Best Fence Pro / non-Pro

[Greg M]

I sold my Ridgid miter saw and stand after buying a Kapex.  The Kapex has lived on the shop bench since getting it.  I got 2 crown stops for it to extend the work surface and I knew I'd need them in the future for cutting crown.  At the time I didn't know that the crown stops were practically useless for cutting crown.  What was Festool thinking?  What good are crown stops if they can't be used with the wings?  This also makes the Festool UG cart useless for me.  I don't cut crown very often but it's a feature that I do need.  Reversing the wings isn't an option that I care about using.  Seems the only Festool solution is to use the MFT mini (or UG), crown stops and a full-size MFT/3 on each side to support the material.  Fine while on a flat surface but terrible for an uneven surface.  While being a more expensive option it is a much more versatile setup (use of the MFTs for other things).

I'm going to have to start taking the Kapex to the job site in a couple of months or so.  I've looked at Festool's option for a mobile stand and it just doesn't make much sense to me for the reason above plus I'm not so sure that the wing design is all that durable for anything more than small dimensional wood or trim.

The Best Fence Pro system looks pretty good.  It'll be more of a pain transferring the Kapex from shop use to field use then if I used a MFT mini along with wings or a full size MFT but the Best Fence Pro would be much easier to transport, setup and use in the field wether inside a building or on an uneven surface.

I've done some searching but there doesn't seem to be many comments about the Best system since they've come out with version 2.  Anyone use version 2 and what did you think about it?

 

[Motown]

Bump

 

[Hawkeye1434]

I don't have personal experience in the field with the best fence pro but one of my buddies in the remodeling industry did just buy it and I helped him put it together.  It's solid and really well thought out.  I was more than impressed, if I hadn't just bought the newer dewalt stand for my 12" dewalt miter saw after seeing his I would buy it for sure.

 

[Greg M]

I don't have personal experience in the field with the best fence pro but one of my buddies in the remodeling industry did just buy it and I helped him put it together.  It's solid and really well thought out.  I was more than impressed, if I hadn't just bought the newer dewalt stand for my 12" dewalt miter saw after seeing his I would buy it for sure.

Thanks for the info.  I've decided to get the non-pro best fence system.  Hopefully I'll be able to order it soon.  Just waiting for my slow season to end.

 

[jeep jake]

post up what you think I was going to order one too.

 

[Greg M]

I ordered mine on Friday and will ship out on Monday.  Should be here in a week or so.  After I get a chance to use it I'll post my opinion.  I got the Best Fence 4 system (non-Pro) with the Kapex adapters for $799 shipped.

 

[Greg M]

I picked it up at the freight company on Friday.  It comes very well packaged and weights in at 221 lbs.  I got the non-pro version 4 with the Kapex adapters.  The Kapex adapters are plastic but everything else is either steel or very heavy gauge aluminum.  The thing is solid and the aluminum fence pieces are beefy and heavy for aluminum.  I've not used the old sawhelpers that I here so many good things about but these look every bit as strong and durable as the sawhelper.  Sets up very easy and quickly.

I haven't used it yet but looking at it and handling it I'm quite pleased with it.  IMO, if all you do is trim (not crown) or small boards on fairly level surfaces then get Festool's cart and wings.  However, if you need something that can handle just about anything else then you should consider the Best Fence.

 

[PattyO]

Would love an update….wanting to order one and can't find any new reviews/info.

 

[Greg M]

Would love an update….wanting to order one and can't find any new reviews/info.

Not really in a position to give a review.  I've only used it a couple of times.  We did use it to build a deck on a very uneven yard and it was great!  It was sturdy and repetitive cuts were a breeze.  It also handled 4x4's and 2x8's with ease while being very sturdy.  I would love to have this set up in my shop all the time if I had the room.  Once it's dialed in you can make accurate cuts with it.

It is on the heavy side but that's what gives it it's sturdiness.  It's built to take abuse.  Also love the 3rd hands that came with mine for mounting kitchen wall cabinets.

I would by it again.

 

[PattyO]

Thanks! This was enough to push me over the edge…Mine is on the way!!!!