Improved Blade Guard for the FMT Table Saw | |
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This new version of the Blade Guard was developed with three features in mind: A narrower cross section
with no obstructions protruding from its right side, better visibility of the workpiece passing under it and lighter
weight. I’ve been testing it for quite some time and am quite pleased with the results. The improvements
were achieved and are indeed worthwhile.
A first view of the Improved Blade Guard. Note the very clean right side and clear view of the
saw blade. The Guard body is entirely constructed with 3mm thick Lexan. The only
piece of wood being the angled insert to attach the parallel arms and the conterbalance spring
end. The rounded entry and exit on the faces work much better than the 45° metal plate of the
older version.
The left side showing the parallel arms and counterbalance spring that are now enclosed
inside the Lexan sides. A 32mm outside diameter PVC tube is used instead of a shop
vac crevice tool. The space between the Lexan faces is filled with polyurethane foam. The
mounting post is the old one with thinner wood faces. Note the 45° cut at the front to provide
space for a hole to attach the spring. There is also a powerful magnet (barely visible)
mounted on the plywood insert. This magnet holds the Guard up when necessary as it locks
against the steel plate between the parallel arms.
A topside view enhances the narrower section whis is now 39 mm wide along its whole length.
There is nothing on its outside to obstruct the Push Handle path, allowing narrow ripping with
the Rip Fence. There is a small knob to help in lifting the unit and a single screw prevents the
pickup tube from rotating.
A closeup of the steel plate screwed between the parallel arms. There is a magnet epoxied on
the wood core that keeps the Guard up when required.
A final view from the left with the Guard when lifted.
This is a new drawing of the improved design.
Files for download: | |
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