Art Greenberg wrote:

I think a longer fence helps keep long stock properly aligned for the cut.

Who cares if the stock is aligned to the back of the fence BEHIND the
blade - it's already been cut.

There have been times that I've wished my fence was even longer. Of course,
for that purpose, it would be fine if all that extra length was in front of
the blade.

NOW THAT would sort of make sense. A bit inconvenient but perhaps
actually useful.

charlie b