Dennis Peacock
07-10-2005, 8:07 AM
OK.....Here is the answer that I got from MJ about Jim DeLaney's and others issues with the MJ splitter:
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Generally, there are two possibilities that will cause the MJ Splitter to be pulled out of the mounting holes:
1. Using a Thin Kerf Blade with the 1/8” Green MJ Splitter.
2. Ripping a reaction board that closes and binds the MJ Splitter.
Both cases, the kerf becomes narrower than the splitter body and acts like a pair of pliers to pull the splitter in the direction of the feeding. When a MJ Splitter is pulled from its mounting holes due to “closing force” of the stock, it acts as a “kerf keeper” and sending a signal to the operator that the wood board is reacting and it is dangerous to continue with table saw operation. When using a conventional splitter with “reaction wood,” this will cause the work piece to bind the splitter and saw blade. As well as, cause possible equipment damage and a hazardous working environment For the same reason, we do not suggest the use of a Thin Kerf Splitter on a 1/8” saw blade, it will generate a larger closing force on the saw blade.
As we understand, most of the woodworkers do not use a conventional splitter because of the hassle of installing/removing/reinstalling (possible re-alignment). However, because of the simplicity and convenience of using the MJ Splitter, MJ Splitter is actually putting in used by its owner..
It was a decision for us whether to make it simple to use and use it as a kerf keeper if it were to be pulled out, or we should reinforce it by a fastener at the bottom of the ZCI and so it requires an extra step to remove, it would probably not be used as much. We would very much appreciate to hear preferences from the group.
Anyway, we did put an Important Warning message on the Installation Manual:
<B>Important:</B> <I>All Micro Jig products are designed to increase both safety and accuracy in woodworking. Thus, an additional feature of the MJ Splitter is that it serves as a warning device when wood is not suitable for cutting on the table saw, or when your technique is inherently unsafe. Cutting wood with internal stress on the table saw can often lead to bodily injury as well as damage to equipment regardless of the type of safety devices in use. While closing or twisting behind the saw blade, wood with a great amount of internal stress may grab both sides of the MJ Splitter and pull it out of its mounting holes. Unsafe cutting technique can also pull the MJ Splitter from the ZCI, e.g., improper feeding with no downward pressure can cause the wood to lift off the table saw surface, and excessive feeding pressure from the off-cut side toward the fence can cause the wood to pinch the MJ Splitter. Although the MJ Splitter will act as a “kerf keeper” if it is pulled out of its mounting holes during a cutting operation – you must consider this event a warning signal! Turn off the table saw immediately to avoid personal injury and damage to equipment due to uncontrollable wood movement, and take the appropriate corrective action before proceeding. The use of the standard kerf green MJ Splitter (SP-0125) with a Thin Kerf blade may also cause the MJ Splitter to pop out. Using a Thin Kerf Yellow MJ Splitter (SP-0100TK) with a 1/8” saw blade may leave too much of a gap, which will lessen its effectiveness. Be sure to choose the MJ Splitter designed for the thickness of your saw blade in present use!</I>
If you have lost your installation manual, here is the link to the Installation Manual. (http://www.microjig.com/PDF/SingleSplitterInstallationManual1Si V2.3LTR.pdf) It is the last paragraph in the manual.
There are different ways to keep the MJ Splitter in place and prevent it from being pulled out as a “kerf keeper” in the same situation.
1. To epoxy the MJ Splitter permanently into a dedicated ZCI.
2. To install double MJ Splitters – one for the keeper piece and the other for the off cut piece (both with mini feather board effect). The double MJ Splitters not only keeping both sides of the board clear of the rear spinning saw teeth for cleaner and safer cut, it also releases the binding from a closing board – cause the closing board closes on surfaces of two different MJ splitters. However, there is limitation on installing double MJ Splitters, please watch a slide show on the double MJ Splitters (http://www.microjig.com/MJ_Splitter_Thin_Kerf.htm) for more information. The slide show is illustrated with the yellow Thin Kerf MJ Splitter, it will be the same steps for the green 1/8” kerf MJ Splitter.
For those who have a deformed pin on the MJ Splitter insert, please give us a call at <B>(407) 696-6695</B> or email us at sales@microjig.com and we will offer you a best possible solution.
We are also looking into other possible approaches to meet the preferences of the end users. We are listening, we do appreciate those who have supported us and shared their experiences with our products.
