What is the difference between a splitter and a riving knife?

The difference between the two is that a riving knife moves up and down with the blade keeping the same distance from the blade, while a splitter mounted guard remains at a fixed height since it is mounted to the table trunnion so it can bevel with the blade. …

Does the splitter keep the kerf open?

As its name implies, the splitter keeps the kerf open after the blade makes the cut, preventing pinching that can burn a cut. The pawls glide over the stock as long as the cut is proceeding normally, but jam into the wood if the blade tries to shoot it backward toward you during a kickback.

What is a kerf keeper?

The Kerf Keeper is a separated tab installed behind one of the SteelPRO Splitter inserts that is automatically ejected from its station once the saw kerf begins to close. A closing saw kerf posses a great danger to the user because the board may bind the saw blade and kickback.

When should you not use a riving knife?

When to Remove the Riving Knife A good example is when using a stacked dado blade to cut a dado or a rabbet. Because this type of blade does not create a through cut, a riving knife would serve no purpose. In fact, it would actually get in the way, blocking the completion of the cut.

How tall should a table saw splitter be?

The splitter itself should be made from hardwood. The ones I make are generally 1 – 1 1/2″ long with a maximum of 1 1/2″ in height above the insert. The narrower the blade, the less height I give the splitter. The thickness depends on the width of the kerf left by the blade you’re making the splitter for.

Does a splitter prevent kickback?

Riving knives and splitters When it comes to preventing kickback, the best tool for the job is either a riving knife or a splitter. Each of these plates sits aft of the blade and, when properly aligned, as shown in Photo B, keeps the workpiece against the fence to deny it access to the rising rear saw teeth.

What is a zero clearance insert for table saw?

In simple terms, the zero clearance insert is one of the most important accessories you can buy for your tablesaw. It closes the gap from the metal insert that came with your saw which reduces the possibility of tear-out on your cuts.

Can you add a riving knife to a table saw?

But if your table saw doesn’t come with one, fret not — with a little wherewithal you can add a riving knife to almost any table saw. Riving knives mitigate such catastrophes by preventing the stock from touching the blade as it rotates up out of the table.

Should you remove riving knife?

A riving knife has these advantages over a splitter: It does not need to be removed from the saw when cross-cutting or doing a blind (non-through) cut as it does not extend above the top of the saw blade. If it is not removed, the operator cannot forget to put it back on.

How thick should a riving knife be?

Most older factory supplied guards use 14 gauge and even less in some cases. Until recently, this was typical. Now with newer saw designs coming out that are equipped with riving knives, more and more are shipping with . 090 inch thick factory knives.

What kind of splitter do you use for a kerf saw?

The Thin Kerf Splitter (YELLOW COLORED) is designed for kerf ranges: 0. 090″ to 0. 118″. Always use the correct MJ SPLIITER corresponding to your saw blade. Packages do not include zero-clearance inserts. Only use for 90 degree cuts. Made in the USA.

What kind of drill bit does a MJ splitter use?

MJ SPLITTER is designed to be installed into a zero-clearance insert, and the MJ SPLITTER comes with installation guide, drill guide and drill bit for installation. Each package comes with two MJ SPLITTERs. The Thin Kerf Splitter (YELLOW COLORED) is designed for kerf ranges: 0. 090″ to 0. 118″.

Can a MJ splitter be used as a zero clearance insert?

The MJ SPLITTER Steel Pro easily installs on your table saw’s zero clearance insert, replacing the riving knife. It keeps your workpiece tight to the fence to prevent burning, and keep the kerf from pinching the blade, virtually eliminating kickback.

What do you need to know about table saw splitters?

To prevent this from happening, table saw manufacturers install splitters behind the blade to keep the kerf open and let the workpiece pass safely by the blade. Other safety devices like anti-kickback pawls and a blade guard are usually attached to the splitter as well.