Shark Guard - ARK (Rating: 5)

I have been running table saws since I was 15, closing in on 25 years! Outside high school, I cannot recall any saw having a fully functioning, proper guard. I thought with my 7 year old spending more time in the shop, I should set a good example. When I was shopping for a new table saw, I did weigh the option of buying something new so I could experience the benefit of a riving knife. I found a great deal on a beast of a saw and just could not pass it up. I found a used 5 hp General 350. This particular model did not have a riving knife but utilized the Merlin splitter, which was actually missing anyway.

I contacted Ron at Shark Guard looking for a splitter package as I knew they had not been able to successfully develop a riving knife for the 350. Ron informed me that in the year or so since my initial research, he had developed a manually adjustable riving knife for the General 350. I ordered a knife and guard for full kerf set up with a small dust port and it arrived on Christmas eve.

Opening the package it was immediately clear that this is a well thought out, beautifully machined piece of kit. The installation required some modification of the saw, purchasing some new cap bolts and a bit of grinding on the back part of the riving knife. I emailed Ron before making any modifications and he replied within a day to troubleshoot and offer suggestions, even offering to alter the knife if I sent it back to him.

The knife is easy to adjust with a quick ratcheting lever, easy to adjust to align with the blade (once you get used to it) and adds a significant measure of safety to the machine. I made some tongue and groove panels the other night and was delighted by the fact that the knife can be adjusted close to the blade and provide for non through cuts.

The guard removes super easily for non through cuts or narrow rips along the fence with two turn knobs and slides out of the mating notches on top of the knife.

I did learn that my exchange-a-blade melamine blade is NOT full kerf and is a couple thou thinner than the riving knife. Guess that means I have to buy a new FS Tool Melamine blade, oh darn ;)

The knife and guard are excellent, the machining is top notch and the customer service is among the best I have experienced. I would recommend the Shark Guard to any one looking to upgrade the safety of their existing saw.