A couple of quick questions, please.
I picked up a Craftsman 14 inch steel bandsaw (on sale for $384). I have assembled it and run a few test cuts, and I'm fairly impressed so far. Thinking of an aftermarket fence.
The Kreg fence appears to be 18 inches long. Meaning if (as appears) at least three inches of it hangs out over the front of the table (plus note that I will have to make a mounting bracket from angle aluminum to bolt to the stock bolts on the bottom of the table, meaning probably a half inch more than otherwise). This likely means it will not extend to the other side of the 16 inch wide table. Anyone have this fence mounted on a bandsaw with a 16 inch wide table? Thoughts?
I also have the general impression (from reviews etc) that Kreg products are sort of, well, not that well made. For example, one review noted that they don't even bother to include stainless steel bolts and nots (must be zinc or cheap pot metal). A good fence is important, even on a budget saw, imo.
Now, the Laguna Driftmaster -- which admittedly costs as much as I paid for the saw, but so be it -- on the other hand appears huge. The fence is 31 1/2 inches long. Meaning it will likely stick out the back of the table a foot or so. I suppose I could just cut it down. Anyone have this fence on a saw of this approximate size?
Are there any other fences out there worth considering?
Thanks!
Mark