: Two questions, really. The first is about the various aftermarket fences. I
: am thinking of getting the DeWalt Woodworkers saw but it will not be until
: this winter sometime. In the meantime I was thinking of a good aftermarket
: fence to improve my Craftsman that could later be used for the DeWalt. Any
: comments, suggestions?

: The next question, is there a good woodworking forum similar in content and
: quality to this Kayak Forum? This is a high quality forum but I don't
: think I shoud be stuffing in general woodworking questions.

Hi Don

I know of only two of the after market fences that are of good to excellent quality, and I know there are more. The first, and what I consider one of the best, would be the Beisemeyer and the other is the Unifence. Beisemeyer was the first top quality after market one to come out many years ago and now, there are many. One question: Why bother trying to find one that will fit both saws now??? If you are going to get a new saw later on, then hold your horses and get the one that fits THAT saw when you get it. My reasoning is, that every saw out there has it's own fence rails ( for lack of a better term. ) and what fits Craftsman, may not fit the DeWalt. I'm not familiar with the DeWalt saw you are speaking of, but, Unless you know their fence is of less than good quality, I would wait till you try it to make that decision. The reason that the after market fences came out in the beginning was because they discovered a new and more accurate system of clamping them to keep them square. Now, some of the less expensive models are doing what Beisemeyer started and their fences are very good. Some use a tube to slide on, some use a box beam, and some just use an angle iron beam, but, the method of clamping was the new idea. They started with the cam-lock and also added the T-Square type end. Now, many of the newer light duty saws have started using those same quality features. Sears doesn't, or at least didn't when I bought mine. Some of the high dollar and high quality fences won't work on the small contractors saws in fact, cause they are too big. And, some cost more than the saw you may be putting them on. Aaannnndddd.... for the light weight type work you are doing with these strippers, you don't need anything that fancy. My reasoning for getting the Delta Unisaw with the Beisemeyer fence is because I have used the combination before and they go well together. And I do a little kitchen building from time to time. The saw is a High Quality, low end commercial and High End, high quality home woodworkers model. Heavy and strong, and the fence is big and strong for use with any work that you may do at home. I'm getting away from the question and my point here.

My best advice would be: Go with what you have right now, and when you buy the new saw, try out their equipment and see how it functions before you go buying a $250 - $500 fence. Some of the high dollar fences have to be set up by professionals, on whatever saw you use it on. Set up and alignment is quite critical to proper function. Food for Thought..... Hope it helps.

Please understand, I'm not trying to disuade(sp?) you, but, trying to put things in perspective. Unless you are going to be using the saw for Fine woodworking or production work, I would advise against it. Too much expense to recover the cost in a few kayaks.

I haven't tried yet, but, a few of the magazines that used to do tool comparisons were: Fine Working, Woodworker's Journal, and my favorite: Home and gardens "Wood" Magazine may have web-sites now a days and would probably have those sort of tool tests and may be able to help you with your question. You might give it a search and see what you come up with.

Hope this helps...........Rehd