Answers:
How accurate is Digi-Fence?
Digi-Fence is accurate to +/- 0.010 inches and repeatable to 0.010
inches.
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What is the power source for Digi-Fence?
Digi-Fence uses 2 AA size alkaline batteries. These batteries
run the display's processor all the time. The LCD readout will
automatically turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve
battery life. The readout will automatically turn on when any key is
pressed, or when motion is detected. Because the
processor is always on, the only time you ever need to recalibrate is
when the batteries are changed, or when the blade kerf changes.
Battery life varies with usage and the ambient temperature, but average
life is 12-18 months.
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What is the maximum speed that the sensor can move?
The sensor's maximum speed is approximately 20 inches/second.
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How much measuring length do I get? Can it be
extended?
Most Digi-Fence products ship with a digital scale that can measure
up to 60 inches. This scale can easily be shortened if needed to fit a
particular application. Measuring ranges up to 96 inches may also be
purchased.
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Is the scale a single, solid piece?
Yes. Our retrofit does not require you to splice together multiple
pieces to get a functioning product. Straightness, rigidity, and
accuracy are maintained using a single, solid piece. You should
not have to sacrifice straightness, rigidity, and accuracy just so a
package can ship with smaller dimensions. It's just smarter to pay
a little more for freight now, instead of having a hard time adjusting
and lining up parts when installing, and having to worry about their
accuracy.
Will Digi-Fence work on the left side
of the blade?
Yes. The displayed value will even have a negative sign to
indicate that you are left of the blade. Any portion of the
digital scale can be installed to the left or right of the saw blade.
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How long is the warranty period?
Digi-Fence is warranted against defects in manufacture for 1 year.
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How do I shorten the scale?
Shortening the scale is very easy:
1. Clamp the two stainless steel wires (embedded in the
sides of the aluminum rail) in place near to the desired cut.
2. Saw thru the aluminum rail - cut the green or blue circuit board side first. Any
bi-metal blade or hacksaw can be used for this.
3. Chamfer the ends of the scale to match the original using a belt sander
or a file.
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How do I calibrate my Digi-Fence?
After installation is complete, there are two different methods used
for calibration:
1. (QUICK METHOD) Move the fence to the saw blade and press the zero button on
the digital display. OR
2. (BEST METHOD) Move the fence close to the saw blade and cut a piece of
scrap. Measure the cut piece using the best measuring tool
available (such as a digital caliper). Press the ZERO button on the display, then press the PLUS
button until the displayed reading matches the measured reading.
This method accounts for real operational variables, such as saw run-out.
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How do the fractions modes
work?
First, select which fractions mode to work in: 16ths, 32nds, or
64ths; this allows you to use whichever units you are already
comfortable with. When working in 16ths or 32nds mode, bars appear
over the displayed reading to indicate an extra 1/64"; this is
especially helpful when you want to cut a part Heavy (long). The display
will only show the next fractional value when it is actually reached,
thereby preventing a part being cut too short (Ex: 0.249 will NOT show
1/4"). Setup time is also much quicker when using units that
you are familiar with.
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My fence is the Biesemeyer Homeshop version. Is
there a retrofit
for it?
Not currently, but we are working on these. They should be
available fall 2007.
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How do I tell if I have a Commercial
Style fence (not the Homeshop version)?
If your fence is mounted on an industrial cabinet saw (not a
contractor's saw or portable saw) you most likely have a commercial
fence. To be sure, measure the distance from the front of the guide
tube to the front edge of the angle iron (the one that supports the guide
tube). If this distance is 1.50 inches or greater (typically 1.80 inches), Digi-Fence should work
fine. Some fence manufacturers use slightly different
configurations; contact us if you have any
questions.
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My fence model is not listed. Do you sell a retrofit for
it?
Most likely. We have retrofits designed for Biesemeyer, Accu-Fence,
Xacta-Fence, HTC Fine-Adjust Fences, SawStop, Shop Fox, Excalibur, and
many more. Contact us for
information about other fence models.
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My Biesemeyer Fence is blue. Will your Digi-Fence work?
Yes, as long as it is not the Homeshop
version.
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My Delta Unifence looks different than your picture. Why?
Our photo is of the newest style Delta Unifence. Delta
manufactured a different model between 1990 and 1993 for which we make a
slightly different retrofit. This retrofit can be ordered by phone
or email.
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My Jet XACTA fence does not have a version number on it, but it
looks just like the Biesemeyer Fence. Will the Biesemeyer
Digi-Fence work?
Not without a special set of brackets. To be sure you require
the extra parts, measure the distance from the
front of the guide tube to the front edge of the angle iron (the one that
supports the guide tube). If this distance is 1.80 inches or more, use the XACTA II
Digi-Fence. If it is less than 1.80 inches, contact us
for more information.
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Do you have any other installation photos on your web site?
Yes. Click here to see more installation photos.
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Can I lock out the PLUS, MINUS, and ZERO buttons, so nobody
changes my calibration?
Yes. Press and hold the ON/OFF button, then momentarily press (one
second or less) the MODE button. Follow the same sequence to
unlock the keys.
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What are the differences between Digi-Fence
and your industrial products?
Name: Our commercial product is called ProScale.
Accuracy: DigiFence is accurate to
±0.010 inch.
ProScale is accurate to ±0.008 or
better.
Default Resolution: DigiFence reads to .01 inches (.1 in millimeters)*.
ProScale reads
to .001 inches (.01 in millimeters).
*DigiFence resolution can be increased to 0.001 inches by changing a
mini-jumper on the circuit board.
Warranty: DigiFence is warranted for one year. ProScale is warranted
for three years.
Features: ProScale adds these features: A position monitoring function, a Hold function (freezes
the displayed number), SPC output (for communication with external devices),
a choice of 24VDC or battery
power, and MANY more options.
Intended Application: Our ProScale line offers increased immunity against interference with
electromagnetic fields, static electricity, and is designed for in-machine
and/or industrial installations. DigiFence is designed for - and
better suited for - home hobbyists, and small woodworking shops.
