How to Set Up a Table Saw Guard

Set the tilt to zero and the blade to maximum height. Lock the blade bevel lock knob.

Slide the spring washer, then the flat washer and external tooth lock washer onto the blade guard mounting bolt on a Craftsman saw. Your manufacturer may be have designed a slightly different hardware setup, but the concept will likely be the same.

Insert the bolt assembly you created in the previous step through the splitter bracket. Then put the oval washer on the pin-like pivot rod. Install the blade guard, splitter and bracket assembly you've created onto the back of the saw table. Thread the bolt into the threaded pivot rod.

Lift the blade guard arm up; using a straight edge, align the blade guard pane, and the splitter with the blade itself. Wiggle the splitter bracket assembly until the alignment is parallel to the blade. Tighten the bolt and test. The splitter bracket must allow the cut work piece to pass on either side without twisting or binding.