Craftsman Club

Craftsman Align-A-rip® 24/24 fence January 22nd, 2006 09:18 PM I want to buy a new fence for my saw, which is a 113.298762 10". In doing a little research, I notice a slot or groove in the side of the fence (pictures only, never actually saw the fence). Is that a "T" slot?

Rip fence January 23rd, 2006 12:36 AM January 22, 2006 Rip Fence


That groove along the Accu-Rip fence is indeed a T-slot.

It is designed for easily adding accessories like the yellow Craftsman "fingers" hold-down tool or adding your own wooden or high-density plastic auxiliary fence cover.

This auxiliary fence allows the easy ripping of rabbets along the inside edge of a workpiece.

Taking a slight cut into wood or high density plastic is much less nerve racking, than say... accidentally cutting into the aluminum fence.

Also, a T-slot is much safer that drilling a few holes through the rip fence yourself.

I believe in Murphy's Law.

And, that law says, "At least one of the through holes drilled through the hollow rip fence would "nick" the inside rear bar's clamping rod, either hindering full tightening of the fence or flat out destroying the inside bar.

Although the days of square headed bolts, for use in the T-slot, are long gone, a Carriage-head bolt could probably be filed or ground to a workable status.

Align-A-Rip Fence January 23rd, 2006 08:24 AM I have a couple of saws with the Align-A-Rip XRC fences. This is the 24"/30" size. I have them set up to give me 12"/42". These have t-slots on both faces and top. Carriage bolts and regular hex head bolts work in the slots. I frequently use the yellow hold down wheels for sawing. The Align-A-Rips work well for this, since it locks down both front and rear. A Biesmyer style needs an auxilary clamp at the rear or it will lift during the cut. Some of the Emerson made saws may need the table mounting holes enlarged to mount your Align-A-Rip. Not a big deal though.

Align A Rip January 24th, 2006 09:54 PM I was wondering about that Slot. As I said, I had only seen the picture on the Craftsman site. I sent a question about it off to Sears, the reply was that it was not a T slot. I am considering the Mule Accusguare also. Any opinions on that?

Align-A-Rip Fence January 26th, 2006 09:28 AM Bocopp-
I have no experience with the Mule. I have seen them at woodworking shows and the quality looks good.

The Align-a-Rip definitely has t-slots. They have been good units for me. The '05-'06 tool catalog is showing the XRC at $119.99. It was originally $279.99.

fence slots January 30th, 2006 09:34 AM They are T slots, and a regular 1/4-20 bolt fits perfect.