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Model W1811 (For Machines Mfd. Since 6/14)
Blade. Guard. &. Splitter/
Riving.Knife
The term "blade guard" refers to the assembly that
consists of the guard and splitter/riving knife assembly
(see Figure.48). Each of these components have
important safety functions.
Understanding.the.Blade.Guard
The guard encloses the top of the blade to reduce the
risk of accidental blade contact and contain flying chips
or dust.
The guard is designed to lift as the workpiece is pushed
into the blade, remain in contact with the workpiece
during the cut, then return to a resting position against
the table when the cut is complete. When installed and
properly maintained, the guard is an excellent tool for
reducing the risk of injury when operating the table saw.
To ensure that the guard does its job effectively, it
MUST be installed and adjusted so that it moves up and
down properly to accommodate workpieces and maintain
coverage over the blade.
Understanding.the.Splitter/Riving.Knife
The splitter/riving knife is a metal plate that prevents
the freshly cut pieces of the workpiece from pinching
the backside of the blade and causing a kickback. It also
acts as a barrier behind the blade to shield hands from
being pulled into the blade if a kickback occurs and the
operator is reaching behind the blade. (Reaching behind
the blade is a major safety risk and should not be done).
When.to.Use.the.Blade.Guard
The blade guard MUST be installed on the saw for all
normal through cuts (defined on owner's manual Page.11).
Sometimes the blade guard or its components can get in
the way when cutting very narrow workpieces or other
specialized cuts. Because the blade guard is provided to
decrease your risk of injury, it should not be used if it
gets in the way of making a safe cut. Use good judgment!
In general, the blade guard MUST remain installed on the
saw—unless a specific operation requires its removal.
If the blade guard is removed for specific operations,
always immediately replace it after those operations are
complete.
Guard
Splitter/Riving Knife
Figure.48. Blade guard assembly
To. ensure. that. the. splitter/riving. knife.
works. safely,. it. MUST. be. aligned. with.
and. correctly. adjusted. to. the. blade.
When to Use the Riving Knife Only
Use the splitter/riving knife without the
blade guard for any non-through cuts
(defined on owner's manual Page.11) or
narrow/specialized cuts in which the blade
guard gets in the way of a safe cut.
Always immediately replace the blade
guard when these cuts are complete!
When Not to Use Riving Knife
If you use a dado blade that has a diameter
smaller than 10", the splitter/riving knife
will be taller than the top of the blade,
which will prevent the cut from being
completed. In this case, the only way to
complete the cut is to remove the splitter/
riving knife.
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components.
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