A table saw is one of the handiest pieces of machinery out there.
Unfortunately, these useful tools come with some inherent danger. However, with the addition of a blade guard, you can minimize the risk significantly.
Here’s a look at some of the best blade guards out there this year.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Table Saw Blade Guards
- OUR TOP PICK: Craftsman 089037007700
- RUNNER-UP: PSI Woodworking TSGUARD
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SawStop
Comparison of the Best Table Saw Blade Guards
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How to Choose a Table Saw Blade Guard
A table saw blade guard is a vital component of any table saw. This guard prevents injury, damage to the machinery, and damage to the material you're cutting. Some of the common issues that the guard prevents are accidental contact with the blade, loose clothing being caught up in the blade, external debris impacting the blade, or dust spreading beyond the desired area.
Some table saws come with pre-installed guards. This type is the preferred type of guard as it is designed for the table in question. Other tables do not come with guards but may have special guards sold separately. Still, other tables might not have a particular guard. You can often fit these tables with third-party guards to improve safety.
Photo credit: thesharpcut.com
The first step in selecting a blade guard is determining whether your table saw has a particular blade guard suited for use. If it does, it is usually best to trust the manufacturer’s decision and use of the guard in question. If it does not, you should consider the various factors that are important to your needs.
There are many things to consider when looking at blade guards, including coverage area, dust collection capabilities, anti-kickback protection, adjustability, and compatibility with the table in question.
Review of the Best Table Saw Blade Guards
After surveying the market, we’ve come up with a great list of the best table saw blade guards out there.
These blade guards are all great options for the average and professional woodworker. To demonstrate why we’ve provided a full breakdown.
Here’s what we found:
Best Overall:
Craftsman 089037007700
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are impressed with this saw. Many purchase it as a replacement for the OEM saw blade guard for a Craftsman saw. These buyers report that it is just as good as the original and operates without any issue. Other buyers note that it fits a range of other models as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Craftsman table saw guard functions as a guard for the Craftsman 315284610 10-Inch Table Saw. However, it also fits many other saws, including the Ryobi RTS10 10-Inch Table Saw. It is just as durable and effective as the original product.
We were impressed with the overall design and function of this blade guard. It provides a transparent plastic guard to retain full visibility but prevents any external debris from entering the blade. Also, it prevents excessive sawdust from spreading across the table.
Overall, this is a high quality and well-designed guard.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this is the best table saw blade guard we found this year. It is easy to attach, fits the intended model perfectly, and is very high quality. It does not obstruct the saw's use but ensures that the operator, blade, and material remain protected.
Runner-up:
PSI Woodworking TSGUARD
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers are happy with this product. Some buyers note that the installation process is somewhat lengthy and intensive; however, the guard reportedly collects about 90% of the dust produced in the process of cutting and appears to be highly effective.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This saw blade guard caught our eye initially due to its additional dust collection feature. This guard is a larger piece of equipment and functions as a multi-purpose safety device. We liked the four-inch duct, which collects as much dust as possible. On a smaller duct, much of the sawdust can escape beneath the guard before being sucked away. With this device, the sawdust is extracted nearly as soon as it is produced.
Also, it is possible to remove the dust collector and use the saw blade guard by itself. This feature is much more portable and is great if you are using a benchtop saw.
Bottom Line
This guard is another great option. While it is not quite as portable as some other saw blade guards, it makes up for its bulk in performance. The guard removes dust with a 4-inch duct system and heavy-duty hose.
Best for the Money:
SawStop
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most former buyers are very pleased with this dust collection blade guard. Consumers report that the guard is an effective and necessary addition to their formerly unguarded blades. People like that it both protects operators from harm and keeps the table clean and clear from sawdust and debris.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The simplicity of this blade guard caught our eye right away. We were immediately impressed with the design after further inspection. For instance, the two sides can raise laterally independently. While one side is in use, the other edge of the guard remains in place, allowing for the largest area of blade coverage possible.
We also loved the low cost of this item. Of course, cost-effectiveness is only valuable if the product itself is of high quality. SawStop’s guard delivers on both fronts. It is far better than many OEM guards.
