Table Saw Splitter
Intro: Table Saw Splitter
Make a splitter for your table saw if it does not have one or you are dissatisfied with your current unit. This is an essential safety mechanism. My saw came without one and I soon learned the hard way, (wood shooting like a bullet across the room) of its necessity. A riving knife serves the same purpose, only it moves with the blade, whereas the splitter remains fixed in place.
STEP 1: Steel
I have a Delta Model 36-678. There is a splitter attachment bolt inside the insert opening. Cut a piece of metal stock to the appropriate height and fit into this space.
STEP 2: Drill
Drill a hole for the attachment bolt.
STEP 3: Shape
Cut out a section of the stock so that the splitter is of the desired width.
STEP 4: Kerf
Remove metal from the surface to match the kerf of your table saw blade. Test the splitter in place so that it holds the trimmed stock against the saw fence and allows the larger stock to pass all the way through.
STEP 5: Attach
Adjust the splitter and tighten in place.
6 Comments
WyattS 4 years ago
The goal is to ensure that there is an absolutely minimal chance of any stock coming into contact with the back of the blade after it has been cut.
Re bulletin's about riving knife: by 2014 they became required equipment if a manufacturer wished to be UL listed (link below). If one has been removed from your saw, you should purchase or make a new one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f8VWwtaudU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUx8oTIALmg
https://www.woodmagazine.com/tool-reviews/tablesaws/splitter-or-riving-knife-what-s-the-difference
djpolymath 4 years ago
drewscreen 4 years ago
drewscreen 6 years ago
This is nice, and well documented. Any suggestions for what to do if your saw doesn't already have the built-in mount behind the blade?
WyattS 4 years ago
Myfootsasmokin 7 years ago