Do You Use Your Blade Guard

[Len]

Need to add "Depends on the situation" to the choice list.

70pct of the time Shark guard and RK together.
25pct of the time RK only
5pc neither (dadoes, etc.)

Len

[twistsol]

The minor inconveniences are more than offset by my continued ability to count to ten with my shoes on.

I always used the stock guard until I got the Shark guard and now I always use that.

[kevincan]

I use the stock guard on my saw. The only time it comes off is if I am doing a dado cut or bevel cut. I did tape up the pawls on the guard so they would not scratch up wood as it passed through.

I need to get a Shark guard one of these days.

Kevin

[cwsmith]

I've had my BT-3100-1 for a couple of years now and even with the stock guard and pawls, the assembly stays in place except for the few cuts where it's necessary to remove it. Even then, the guard goes back on the saw before it's left for the day.

I'm sure we are all aware what can happen without a guard in place. I have my two grandson's visit the shop on occasion, and I think it's very important for them to know that a saw is "complete" with the guard, and something is "wrong" when they see it without one. They're years away from actually using it, but by that time all the factors will be something they will be conscious of.

CWS

[brubakes]

I used my blade guard for all of 2 hours. I just felt it was getting in the way.

[poolhound]

I used my blade guard for all of 2 hours. I just felt it was getting in the way.

Maybe so but better that than a lack of fingers "getting in the way" of lifting a beer.

The stock guard is cumbersome but do check out the Shark Guard.

[Ed62]

It just occurred to me that if I remove the springs and tape the edges a bit that would probably satisfy me. I wouldn't mind if the pawls slid along the surface of the work, but with the springs there is way too much down pressure. Has anyone done this?

I just saw this post. I actually took my pawls off, but I always use the blade guard unless the cut won't allow it. After making a cut where the blade guard had to be removed, it was easy to just leave the guard off. One day I finally forced myself to put it back on after the cut was made. It didn't take long, and it was a habit. One of the few good ones I have.

Ed

[sscherin]

I used the guard on my BT all the time.
Then I got stupid and sold the BT when I moved..

Now I have a 12" Monkey Wards saw but the guard mounts are all bent and missing parts.

Maybe I can talk lee into making me a custom Wards Shark.

[eddiesfriend]

Removing spring on AK pawls on 3100?

I just saw this post. I actually took my pawls off, but I always use the blade guard unless the cut won't allow it. After making a cut where the blade guard had to be removed, it was easy to just leave the guard off. One day I finally forced myself to put it back on after the cut was made. It didn't take long, and it was a habit. One of the few good ones I have.

Ed

First of all, let me say hello. I've just joined the group.

I'm just starting out in woodworking and using the 3100. As the saying goes, "you have to know the rules before you can break them." So, I'd prefer to leave all safety equipment on for now. That said, the AK pawls are really digging into the wood. Would removing the spring render them useless?

Thanks

[charliex]

I'm with Nil. I cut my original BT3100 riving knife down to a little less than the height of the blade and make full use of push sticks and push boards that cover the blade as I run a board through. I also have the guard for my CMan BT3 which I install if I am going to make a lot of through cuts where it won't interfere. Antikick back pawls are a PITA. If I sense that a cut is about to bind and kick back I stop the cut and figure out why. Generally it is due to a warp in the stock which I cure with a small wedge before continuing the cut.

[phi1l]

25 years ago, I seriously cut my finger using a home made TS that didn't have a splitter of cover. As soon as the bandage was off I trashed the home made model & got a "real" TS & always use the guard unless it's not possible & then only only take it off with great trepidation.

[rberrybabylon]

Sure do, unless except for dadoes and the occasional cut where it's impossible to use.
From what I see on this site, I'd use the Shark if I could afford one. I'll probably get one when I get more time for WW.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Missed this thread.

Always use the stock guard, except when using my crosscut sled or for non-through cuts, when I swap out the guard for a RK.

That said, the AK pawls are really digging into the wood. Would removing the spring render them useless?

Exactly what I did. Left the pawls on, but cut the spring - scratches eliminated, and weight (gravity) lets the pawls still be effective.

[robk]

I always have the SharkGuard on the saw unless I am using a dado.

[tseavoy]

I have a Rockwell Delta c. 1950s table saw which never came with a blade guard or splitter or anything. I have been using that saw for over 40 years and never had it touch me. Always keep your eyes on the blade, assuming it is after you. If the saw binds, I make sure I'm out of the way and shut off the saw.

Tom on Marrowstone