 |
LeeWay Workshop |
August 28, 2008 |
 |
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, but I do intend to bring back the tail fin as a functional addition to operate in interior blast gate on the shark. Stay tuned for that. It would be retrofittable on 8.0 and newer.
Here is an image of the first prototype.
|
|
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 polycarbontae 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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
The upgrade from 5.0 to 6.0 deals specifically with the clamps only. This new clamp is more versatile and it will fit all Shark Guards for all saws that I have ever made. 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.
|
|
The change from 6.0 to 7.0 is to the clamp only on the Ryobi models. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
HOME
MY
SHOP
