Rip it table saw fence

Drich

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2014
Messages
240
Hello

I have been watching this product for while and just seeing if anyone was a part of the kick starter on this. It seems like a great idea and I would like to get one but seems like it’s been delayed many times.
 
Are you looking for improved accuracy, speed, productivity, less math? What do these things cost?

I have a premium Delta fence that came with the saw, I’m not seeing why I would want this.

 
I can only tell you how I deal with repeatability.

Either I make all the identical cuts at one time, or I make a note of the precise measurement on my fence’s scale, or I make a stop block.

A stop block is as accurate as you will get on a table saw. Cut a scrap of stock with your initial setup. Then use that scrap to set the fence. Put one edge of the stock against the blade and the other end against the fence. Adjust the fence to a “touch-fit”. But I would note that when I clamp my fence tight, it tends to move the fence slightly closer to the blade. So setting that distance may take a couple of trials.

Write a description of the cut on the stop block so that you know what cut it is for. My stop blocks are generally project-specific and are disposed of after the project is complete. But if you are going to make the same items several times, then retain the stop blocks. As long as they are clearly identified they will be useful later on.

You can probably cut to +/- 0.003” or so with the stop blocks. But note, that only is a measurement of the blade’s distance from the fence. Other factors are involved in making accurate cuts.

Even tighter measurements can be had with good technique and all the cuts being made at the same time.

Does Rip-it list the tolerances for their fence?

I doubt my saw is tuned to allow the tolerances I called out. The blade has to be exactly parallel to the fence and exactly perpendicular to the the table. The shaft has to run true. I have a contractors’ saw. I don’t think it is built substantially enough to hold machine shop tolerances.

But more important, what tolerances do you need for the work you do or plan on doing?

The Rip-it does look cool though. I would not be a customer for this however.

It does not look like the fence can be moved fore and aft. That would be a disqualifying factor for me.
 
There are digital readouts (DRO's) available from Chinese marketers such as Alixpress etc for well under $100 that are accurate and ensure repeatability. They can be fitted to any saw with a bit of ingenuity including bandsaws and mitre saws and you do not need any electronic experience to fit them. The beauty of them is it takes about 30 seconds to recalibrate the fence when a blade change is done and the fence can be calibrated to the measuring tape or rule you are using as needed. I have used these DRO's on both fences on my slider and an XY table I made for my drill press. The above link looks to be a good tool so if the budget is available why not. I have thought of motorising mine with a stepper motor but haven't bothered.
 
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