Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • Projects & Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum
  • Gallery
  • Blogs
  • More
    • Log In
    • Join
    Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe
    Tools & Materials

    ARK Shark Guard from Leeway Workshop

    A riving knife for old cabinet saws

    Author Headshot By Matt Kenney Jul 25, 2017
    Article Image

    I have a 1969 Delta Unisaw, and I use it all the time. It runs smoothly, cuts well, and has a great rip fence (the Unifence). I love it, but I’ve been saving up to replace it for several years. Why? Safety. When I bought it, the saw did not have a splitter and blade guard. At first I made do with shopmade splitters and then a Beisemeyer splitter. But even a good splitter can’t compete with a riving knife.

    A riving knife follow’s the blade’s movement, tilting when it tilts, and changing height along with the blade. It is never more than a fraction of an inch away from the blade, which is why a riving knife is so effective at preventing kickback.

    I’m happy to report that I can put off that new saw for a bit, because I just installed the ARK Shark Guard from Leeway Workshop. “ARK” stands for adjustable riving knife. Technically, it’s a splitter, but effectively, it’s a riving knife because you can adjust the height to follow the blade’s height. A quick turn of a ratchet handle loosens the knife so you can move it up or down. It takes less than 30 seconds. A great benefit of the adjustable height is that you can lower it to be under the blade’s crown and leave it in place for non-through cuts.

    The ARK Shark Guard comes with a fantastic blade guard. It’s clear, so you can keep an eye on the workpiece as you cut, and it moves easily up and over the workpiece as it’s fed through the blade. There is a dust port on top of the guard that is available in several sizes to accommodate different hose diameters.

    Installation requires installing a new bracket to the saw’s trunnions, but this was not difficult and took me less than 10 minutes. I was able to align the riving knife to the blade in about the same amount of time. To remove the knife completely, you must remove the ratchet handle and a second bolt. For most folks, this won’t be an issue, but if you ever use a blade thinner than a thin-kerf blade (I use a 71⁄4-in. circular-saw blade when making kumiko), it can be a hassle.

    The ARK Shark Guard fits many older Delta Unisaws, some older Grizzly cabinet saws, and other saws that are clones of the Unisaw. It’s a great replacement for the factory splitter and blade guard, and a vast safety improvement over nothing at all.

    Issue #263 Sep/Oct 2017

    Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

    Sign Up

    Safety and visibility. For through-cuts, the riving knife’s blade guard allows for a perfect view of the cut and will fit different dust-hose diameters.

    Quick height adjustment. A quarter turn of the ratchet handle loosens the knife so you can adjust it to match the blade’s height.

    Low profile. The knife can be set just under the blade’s height, so it can remain in place for non-through cuts like those needed for drawerbottom grooves.

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up
    ×
    X
    X

    New Feature

    Fine Woodworking Forums

    Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

    Get It All!

    UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Subscribe to Fine Woodworking

    Save up to 56%

    Subscribe

    Comments

    1. User avater
      Grantman | Jul 26, 2017 06:15am | #1

      Quick question: do you think that will work on contractor's saws?

    2. cdawley4 | Jul 27, 2017 04:34am | #2

      Will this work with a Craftsman model 315.228390 table saw?

    3. user-172929 | Jul 27, 2017 05:52pm | #3

      Will this be available for the Powermatic 66?

    4. jweisgram | Jul 29, 2017 11:51pm | #4

      It's hard to say what damlsaws this will work with. I've been aware of the original shark guard for some time and Lee has models for many different saws. Better than most splitters, but not a riving knife

    5. jweisgram | Jul 29, 2017 11:58pm | #5

      I'd like to fix my earlier comment, I didn't intend it to be sent in that mangled state.

      You should visit http://www.thesharkguard.com to learn more about specific saws. The earlier splitter version of the shark guard has been adapted for a wide variety of table saws, so there is Hope that Lee plans to expand the models the new guard will work with.

      On the other hand the old model guard and supplier combination is very superior to any aftermarket guard/splitter I have seen so it is worth checking out in any case.

    6. Fattboyy | Oct 09, 2017 07:19pm | #6

      I bought one two years ago. I never used a guard before I got the shark guard. The original on my Unisaw was awful. I LOVE this product and now I use my guard religiously. It is clearly so much safer to operate my saw with this guard.

    7. izenh | Jan 08, 2018 11:38am | #7

      I have a contractor's saw and bought an ARK for my saw that works fine and is much more stable that the original. It also has a vacuum port that works well to control dust.

