Tablesaw Guards - Other Options

[Steve Kohn]

I am the recent owner of a used Powermatic 66 table saw. The Powermatic is an upgrade from a Delta contractor saw that has never seen the blade guard installed. Likewise, I have no plans to install the blade guard that has come with the Powermatic.

Any suggestions on other options that can be used that can be easily removed for Dado's or the like?

[Jim Becker]

I use a Biesemeyer snap-in splitter and an Excalibur overarm guard. The former is "on the saw" all the time except for non-through cuts and dado work and the latter gets used when I feel the need.

[Phil Pritchard]

Overhead guard, such as the Dust-Be-Gone (http://www.mv.com/users/besposito/woodworking/bladeguard/) or this home-made example (http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/blade_guard.pdf)

Scrit

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I just squint and try to remember to put my glasses on.

I could never get used to a guard.

[frank shic]

steve, you might want to take a look at lee styron's sharkguard. i just purchased one for my powermatic 64 after struggling with dust issues for the last two years. his newest creation allows you to hook up the standard 4" flexible hose directly to the top of the bladeguard which eliminated most of the dust on a recent project where i was cutting mdf blanks for raised panel doors. the bladeguard is not the only reason to purchase, however. the blade guard's splitter locks in place with a simple cam lever and can be easily removed without having to look for a wrence or a screwdriver. lee includes three different heights to accomodate different cutting processes including dado cutting. the lead time is around 6-8 weeks but it does a GRRRREAT job! check out the video clip of him running his truck over the bladeguard - reminds me of a certain greek woodworker...

http://www.leestyron.com/

[CPeter James]

This is the one I use. It swings out of the way iif you are running very tall things through. I use it all the time and feel naked without it. For a splitter, I have a piece of oak .130" mounted in the stud on the trunion behind the arbor. I also have a PM66. If you would like moreinfor and photos, let me know.

http://home.metrocast.net/~cpjvkj/ts.jpg

CPeter

[glenn bradley]

Penn State's TS-Guard works well, swings easily out of the way when required and has the dust collection ducting built into the mast/overarm so no draping hoses along the hood support.

[CPeter James]

Mine is an Exactor, Penn State's is identical except for the actual blade cover. Mine is about 8 years old.

CPeter

[Steve Kohn]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I will need to investigate further all of the suggestions.

[Aaron Beaver]

Can you buy Excalibur any more? I looked at amazon and did searches and couldn't find any online dealers. I am probably overlooking it.

[Chris Rosenberger]

Can you buy Excalibur any more? I looked at amazon and did searches and couldn't find any online dealers. I am probably overlooking it.

Excalibur is part of General. You should be able to order from anyone that sell General machines.