Do you use a router bit guard?

[Ed62]

In another thread, someone questioned the necessity/practicality of using a bit guard. So far, I haven't used one, but I can think of a few cuts where it might be a good idea. For example, when using a rabbeting bit or making through cuts. Other cuts just seems like a guard would be in the way. But these are just my thoughts, without experience. What are your thoughts on this? Always use one when possible? Never use one? Somewhere in between? If you do use one, is it large or small?

Ed

[Warren]

You'll be glad you used one when a bit come's climbing up out of it's collet.

Do I always use one? No. I do when practicable. So, I'm somewhere in between. And, I always know where my fingers are in relation to the bit. At least I think I do. That's the problem with distractions.

[steve-norrell]

Same answer as Warren. Use it whenever practical.

In addition to 'flying bits', it also helps by concentrating the vacuum draw through the opening in the fence and deflects chips produced when cutting.

I can't comment on the size of the guard because I have a Bench Dog setup and have only used the guard that came with the fence. However, I can see where a larger one would help to keep fingers away from the bit.

Prompts the question: Anyone know of a source of larger bit guards and/or how to bend plastic, like polycarbonate?

Regards, Steve

[Ed62]

or how to bend plastic, like polycarbonate?

Strictly a guess, but I'd say heat it gently with a propane torch to allow bending.

Ed

[Ken Massingale]

Yep, some heat and bend quickly.

And no, I do not use a bit guard, but am not advocating that others should not.
k

[LinuxRandal]

Besides bending the plastic, HF has what they call a plastic welder (never tried it), and my father did a little mortise and tennon, with some silicone on top of that, for some misc gaurds.