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. I do this because there are so many variables in the way people work and how they have their DC setups, that not everyone wants or needs the same things. 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 seems to work 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 or time savers.
Like table saws, packages for various models do differ in price. Some difference in pricing has to do with the type saw it is and some varies because the material and supplies needed to produce them are greater. For this reason, I have a separate order page for each model of saw I currently have designs for. Pricing for each of these is located at the bottom of each model page. You will also find a link to installation instructions on each models page. You can find nearly all pertinent links on the main page, but you may have to scroll to the bottom to see them all.
2.5 inch dust port
The basic or default Shark Guard is a 2.5 inch dust port model. Currently the version number for this is 10.0
. These are for 10 inch table saws with splitters and 10 and 12 inch saws with a riving knife. The image shows what a 9.0 and a 10.0
shark guard looks like without the clamp and splitters or riving knife.
This version works very well with a wet/dry vac. Most vacs 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 to how some guys have hooked up their DC systems to the shark. 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 on these. Here is a little help in making the thickness selection. You can make that selection in the Paypal cart drop down menu on each order page. You will also be able to select the colors of some of the metal parts in the same fashion, however all splitters and riving knives 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.
The shark face decals come standard with all Shark Guards. I don't apply these myself, but they are easy to apply. The new ones are simple waterslide decals like we used to use (or may still do) on plastic models. Application instructions for these are here.
10.0
Thin Shark Guard option
This is relatively new. This one has a 2.5 inch OD and 2.375 inch ID. This is thinner than my standard 10.0
model by about 1/2 inch. With a thin push stick, you should be able to rip 7/8 inch strips without any additional fence jigs or setups. Possibly a bit less.
The dust ports on these are polycarbonate, but they are thinner than my standard model. These may not fit as many shop vac hose fittings on the ID like the standard model. These will accommodate 2.5" hose on the OD though. These have a bit less material than the standard model, but the cost will still be the same. They are more difficult to weld up due to the narrow opening inside the guard. 1.25 inches. The functionality on these may actually be a bit better for tilting the blade. The dust collection is at least as good as the standard model.
This size dust port is relatively new. This one has a 3 inch OD and 2.75 inch ID. This is installed on the standard 2 inch wide 10.0
model. This model is designated 10.3
. 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 10.0
2.5 inch model.
4 inch dust port Mega Mouth Shark Guard 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 model is designated 10.4
. 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 these ports 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. Close off the blast gate some when you know you will have such off cuts. This will temporarily reduce the extreme suction you can get through this port and allow safer cutting where small parts are left. Here is a link to see more about the 4" ports.
Shark Guard Heavy Duty option
This model is made of thicker polycarbonate. Quarter inch. It also has a roller under the front that uses two skate bearings. It is heavier and quite a bit stronger. This model will cost an additional $24.00. If interested in a heavy duty model, just let me know. I will eventually get a Paypal cart item included on the site, but right now, it is email order only. Here is an image of what it looks like.
Shark Tail Hook
The Shark Tail Hook. at the back of these guards come standard on all models at no extra cost. These have typically been all red in the past, but I am starting to coat some of these the same color as the clamp and I like the way they look when done that way. All black and red models will have a red tail hook.
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
Pawls are an option with an additional cost of $10. They also have their own paypal cart item to be added to the base package. Not everyone wants or would even use these. This is why I don't force them on anyone. They can be removed or installed and swung up 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 mandates that you have them. 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 newest version 10.0
are spring loaded now to make them more consistant.
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.
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.
Whale Shark replacement covers
I offer several models of replacement baskets for those that just aren't satisfied with what shipped with your after market overarm unit. These are also for those that want to design and build their own mounting arm support. Dust collection is very good out of these as well and a blast gate should be used with them. The various models of the Whale Shark can be found here.
What's next?
I have long been to the point where I needed to hire some help, either outsourced or here in the shop. Tried the outsourcing with mixed results. Tried a couple guys on a part time basis. Things just didn't work out like I had hoped. Well, the good news is that I have hired a full time guy. He has made an impact and helped me reduce these long lead times.
I have received many requests for the Shark Feeder push sticks. I am planning on bringing those back into production. They will be made of 3/16 inch black phenolic and will have plastic handles. I will be designing a small bracket that will hold the push stick onto the shark guard so that it's right where it needs to be when you want it.
I will also be starting to offer zero clearance throat plates again. I will start with the ones for the Ryobi's. I already have the pattern for those, but will expand the line to include Delta's, Grizzly's, PM66's etc. as I get the patterns for those. I will add images and ordering info as soon as these new items become available.
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