What does the tie bar guard do?

[charlese]

I take this piece of plastic off frequently. Also put it back frequently. When drilling or shaping in vertical position it is off. When sawing, it is back on. It is special when sawing. When removed, I also install the table insert with a round hole for dust collection.

The "guard" and it's two bolts have a special storage place along side saw blades. It has never been lost. It remains a good thing:D .

[poihths]

Thanks to all for the explanations, in particular the tips about how the tie bar guard improves dust collection. That gives me a reason to have it on, at least for table saw mode.

For clarity, I will confirm that I have the new Model 7, not the old Model VII, and that I am talking about part number 514115, listed as reference number 155 on p. B-10 of the manual and shown on the right side of the exploded diagram on p. B-9, again labelled as number 155.

Thanks again to all!

[JPG]

Thanks to all for the explanations, in particular the tips about how the tie bar guard improves dust collection. That gives me a reason to have it on, at least for table saw mode.

For clarity, I will confirm that I have the new Model 7, not the old Model VII, and that I am talking about part number 514115, listed as reference number 155 on p. B-10 of the manual and shown on the right side of the exploded diagram on p. B-9, again labelled as number 155.

Thanks again to all!

Not necessary. The VII had no such thingie!;)