SawStop, a renowned name in the woodworking industry, offers two primary fence systems for their table saws: the Premium Fence and the T-Glide Fence. Both are designed to provide precision and reliability but cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Here’s a summarized comparison table to highlight the distinctions:
| Criteria | Premium Fence | T-Glide Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Made primarily of aluminum. | Made of thick-gauge steel. |
| Design | Features a box-style design with a large surface area. | T-square style design for high precision and rigidity. |
| Lengths Available | Typically comes in shorter lengths suitable for hobbyists. | Available in longer lengths, suitable for both hobbyists and pros. |
| Lock Mechanism | Uses a traditional lever for locking. | Features an ergonomic one-handed operation for quick locking. |
| Measurement System | Clear, easy-to-read measurements. | High precision measuring system with hairline cursor. |
| Price Point | Generally more affordable, catering to budget-conscious users. | Priced higher, reflecting its professional-grade features. |
| User Feedback | Appreciated for its simplicity and value for the price. | Consistently praised for its accuracy, rigidity, and reliability. |
SawStop Premium Fence
1. Material and Construction:
- The Premium Fence is primarily made of aluminum. This makes it lighter in weight, which some users may find easier to adjust and move.
- However, the aluminum build means it might be less durable than thick-gauge steel when subjected to heavy-duty tasks over extended periods.
2. Design Features:
- This fence features a box-style design, which provides a sizable surface area, making it easy for users to rest and guide their workpiece.
- Its design is relatively straightforward, with fewer bells and whistles, emphasizing user-friendly functionality.
3. Lock Mechanism:
- The Premium Fence employs a traditional lever for locking. This is a tried-and-true mechanism familiar to many woodworkers.
- While effective, it might lack the quick-adjust features found in more advanced fence systems.
4. Price and Target Audience:
- One of the significant draws of the Premium Fence is its affordability. It caters to budget-conscious users, hobbyists, or those who don’t require extremely rigorous precision.
- Given its price point, it provides commendable accuracy and reliability for most standard woodworking tasks.
SawStop T-Glide Fence
1. Material and Construction:
- The T-Glide Fence boasts a construction of thick-gauge steel. This lends the fence a substantial feel, enhancing rigidity and ensuring minimal deflection.
- Steel, being more robust than aluminum, can endure rigorous professional use and is likely to have a longer lifespan.
2. Design Features:
- The T-square style design is a hallmark of professional-grade fences. This design ensures high precision and rigidity, especially important for tasks that demand exactness.
- The longer lengths available cater to a broader range of projects, from small cuts to handling large workpieces.
3. Lock Mechanism:
- One of the standout features of the T-Glide is its ergonomic one-handed operation for quick locking. This means adjustments are swifter, and the fence can be locked in place with minimal effort.
- The mechanism provides a solid lock, ensuring the fence remains parallel to the blade and doesn’t shift during operation.
4. Price and Target Audience:
- Reflecting its professional-grade features and construction, the T-Glide is priced higher than the Premium Fence.
- It’s targeted at professionals and serious woodworkers who demand top-tier performance, reliability, and accuracy in every cut.
Conclusion:
While both fences are designed to enhance the functionality of SawStop table saws, they cater to different segments of the woodworking community. The Premium Fence is an excellent choice for hobbyists and those who need reliable performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the T-Glide Fence, with its professional-grade features, is tailored for those who see woodworking as more than just a hobby and are willing to invest in top-notch accuracy and durability.