Why is it usually the outfeed router fence that adjusts?

[LancsRick]

Most of the router fences that I see have an adjustable outfeed, which confuses me as I would have thought that having an adjustable infeed is of more use - as soon as you increase the cut, you're keeping the outfeed perfectly aligned. I know the Festool one does this, but why do most other fences seem to have a fixed infeed and adjustable outfeed?

 

[wallace]

The outfeed fence is adjustable so you can move it forward to support the wood as it goes past the cutter. This only applies if your removing the whole face of the timber.

 

[heimlaga]

Aye
That's the reson why old spindle moulder fences also have adjustable outfeed and fixed infeed. Later spindle moulders can be run both ways and hence at least the better ones have both halves adjustable.

 

[custard]

Aye
That's the reson why old spindle moulder fences also have adjustable outfeed and fixed infeed. Later spindle moulders can be run both ways and hence at least the better ones have both halves adjustable.

My spindle moulder runs both ways, but it's still only the outfeed that's adjustable, however it has "negative" adjustment as well as "positive" for exactly the situation you describe.

 

[LancsRick]

It's a real nuisance to get my old Trend table set up as it's a fixed fence with a little section that can be pushed outwards on the outfeed. I've therefore got to independently offset the fence to get the amount of cut I want when jointing, and then get the outfeed support exactly lined up. I think I need to make some spacers so I can quickly set it up.