Thread: Hi-Lo fence vs T-glide fence (1st tablesaw purchase - Carbatec TS-C250P)

As I see it, the biggest advantage of the Hi/Lo is on narrow cuts; you get easier access for a push stick and you can tilt the blade over without crashing into the fence.

i think there's some other discussion on the forum here about them - have a search. From memory there was some "its flimsier" review of the hi-lo.

Thanks all for the advice. I also have received some other advice too, which pretty much stated the following and aligns with your responses:

- hi-lo fence gives ability to work more safely with thin and narrow stock (as also highlighted by elanjacobs)
- hi-lo can be more difficult to run some styles of jigs (e.g. tenoning jig) and is also susceptible to flexing (as also highlighted by Poundy)

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

As I see it, the biggest advantage of the Hi/Lo is on narrow cuts; you get easier access for a push stick and you can tilt the blade over without crashing into the fence.

On the saw in question the blade tilts away from the fence.

Agreed Biggus. I think though the low fence option helps to run narrow cuts below the saw cover, regardless of which direction the blade tiltz

Originally Posted by duncada

Agreed Biggus. I think though the low fence option helps to run narrow cuts below the saw cover, regardless of which direction the blade tiltz

When I'm making fiddly cuts I generally remove the blade guard and use the riving knife to get the best visibility. Either way, no big deal, your choice mate.

Originally Posted by Biggus

When I'm making fiddly cuts I generally remove the blade guard and use the riving knife to get the best visibility. Either way, no big deal, your choice mate.

Thanks Biggus. All open to tips as am definitely a freshie to this.

I have a MiniMax combo machine which, like most euro saws, has a hi-lo fence. I hardly ever use it in the "hi" position. Repositioning from lo to high or vice versa on the MiniMax takes about ten seconds so It's not laziness.

T-square fences are also fine but if you want to use a T-square as a cut off stop for cross-cutting, you need to clamp a piece to the fence as offset or you will get a pinch between the fence and the spinning blade. That offset changes the measurement off the fence. I just slide the fence back and start cutting and continue direct reading.