As we all know most of us remove the splitter and blade guard from the Table Saw the first time we need to make an overcut.
Those two essential safety items are seldom reinstalled because of the inconvenience.Many devices easy to remove and install are available but they are quite pricey. I was teaching safety procedures in the shop to my 15 year neighbour and he had a suggestion: why not weld the splitter to the table insert, when it get in the way just replace it with a regular insert, it would take only e few seconds and should not cost more than 30 dollars. I understand the tricky part is to line up the splitter with the blade, however has anyone ever heard of this possibility? What would be the downside
John Cabot
Replies
Hi John,
Seems to be a good idea! The only thing that would concern me is the insert lifting out of the slot when the wood is nearing the end of the cut.
Biil B.
same idea as making a zero clearance insert and a wooden splitter glued into the kerf. works great.
I haven't used a splitter for over 20 years. My solution to using no splitter is to avoid using severe reaction wood, particularly with small pieces. Reaction wood just isn't worth screwing around with, besides being dangerous. I toss the stuff.
With large boards, I've found little motivation to use a splitter as I rarely have a problem so long as I have a sharp blade and the fence is square to the blade.
If I do have a rare problem, I'll make a partial rip, and then when I see the kerf closing up, I'll wedge the kerf with a small piece of scrap.
I have plans to do just this. Works really well, have seen it done.
Weld a piece of 1/4" plate in, then grind down to size and alignment. Much easier then lining up an 1/8" piece that may warp or move when welding. Plus you get a larger weld area as the weld is under the plate, and that part of the splitter is still 1/4" thick. You can grind a bevel on the front edge of the splitter, in case the wood starts to close immeadiately after exiting the blade. The splitter can be any length and height you desire. It can be placed in a special location, if you're using blade stabalizers etc..
If you can weld at all, it will never move or come out, but will be perfectly aligned whenever you drop the blade insert in.
Oh, if your blade insert is thin, be careful to weld in small tacks. Excessive heat could cause your plate to permanently warp.
DestinDave: Your approach is very logical. I just read a quote from Kelly Mehler that was on another post. Will paraphrase: "The splitter is used for those instances when I make a mistake".
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