Any of those responding that they do not use the stock plastic guard should clarify that statement.
We
ALL KNOW to:
- Use a guard whenever possible.
- Use a splitter whenever possible
- Use good quality, well designed push blocks whenever possible
To do otherwise is to invite injury. To respond to someone asking about the importance of safety devices in any way that belittles their importance is irresponsible. We're not a bunch of ignorant, slack-jawed, knuckle-draggin troglodytes around here you know . . . . well OK, . . . maybe I am . . . . But, the rest of you aren't.
The fact is that many commercial splitter/guard combinations that come on contractor class saws (and larger, more expensive machines in many cases) can add danger rather than protect you from it due to poor design. This results in a blanket distrust or nay-saying when asked about their use. Many current maker's splitter/guard offerings are very usable but, it is very easy to get stuck on stupid and not use the good ones just because the bad ones were bad. Don't be that guy.
If the blade, belt or fence that came on your saw was poor, you would upgrade it. If the guard that comes with your saw is poor, upgrade it. Since we all make our own zero clearance inserts anyway, I settled on the
MJ-Splitter for a splitter (use a splitter for EVERY cut that you can use one with). I had closed in the under table area for dust collection and added
an overarm guard / collector. I used the guard on every cut that I could.
Some things to remember:
You don't need to see the blade. The blade is right where it always is; it doesn't move except to spin. Seeing the blade while making a cut does nothing to help you. Your material cannot be adjusted "on the fly", that's one of the primary ways that kickback is born. Your material is moved in a straight line via your miter gauge, your sled, fence, tenon jig, etc. If the material isn't flat and cannot be controlled along a straight line for the cut, go to the bandsaw. Your hand never come within more than a few inches of the blade so, you do not need to see the blade during a cut IMHO.
Counting that cut you are about to make without a splitter as "just this once" becomes much harder with less fingers. Always use a splitter for any through cut. Always use a guard whenever you can. The internet is full of pictures and stories of people who ignored basic safety practices "just this once". I will now relenquish the soapbox to the next speaker
.