Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 16, 2004 08:58pm | #1

   Look into the MJ Splitter (http://www.microjig.com/).  It is a slick little kit which enables you to make a spreader that exactly fits your saw.  You can buy it on the Microjig site, or from retailers like Woodcraft.

1. 
   fredn | Jun 17, 2004 03:46am | #2

   Jamie,

   Thanks for the tip. I went right over and ordered the splitter and their neat push block gadget.

   Fred

1. 
   ASK | Jun 17, 2004 03:59pm | #3

   Fredn,

   Let us know how it works after you set it up and use it. I also have the DW746 with the cast iron wings.

   ASK

2. 
   JohnWW | Jun 17, 2004 04:47pm | #4

   The MJ splitter will prevent wood from pinching the blade but it won't prevent the board from getting kicked back if the stock lifts up off the table and gets grabbed by the upper edge of the saw blade.  While it does add some safety to sawing, the MJ splitter shouldn't be considered an anti kickback device in the way a Euro style splitter would be. 

   Unfortunately, because of the way the DeWalt, and most other American market saws are made, a Euro style splitter can't be mounted on them. 

   John W.

1. 
   fredn | Jun 18, 2004 03:22am | #5

   John,

   I'm still looking for a splitter with anti-kickback fingers that will tilt with the blade; going to check out the Merlin splittter that I just saw in Shopnotes.  By the way, what is a euro style splitter? Is it different from the quick mount spitters that are available for the Delta cabinet saws?

   What's really appealing about the MJ splitter and that Grripper thing is being able to rip narrow stock easily and safely.  My son bought the ultimate fixerupper (138 year old farmhouse) and we're practically doing the interior from scratch.  I hope I live long enough!

   Any way thanks for your response.

   Fred

1. 
   JohnWW | Jun 18, 2004 05:32pm | #6

   Fred,

   On European style machines, the splitter is attached to the same casting that holds the arbor shaft.  Set up this way, the the curved face of the splitter can be positioned just a fraction of an inch away from the back edge of the blade, making it nearly impossible for kickback to occur from the stock snagging on the trailing edge of the saw. 

   Because a Euro style splitter moves with the arbor, the splitter is always close to the blade not a useless inch or two away, like on an American saw when the blade is lowered down to take a shallow cut.  Take a look at an ad for Felder saws in Fine Woodworking or on their web site, you'll see how a Euro style gaurd is mounted. 

   Euro style splitters can be set up to reach over the top of the blade, basically leaving just the front of the blade exposed, or they can be set flush with the top of the blade, which means they can left in place for cuts that don't come through the stock. 

   A big advantage of the Euro style splitter is that they don't get in the way of pushing the stock like the bulky American style splitters, so there isn't the impulse to remove them.  In general Euro style splitters don't have anti-kickback pawls, because there is so little chance of the stock being thrown back.

   Because of basic design differences in how the arbor is supported, Euro style splitters can't be fitted onto most saws sold in the U.S.  The only saw commonly available, that I know of, that can use a Euro splitter is the Ryobi BT 3100, although it is sadly fitted with an American style guard when sold in the U.S.  I suspect that a few of the other top of the line benchtop table saws, such as the Bosch, may also be built in a way that allows a Euro style guard to be fitted.

   John W. 

   Edited 6/18/2004 2:49 pm ET by JohnW

2. 
   fredn | Jun 19, 2004 03:23am | #7

   Wow John - great response.  Seems to me it's time for a US company to offer similiar features on a saw.  If I wasn't sure that divorce would follow, I would sell my US cabinet saw and shop for a european machine. Ah well, maybe when I hit the lottery.  Fred

2. 
   TomS | Jun 19, 2004 04:13am | #8

   fredn,

   What feature of the stock splitter/prawl don't you like or think needs an upgrade?  I looked at the MJ site but not sure the advantage.

   Thanks,

   TomS

1. 
   fredn | Jun 19, 2004 05:11am | #9

   Tom,

   The MJ splitter along with their "grrripper" makes it easy and safe to rip narrow stock. But the MJ splitter alone is not an anti-kickback device as JohnW pointed out.  I'm a bit shamefaced that I haven't yet unpacked the DW746TS which is in my sons garage but I just assumed that  the guard-splitter-pawl is just as poor as those I've seen on other machines. I'm going there tomorrow and take a look at it and them post again. Mea culpa.  Fred