A router table cannot be complete without a fence because it is its heart. A router table fence assists in joinery and aids in delivering excellent work. When building a router table, it is paramount to ensure that the fence is square. For those wondering, does a router table fence need to be square? Yes, it does.
A router table fence has to be square to the tabletop to prevent having joints that don’t fit. It is essential that when cutting your fence parts, you be keen then verify them with a square. Anyone who loves building things up can agree with me that a router table is a valuable addition to your shop. The router is usually mounted in a table, and that ensures workpiece control when cutting.
Using a router table
When using a router table for the first time, it may appear complex, which is quite understandable. However, once you get used to it, you will see how vital a piece of equipment it is. A proper router table is used to ensure smooth routing operations as well as making cope-and-stick joinery cuts. This router table comes with a mountain plate and other safety components, as well as an adjustable fence that all work together to achieve adjustability to suit your needs.
A router table is used to handle many tasks that could not be done a handheld router. With a router table, you can manage many woodworking projects in your shop. A router table is an indispensable tool meant to make woodworking easier and enjoyable for woodworking enthusiasts. You can execute even the most complex projects, all thanks to a router table.
Router table fence system
Apart from a router table fence being square, the fence’s main aim is to guarantee cutting straight. The fence is like a guide that works to keep your wood pressed as it is pushed into the bit. The fence system ensures that shaky lines caused by any movement are avoided. There are different range of types of fences that work to ensure the job gets done.
There are two primary router table fences: the split router table fence and the one-piece router fence. Both incorporate state-of-the-art measuring systems to ensure proper alignment of work. With the right positioning, the router table fence delivers exceptional work. Regular woodworking projects can be achieved with a router table fence in the most convenient way.
Key features of a router table fence
There is no woodworking work that can be complete without a router table fence. It would be best if you got the maximum benefit from a table fence, and these features will be a significant boost to your routing expertise. Let us take a look at the important features a router table should have.
- Sturdiness
The best router table fence has to be sturdy. This is what guarantees durability meaning it will last longer. Go for medium density fiberboard because it is flat and dense to deliver quality work. A sturdy router table fence will handle any project, no matter how enormous it is.
- Safety
This goes without saying because we all know that safety is pre-requisite in any given woodworking project. Your fence should be inclusive of safety guards and feather boards if you have a safe working environment. The two work together to hold down the pieces of wood when cutting. That is how you ensure safety is achieved at all times when carrying out your woodworking tasks.
- Micro-adjuster
For your router table fence to perform as it should, it must have a micro-adjuster. This is a magnified measuring system that works to deliver precise measurement by using an adjustable measuring scale. This scale permits a bit set up at a given position, thus delivering remarkable and unique projects. This feature is critical because, without it, your projects will not be outstanding as you would like them to be.
- Dust extractor
A dust extraction system should be availed in the router table fence to guarantee a safe and sterile working environment. The workshop tends to get all dusty; that is why a dust extraction system needs to be maintained in the table fence. All the dust will be collected to the dust port located at the back to guarantee a dust-free environment.
- Adjustability
A router table fence that is not adjustable will not perform efficiently. Therefore, ensure that the router table fence is flexible, which will be achieved with the router bits. That way, your work will be made easier and precise to the end. If your router table fence is not adjustable, there is no way you will be able to make simple changes when carrying out your projects.
- Clamping system
Typically, two simple clamps are availed in a router table to secure the fence firmly. This ensures firm action when the cutting processes commence on the table. The feather boards should be clamped efficiently to the fence.
Final thought
A router table fence is one of the priceless assets you will ever have, whether you are a beginner or a professional woodworker. Working on your projects will become much more comfortable as long as you have this invaluable asset. There is no single task a router table cannot handle compared to a handheld router. The best part of a router table fence is it can handle almost all your routing tasks correctly.
When it comes to this invaluable asset, the question remains, does a router table fence need to be square? From what we have discussed above, it is evident that indeed a router table fence has to be square. This is to ensure that you do not end up with crooked joints. If you want to achieve accurate measurements, your router table fence must be square; it is the only way to guarantee exceptional work.