Big Eye B-70 Bandsaw Rip Fence Compatibility Guide

Created by Gabriel Izzo, Modified on Thu, 21 May at 10:09 AM by Gabriel Izzo

Big Eye Rip Fence System · B-70 Bandsaw Rip Fence

B-70 Bandsaw Rip Fence — Compatibility Guide

Compatibility Requirements

To ensure the B-70 Bandsaw Rip Fence functions correctly with your bandsaw, your machine must meet both of the following minimum table dimensions and clearances:

Requirement 1 — Front Clearance

The main table's edge must extend at least 5-35/64" (140 mm) from the frame or column.

This ensures the fence's main body can slide freely without interference from the saw's frame.

Requirement 2 — Table Width

The main table width (distance between front and back rail) must not exceed 21-21/32" (550 mm).

This allows the fence face to sit properly on the back rail with the fence travel system.

Compatibility Dimensions — Reference Diagram

If your bandsaw meets both criteria above, the B-70 system is mechanically compatible.

⚠ Safety — Read Before Beginning

Turn the band saw OFF and unplug it before performing any measurements, adjustments, or installation work on the table, rails, or fence system.

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when drilling holes in the table. Metal chips and debris can cause serious eye injury, and power tools produce noise levels that can cause hearing damage.

Use appropriate clamps or fixtures when drilling into the cast iron table — never hold the workpiece by hand near a drill bit. Secure all components before applying any drilling force.

Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the blade during installation or fence setup — band saw blades are sharp along their entire length.

Double-check all measurements and confirm fence alignment before powering the machine on after installation. An improperly installed fence system can cause the blade to deflect or break during operation.

Installation & Drilling Modifications

Some bandsaws may not have pre-drilled holes for the front and back rails. In such cases, drilling modifications are necessary. Follow the specifications below to ensure proper alignment and stability.

Drilling Depth Reference

Using a 10 mm drill bit, drill holes 59/64" (23.5 mm) from the tabletop surface.

Front Rail Hole Locations

Front Rail Drilling Diagram

First hole: ≤ 1-31/32" (50 mm) from the left edge (closest to the frame) of the table.

Second hole: ≥ 1-31/32" (50 mm) left of the blade. This ensures the front rail will not interfere with the blade replacement process.

For blades removed from the side of the table (rather than the front), position the outer drill point no more than 8" to the right of the blade. This provides enough clearance for the front rail when the fence face is set to zero in its low position. Positioning the drill point closer to the blade shifts the front rail further left, giving additional space to zero the fence scales.

It is recommended to position the drill point slightly within this limit to ensure proper alignment and secure installation.

Back Rail Hole Locations

Back Rail Drilling Diagram

C14 Ambassador: Back drilling points should mirror the drilling points on the front of the table — drill through existing tabs.

First hole: ≤ 1-31/32" (50 mm) from the right edge of the table.

Second hole: ≤ 21-21/32" (550 mm) from the bandsaw post.

The back rail measures 550 mm in total length. Subtract the distance between the edge of the table and the bandsaw post from this length — the resulting measurement is the maximum allowable distance for the outermost drill point on the back rail.

Back Rail Max Distance — Reference Diagram

Back rail maximum distance reference diagram

It is recommended to position the drill point slightly within this limit to ensure proper alignment and secure installation. If the main table width is less than the calculated maximum distance, position the outer drill point as close as possible to the left edge of the table at a structurally secure location.

Notes for Installation

Always double-check your measurements before drilling.

Ensure the fence rail assembly is perfectly parallel to the saw table surface.

If your bandsaw table does not meet the minimum clearance or exceeds the width limit, the B-70 system may require additional customization or may not fit.

Positioning the Front Rail

Proper positioning ensures accurate fence alignment and full travel range across the saw table. For proper fence operation in its low position, the front rail requires a minimum of 24.75" (629 mm) of length to the left of the blade.

All instructions below refer to setting up the 6" fence face in its low position — this represents the minimum width required to the left of the blade when the fence face is set to zero and the scale stop block is aligned flush with the edge of the rail.

Front Rail — Low Position Setup (View 1)

Front Rail — Low Position Setup (View 2)

1. Measuring the Inner Post–to–Blade Distance (B)

Before positioning the front rail, measure the distance between the bandsaw's inner post and the blade. This measurement (denoted as B) varies by model:

Bandsaw Model	Inner Post → Blade (B)	Left of Inner Post (L)	Total Rail Length
C-14	13.5″	11.25″	33.25″
HW615	14.5″	10-3/16″	33.25″

2. Calculating the Left-Edge Position (L)

The B-70 front rail has a total length of 33.25" (845 mm). Use the formula below to determine where to position the rail's left edge relative to your bandsaw's inner post:

Left Edge Distance Formula

L = 24.75" − B

L = distance from inner post to left edge of front rail B = distance from inner post to blade

L — Left Edge Distance (from inner post to left edge of rail)

L measurement diagram showing left edge distance from inner post

B — Inner Post to Blade Distance

B measurement diagram showing inner post to blade distance

If allowed by the furthest support block, users may extend the rail an additional 8.5" (216 mm) to the left, using the remaining section of rail to the right of the blade. This allows greater fence scale tolerance when setting fence faces to zero.

3. Example Calculations

Post→Blade B (in)	L Min (in)	L Max (in)	L Min (mm)	L Max (mm)
13.0	11.75	20.25	298	514
13.5	11.25	19.75	286	502
14.0	10.75	19.25	273	489
14.5	10.25	18.75	260	476
15.0	9.75	18.25	248	463
16.0	8.75	17.25	222	438
17.0	7.75	16.25	197	413
18.0	6.75	15.25	171	387

Example

If the blade is 15" from the inner post, the minimum left-edge offset is 9.75" (248 mm). If desired, you may extend up to 18.25" (463 mm) to the left for greater tolerance when setting scales and fence face to zero, if allowed by the furthest support block.

For help confirming compatibility with your specific bandsaw model, please contact our support team.