Startrite 352 fence upgrade?

[mynamehere]

Hi folks!

I have a problem with the original fence on my Startrite 352, if the fence is about 100mm away from the blade and I tighten it, it stays straight, the closer I move it to the blade, the more the end of the fence moves while tightening.
I could also see the rail move away from the table.

I took the fence rail off and it is bent about 0,2mm in the middle....

Should I get a new rail made or would it be worth getting an upgrade?
I’ve seen a fence at Axminster for £104,- that would fit.

Any advice??

Cheers!

Ferenc

 

[Trevanion]

Does it actually affect the ripping ability of the saw? If not, leave be.

If it does affect the saw, try straightening it before spending too much.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Hi Ference
Unless we have two Ferences on here I think you have my DVDs do you not? Have a look on there. I think it is on Workshop Essentials 10. Yes, I know that is a tablesaw film, but the design works exactly the same on a bandsaw. It is rock solid and easy to make (no welding, just nuts and bolts) and it will cost you a fraction of a commercial upgrade.

 

[mynamehere]

@Trevanion, the fence is square to the blade if it’s further away than 100mm, any closer and it pulls out of square when I tighten it, the more I tighten, the more it moves (about a millimeter).
I tried straightening the bar, but it’s not easy to correct 0,2mm of a bow....

@Steve, I would be surprised if there was another Ferenc around here! I will have to have another close look at one of your great videos. I hope your fence doesn’t rely on a straight fence rail!

Cheers,

Ferenc

 

[beech1948]

I have a Kreg fence on my bandsaw a Startrite 352.

Works well, is very accurate and above all straight as a die. Recommended.

 

[mynamehere]

@beech1948, I was secretly hoping for someone to tell me to part with some cash to solve the problem, the Kreg once does look nice, I would be surprised if it wouldn’t make me a better woodworker...

Cheers!

Ferenc