glide rail keep the aftermarket bandsaw fence locked securely in place. The fence is adjustable by simply turning the lock lever to either shorten or lengthen.
You won’t need any guide rails and the product is pre-assembled so you can get working on your material right out of the box.
What We Like
- Adjustable length
- Unique fence clamp
- No rails needed to function
- Comes assembled
- Excellent for straight and parallel cuts
- Aluminum construction
- Easy-to-use hand cam lever
- Very affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- No instructions
- You need to square the fence before use
4. CARTER MAGFENCE II V2 Universal Magnetic Fence
The Carter Magfence II Universal Magnetic Fence brings a new level of convenience other aftermarket bandsaw fences do not. It is a magnetic design that attaches to your work table automatically and fits most ferrous metal tables. As you can imagine, the installation is also very easy.
The Carter Magfence II Universal Magnetic Fence is fit for spindle sanders, drill presses and almost any other tool you have in our workshop that has a ferrous metal surface.
The Carter Magfence II is guaranteed to work with your bandsaw and bandsaw tables because there is no size limit. It’s a very lightweight aftermarket bandsaw fence that makes cutting lumber much easier.
What We Like
- Universal compatibility with ferrous metal tools
- No measurement limit for bandsaw table
- Magnetic attachment
- No mounts or brackets required
- The Carter Magfence II is very lightweight
- Has multiple T-slots
What We Don’t Like
- May move when adjusting
- Not recommended for a table saw fence
5. Shop Fox D3575 Resaw Fence Complete Kit
The last of our aftermarket bandsaw fence reviews is the Shop Fox D3575 Resaw Fence. This bandsaw resaw fence is a larger design that guides woodworkers with all the accessories and instructions included with your purchase.
What’s great about the Shop Fox D3575 is the ability to make micro-adjustments for more precision. It doesn’t matter the measurement of your material, because the D3575 can create intricate measurements and cuts.
Another major bonus about the D3575 other than the resaw design is the removable extruded design that gives you the freedom to lower the blade guides.
What We Like
- Larger profile
- Comes with everything you need including mounting hardware
- Removable extruded design
- Can make micro-adjustments
- Can be modified to be a universal fit
- Fit for larger 17-inch bandsaws
- Smooth glide rail
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come as a universal design
- Won’t compensate for the drift easily
Aftermarket Bandsaw Fences Buyer’s Guide
Even the best aftermarket bandsaw fence review won’t be helpful without outlining clear guidelines on how to pick the right model. It’s not just the dimensions of your saw table that dictates your choice, but also the type of cuts you want to make, the rear glide rail, and fence length.
Design and Size
Our experts say the design and size of the bandsaw fence are the key. The wrong dimensions will be incompatible with your bandsaw table and render even the most versatile fence completely useless.
The bandsaw fence must have the right measurement for your table. The most common size is the 14-inch bandsaw, but there are some larger models, in which case the Shop Fox D3575 is recommended. Once you know the dimensions of your band saw, it’s easier to choose the right fence.
The proportions of the bandsaw fence will also determine the length of the material you can cut. It’s pretty intuitive — the larger the material, the larger the fence.
Material
Another crucial consideration highlighted by our team is the choice of material for the bandsaw fence. There are three common options: steel, plastic, and aluminum. The most preferable bandsaw fence is made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, as plastic tends to be less durable.
Steel is tougher than aluminum but you will notice that these models can be quite heavy. Aluminum alloy band saw fences and resaw guides are much lighter in weight.
Our team recommends steel for durability, aluminum for ease, and plastic blade guides as stand-ins or temporary options.
Compatibility
A big problem when purchasing fences for bandsaws is the compatibility. Many woodworkers are tentative before purchasing because you never know if it’s a good match until you assemble it.
Aside from looking into the measurements, our experts say it’s also important to look at the type of saw or brand of bandsaws it works well with. There are some bandsaw fences that only work with bandsaws of the same brand or specific measurement. Then, there are others that are better suited to ferrous metal tables.
Even the ones advertised as a “universal fit” may not be perfect for some saw models, so don’t be surprised if it takes some jimmying. Also, there are ones that don’t come as universal options but can be converted to fit your bandsaws through customization.
If you aren’t a skilled professional or experienced with bandsaws, our team recommends purchasing ones that are universal or guaranteed to work with the same brand.
Lock System
The lock system is the most important component to deliver straight and precise cuts every time. Fences are different from each other in design and that includes the lock system as well. The most common ones are the magnetic lock and cam lock.
Our experts say the magnetic lock is your best selection for convenience and ease, because you can assemble and disassemble the fence easily. However, the cam lock lever is more complicated than a simple magnetic attachment, but it can end up being more secure.
Advantages of Using a Bandsaw Fence
Why use a bandsaw fence? Do you really need one? The best aftermarket bandsaw fence has a few benefits. First of all, it will guarantee straight cuts every time. It’s hard enough to draw a straight line, can you imagine cutting one consistently without the best bandsaw fence? You will also get a much smoother cut with the help of this useful accessory.
According to our team, a bandsaw fence is also indispensable for resawing. Resawing is the action of cutting the wood into thinner pieces on its side. This action is almost impossible and dangerous to do without a fence to guide the blade. You can even perform rip cuts along the grain [1] with the right features in a bandsaw guide.
FAQ
Do you need a fence on a bandsaw?
A fence on a bandsaw is recommended by our team if you are looking for 100% accuracy with every cut. A saw fence can also make sure resawing can be done safely and precisely. However, if you only use your bandsaw for curves, then you may not need a saw fence.
Our Top Pick For an Aftermarket Bandsaw Fence: Kreg KMS7200
Our experts’ top choice for the best aftermarket bandsaw fence is the Kreg KMS7200. This particular saw fence features a precision lens cursor that other models lack. The cursor will allow you to create accurate cuts consistently and the fence is well-built for stability and durability. The KMS7200 is adjustable, easy to attach and suits most 14-inch bandsaws.
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