Micro Jig MJ tablesaw splitter.....

[Terry Hatfield]

Howdy,

Folks if you have not seen this new splitter, you really need to check it out. Especially if you do not currently use a splitter. Micro Jig (the Gripper folks) had this at the KC woodworking show and it was too good to pass up for $15. I have a full review of the splitter in the "Tool Review" section of my site if you would like to check it out.

No affiliation with Mocro Jig at all. I just think this is one very cool safety device that many would benefit from. This is the best thing I have seen come down the pike in a long time.

Thanks,

Terry

[Jim Harsha]

Thanks for the review Terry. I have one on order and should receive it this week.

[Jeff Skory]

I talked to Henry at the beginning of the week and ordered one. Got it but haven't installed it yet. I still have my drill bit splitter so I'm ok until I take the time to do it. Maybe after I finish posting this. :D

[Jeff Hamilton]

I visited T, shop today and watched him install and try out this splitter
the installation was simple and quite effective. I can't wait to get my own.
Jeff H

[Jack Diemer]

Put mine in yesterday. This is definately the woodworking invention of the year. It took me 15 minutes to do because with the 1st one, you make a jig of sorts. I could do the next one in about a 3rd of the time.

It was funny, the microjig folks only mentioned this splitter only as an afterthought to the Gripper presentation. Scott, Terry and I looked at each other for about a half second, and bought 3 of them on the spot.

Only difference between this and the $120 splitters is that it only works for 90 degree cuts. I would have easily paid double the price for this.

[Terry Hatfield]

Put mine in yesterday. This is definately the woodworking invention of the year. It took me 15 minutes to do because with the 1st one, you make a jig of sorts. I could do the next one in about a 3rd of the time.

It was funny, the microjig folks only mentioned this splitter only as an afterthought to the Gripper presentation. Scott, Terry and I looked at each other for about a half second, and bought 3 of them on the spot.

Only difference between this and the $120 splitters is that it only works for 90 degree cuts. I would have easily paid double the price for this.


Yesterday???? Oh man, I thought I was gonna be the first. :D

Agree with Jack on the presentation deal. The guy treated it kinda like an after thought. The 3 of us immediately saw the potential in the splitter. Great idea.

Terry

[Steve Roxberg]

Only difference between this and the $120 splitters is that it only works for 90 degree cuts. I would have easily paid double the price for this.

Not to disagree, but my splitter has anti-kick back pawls as well.

This is a huge improvement over nothing though, and I wouldn't run my saw without the splitter attached for rip cuts.

[Tyler Howell]

Mine's in and works great. Has solved a lot of problems.;)

[Ralph Steffey]

I just put one of the splitters on my Pm-66 last week and for the money I think it is a great invention. I wouldnot use the pauls even if I had them.

[Larry Browning]

Do you think this splitter would work on a Shopsmith? I have a zci for it, but it seems to me that allignment might a problem because of the way the blade can be adjusted in and out. Any thoughts on this?

larry

[Terry Hatfield]

Larry,

I don't see why not. It should work with any zero clearance insert as long as you can drill the holes to mount it.

I guess you could tell I didn't go to Ft. Smith last week. I'll shoot you an email later this week.

Terry

[Larry Browning]

Larry,

I don't see why not. It should work with any zero clearance insert as long as you can drill the holes to mount it.

I guess you could tell I didn't go to Ft. Smith last week. I'll shoot you an email later this week.

Terry

Terry,
It was just as well, I was sick all week. I didn't feel bad enough to miss work, but I didn't make it down to the shop at all.

Larry

[Dan Stuewe]

I noticed that several times it is mentioned to raise the saw blade to its full height. I guess this is so that the splitter will be clear of the blade no matter the blade height. But I wonder, would it be valuable to have a zero-clearance insert for cutting 4/4 or even 8/4 where the blade is set lower, thus bringing the splitter closer to the back of the blade?

It looks like the splitter is a couple inches behind the blade when the blade is at a more common height (based on the pictures).

Now of course, you can keep you blade up high on all cuts, but I think some like to raise the blade only has high as necessary.

What do those of you who've used it think?

[Steve Roxberg]

I noticed that several times it is mentioned to raise the saw blade to its full height. I guess this is so that the splitter will be clear of the blade no matter the blade height. But I wonder, would it be valuable to have a zero-clearance insert for cutting 4/4 or even 8/4 where the blade is set lower, thus bringing the splitter closer to the back of the blade?

It looks like the splitter is a couple inches behind the blade when the blade is at a more common height (based on the pictures).

What do those of you who've used it think?

That's a good idea, I think it would work well.

[Mike Scoggins]

Terry,

I picked up the same splitter and zero clearance insert at the Woodworking Show in Houston a couple of weekends ago. I have had zero shop time since then, but am anxious to get it installed and give it a try.

I have been hesitant to spend the $ for the other after-market splitters because of their price. If the Micro-Jig splitter does the trick I am thrilled, and I don't see why it won't for the vast majority of cuts I make.

Mike

[Scott Coffelt]

Just make different inserts for the basic heights you are looking at if you want it closer. The splitter removes easily so changing out wouldn't be a problem.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

I take it you guys don't use the clear plastic blade guard supplied with your saws?

[Terry Hatfield]

I take it you guys don't use the clear plastic blade guard supplied with your saws?

Dennis,

Can't speak for everyone of course, but I am using an overarm guard instead of the factory guard.

Terry

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[Mark Singer]

Thanks Terry,
I ordered mine today

[Mike Kelly]

I noticed that several times it is mentioned to raise the saw blade to its full height. I guess this is so that the splitter will be clear of the blade no matter the blade height. But I wonder, would it be valuable to have a zero-clearance insert for cutting 4/4 or even 8/4 where the blade is set lower, thus bringing the splitter closer to the back of the blade?

