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Blade Guard Assembly

The term "blade guard" refers to the assembly that consists of the clear polycarbonate shield, the spreader, and the anti-kickback pawls on each side of the spreader (see Figure 37). Each of these components have important safety functions during the operation of the saw.

Guard

The clear polycarbonate guard allows the operator to see the blade cut the workpiece during operation. This guard is designed to lift as the workpiece is pushed into the blade and remain in contact with the workpiece throughout the entire cut.

The guard reduces injury risk by providing a barrier around the blade that prevents accidental contact and contains flying wood chips.

To ensure that the guard does its job effectively, the guard must always be in the downward position against the table during idle operation, and the hinge mechanism must be maintained in good working condition so the guard can freely pivot up and down to accommodate the height of the workpiece and return to the table surface.

Spreader

The spreader is a metal plate that prevents the freshly cut pieces of the workpiece from pinching the backside of the blade and causing a kickback. It also acts as a barrier behind the blade to shield hands from being pulled into the blade if a kickback occurs.

Blade Guard & Spreader Installation

1.DISCONNECT SAW FROM POWER!

2.Install the standard table insert.

3.Slide the knurled knob out (see Figure 38), then rotate it so it engages the upper bracket.

4.Slide the blade guard spreader all the way down into the adjustment block, then rotate the knurled knob so it disengages the bracket and the locking pin engages the hole in the center of the spreader.

5.Tug the spreader upward to verify that it is locked and does not come out when pulled.

Clear Guard

Anti-Kickback

SpreaderPawl

Figure 37. Blade guard assembly

components.

In order to work properly, the spreader cannot be bent or misaligned with the blade. If the spreader gets accidentally bent, take the time to straighten it or just replace it. Using a bent or misaligned spreader will increase the risk of kickback!

 

Bracket

 

Locking

 

Pin

Knurled

 

Knob

Adjustment

 

Block

Figure 38. Knurled knob used to secure

the spreader.

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Image 30
Woodstock W1824 manual Blade Guard Assembly, Blade Guard & Spreader Installation