Mule Accusquare Rip Fence

[jjstillwell]

If anyone recalls the Model 890 bandsaw I was donated, I have since also been donated a "needs TLC" Craftsman 10" tablesaw.
(two scores..one month).
Among the several items it was lacking was a usable fence. Without covering the why part, I chose the Mule Accusquare Rip Fence M1040 ($179 shipped). I ordered it from their website http://www.mulecab.com/M1040Rip.html
It only took about 2 weeks to arrive and was shipped rails in one box and the fence in a separate box. Nothing special about the packaging, in fact it could of been a little better for the fence. The fence was preassembled and wrapped in plastic to hold the rest of the parts. Most everything is aluminum, and therefore lightweight. My first impression is that this was made to order and definitely a small company product. It was not fancy at all and although fancy doesn't mean functional, I was simply expecting something more refined.

Installation instructions were reasonable and include some pictures. The installation was very easy on the Craftsman. I only had to drill six holes to mount the rails and since the rails were very straight it was not difficult to mount them equidistant from the table top. The fence fits the rails very well even if it looks homemade, and remarkably, I did not have to do any squaring or adjusting of the fence to be blade parallel. However, if you do, there are 4 adjustment screws in the fence body to do so .

The back rail receives a small piece of UHMW that functions as a slide and support for the back of the fence. Again, this looks homemade, but it doesn't bind and the back of the fence doesn't seem to flex...if I thought the fence would have an issue it would be here. Lastly, the measuring tape installation. Push the fence over to the blade, pull of the backing, mark and stick. Its easy, but not foolproof and I'm absolutely sure I'll never set the fence and cut without a measurement double check .

A top of the line fence its not, but for $179 you get a very simply fence that is quite functional, easily installed and has both a 90-day return policy and a lifetime warranty. I'm not wowed , but I'm not unhappy. I don't plan to take advantage of the 90 day return policy.

[GeorgeM]

I had one on a previous saw and felt the same way when I installed it. But the more I used it the more I liked it. It is also great for jigs with the slots on three sides. It also retains its accuracy and locks down great.

After I purchased a new saw with Biesemeyer fence I thought it was the cats meow. But after having it for a couple of years I still wish I had the Mule Accusquare sometimes.

George