It looks like the splitter is a couple inches behind the blade when the blade is at a more common height (based on the pictures).

Now of course, you can keep you blade up high on all cuts, but I think some like to raise the blade only has high as necessary.

What do those of you who've used it think?


Dan, I thought the same thing and tried to do that. The problem is that the 10" blade at shallow cuts extends about and inch or more past the rear of the kerf. I have a few pictures that show what you are asking. The first one shows a 3/4" board with saw teeth extending just above board. I tried to mount the splitter as close as possible with this configuration and had to try twice to get the plastic out of harms way with the blade. You can see one of the holes of the first attempt. Just be careful when raising the blade with this setup. It does work just fine.

[Mike Evertsen]

I bought a splitter from the milwaukee show.I installed it but it don't fit the kerf from my blade,,,,then I read in the instructions works only with (I think) 1/8" carbide blades and I use steel blades,,,,

[Chris Padilla]

Mike, it is true that these particular splitters are designed for an 1/8" kerf saw blade. You can't use them on a blade with a kerf narrower than that.

[Mike Kelly]

I bought a splitter from the milwaukee show.I installed it but it don't fit the kerf from my blade,,,,then I read in the instructions works only with (I think) 1/8" carbide blades and I use steel blades,,,,

Mike, if you have a thin kerf blade the splitter won't work. If you have a standard 1/8" steel blade it should work fine. It takes a bit of patience to set up and align correctly, but then it is OK unless loosened for some reason. Read the instructions again and retry alignment. You might want to put a standard kerf blade on your birthday list!

[Sam Chambers]

Do you think this splitter would work on a Shopsmith? I have a zci for it, but it seems to me that allignment might a problem because of the way the blade can be adjusted in and out. Any thoughts on this?

larryLarry:

Shopsmith actually has one of the best splitter/blade guards made in the U.S.. The splitter is actually a european-style riving knife that stays very close to the back of the blade regardless of blade height. (That's because the Shopsmith doesn't have a moving arbor...you change the table height to adjust the depth of cut.) It's one of the few things I miss about my old Shopsmith 510.

In other words, you're better off using what came with your Shopsmith.

[Jim Shaver, Oakville Ont]

Hi Terry,

That is so simple, Duh!!!

Take care,
Jim

[Terry Hatfield]

Ok thin kerf dudes....

I emailed Henry Wang from Micro-Jig with the thin kerf question. I don't see why they could't make a thin kerf version, for that matter I don't see why you couldn't sand the regular kerf splitter a bit and make a thin kerf splitter out of it. There are 2 splitters with every kit anyway.

I'll report back when I hear from Henry.

Terry

[Larry Browning]

Larry:

Shopsmith actually has one of the best splitter/blade guards made in the U.S.. The splitter is actually a european-style riving knife that stays very close to the back of the blade regardless of blade height. (That's because the Shopsmith doesn't have a moving arbor...you change the table height to adjust the depth of cut.) It's one of the few things I miss about my old Shopsmith 510.

In other words, you're better off using what came with your Shopsmith.

Sam,
I have a 1976 model shopsmith 500 that has a sad excuse for a splitter/blade guard that must be bolted on and is almost impossible to allign. But I'm not going to have to worry about it for much longer, I just placed my order for a Grizzly G1023SLX and that old shopsmith will never see another saw blade attached to it again :D
I am going to order one of these microjig splitters for my new saw tomorrow.

Larry

[Mark Singer]

I installed mine and kickbacks are reduced by 33 %! One of every three boards I rip dosen't log itself in my rool-up door....

Just kidding...I did install it and it seems to work fine...I haven't had too much time with it...I do like it!

[Sam Chambers]

Sam,
I have a 1976 model shopsmith 500 that has a sad excuse for a splitter/blade guard that must be bolted on and is almost impossible to allign. Larry:

My Shopsmith began as a 500, and I upgraded to a 510. The 510 splitter is a very good design and is easy to detach and reattach. It was a bit too flimsy for my taste, and I frequently had to bend it back into alighment. But a carefully made zero-clearance insert solved most of that.

Like you, I got tired of the Shopsmith's limitations, especially as a table saw. So about 2 years ago, I sold it - lock, stock & barrel - and bought individual machines. Selling the Shopsmith 510 with the bandsaw, jointer, belt sander and lathe duplicator yielded enough cash to buy a Delta contractor's saw, a Powermatic 6" jointer, a Grizzly floor model drill press, and a Ridgid oscillating belt/spindle sander. Not a bad trade, really.

Enjoy the new machine!

[Terry Hatfield]

Got email back from Micro-Jig.....

They are currently working on a thin kerf version of the splitter. No delivery date as of yet, but they will have a thin kerf version available in the future.

Terry

[Mike Scoggins]

Got email back from Micro-Jig.....

They are currently working on a thin kerf version of the splitter. No delivery date as of yet, but they will have a thin kerf version available in the future.

Terry

Terry,

Good to hear MicroJig is coming out with a thin-kerf splitter (I suggested/requested such on their web site just the other day). I think there will be sufficient demand as there are plenty of folks with thin-kerf blades (me included). I have a WWII thin-kerf blade that I kept when I moved up from a Jet contractor saw to my Grizzly 1023S.

Thanks for passing along the information. I'll be one of the first to place my order!

Mike

[Mike Kelly]

Sam,
I have a 1976 model shopsmith 500 that has a sad excuse for a splitter/blade guard that must be bolted on and is almost impossible to allign. But I'm not going to have to worry about it for much longer, I just placed my order for a Grizzly G1023SLX and that old shopsmith will never see another saw blade attached to it again :D
I am going to order one of these microjig splitters for my new saw tomorrow.

Larry
Don't forget to get material for a zero clearance insert to install the micro-jig splitter in.