Saw Guards

[Window Guy]

I have been reading your posts for quite sometime and am very impressed with the answers and knowledge that I have seen.
I am a novice but have a great intrest in woodworking and have learned a lot through your all's forum,and have a question?
I have a Jet 3HP cabinet saw but like most people hate the factory guards, does anyone have any suggestions on what type to by or use and also aftermarket splitters that will work?
Thanks for your help!

Steve

[JohnP]

Steve; I use and recommend the Biesemeyer T-Square bladeguard system. I too have a Jet cabinet saw and it bolted on the back table support with only having to drill a couple of holes. I also have my dust collection hooked up to the saw guard and it works very well unless you use a zero clearance blade insert. With the zero clearance insert there is very little dust that goes into the cabinet so the blade guard pickup has to do it all, and sometimes it can't keep up.
The only draw back to this guard is that it requires you to turn a small handle to move the gaurd out of the way when you need to. But for me this doesn't happen very often as you can pass up to about 8 inches under the gaurd.
I use a Biesemeyer splitter they make for the Jet. Its a quick release type that takes less than 30 seconds to remove when you need to. The only draw back that I have found with the splitter is that it is designed for use with full kerf blades, which is what I use. If you use thin kerf blades you could grind down the sides of the splitter, but as with the use of thin kerf blades I can't ensure the splitter is adjustable for the use of a blade stabelizer thats almost required with the thin blades.
Just my opion
JohnP

[handi]

Steve,

Welcome to the forum. :)

I did get rid of my factory guard, but I built a guard with a splitter that is part of an insert. If I want to use my guard, it takes a few seconds to put it on, and the spring loaded feet keep everything covered.

Hope this helps,

Ralph

[Window Guy]

John P and Handi thank you so much for your reply I will have to check out Biesemyer's products ( I do have there 52" fence ) and Handi yes I am also interested in what you did. I do have a zero clearence blade insert and I am using the Forrest WWII 1/8" kerf blade. I also am using the Delta 1 1/2HP DC with my saw.

Thanks again for your advise.
Steve