LeeWay Workshop- Big Dog Clamp Upgrade <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title>LeeWay Workshop -Big Dog Clamp

LeeWay Workshop

January 05, 2009

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This is an outdated page. This clamp and splitter is obselete, but I'll leave the page up for information.
This is an upgrade to the existing style Shark Clamps and Splitters. Your existing parts can be upgraded to this standard with a minimal of fuss. All new Shark Guard clamps and splitters are made like the ones you see in this image. This upgrade is the result of striving to produce a safer method of attaching. My thanks goes to Andrew from the BT3Central Forums for designing a similar type of mechanism for his Home Made Shark Guard. He is responsible for prodding me in the right direction with this design. I feel that this design is safer to use than the initial friction fit type of clamp. This upgrade puts a positive lock on the clamp to the splitter. It takes the guess work out of how tight the clamp should be. When you adjust this clamp to fit the thickness of the material that you are cutting, it acts as another safety device by not allowing your stock to rise up and be caught on the top teeth of the saw blade. This is a similar function to the Anti-kickback pawls that generally come with the BT3100 stock blade guard assembly. It and the Shark Splitter help to further protect you from the dangers of a major kickback. Nothing can completely keep this from happening for every cut of every different type of stock, but this design comes as close as I have seen to being both convenient to use and providing a good measure of protection.

Whats new about it?
The plate that attaches to one side of the original clamp has 2 tabs. This is called the Big Dog Plate. These tabs lock into 2 slots routed into the top of the splitter. These slots are called the Big Dog Slots. There is no longer a need for the sanding strip to be used on the clamp half and can be removed during this upgrade. I used contact adhesive so it should be easy enough to remove. You can then just use some thinner and fine sandpaper to clean the side up. The screws are a little longer to make it a little easier to loosen the clamp up far enough to engage the tabs. They are now 1/4" - 20 thread and are 2 3/4" long. The long thin spacer with the cresent shaped cut outs is called the Big Dog Spacer. This keeps the clamp square when tightening to the splitter. It simply slips in the crack between the 2 clamp halves and the cresents shapes just saddles the screws.

Well, how do I get this upgrade?
This upgrade is obslete now. Newer upgrades have taken its place. You can contact me anytime regarding any upgrade for any Shark Guard part ever made.

Shark Splitter slot locations and Big Dog clamp tab dimensions
	Click the image and then you can print out the template at 100 DPI setting on your printer.
	This image prints at 100 DPI also. You can use pop rivets or sheet metal screws to mount this plate to the bottom of the knob side or left side of the clamp.
	This image prints at 100 DPI. You can use pop rivets or sheet metal screws to mount the other aluminum angles needed for mounting one of these to the front portion of the shark guard.

Shark Splitter plans.

Disclaimer!
All of the items that you get from me are guaranteed to be of good quality, handmade from the best material available. If you aren't pleased with the condition of what I send you, you get your money back. As with any aftermarket accessory, you must decide if these are the right additions or modifications for your comfort and safety. There is no way to use your table saw and be risk free. The items that I make are merely aids. They will not prevent injury. Saws are very dangerous machines. Saws can KILL or MAIM you. These accessories may not comply with rules and regulations in your area. You must decide for yourself whether to use these accessories or not. It is your safety that is at risk when using any power tool or accessory. Since I can not be there at each and every setup and cut that you make, I can not be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a direct result of any information or equipment that you receive from me or this website. Any responsibility for the use of these product(s) ultimately rests on your own shoulders. Ordering anything from me is an acknowledgement that you understand these risks and responsibilties and that you are willing to accept the consequences of using them. If you are un-certain as to who is responsible for the setup and usage of any of these accessories, DO NOT PURCHASE THEM.