    8. user-217321 | Jan 22, 2020 12:20pm | #8

      Well, I have to say this is worse than a complete bust. I ordered a riving knife set for my older Jet table saw early last September, 2019. In late September or early October they sent me on that did not fit, and Lee confessed they had made a mistake and said they'd send me the right one. I said I'd be patient. After several weeks, I inquired and after a long delay Lee apologized that he was busy. Still several weeks later I inquired again, and this time he finally responded that he'd been ill but would jump on it. No reply so in early December I inquired again. This was ignored. So in late December I sent them an e-mail asking for my money back and offering to send their mistaken one back. Completely ignored. So twice in January 2020 I've tried again, and again ignored. The most recent a letter that said I think they must be either out of business or were cheating me, so just send my money back. No response. I give up, and would not deal with these folks for anything again. $150 or so that I gave them is not coming back, nor is the right device. I'm not going to travel from Arizona across the country to try to collect it.
      A pox on them.

    9. NiceDrum | Feb 20, 2020 12:44pm | #9

      Reply to user-217321: I read in another forum that Lee unexpectedly, and unfortunately, passed away in January 2020 or so. That would explain the lack of response. In that other forum thread, I understood that his son was taking over his business and was responding to inquiries and filling orders. I would try them again if you haven't already. From the sound of the family, they do try to make things right.

    Log in or create an account to post a comment.

    Sign up Log in

    Up Next

    Featured Workshop

    Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

    He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

    Featured Projects & Plans

    Build a Contemporary Sideboard

    Chris Gochnour's sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

    Related Stories

    • Tool review: Bench Top DC from Oneida Air Systems

    • Herding apprentices

    • Tool review: Rockler router bit center depth gauge

    • Tool review: Infinity router bit vise

    Discussion Forum

    Recent Posts and Replies

    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    View More Create Post

    Member Exclusives

    More Member Exclusives
    • Window Box with Corbels

      Window Box with Corbels

      Curvy corbels add a decorative twist to this simple home project.

    • cedar bench with planters

      Cedar Planters with a Bench

      This simple project can transform any outdoor living space.

    • Holding and Moving Work

      Use these shop helpers as aids to trouble-free finishing.

    • The Care and Feeding of Brushes

      Follow a pro's advice for brush cleaning and maintenance.

    Highlights

    • Shape Your Skills

      when you sign up for our emails

      Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking.

      Sign Up
    • Shop Talk Live Podcast

      Shop Talk Live Podcast

      Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community.

    • Woodpecker Sweepstakes

      Woodpeckers Shop Upgrade Giveaway

      Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Click for full details.

    • Staff Picks Blog

      Our favorite articles and videos

      We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.

    Accessories

    View All
    • Rockler router bit center depth gauge

      Tool review: Rockler router bit center depth gauge

    • Infinity router bit vise

      Tool review: Infinity router bit vise

    • Shopmade tablesaw tenoning jig

      Shopmade tablesaw tenoning jig

    • A couple neat things to keep around the shop

    View All

    From the Store

    View More
    • 52 Boxes in 52 Weeks

      Buy Now
    • Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking USB

      Buy Now
    • 2020 Fine Woodworking Archive

      Buy Now
    • The Why & How of Woodworking

      Buy Now
    View More

    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • #289-May/June 2021

      • Arts and Crafts coffee table with story-book charm
      • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
      • Seven tasks for a block plane
    • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

      • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
      • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend
    • #287-Jan/Feb 2021

      • Simple, handsome 17th-century box
      • Online extras from FWW issue #287
      • Editor's letter: Finding sanctuary in the shop
    • #286-Tools & Shops 2021

      • Shoulder plane setup and use
      • Online extras from FWW issue #286
      • From the editor: A shop to call home
    • #285-Nov/Dec 2020

      • Make a dovetailed desktop organizer
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #285
      • Announcing FWW ambassadors

    UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

    Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

    Fine WoodWorking

    Follow

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Membership & Magazine

    • Members
    • Digital Libraries
    • Join Unlimited
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Manage Preferences

    Taunton Network

    • Fine Homebuilding
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Fine Gardening
    • Threads
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Careers
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights

    © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Get instant access to over 100 digital plans available only to UNLIMITED members. Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building!

      Main Menu

    • Projects and Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum

      Popular Topics

    • Design
    • Small Projects
    • Beds
    • Chairs, Benches And Stools
    • Built-ins
    • Storage And Shelves
    • Cabinets
    • Carving
    • Casework
    • Desks
    • Tables
    • Shop Storage And Furniture
    • Woodturning Projects
    • Workbenches
    • Surface Prep

      More

    • TV
    • Forum
    • Blogs
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Customer Support

      Account

    • Log In
    • Join

      Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Libraries
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe

      Membership

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Unlimited
    • Log In

      Shop the Store

    • Books
    • DVDs
    • Taunton Workshops

      Events

    • Fine Woodworking Live
    • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

      Account

    • Log In
    • Sign Up

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Follow

    UNLIMITED

    Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Upgrade Membership