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Wanted: splitter and blade guard for older JET table saw

8K views 21 replies 10 participants last post by  Dreek 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have available to me a nearly brand new condition JWTS-10jf saw, 10" right-tilt contractor saw with a great aftermarket fence. Problem is, it is missing the splitter and blade guard, which I value highly and is a deal-breaker. JET no longer makes these parts, so I'm looking for either a used one, or someone to do a tracing of theirs (the important part, the splitter, is just a flat piece of metal of a certain shape and thickness, so I may fabricate it myself.)

Can anyone help? I'd really like to avoid paying $200 for a shark…
 
#2 ·
Please don't pass on a good deal because of that.

That is not a true splitter because it will not keep your work against the fence.
All its really for is the anti kickback cauls (which don't work anyway).

I took mine off from day 1 and made my own zero clearance inserts.

Making a splitter is a piece of cake or get something like the MicroJig splitter (which I now use).
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I was looking for the same parts for a Delta 10" contractor saw of mine I was thinking of selling and didn't have much luck either. The conclusion I came to was that if a contractor saw doesn't have the blade guard it's resale value drops significantly. I would factor in the $200 part in your decision and if it's still a good deal it might be worth it. I'm sure I could sell it without a guard but either the person buying it would want a good deal to make up for the lack of one or not know any better which isn't comforting to me either.

Good luck.
 
#4 ·
Robert, does your MicroJig work well for you? I passed on that idea because I read that they keep popping out after a while. Has that happened to you? Also I observed that they do nothing for bevel cuts, not to mention that they make the shark look like the deal of the century by comparison, considering the the MJ splitter costs like $25 and is made from less plastic than a McDonald's Happy Meal toy :) I will consider them, but they seem like a partial solution that leaves me exposed to injury during, or unable to perform, those bevel cuts.

Please don t pass on a good deal because of that.

That is not a true splitter because it will not keep your work against the fence.
All its really for is the anti kickback cauls (which don t work anyway).

I took mine off from day 1 and made my own zero clearance inserts.

Making a splitter is a piece of cake or get something like the MicroJig splitter (which I now use).

- Robert Engel
 
#5 ·
@Richard H It remains a decent deal, because the saw is selling for $375 but is truly newish AND includes a nice Vega fence with micro adjust. The mount for the shark seems to be designed relatively flimsy compared to the original part, because it mounts on only one of the two factory provided mount points (the one accessed through the blade slot.) I'm still exploring cheaper options - I don't like feeling ripped off, even if the net result is a slight positive. It's not at all impressive, but is quite expensive.

I was looking for the same parts for a Delta 10" contractor saw of mine I was thinking of selling and didn t have much luck either. The conclusion I came to was that if a contractor saw doesn t have the blade guard it s resale value drops significantly. I would factor in the $200 part in your decision and if it s still a good deal it might be worth it. I m sure I could sell it without a guard but either the person buying it would want a good deal to make up for the lack of one or not know any better which isn t comforting to me either.

Good luck.

- Richard H
 
#6 ·
@Richard H It remains a decent deal, because the saw is selling for $375 but is truly newish AND includes a nice Vega fence with micro adjust. The mount for the shark seems to be designed relatively flimsy compared to the original part, because it mounts on only one of the two factory provided mount points (the one accessed through the blade slot.) I m still exploring cheaper options - I don t like feeling ripped off, even if the net result is a slight positive. It s not at all impressive, but is quite expensive.

I was looking for the same parts for a Delta 10" contractor saw of mine I was thinking of selling and didn t have much luck either. The conclusion I came to was that if a contractor saw doesn t have the blade guard it s resale value drops significantly. I would factor in the $200 part in your decision and if it s still a good deal it might be worth it. I m sure I could sell it without a guard but either the person buying it would want a good deal to make up for the lack of one or not know any better which isn t comforting to me either.

Good luck.

