Shark Guard SGK1 - Options and Accessories

The All New Shark Guard SGK1

About Options and Accessories

There are a few options that you should be aware of when considering a Shark Guard or related products. Some items come with the standard or basic package while others are an accessory or option. This is done because there are many variables in the way people work and how they have their dust collection setup, that not everyone wants or needs the same thing.

In an effort to provide custom items where you only pay for what you want, options will be an additional cost over just the basic package. This method works well because the Shark Guard is a complete blade guarding system with many features. Some of these features can be purchased separately to use as stand alone safety aids.

Like table saws, packages for various models do vary in price. Some variation in pricing has to do with the type saw it is and some because the material and supplies needed to produce them are greater. We have a separate order page for each model of saw for which we currently have designs. Pricing for each of these can be found on that particular models order page. You will also find a link to installation instructions on each models page as well as in the site menus.

About the SGK1

This is a new model of the Shark Guard. It supercedes all other versions. In other words, the version 10 is now obsolete. This is effective as of the end of May 2011. We will contnue to add information and images here and elsewhere on the site.

This new version is the SGK1 or Shark Guard Kit 1. We have been wanting to make these a kit for for a some time. We also wanted to have a design that can be both saw mounted and/or can be mounted overhead. This design accomplishes these goals.

The SGK1's have all replaceable parts. If a part gets damaged, scratched or gets resin covered, then simply unbolt the halves and replace that part. Some parts can be made by you or bought from us. All parts are set into dados to lock them in place when bolted together. The dust ports are still welded to the top part to create a good strong seal. We will have parts lists on the site soon so that any part can be added to the shopping cart. 

This opens the door to allow easy swapping of dust port sizes. You can order a new size dust port and just bolt it in. You can also order the SGK1 without a dust port and add one later if you wish. The SGK1's are all the same width now. They are about 1.625 inches wide outside. This allows you to cut closer to the fence than previous versions. Earlier models had a rear hook that would have been plastic or aluminum. Now these are steel. This greatly increases strength .

The SGK1 also comes with a Delrin (like Nylon) roller under the front rather than a solid rod. This makes the SGK1 work even smoother than previous versions when engaging and riding on the stock. The SGK1 is through bolted now using steel barrel bolts. This makes them very strong. Below are a few images. You can click them for a larger image.

SGK1 basic or default 2.5 inch dust port

The SGK1 comes with a 2.5 inch dust port. You can change this dust port size if wanted, but if no additional upgrades are in your shopping cart, your dust port will be 2.5 inch.

This port is 2.5 inch OD and 2.25 inch ID. It can easily be swapped out at a later date if you decide to upgrade.

This size works very well with a wet/dry vac. Most vacuums of this type with a 2.5" hose will fit snuggly either inside or outside this dust port depending on brand without the use of an additional fitting. This size also works pretty good if you have at least a 1.5 HP dust collector and use a reducer from 4 inch down to 2.5 inch. This scenario isn't optimal, but works well. It mainly depends on the type of cutting you do and the rest of your DC system. Here is a Link that shows how some customers have hooked up their DC systems.

While there, please be sure to read comments from Bill Pentz and check out his website and the Clear Vue website as well. Bill's site is packed with valuable information about anything related to dust collection and clean shop air. This info is not easily available anywhere else. He spent a tremendous amount of time and research so that we may benefit from it.

This basic model comes with a set of three splitters for those saws that are splitter equipped. They may just come with one riving knife instead. You have a choice of thicknesses of these. Here is a little help in making this thickness selection. You can make that selection in the Paypal cart drop down menu on each order page.

You will be able to select the colors of some of the metal parts in the same fashion, however all splitters, riving knives and anti-kickback pawls are semi-gloss black powder coated. Along with splitters, your model may come with additional brackets or ratchet handles to make changing the splitters tool less. These extra items are also noted on each order page in the shopping cart.

3 inch dust port option

This size dust port has a 3 inch OD and 2.75 inch ID. This Paypal cart item can be found below the standard package on each models page and can be selected by adding it to the Paypal checkout cart. This essentially adjusts the price of the basic package to the 3 inch upgrade package price. The 3 inch port costs an additional $5 over the standard SGK1 2.5 inch model.

4 inch dust port option

The 4 inch port has become a very popular option and likely provides the best overall dust collection. This is an option that costs an additional $15 over the basic package. This Paypal cart item can be found below the standard package on each models page and can be selected by adding it to the Paypal checkout cart. This essentially adjusts the price of the basic package to the 4 inch upgrade package.

Guys have stated that the dust collection from this size port may be too good. It wants to pick up small off cuts and let them sling around inside the guard. This is highly undesirable, but can be remedied by the use of a blast gate inline. Close off the blast gate some when you know you will have such off cuts. This regulates the airflow and will temporarily reduce the extreme suction you can get through this port. Adding this blast gate allows safer cutting where small parts are left.

Shark Tail Hook

The Shark Tail Hook. at the back of the guard comes standard on all models at no extra cost. These will match the color chosen except in the case of black. They will be red on black models.

The tailhook is a safety aid that prevents the shark cover from lifting off it's mount should you use stock that is too thick for the guards current setting. It simply keeps the cover attached to the rear stud. To remove the shark, you swing the tail hook up, then you can lift the guard and push back to disengage it from the studs. Installation is the reverse.

Anti-kickback pawls option

Anti-kickback Pawls are an option with an additional cost of $10. They also have their own paypal cart item to be added to the shopping cart. Not everyone wants or would even use these. This is why we don't force them on anyone. They can be removed or installed and swung up and locked out of the way. I personally think these are redundant on saws with a riving knife, but some guys do like them. If you run a business, then OSHA currently mandates that you have them available. They can be useful on saws equipped with splitters rather than a riving knife. Unless it is in a commercial setting, these are pretty much just personal preference. The pawls are spring loaded to engage the stock when needed.

Brass blade shims option

I offer brass blade shims for use on some saws. Some saws are really a bear to try to align the splitter or riving knife mounting bracket to the blade. These help with this type of issue. They are an additional $6 cart item. I don't recommend them on saws where the inner blade washer is not removable. The flash illustration shows how they are expected to work.

Splitters or riving knives only

I offer splitters and riving knives without a guard for those that either have an overarm DC or those that don't want a guard. Info on varous packages for these can be found here.