How to Add a Rip Fence to an Old Table Saw

Measure the distance from the left side of the saw table to the right side.

Cut a piece of 2-inch by 3-inch square tubing to the length measured in the previous step with a hacksaw. Cut a piece of 1-inch-wide angle iron to the same length.

Align the square tubing with the front edge of the saw table, with one of the 3-inch sides facing upward. Position the tubing so that it is 1/2 inch below the top surface of the table. Mark the hole locations on the side of the square tubing corresponding to the mounting holes on the front of the saw table.

Drill pilot holes in the corresponding locations in the square tubing, then reposition the tubing against the front of the table, and connect it to the table with bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts.

Align the angle iron with the back edge of the table. The edge of the angle iron against the table should be facing downward, while the other half of the angle iron should be flush with the table top, facing away from the table. Mark hole locations, drill pilot holes and attach to the table as you did with the square tubing in the previous step.

Place the rip fence onto the table top, with the front handle mechanism wrapping over the square tubing on the front of the saw. Adjust the square tubing so that the fence is just barely touching the table top in any position along the width of the table, and tighten the bolts and nuts on the tubing to hold this position with a socket set.

Move the fence so that one edge is aligned with one of the miter slots. The fence should be perfectly parallel to the miter slot along the entire length of the table. If it is out of alignment, adjust the screw on either side of the fence as it connects with the square tubing with an Allen wrench.