- Richard H

- Jeff Mazur
I did find a few of the original Delta's versions out there by googling the part number I got from the service manual online but it was I think on average about $300 which wasn't far off from what I thought I would try and sell the saw for. I am holding off selling the saw for now hoping that the original fence reappears. I'm planning on emptying out my garage and going though all my boxes this spring as it should be somewhere in there.
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have not had any issue with my Micro Jig Splitter constantly coming out. However, I don't cut many large slabs of hardwood either.

Not sure why they would pop out over time, unless the ZCI was made out of something soft, the wrongs "pins" were used, or a thinner blade was installed (thinner than the one used to set up the Jig) .

I use a Phenolic Table Saw Insert from Rockler, matched with the blade I set up with the jig, and I have no issues.

Cheers!
 
#8 ·
@GFactor - that's encouraging to hear, and makes sense. I have no idea whether the author of the review I referred to was using proper inserts or not. Your case gives me cause to think that I can at the very least make straight cuts safely and without breaking the bank to implement the safety measure.
 
#10 ·
Problem is, it is missing the splitter and blade guard, which I value highly and is a deal-breaker.

If the blade guard is a 'deal-breaker' for you, then you are going to be very disappointed since a good majority of used saws are missing them (and for a very good reason!). Blade guards, motor covers and pork-chop guards on old jointers are piling up someplace in the world and whoever finds the pile will become an instant millionaire :)

Cheers,
Brad
 
#12 ·
If you really want the original splitter, it looks like Sears parts might have it. It doesn't say it's no longer available like some of the other parts, but rather to contact customer service for availability.

I have a newer JWTS-10 and one of the first things I did was get rid of the splitter and guard (both are terrible) and get the Shark Guard. I haven't regretted it. It's a little spendy, but mine came with three different splitters and of course the guard. I've also added an aftermarket fence and a Saw Stop cast iron extension wing and have been very pleased.
 
#13 ·
@blockhead - thank you for the lead, followed up, they're also out of them. Good to hear that you feel the shark's worthwhile. That'll be my spendy fall-back plan.

@MrUnix - yup, getting that impression - people do hate a lot of the included standard splitters and guards for a reason, usually cuz they're awkward to use. It's just that I figure it's even more awkward to try to cut wood with 9 fingers, or with one eye, or from inside a coffin ;)

@knotscott - will check into it thx.

So, I have decided to get the saw, I will work something out. I don't belong with this hobby if I can't make solutions happen - time to grow a pair, so to speak. If I can't make it happen, I'll re-sell the thing to someone who doesn't care as much about safety. Simple right? :)
 
#15 ·
@firefighter' - Thanks kindly - I think it's long odds, but you never know - tell me the model number of your saw and I'll do the research, should be easy to see whether they're the same or close by looking at the diagrams on ereplacementparts.com.
 
#17 ·
UPDATE - found my replacement guard, someone had mentioned that he's not using his in a YouTube video (he's got the same saw), and when I contacted him he agreed to sell it to me for a reasonable price.

Thanks very much to all who offered insights!

JM
 
#18 ·
AND Remember, just because you are getting your safety items, does NOT mean you will keep all 10 fingers, both eyes, etc.

The most dangerous tool in your shop is the one that you don't think will hurt you! The second most dangerous tool in your shop is the one that you are afraid of.

Every time you get ready to turn on the saw
 
#22 ·
Well, the guard I found turns out NOT to fit, because my saw lacks the mounting holes needed on the rear trunnion, and the proportions of the splitter are slightly off for the blade opening in the table. (So now I have a guard made for the newer version of my saw if anyone is interested LOL! - and I can walk you through the steps of verifying it will work for yours, been there, done that :)

So it appears that I will either be going with a ZCI-mounted insert (no good for bevel cuts, though), a rail-mounted custom insert (also no good for bevels, but can be built strong enough to hold a guard), or a legit riving knife which would have to mount on the arbor swing arm and would require tapping a couple of mount holes into said arm. I think I'm going to order a Micro Jig splitter for now and explore the other two options at my leisure. I have a feeling that the best solution's going to be expensive. I have asked for help from Bork (Bob Ross, Walnut Acres Woodworking) and hope he can offer a product or good guidance.
 
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