The Shark Guard Version History

Below is an effort to preserve the version history for those that may pick up an older guard and want to identify it's version.

Current Lead Time:

The lead time for a new order is around 6 to 8 weeks. Because of this, there is no need to use Paypal to get on the waiting list. Just send an email with the model and options you would like. We could settle up just before your order ships. Feel free to ask about the status of your order or the availability of your particular model at any time via email.

What's New:

We are still developing the overhead mounting systems. There have been several minotr changes during the R&D of these to make them better. Each change adds a bit more time, but we should have something to show in the next couple weeks. If you want to get on the interested list for information about these when it becomes available, just send an email.

Thank you for your interest.

Product Disclaimer

All of the items that you get from us are guaranteed to be of good quality, made from the best material available. If you aren't pleased with the condition of what we send you, you get your money back upon return. 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 we make are merely safety aids. They will NOT PREVENT injury. They are a deterant to it.

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 we cannot be there for each and every setup and cut that you make, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a direct result of any information or equipment that you receive from us or this website. You should familiarize yourself with saws and safety techniques in order to use it sucessfully.

Any responsibility for the use of this product(s) ultimately rests on your own shoulders.

Ordering anything from us 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.

The Shark Guard Version History

Since the Shark Guard was introduced in 2003, it has seen many variations and version numbers. This is an effort to preserve the history and help guys determine what model number they may have.

The Shark Guard's design changes work to provide a stronger, safer and more convenient blade guard system. I have had three different types of finishes on the parts. Polished aluminum parts initially. Then the steel splitters and some other steel parts were black oxide coated in conjuntion with other parts being powder coated. Finally all metal parts are powder coated.
There have been tail fins, push sticks, smoked polycarbonate and tread plate aluminum as well as doing custom requests. Most of this is no longer available.

Here is an image of the first prototype.

Shark Guard prototype. I used a hard maple clamp. A glass marble for the eye. This one had protective fins on the sides that never made it to production.

Version 1.0

The first version was of course, the 1.0. It was only available for BT 3000's and like saws and had a polished aluminum riving knife. It had a polished aluminum clamp with abrasive clamping mechanism. This was an all clear polycarbonate model. Most noted was the rear slot went straight back where the newer ones have a tail hook. There were also no clear rods in this version and no screws. Nothing yet powder coated.

Version 2.0

1.0 to 2.0 moved from the all polycarbonate guard to aluminum tail parts. These were all initially polished up and they really did shine.

Smoked polycarbonate and polished tread plate aluminum. Just options during this version.

Version 3.0

The upgrade from 2.0 to 3.0 was two changes to the polycarbonate or front part of the Shark. This is also when I started including the rods and screws used in all later versions. This was done to increase the dust collection capabilities. I am pretty sure this is also when I started powder coating everthing.

Version 4.0 and 5.0

The upgrade from 3.0 to 4.0 deals only with the clamp and splitter. The splitters are now made from .090 steel sheet. The splitters no longer have the slots on the top. Now they simply have two tiny holes in which steel pins lock into. The clamps are changed by omitting the Big Dog tabs on the bottom and side. These clamp extrusions had plugged ends, stainless steel pins and set screws to adjust for the thickness of the splitter. The upgrade from 4.0 to 5.0 had a radiused leading edge on the bottom of the clamp halves and the option to have a 2 1/2" OD dust port or the older 2"OD. Version 5.0 started shipping on November 17, 2004.

Grizzly model with tail fin and only two splitters

Version 6.0

The upgrade from 5.0 to 6.0 deals specifically with the clamps only. This clamp was more versatile. The clamp effectively has moveable bushings that will allow you to move the blade and splitter more to the right of the guard. This reduces the minimum ripping width from about 1 1/4" or so to about 3/4". This is using a thin push stick like I offer. Click on a thumbnail to see how the bushing placement will change the position of the blade under the guard. This was soon changed back to solid bushings in version 8.0 and is no longer available. It wasn't possible to use this with version 8.

Version 7.0

The change from 6.0 to 7.0 is to the clamp only. I simply added another steel pin to the clamp to enhance its strength. Its really just extra protection and strength for the hold down feature of the clamp. It also made it impossible to install the clamp backwards.

Version 8.0

The 7.0 to 8.0 was a pretty significant change. It eliminated the aluminum tail portion of the guard and went back to an all polycarbonate guard. This made them stronger. How strong? Click here.

During the 8.0 version cycle, I added the tail hook safety latch to the rear and also experimented with an extra replaceable shield up front. I quit adding these shields due to dust settling in between the two parts and getting clouded up. I was also able to offer larger dust ports on these. I think I started adding 2.5" during the 5.0 or 6.0, but 4" came about in the 8.0 model. These were called 8.4's.
During the 8.0 version's cycle I started designing and producing Whale Shark covers. These are direct replacements/upgrades that fit some existing models of over arm dust covers. In all cases, these out preform the original.

Version 9.0

March 21, 2008
The 8.0 to 9.0 just added extra strength with the addition of an extra rod in front and 2 extra screws. I wanted to reduce the chance that the front shield would break loose in an extreme hit due to a small part being slung forward into the guard by the blade. I think this upgrade will do that job. This version has also went the longest of any version without changes.

The version 10.0 and 10.4 changes

Well, the 9.0 models lasted almost two years missing by about two weeks. As of March 08, 2010, all guards shipped were version 10. This update deals mainly with the clamps and pawls. Sadly I can no longer make these without a spring load on the design. It was a recent occurance that a slight design change had made some of the pawls only work sometimes at some heights. To get a better and more consistant product safety wise, I designed this version. Here is a link to the installation instruction for the newer Anti-kickback pawls.

The version SGK1

This is the current version. It started shipping at the end of May, 2011. I will populate the site with updated images of the SGK1 when they become avaialable.