Bottom Line
This saw blade guard is our favorite cost-effective option. It is also well designed. If you’re purely looking for value for money in your product, this is our number one recommendation. It is affordable, effective, and looks great.
Best Delta Table Saw Blade Guard:
DELTA 34-976 Deluxe
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people bought this blade guard to replace the guard on their Delta table or to install a guard on an unguarded blade. Buyers report that the blade works as advertised and fits 10” saws perfectly. Many have applauded the U-frame design, which allows for better use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This saw blade guard initially caught our eye due to its innovative U-frame design. The design allows the user to push their material through the saw with a wide extension, meaning that the guard does not obstruct the saw in any way. Delta produced this guard, so the manufacturers can account for the dimensions of the fence and table.
The guard features a hinge, allowing it to tilt with the arbor of the table, making the guard effective and perfectly positioned for angular cuts.
Bottom Line
This product is the best table saw blade guard we came across for a Delta table saw. It fits Delta’s 10” Table Saws perfectly and is as effective and durable as the OEM saws produced by the same manufacturer.
Best Universal Table Saw Blade Guard:
Grizzly Industrial T10113
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that this blade removes almost all of the dust produced by the saw blade. As it is freestanding, it does not require effort to install on any table saw, meaning that the process is simple and quick. People have particularly commended the vertical mount and the suction system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Grizzly’s Industrial T10113 Table Saw Blade Guard is a highly effective and well-designed product. It caught our eye right away because of its great-looking design. We also really loved the fact that it is a freestanding piece. Though this means that it does not attach directly to the table, other than support bolts, it means that you can attach it to any saw so long as the blade size is compatible. As the guard has over six inches of adjustability, it is unlikely that many blades will not fit with this model.
Bottom Line
This guard is a great option for any table saw. As this guard does not install directly to the saw but supports itself on a freestanding base, it is easy to use and requires no modification. It is also effective and well designed.
What Purpose Does a Table Saw Blade Guard Serve?
The basic purpose of a table saw blade guard is to ensure that the saw operates effectively, without posing any undue danger to the operator. For different types of table saws, there are different types of guards. The specifics of these guards may vary; however, the overall principle is to minimize the risk of accidental injury, damage to the blade & machinery, and damage to the material being cut.
Protect Operator
The most important function of a blade guard is to reduce the risk of injury. There is no way to eliminate the risk posed by a power tool. For that reason, the operator must always take care when cutting. However, a blade guard serves to minimize the region of risk on the table.
Photo credit: protoolreviews.com
Protect Machinery
The second most important function of a blade guard is to protect the machinery and the saw blade from damage. The saw is more expensive than what you're cutting. The guard prevents any external objects from interfering with normal operation. It also might collect dust to prevent damage and build-up.
Protect Material
The least important, but still vital, of the three major purposes of the blade guard is to protect the material from taking any damage. Though the material is the cheapest component to replace, you should still protect it for the sake of your project, your wallet, and your time.
Are All Table Saw Blade Guards The Same?
The simple answer is no.
While table saw blade guards generally tend to perform the same basic function, there is a wide range of different types of guards. These guards provide different safety features, function differently, and could attach to the table saw in different manners. Also, some blade guards are only meant to be used with a specific table saw. As a result, make sure that your table saw is compatible with the guard that you select.
Table saws come in a wide range of styles. For these different styles, different guards may be necessary.
Photo credit: reviewinfinite.com
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before purchasing a table saw blade guard, there are a few things worthy of consideration. To determine whether the guard in question is compatible with your table, it is worth examining how the guard attaches to the table. It is also worth considering the size of the guard. If the guard does not fully enclose the blade, it is unlikely to be effective.
It is also important to decide what you need from your blade guard. Some blade guards serve a purely protective purpose. These guards close over the blade and ensure that loose clothing, operator hands, and external debris do not accidentally get caught in the blade. This protection is for both the user and the piece of equipment. Other blade guards serve a wider purpose.
