Blade guard and dust collection

[Ed in Tampa]

A while back someone mentioned the current Shopnotes had an article on
t-tracks, so when I saw it I bought a copy. Frankly the article on T-tracks left more questions than it answered but that is another thread.

In the same issue they gave plans for an upper blade guard and dust collection system that just begs to be on the Shopsmith 510/520. In the article they show their mounted on an accessory t-track mounted on a Beismeyer type fence. Since the 510/520 fence already have a t-track built in, we are one step ahead of the pack.

If you look at the article the upper guard and dust system provides super blade protection, I would think excellent dust collection and from what I see go visibility to make a cut.

Basically the attach a support to the fence via t-track, to that support they attach two rods that hold the blade guard. They then build a customer blade guard that totally surrounds the blade and has a vac port. As you move the fence you extend the rods to keep the blade guard centered over your blade.

From the nature of the blade guard it would also serve as a hold down to help hold the piece your cutting onto the table. They use clear plastic on the sides of the blade guard to allow visibility plus cause a better seal to increase vaccum suction.

Anyone else seen the article, what do you think?

[dusty]

No, Ed, I haven't seen that but that is not surprising since I don't subscribe. However, if you would be more specific about what issue is the current issue. Armed with that info, I will go to Barnes and Noble and see if I can find a copy to read.

[Ed in Tampa]

Dusty
Mine says Vol 18 issue 103
On sale until March 3, 2009
The cover has the title 5 in 1 Table saw accessory System.
Page 10 startes the article on t-tracks
Page 14 an article on ripping on a band saw - very interesting
Page 16 wall mounted sharpening center - really neat
Page 34 rip fence accessory system - showing the overhead blade guard.

There is also an article on shop made sanding station with really neat sand paper storage and smaller articles on shop made shop accessories.

I don't subscribe to Shopnotes but the more I read various issues the more I think I should. This magazine is reasonably prices and packed with ideas each of us can easily make in our own shops.

[tdubnik]

I subscribe to Shopnotes and saw the article. I think that it is a good concept but I think it could also be a pain in the a--. Seems to me that it would add one more thing to be adjusted every time you move your fence.

I actually like the current guards on the 520. Once it's set it stays that way even if you move the quill feed or the fence. When my dust collector is hooked to the lower saw guard I have very little sawdust escape.

For my own set up, I'll keep what I have.

[fjimp]

I also suscribe and read the article. I find the shopsmith blade guard easier to use. The dust collector hose on the jig seems to me would always be in the way. I also l;ike being able to see thru my bladee guard. It looks neat but I fear would require more set up time than I desire. fjimp

[efmaron]

I made the saw guard for my MK V 500, just finished it last week with a few changes to fit my fence. I have been busy building a new tack room in the barn, so I have not had the time to use it. I will report back as soon as possible if I like it or not, my first impression is that the support rods will be in the way when the blade is close to the fence. I will try to run some wood through it next week and take some pictures.

[efmaron]

Well Guys,
It took me a while to get back to you about the saw guard, I have been busy with a project that did not require the SS. I did not get a chance to use it very much, but so far I like it. It is different from the SS plastic guard that I never liked. It will take some getting use to and I will make some more changes. the first change that I already did was to make a second mounting plate for cuts close to the fence, next I want to add a spliter on the back. Also want to make a bracket to hold the dust colletion hoses. The suction is great I just need to hold the hoses out of the way. I knew when I started making it that it would require so changes because it is so different from the original one .
pic 1 shows both mounting plates
2 is the fence plateform
3 saw guard
4 with the rod mounting plate
5 with the T track mounting plate for cutting close to the fence


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[Bruce]

It looks like setup would be a real pain. It might be good, though, for a production shop where you are making multiple copies of parts.

[Ed in Tampa]

I can see how at first take some would call it a pain but if you consider all the functions it serves and think of the time to set each in place it might not be that big of pain.

First is a blade guard. True usually the SS bladeguard once set in place doesn't have to be readjusted there are times the blade guard gets in the way.

Second top side dust collection. To do that without this you either must jerry rig some sort of dust collection or buy the Sharkguard for the Shopsmith that has dust collection built in.

Hold down: Here I think the Shopnote wins. Just by it's nature it becomes a hold down for nearly every cut. To duplicate that on a SS with this jig would be very time consumming. Yes I know most don't use a hold down but it does add to accuracy and safety.

Remember this is used in conjection with the fence so it mostly rip cuts, usually we make a series of identical rip cuts in each project so setup time needs to be spread over multiple cuts.

[efmaron]

Bruce,
I have heard that opinion many times over the past 28 years that I have owned a SS, about the SS from woodworkers that have never tried one.
From the very begining the SS was based on set up change.