Fig. 39a
A: Through Cut
Riving knife / spreader
The Riving Knife (Spreader) is the central element of the SKIL Smart-Guard System, serving
as the attachment point for both the Main Barrier Guard and the Anti-Kickback Device. In the
event that the Main Barrier Guard and Anti-Kickback Device are removed, the Riving Knife
maintains its functionality as a material spreader, and can be quickly adjusted to any of three
positions (through cut A, non-through cut B and dado cut C), depending on the application
requirement.
The Riving Knife (Spreader) is an adjustable extended riving knife, which can be easily
adjusted to one of three heights by removing the table insert, raising the blade to its full height,
and releasing the release lever at the base of the Riving Knife.
a. For through-cuts, the Riving Knife should be extended and locked in the highest position
to use with the Main Barrier Guard and the Anti-Kickback Device (Fig.39a).
b. For non-through-cuts, the Riving Knife should be adjusted and locked in the middle
position to use as a material spreader without the Main Barrier Guard and the Anti-
Kickback Device (Fig.39b).
c. In the event that the Riving Knife cannot be used for a specific cut or for use with a dado
blade, it should be adjusted to and locked in the lowest position (Fig.39c).
Main barrier guard
The Main Barrier Guard is comprised of a pair of plastic barriers attached to the mounting fork.
The side barriers (one to the left and one to the right of the blade) operate independently of
one another, maintaining maximum blade coverage during cutting operations. The main guard
incorporates a quick-connect attachment point and can be attached or removed from the
blade guarding system independent of the Anti-Kickback Device and Riving Knife / Splitter.
The Main Barrier Guard component can be quickly attached and detached through the use of
a quick-release lever. The guard is attached by seating the crossbar into the top of the Riving
Knife / Spreader and engaging the locking lever. Following this process in reverse, the guard
can be easily removed for special operations, such as dados or rabbets.
NOTE: To best secure the main guard for relocation, adjust the blade to its low position. This
keeps the guard tight to the table surface and prevents damage related to the guard swinging
during relocation. If transporting over a longer distance on/off the job, place guard in its below
table storage position.
Anti-kickback device
In the event of kickback, the Anti-Kickback Device (also known as dogs, or pawls), is intended
to help prevent the board from being thrown in the direction of the user. The sharp teeth of the
pawls are intended to "catch" the material in the event of kickback.
The Anti-Kickback Device can be easily attached by aligning the attachment cross bar with the
notch in the rear of the Riving Knife / Spreader. It can be easily removed by depressing the
lever of the Anti-Kickback Device and lifting it away.
Fig. 39b
B: Non-Through Cut
Fig. 39c
C: Dado Cut
33