I just picked up a used rockwell 10" contractors table saw off craigslist. it is in pretty good shape and I plan to use it for some projects. my table saw experience is limited to shop class in high school, so I'm taking the cautious route and reading up a lot about techniques and safety before making cuts with it.
one immediate issue is that it doesn't have the blade guard or splitter. it seems that nearly everyone recommends using a splitter, even if they prefer not to use the guard. buying a replacement from delta seems like it will be expensive or perhaps impossible (backordered?), and I also don't think I have the necessary mounting bracket for the rear mounting point of the original splitter/guard assembly (pictured here: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/splitter-wbushing-p-84421.html)
I'm interested to hear people's thoughts about
1) making my own splitter with an aluminum ruler like this one:
http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/howto_splitter.htm
2) whether I actually need a splitter if I'm using the saw for crosscutting shorter boards of various sizes using the miter guage
3) if there is a generic/aftermarket splitter/guard that would work well and is less expensive than ordering the delta part. (for example, at the bottom of the above link there is a picture of the powermatic model 66 splitter which looks almost identical to the delta/rockwell one)
4) other necessary safety accessories (in addition to push stick and glasses).
one immediate issue is that it doesn't have the blade guard or splitter. it seems that nearly everyone recommends using a splitter, even if they prefer not to use the guard. buying a replacement from delta seems like it will be expensive or perhaps impossible (backordered?), and I also don't think I have the necessary mounting bracket for the rear mounting point of the original splitter/guard assembly (pictured here: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/splitter-wbushing-p-84421.html)
I'm interested to hear people's thoughts about
1) making my own splitter with an aluminum ruler like this one:
http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/howto_splitter.htm
2) whether I actually need a splitter if I'm using the saw for crosscutting shorter boards of various sizes using the miter guage
3) if there is a generic/aftermarket splitter/guard that would work well and is less expensive than ordering the delta part. (for example, at the bottom of the above link there is a picture of the powermatic model 66 splitter which looks almost identical to the delta/rockwell one)
4) other necessary safety accessories (in addition to push stick and glasses).