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Single-Point Attachment. On the other hand, the Biesemeyer has a simpler, single-point attachment. You install it by slipping it through the insert plate until it "clicks." To remove the Biesemeyer splitter, you need to remove the insert plate and pull a small, spring-loaded knob (inset photo at right). Depending on the saw, you may need to lower the blade as well. Both systems work well, but being able to remove the Merlin splitter without reaching inside the saw is a lot more convenient. There's one more thing to note here. The quick-release mechanisms are mounted to the saw with the same holes used for the stock splitter and guard. So you'll need to purchase a splitter that's made to fit your specific table saw. Splitter. Aside from the quick-release feature, another advantage of the Merlin and Biesemeyer is that they are made from thick steel that's less likely to flex. And the shape of the splitters is unique as well. The difference between these two splitters is pretty obvious. The Keep it Simple: Micro JigRight off the bat, you'll notice the Micro Jig M] splitter is completely different from the two shown above, as you can see in the photos at right. The first difference is the size. While the other splitters are large and made from steel, the MJ is just a short plastic fin. You can also see that it snaps into three holes drilled in a zero-clearance insert plate. (A drilling guide is provided.) This universal design means that this splitter will work on just about every saw. Featherboard Effect. The MJ splitter does have one feature that the others don't. In addition to preventing the kerf from closing up behind the saw, it has a built V_L in "featherboard effect" that keeps the work-piece from wandering away from the fence (drawing below). The fin is slightly offset from the centerline. This causes the splitter to push the workpiece against the rip fence. The splitter comes with two fins that give you four different pressure settings to adjust how much of a featherboard effect you want. About the only downside of the MJ is that it will only work on 90° cuts. Since it's fixed to the insert plate and not to the saw's arbor-tilting mechanism, youTl need to remove the splitter for bevel cuts. Finally, the cost of the Micro Jig splitter matches its size. You can find it for about $20. (For sources, turn to page 51.) That's a small price to pay to add a huge safety feature to your table saw. Variable Sizes. "Plus" signs on each side of the splitter fins indicate the strength of the featherboard effect. Single-point connection (see inset) Long anti-kickback pawls handle most stock sizes Biesemeyer looks like a sharpened knife blade. The leading edge is tapered so that a workpiece won't catch. The Merlin has a much longer profile. This keeps the work-piece from twisting away from the fence and spoiling the accuracy of the cut. It's hard to say which style is better. If properly set up, you shouldn't really even notice that a splitter is there. And once aligned, both splitters worked great. Anti-Kickback Pawls. The final feature of these after-market splitters to look at are the anti-kickback pawls. Like the splitter itself, the pawls are thicker and more rigid than those on stock splitters. The pawls on the Biesemeyer splitter can accommodate most stock sizes with teeth that run nearly the entire length of each pawl. BIESEMEYER Tapered splitter won't catch on workpiece The Merlin adds an extra set of pawls to handle thick stock. I found this setup to be a littler easier to work with and less likely to leave marks. Price. If there is a drawback to these splitters, it's the cost. Both the Biesemeyer and the Merlin cost more than $100. But considering just how easy they are to use, you may just find they're well worth it. A Quick Release. A tug on the knob is all it takes to release the splitter. 47 |
