In this video, we'll guide you through the steps to properly adjust the fence on a bandsaw, stressing the importance of taking safety precautions and checking key alignment factors before making any adjustments.

We've also included the step-by-step instructions below so you can follow along.

Important Safety Precautions:

1. Disconnect Power: Always disconnect your machine from power before making any adjustments.

Initial Fence Alignment (Parallel to Miter Slot):

1. Ensure Miter Slot is Parallel to Blade: Before adjusting the fence, make absolutely sure that your table's miter slot has already been adjusted to be parallel with your bandsaw blade. Refer to our other Grizzly How-To video.
2. Install Fence: Install the fence on the right side of the blade.
3. Initial Positioning: Adjust the fence so that it is even with the edge of the miter slot.
4. Lock Fence: Lock the fence in this position.
5. Check for Parallelism: If the fence face is now parallel with the miter slot, no further adjustment is necessary for basic parallel alignment.

Adjusting the Fence (If Not Parallel):

1. Locate Adjustment Screws: Identify the cap screws on top of your bandsaw fence that allow for adjustment. Check your manual on how to specifically adjust your fence.
2. Loosen Screws: Loosen these cap screws. They do not need to be removed completely, just enough to allow the fence to be moved slightly.
3. Adjust Fence: Gently tap the fence until it is parallel with the edge of the miter slot. You can use your hand or a soft mallet for tapping.
4. Tighten Screws: Once the fence is parallel, tighten the cap screws to secure the adjustment.

Confirming with a Test Cut:

1. Draw a Line: On a piece of wood, draw a straight pencil line that is parallel to the edge of the board.
2. Make the Cut: Feed the wood through the bandsaw, following the pencil line.
3. Evaluate the Cut: If your test cut follows the pencil line straight, your fence is likely adjusted correctly for basic parallel cuts.

Troubleshooting Non-Straight Cuts (Blade Lead):

If your test cut is not straight and the blade is leading to one side, consider the following before further fence adjustment:

1. Blade Tension: Ensure your bandsaw blade is properly tensioned according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Blade Tracking: Verify that the blade is tracking correctly on the center of the upper and lower wheels.
3. Blade Guides: Check that your blade guides are roughly a quarter inch above your workpiece.
4. Table Squareness: Confirm that your bandsaw table is square with the blade.
5. Fence Squareness: Ensure that the fence is square with the table.
6. Feeding Pressure: Check if you are applying too much pressure as you feed the workpiece through the saw.

Fence Adjustment for Blade Lead:

If the above checks do not resolve the blade lead, you can personalize the fence to your specific blade:

1. Cut Freehand: Take a board with a straight pencil line parallel to the edge and cut freehand along the line for a short distance.
2. Stop Mid-Cut: Stop the cut in the middle of the board.
3. Mark or Clamp: Either mark the angle of the board on the table or clamp the board securely in its current position.
4. Loosen Fence Bolts: Loosen the bolts that secure your bandsaw fence.
5. Adjust Fence Angle: Adjust the angle of the fence so that its edge now corresponds to the angle of the test cut you just made.
6. Tighten Fence Bolts: Tighten the fence bolts to secure this new angle.

Your fence is now adjusted to compensate for the specific blade's tracking and potential lead. Remember that when changing to a different blade, it is a good idea to recheck your fence angle and readjust it if necessary.

We trust you will find this video to be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to us HERE if you have any questions on how to align the fence on your bandsaw.