Some of the best blade guards are multi-purpose. These guards often have protective features such as kickback pawls or rivet knives in addition to the guard. These features add additional protection and prevent accidental pull or push on the material as it is cut, preventing both injury and mistakes in cutting.
Blade guards can also feature dust collection accessories. These features either store, remove, or reposition sawdust as you cut, which helps with visibility and cleanliness. It also prevents a dangerous build-up of dust on the blade or the material being cut.
Grizzly Industrial T10113
How to Add a Blade Guard to a Table Saw
Blade guards can be easily installed by the operator of a table saw. However, to ensure that you install the guard properly for safety and effective use, follow the proper steps when doing so.
Different blade guards will have different methods of installation. As a result, the operator should read the manufacturer’s instructions for both the table saw and the blade guard when installing a new guard to help reduce the possibility of an error.
To provide a basic overview of the process, we’ve broken down the steps to installing a common form of blade guard. This guard features both a guard and kickback pawls. It also has the option of installing a riving knife.
1. First, use a straight edge to check that the splitter is flat.
2. Second, check that the blade is installed at 90 degrees.
3. Install the kickback pawls parallel to the blade.
4. Assemble the guard.
5. Make sure that the hinge pivot point on the guard operates correctly.
6. Center the guard on the blade.
7. Bolt the guard in securely.
Be sure to refer to the Youtube video linked below for a full overview of the process outlined above.
How to Use a Table Saw Blade Guard
Saw blade guards differ in style and function, and each comes with instructions that have been written by the manufacturer to ensure safe and correct installation. However, most guards function in a fairly similar manner. The following is just a short breakdown to give you a sense of the common way to use a blade guard. We should note that the operator should always read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding their specific product before use.
1. Table saw blade guards should install over the saw blade itself.
2. When the saw is not in use, the blade guard should entirely enclose the blade. This is to prevent any external material from damaging the blade and to prevent accidental contact from the operator.
3. When in use, the blade guard should raise to allow the material to pass through the saw. When this is occurring, the blade surface not in use should remain covered by the guard.
4. When in use, the operator must ensure that their fingers do not pass under the guard. If the material is being pushed through by hand, the operator must keep their hands outside the shield for it to effectively prevent injury.
Photo credit: bolis.com
Conclusion
Table saws are an incredibly useful tool. They can help make large home improvement projects simple and easy. However, they can also be dangerous when operated without care. Using blade guards when operating your saw is a great way to ensure that your construction project goes smoothly and safely.
Recap - Best Table Saw Blade Guards
Heading out? Here's a refresher on our best table saw blade guards:
People Also Ask
Before heading off and getting back to the workshop, take a few moments to look over this FAQ.
We’ve collected some of the most commonly asked questions about blade guards and have answered them all to send you off with the most information possible.
Does the Table Saw Blade Guard Collect Dust?
Depending on the guard you have, this will differ. However, most table saw blade guards will collect a certain amount of sawdust during the operation of the saw. Some blade guards are designed specifically to collect dust. Many of these guards have hoses or bags attached to redirect and store the dust.
Can a Table Saw Blade Guard Prevent Kickback?
Kickback can be a danger to the operator and material. While this is not the primary purpose of a blade guard, many blade guards will feature kickback (sometimes called anti-kickback) pawls. Kickback pawls prevent kickback, keeping the user safe from an unexpected pull or flying wood.
Photo credit: thisiscarpentry.com
Is it Necessary to Use Riving Knives Along With a Blade Guard?
It is not necessary to use a riving knife alongside a blade guard. Some blade guards will feature riving knives. If blade guards do not feature these safety devices and are compatible with them, it can be a good idea to use both when operating the saw.
Do You Need a Blade Guard on Table Saw?
Table saws should always feature saw blade guards for the protection of users and bystanders. These guards lift to accommodate the material passing through but protect the operator from accidental contact with other parts of the blade as it is in use.
Why Do So Many People Remove Their Table Saw Blade?
Removing the table saw blade is necessary when changing or adjusting it. For safety reasons, people like to take the blade out when cleaning. Often, people will remove the saw blade to replace it with another blade. People will also remove the blade to perform basic maintenance.