The following went to Biesemeyer, Forrest and Powermatic. The
predictible response was: It's the other guy's fault. What do you
all think?






Give me some help here, guys. I recently purchased a Biesemeyer
Splitter stock number B78440 according to the box in which it arrived.
I installed it on my PM66 according to the instructions that arrived
with it.

I had earlier checked with Powermatic re the production date of my PM
66, serial number 01110662753, and had been told that the number
indicates a 2001 production date. A call to PM left me with the
information that it doesn't matter as nothing in the area of the saw
in question for changing a splitter was affected by the change from
2000 to 2001. See Biesemeyer's chart below indicating that the
cut-off dates were 1979 to August 2000 for two different part numbers.
Regardless, I checked with the local Bies dealer: Weatherford in
Austin, TX. I was told there that just as in the chart below, a saw
manufactured after 2000 requires part number B78440.

So I ordered such part, installed it in my PM66 and have been cutting
3/4 cherry and walnut ever since. Then comes the problem. I needed
to make some legs from 8/4 stock, so I cranked the saw blade up and
discovered to my horror that the WWII was contacting the painted
portion of the Bies Splitter. Knowing that it is not too unusual for
that blade to be cranked up while running (I know, bad form, but I've
seen many people do it) and knowing where the usual user's face is
located when he or she is cranking the blade higher, leads me to be
very glad that I can still see out of both eyes. So I unplugged the
saw. Took the splitter off, reinstalled it according to the same
instructions (there seem to be no degrees of freedom as to where the
splitter ends up if it is line with the blade i.e except for the
lateral adjustment from the left to the right side of the blade, there
is no method for placing the splitter closer to or further from the
blade in either a vertical direction or a front to back direction).
With the saw off and unplugged, I reinstalled the WWII, cranked the
blade up to approx 1 1/2" and $#&*^%& it is still touching the painted
portion of the splitter. What gives, guys?

Wrong part for the saw?

Wrong saw for the part?

Bies chart copied from web page:

Splitters - For Selected Table Saws
Printer Friendly Version click here
Increase table saw safety by adding our anti-kickback snap-in
spreader. Designed to reduce dangerous kickbacks, this spreader snaps
in instantly and removes easily on saws from several manufacturers.
Each spreader has a unique mounting bracket designed to easily mount
to the saw using the existing mounting holes for the saws factory
guard/spreader unit. Once the mounting bracket is installed, you can
be assured that the spreader will be aligned with the saw blade every
time it is removed and reinserted. The splitter blade is quickly
removed by taking out the table insert, pulling on the spring loaded
pin and pulling the blade out. Insert the spreader into the mounting
bracket until the spring loaded pin engages the hole in the splitter
blade to reinstall.

The Biesemeyer® T-Square® Anti-kickback Splitter Is designed to be
used inconjuction with a basket style blade guard. The splitters are
not intended to be used with a thin kerf blade. Minimum saw blade
thickness is 1/8".


After determining the correct part number, click on the Distributors
link at the bottom of the page to find a local dealer.

SAW PART NO. NOTES
Delta Unisaw (right tilt) 78-961 Delta Unisaw Rt Tilt & Grizzly 1023
Delta Unisaw (left tilt) 78-431 Delta Unisaw Left Tilt
Delta Contractor's saw 78-963
Delta 10" Tilting Arbor Saw 78-963
Delta 12-14 (older 12-14 saw) 78-968 Does not fit the RT-40

Jet JTAS-10 (right tilt) B78451
Jet JTAS-10 (left tilt) B78453
Jet JWTS-10 B78452 Jet JWTS-10 & Powermatic 64 (does not fit the
Powermatic 64A)

General 350 B78461 Must be used with a zero clearance insert

Powermatic 66 B78441 Saws 1979 - August 2000
Powermatic 66 B78440 Saws Pre 1979 & Post 2000
Powermatic 63 B78444



Copyright © Biesemeyer - 2001 all rights reserved.




A prompt reply would be appreciated. You may catch me during the day
at the numbers below.