BT3* pawls?

[Ed62]

I was just wondering how many of us use the pawls on the BT3*. I took mine off a long time ago because of scratches to the workpiece. I know they were put there to protect me, but I'm pretty careful when using a table saw (other than taking them off). What about you? Do you use them?

Ed

[linear]

Gone in 60 seconds...

[jackellis]

Mine are still on, but filed down so they don't scratch. At some point I'm planning on replacing the stock guard with a Shark Guard, but I won't be buying pawls to go with it.

[crokett]

Mine are long gone. Actually I took a look around the shop for them recently and the guard and can't find it. I think I lost it when I moved - some smallish items didn't make it.

[Black wallnut]

Early on my guard was removed partly due to the pawls and I went guardless for years! Then one day I had a kickback, Story here, and soon cut down my factory riving knife. I used that alone until i purchased a Shark.

Others not so willing to forgo safety devices have found several ways to mitigate the damage the pawls cause to their work pieces. Thick tape, dulling, or even removal of the springs have worked for others. IMHO each person needs to determine the level of risk they are willing to accept and live with it. I strongly recommend at minimum the use of a cut down riving knife; ideally the use of a shark guard.

[jhart]

After maring a few workpieces, I put some liquid tape in the ends. That helped. Completely removed them when I got my "Shark". Don't miss them.

[LarryG]

Mine were never on the saw. Ditto for the guard.

[eezlock]

Pawls.....

After a few times of using it.....they had go. then stock guard was thrown
aside, now it is Lee's sharkguard/riving knife all the way! eezlock

[LCHIEN]

Shark Guard now.
Hated those pawls.

[HarmsWay]

I stopped using the stock guard because of the pawls. For me they were creating more problems than they were potentially saving. I was glad to finally get a Shark. In my opinion, the riving knife is the best protection against kickbacks. The pawls added a little to that. Another way to prevent kickbacks is to use feather boards (top and/or side).

Bob

[sacherjj]

I removed the guard because of the pawls. Then I decided that my safety was worth it and bough a Shark guard. I love it. Just wish I could use a 10" dado with it on the BT, so I wouldn't have to remove it for that.

[Kristofor]

I have a Shark Guard now, but the pawls are the only part on any of the power tools I own that have ever made me bleed. The second time was the last time.

Kristofor.

PS I thought we learned in a previous thread on the subject that the internal Ryobi name for the part was pointy ninja knives or something like that.

[ejs1097]

Mine are still on. I haven't noticed any wood scratches or other problems with them so I haven't found the need to take them off yet. the only complaint I have is when ripping thin strips on left side of the blade and getting them hung up in the pawls.

[scorrpio]

Mine are still on the blade guard, but since I made a riving knife, I haven't used the stock guard...

[kevin85281]

Mine are still on after a year but the with my finishing skill the scratches are probably an improvement.