Replies

1. 
   Pete99353 | Jul 07, 2010 06:52pm | #1

   I think Delta is still selling saws equipped with the Unifence. You can find a list at their website, here:

   http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/Tools.aspx

   Once there click on Saws and then click on Table Saws. You'll see several models listed with either the Biesemeyer or Unifence. I'd also consult with a local vendor of Delta products.

   I have a 14 year old Unisaw with a 50" Unifence and I like it. Here are some observations:

   The Unifence has a slightly taller fence face than the Biesemeyer .The Unifence can be moved forward or back in relation to the blade while the Biesemeyer can't. I often use this feature when crosscutting. All I have to do is set the fence to the desired length, move the far end of the fence so it is short of the blade, register the wood to be cut against the fence and using my miter gauge make the cut. Since the fence is short of the blade cutoffs do not get trapped between the blade and the fence.The Unifence also has a short fence face intended for cutting thin sheet goods like laminate, however I've never found it useful. The Beisemeyer doesn't have this feature. The Unifence is longer that the Biesemeyer and since it can be moved in relation to the blade you can choose to have more fence support in front of or behind the blade.

   The Biesemeyer has straight unobstructed sides on both sides of the fence. The Unifence has only one obstructed side. Because of this difference making jigs that straddle the fence is problematic for the Unifence and simpler for the Beisemeyer. It is rare to see such jigs for the Unifence in any woodworking magazines. They all seem to have Beisemeyer style fences these days. This is a plus for the Beisemeyer as there are many jigs for  it in magazines. I sometimes covet the Biesemeyer for this feature.

   Although I do like my Unifence, I currently have an after market fence installed on the Unifence "carriage". I bought it from Peachtree Woodworking Supply because it has extruded aluminum T-tracks on top and the upper third of the face. I can mount board buddies and featherboards  using the T-tracks. Plus I can still use the moveable fence feature.

   If for some reason you discover Delta has discontinued the Unifence you should buy the Beisemeyer. All the people I know who have one are happy with it. By the way I recently read that Delta bought Beisemeyer in 1996.

1. 
   SantaFeTom | Jul 08, 2010 10:03am | #2

   Phone call to Delta

   Thanks for the feedback.  I resorted to calling Delta to ask about the Unifence. I was told that they still make it and sell parts but are going to discontinue it "eventually". I was told my safest choice would be Biesemeyer.  They no longer list the Unifence as a product but as you said, they still put it on some of their saws. Too bad because I was leaning toward the Unifence.

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jul 08, 2010 04:31pm | #3

   Why not go with the Unifence?

   Tom,

   I learned to use a tablesaw in highschool and it was equipped with a Biesemeyer.  It worked fine.  I bought a Delta contractor's saw with a Unifence for my shop and used it and loved it.  I sold it a month ago when I bought a sliding table saw with a fence similar to the Unifence.

   By the way, I think the aftermarket fence Jack is referring to is made by Might-T-Track.  It's not cheap, but the rectangular cross-section makes it easier to make jigs for.  The Unifence is reliable.  Why not buy a Unifence, provided you can?  I'm sad to hear it will be dropped.

   EDIT:  Oh, the other feature of the Unifence is that it can be laid down on its face to "work with thin stock" or something like that.  I've never used the feature.

2. 
   jsjs7474 | Sep 29, 2010 12:48am | #4

   The Unifence is the best fence made under $1000 and the only reason I can see Delta going away from it is because it appears labor intensive to make by comparison.  It's a shame if they discontinue it altogether.  The Biesemeyer is good but it’s just a fence, the Unifence is a tool.  I find myself using the slide feature all the time along with the raise feature and the clocking it 90deg for the shallow or short fence.  The short fence my fingers couldn’t live without for ripping small detail pieces.  A couple of drill holes enable me to mount a wood slave board on the fence for use as a router fence with the router mounted to my wing table.  After working with this I find a Biesemeyer frustrating as it just sits there.  I just found a mint complete 52" on Craigslist for $250 that I picked up for my brother, the guy had bought an Inca fence $$$.   

1. 
   CharlieL | Mar 07, 2012 04:59pm | #6

   Deleted

1. 
   RalphBarker | Nov 06, 2010 02:53pm | #5

   Delta -> B&D -> Stanley Works

   Remember, B&D, which owned Delta, was recently purchased by Stanley Works. I doubt the folks at Delta (or the other once-great fellow subsidiaries)  have much say in their future or their products anymore.