Aftermarket riving knife and blade guard???

There are very few aftermarket riving knives, though there are several aftermarket splitters. Walnutacre Woodworking offers a retrofit riving knife called the BORK, and guard that I’ve been very happy with on my Shop Fox 1677. I’m not sure if it’ll fit your vintage of Unisaw, but I think it definitely fits some models.

My review of the BORK

My review of the BORK Blade Guard

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Thanks, KS!

Yeah, I’m aware of several, such as the BORK, Sharkguard, TS Guard, Brett Guard, Delta Uniguard, etc. Glad to know that the BORK worked well for you.

I guess I’m trying to understand why I’d need a true riving knife as opposed to the splitter. I know the riving knife, rising with the blade, allows its use for non-through cuts…but if the bolt-on splitter, as with the Sharkguard, detaches quick for such cuts, then I’m not sure a true riving knife is needed.

Just thought I’d survey the scene here at LJ about this topic.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

I often think people overemphasize the “need” for a riving knife. I do think it’s a better mousetrap, but the splitter will do the job too when it’s used. I had a custom made pop in splitter on my Cman 22124. It worked great, but the riving knife has a couple of advantages….first is that it’s in closer proximity to the blade which helps do a better job of preventing binding. The 2nd advantage you’ve already touched on…it can stay in place for through cuts, so it’s more likely to be there to do the job.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....