How to Replace the Lower Fence on a DeWALT Miter Saw

The lower fence is the foundation of the fence assembly. It is precisely milled to allow the saw to make accurate cuts. The lower fence attaches to saw's base and is aligned with the blade for accuracy. The fence can become bent (or even cracked) if something is hit against it, or if there is a major kickback while cutting. The damaged fence will result in inaccurate cuts and will need to be replace.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE LOWER FENCE   1. Unplug the saw.

a. Disconnect the saw from its power source.

  2. Remove the two upper fences.

a. Loosen the lock knobs securing the sliding (upper) fences to the lower fence assembly.

b. Slide the two upper fences away from the saw.

  3. Remove the lower fence.

a. Remove the four screws securing the lower fence to the base.

b. Remove the lower fence from the saw.

INSTALLING THE NEW LOWER FENCE

  4. Install the lower fence.

a. Transfer the lock knobs from the old fence to the new.

b. Install the new lower fence onto the base assembly.

c. Note that one of the mounting holes on the lower fence is round; the other three holes are elongated. Install and tighten the screw that passes through the round mounting hole.

d. Install and PARTIALLY TIGHTEN the three screws that pass through the elongated mounting holes.

  5. Square the lower fence.

a. Use a combination square to align the new fence assembly with the saw blade (the fence should form a 90-degree angle with the blade).

b. Once square, tighten the remaining three screws to secure the lower fence assembly.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  6. Reinstall the upper fences.

a. Install the two upper fence extensions.

b. Secure the upper fence extensions to the lower fence with the lock knobs.