Shark Guard Vs. Stock Blade Guard

[axio]

I'm contemplating purchasing a Shark Guard , but I'm wondering if I really need it or not. I don't plan on making non-through cuts with the saw for the moment, so I probably won't be advantaged by the quick access. I've been doing searches and everyone says it's so great, and it does look like a better product, but at the moment, I don't seem to have a problem with the stock blade guard, except that when you push up the piece initially, sometimes it doesn't just slide up right, and when it does, it's positioned funny, and I wait for it to fall back down before continuing to cut the piece. I seem to be able to use the stock guard just fine, but I'm still new to it so I don't know if there's anything particulary wrong with it. I notice that the Shark Guard design seems to look like sliding the piece initially against the blade guard IS a much better design than the stock one.

I know most people here hate the pawls, but I like having them there just in case kickback happens, so it'll help stop it, right? With the Shark Guard's riving knive, there are no pawls, and so if kickback happens, the work piece won't be caught. I'm kinda scared about that. How realistic is this worry of mine? I think this is probably my biggest deterent in this decision to purchase the Shark Guard, even though everyone hates this piece. Call me a big chicken I guess, but I just wanna be safe...

BTW, I HAVE read the manual and on how to be safe, so I stand off to the left side of the table, and I use a featherboard (made it with the instructions in the manual), and a pushstick for certain rip cuts. I know I should figure out how to make a knee-kick-stop that someone mentioned though...

thanks for any help guys

[RodKirby]

Derrick - YOU have to feel right about using your saw (or any other tool) - regardless of what anyone else thinks. So feel free to ignore my remarks, they are just my opinion YMMV.

The single MOST effective device against kickback is the riving knife. After 10+ years of using the saw (I cut off the pawls on day 2!), only using the riving knife, I have never had anything kick back. In my opinion, the pawls would only assist if a riving knife was not used.

I suspect the first time you have several non-thru cuts to do, you will see what a pain it is to remove/replace the stock riving knife.

You are correct when you say "I notice that the Shark Guard design seems to look like sliding the piece initially against the blade guard IS a much better design than the stock one". It is an excellent design and moves very smoothly.

Please look at my review of the Shark Guard - I specifically mention that point.

Ultimately, however, the decision is still yours - you are already doing all the "right things" to stay safe.


http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...chTerms=,shark

[axio]

Thanks Rod. I read your review while I was at work today and I WAS impressed with all the features. I guess I just wanted to reassure myself that it's to not have the pawls on, and if you took it off on day 2, that's good enough for me. Looks like I'll be making a purchase online in a few minutes [8D]

[axio]

Just ordered it in Candy Blue =)

[drumpriest]

I think you'll like it Axio. The shark is a HUGE improvement. The dust collection alone makes it worth it.

[axio]

Aw man, I think I actually want the Black Texture. I guess I should go PM Lee now...

[RodKirby]

Wow - I really didn't plan to tip you "over the edge". Please let all of us know how you "feel", after you set it up and use it.

[Ken Weaver]

You won't regret it Axio - it grows on you and you will like the better visibility of your cut line compared to the stock guard. This isn't often mentioned but its one of my favorite features of the Shark.

[Stytooner]

Hi Derrick. Looks like you pulled the trigger already, but like Rod, I agree that you should become familiar with the stock guard and pawls first. The OEM guard is quite capable....while its in place. There are drawbacks with any design. I tried to eliminate a lot of them with the Shark as well as added some features. The shark has drawbacks too. Price may be the biggest drawback.

I have a design and prototype for pawls that mount on the front of the 6.0 clamps. I didn't design them for the Ryobi guard. I designed these for all the other saws that the shark fits that do not have the benefit of a riving knife. You can't get as close to your stock with the clamp on every cut with these as you can with the Ryobi. I will have some photos available fairly soon. Being hand made now, these pawls will cost a little more. I just do not think these are useful on the Ryobi setup. They will be just the same bother that they are on the OEM guard. They are very easy to remove.

At any rate, I personally think you made a wise choice. The black texture powder coating looks real nice.
Thanks Guys.