<B>----- End of Response from MJ -----</B>
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Generally, there are two possibilities that will cause the MJ Splitter to be pulled out of the mounting holes:
1. Using a Thin Kerf Blade with the 1/8” Green MJ Splitter.
2. Ripping a reaction board that closes and binds the MJ Splitter.
Both cases, the kerf becomes narrower than the splitter body and acts like a pair of pliers to pull the splitter in the direction of the feeding. When a MJ Splitter is pulled from its mounting holes due to “closing force” of the stock, it acts as a “kerf keeper” and sending a signal to the operator that the wood board is reacting and it is dangerous to continue with table saw operation. When using a conventional splitter with “reaction wood,” this will cause the work piece to bind the splitter and saw blade. As well as, cause possible equipment damage and a hazardous working environment For the same reason, we do not suggest the use of a Thin Kerf Splitter on a 1/8” saw blade, it will generate a larger closing force on the saw blade.
As we understand, most of the woodworkers do not use a conventional splitter because of the hassle of installing/removing/reinstalling (possible re-alignment). However, because of the simplicity and convenience of using the MJ Splitter, MJ Splitter is actually putting in used by its owner..
It was a decision for us whether to make it simple to use and use it as a kerf keeper if it were to be pulled out, or we should reinforce it by a fastener at the bottom of the ZCI and so it requires an extra step to remove, it would probably not be used as much. We would very much appreciate to hear preferences from the group.
Anyway, we did put an Important Warning message on the Installation Manual:
<B>Important:</B> <I>All Micro Jig products are designed to increase both safety and accuracy in woodworking. Thus, an additional feature of the MJ Splitter is that it serves as a warning device when wood is not suitable for cutting on the table saw, or when your technique is inherently unsafe. Cutting wood with internal stress on the table saw can often lead to bodily injury as well as damage to equipment regardless of the type of safety devices in use. While closing or twisting behind the saw blade, wood with a great amount of internal stress may grab both sides of the MJ Splitter and pull it out of its mounting holes. Unsafe cutting technique can also pull the MJ Splitter from the ZCI, e.g., improper feeding with no downward pressure can cause the wood to lift off the table saw surface, and excessive feeding pressure from the off-cut side toward the fence can cause the wood to pinch the MJ Splitter. Although the MJ Splitter will act as a “kerf keeper” if it is pulled out of its mounting holes during a cutting operation – you must consider this event a warning signal! Turn off the table saw immediately to avoid personal injury and damage to equipment due to uncontrollable wood movement, and take the appropriate corrective action before proceeding. The use of the standard kerf green MJ Splitter (SP-0125) with a Thin Kerf blade may also cause the MJ Splitter to pop out. Using a Thin Kerf Yellow MJ Splitter (SP-0100TK) with a 1/8” saw blade may leave too much of a gap, which will lessen its effectiveness. Be sure to choose the MJ Splitter designed for the thickness of your saw blade in present use!</I>
If you have lost your installation manual, here is the link to the Installation Manual. (http://www.microjig.com/PDF/SingleSplitterInstallationManual1Si V2.3LTR.pdf) It is the last paragraph in the manual.
There are different ways to keep the MJ Splitter in place and prevent it from being pulled out as a “kerf keeper” in the same situation.
1. To epoxy the MJ Splitter permanently into a dedicated ZCI.
2. To install double MJ Splitters – one for the keeper piece and the other for the off cut piece (both with mini feather board effect). The double MJ Splitters not only keeping both sides of the board clear of the rear spinning saw teeth for cleaner and safer cut, it also releases the binding from a closing board – cause the closing board closes on surfaces of two different MJ splitters. However, there is limitation on installing double MJ Splitters, please watch a slide show on the double MJ Splitters (http://www.microjig.com/MJ_Splitter_Thin_Kerf.htm) for more information. The slide show is illustrated with the yellow Thin Kerf MJ Splitter, it will be the same steps for the green 1/8” kerf MJ Splitter.
For those who have a deformed pin on the MJ Splitter insert, please give us a call at <B>(407) 696-6695</B> or email us at sales@microjig.com and we will offer you a best possible solution.
We are also looking into other possible approaches to meet the preferences of the end users. We are listening, we do appreciate those who have supported us and shared their experiences with our products.
<B>----- End of Response from MJ -----</B>