Hi folks
Following a lot of flack after a “safety committee” walk through by a couple of complete know nothings (at least as regards woodworking machines….) and my subsequent “over my dead body” attitude regarding the installation of the factory blade guard on my shop’s PM 66, I have put in for and received approval for the purchase of an overarm blade guard.
My research seems to indicate two choices: Excalibur or HTC Brett-Guard.
Any opinions on either? Any negative feedback on either? Is the (considerable) additional cost of the HTC unit worth it? Dust collection efficacy? Ease/accuracy of adjustment or elimination for specific tasks? Any other brands to consider?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
I was faced with a similar need at a school shop. I went with the Delta guard. It doesn't have dust collection but that wasn't important with the large collection system I had. The Delta is a split guard. You can lift one side and leave the other down when doing narrow work close to the fence. Easy to remove or reposition. It doesn't have anti-kickback paws and those are required but the others didn't have them either.
Hammer:
Good info. Thank you sir.
I have an excalibur on my ICS SawStop. One of the best purchases I've ever made. I strongly recommend it as it greatly improves DC and easily swings out of the way.
Additionally, I have an Oneida 3 HP cyclone. Even with lots of CFM under the table, it will not do you any good if the sawdust stays above the table:o)
I am very happy with the Shark Guard I installed on my Unisaw: top-side dust collection is great, safety pawls seem able to work, I've never had a kick-back with the splitter.
The splitter. Ahh, the splitter. It is not a riving knife, but acts so closely like a riving knife I don't feel the need for that European feature. (See both photos.) I always raise the blade to max height under the dust guard. The blade then is virtually as close to the splitter as if it had followed the blade in its upward travel. Note: With the blade at max height the forward thrust of the rear teeth is significantly reduced.
Finally, the unit installs or removes in less than a minute.
Consensus of opinion
Well - 3 responses, 3 different touts.
Thanks for chipping in. Wasn't aware of the Shark. I'll check into it.
The Shark Guard made by Lee Styrone is quality built.. quick release if you need to take it off for non-through cuts and it's not that expensive. I run one I made in my own shop and have for around 8 years. My hose is mounted high and comes straight down as opposed to Frosty's. Lee builds these things on the side and current lead time is about a month but.. well worth the wait is you can wait in the commercial scenario you are in.
Just Google Shark Gaurd if interested.. email if you have questions as Lee will get back usually within 24 hours. He has a main job but hired his son recently full time as he stays up to his capability with orders. The lead time was two months but they are cutting into it now and reduced it to one month at the moment.
Good luck with whatever you decide...
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