Riving Knife For Craftsman Table Saw

A riving knife for a Craftsman table saw is a crucial safety device that moves with the saw blade, preventing the wood from pinching and causing dangerous kickback. It significantly enhances both safety and cut quality by keeping the kerf open.

Proper installation and alignment are key to maximizing its protective benefits and ensuring smooth, precise cuts on your Craftsman table saw.

Ever felt that jolt of fear when a piece of wood binds on your table saw blade? That heart-stopping moment when kickback threatens to ruin your project—or worse, cause serious injury? It’s a common concern for anyone who spends time in the shop, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your woodworking journey.

The good news is, there’s a simple, yet incredibly effective, solution that can dramatically improve the safety and performance of your Craftsman table saw: the riving knife for Craftsman table saw. This often-overlooked component is an absolute game-changer, transforming your saw into a much safer and more reliable tool.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the riving knife. You’ll learn what it is, why it’s so vital for your safety, how to install and maintain one on your Craftsman machine, and discover practical tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of this essential safety feature. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle your projects with confidence and peace of mind.

Understanding the Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw: Your Safety Shield

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a riving knife, and why is it such a big deal, especially for a Craftsman table saw?

Think of the riving knife as your saw blade’s constant companion. It’s a curved piece of metal, slightly thinner than your saw blade’s kerf (the slot the blade cuts), that sits directly behind the blade and moves up and down with it.

How a Riving Knife Prevents Kickback

The primary job of a riving knife is to prevent two dangerous conditions: binding and kickback. As your saw blade cuts through wood, the two halves of the workpiece can sometimes pinch together behind the blade.

Binding: When the wood pinches the blade, it can cause friction, burning, and even stop the blade.
Kickback: Far more dangerous, binding can cause the wood to be violently thrown back at you by the spinning blade. This is a leading cause of table saw injuries.

The riving knife keeps the kerf open immediately after the cut, ensuring the wood can’t pinch the blade. It effectively separates the two halves of your workpiece, allowing the blade to spin freely and preventing any sudden, uncontrolled movements.

Riving Knife vs. Splitter: A Crucial Distinction

Many older table saws, including some Craftsman models, came equipped with a splitter instead of a riving knife. While a splitter serves a similar purpose, there’s a key difference:

Splitter: A splitter is fixed to the saw’s arbor or table insert. It doesn’t move up and down with the blade. This means when you make non-through cuts (like dados or grooves), you have to remove the splitter, leaving you unprotected.
Riving Knife: The riving knife moves with the blade. It’s always in position, whether you’re making a through-cut or a non-through cut. This continuous protection is what makes it superior for safety.

For any woodworker serious about safety, upgrading to a riving knife is a no-brainer, especially if you have an older Craftsman table saw that might not have come with one originally.

Benefits of a Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw: Safer, Cleaner Cuts

Beyond preventing kickback, integrating a riving knife into your Craftsman table saw setup offers a host of other advantages. These benefits translate directly into a safer workshop, better project outcomes, and a more enjoyable woodworking experience.

Enhanced Safety: Peace of Mind in Every Cut

This is the big one. The most significant benefit is the dramatic reduction in the risk of kickback. With the riving knife consistently separating the workpiece behind the blade, you can focus on guiding your material, knowing that the primary cause of kickback is mitigated.

It also prevents wood from binding, which not only causes kickback but can also strain your saw’s motor and dull your blade prematurely.

Improved Cut Quality: Precision You Can See

When wood doesn’t bind or shift, your cuts are naturally cleaner and more accurate. The riving knife helps maintain the workpiece’s alignment through the entire cut, reducing tear-out and ensuring perfectly straight edges.

This means less sanding and rework, leading to higher-quality finished products. You’ll notice the difference in your joinery and overall fit and finish.

Versatility for All Your Projects

Unlike a traditional splitter, a riving knife stays in place for almost all types of cuts. This is particularly beneficial for:

Through-Cuts: Standard ripping and cross-cutting are safer.
Non-Through Cuts: You can make dado cuts, rabbets, and grooves without removing the riving knife, maintaining continuous protection.

This versatility makes your Craftsman table saw a more capable and safer tool for a wider range of woodworking tasks.

Long-Term Tool Health

By preventing binding and excessive strain on the blade and motor, a riving knife contributes to the longevity of your table saw. Less stress means fewer repairs and a longer life for your valuable equipment.

It’s a small investment that pays off in both safety and the lifespan of your Craftsman workhorse.

How to Install a Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a riving knife, especially on an older Craftsman table saw, might seem daunting, but it’s a manageable task for any careful DIYer. The key is to proceed methodically and prioritize safety above all else. This section offers practical how to riving knife for craftsman table saw steps.

Safety First: Unplug Your Saw!

Before you even think about touching your table saw’s internal components, unplug it from the power outlet. This cannot be stressed enough. Accidental startup is a serious risk and can lead to severe injury.

Gathering Your Tools and Parts

You’ll need a few basic hand tools, typically wrenches or Allen keys, which usually come with your saw or the riving knife kit. You’ll also need the correct riving knife for your specific Craftsman model.

Compatibility is Key: Not all riving knives fit all Craftsman saws. Research your saw’s model number carefully to find a compatible OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or a quality aftermarket kit. Some older Craftsman saws may require an adapter kit.
Blade Kerf Matching: Ensure the riving knife’s thickness is slightly less than your saw blade’s kerf. A standard kerf is 1/8 inch (0.125″), so a riving knife around 0.090″ to 0.118″ is ideal.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Remove the Blade: Follow your saw’s manual to safely remove the saw blade. This gives you clear access to the arbor and surrounding components.
Access the Mounting Point: On many Craftsman saws, the riving knife or splitter mounts to the arbor assembly. You may need to remove the throat plate and possibly some housing covers to gain access.
Mount the Riving Knife: Carefully attach the riving knife to its designated mounting bracket. This often involves a bolt or a quick-release mechanism. Ensure it’s seated firmly and securely.
Reinstall the Blade: Put your saw blade back on, making sure it’s tightened correctly according to your saw’s instructions.
Adjust and Align: This is the most critical step. The riving knife needs to be perfectly aligned with your saw blade.

Parallel Alignment: The riving knife must be parallel to the saw blade. Use a straightedge or a reliable measuring tool to check the distance from the blade to the riving knife at the front and back. Adjust as needed until it’s perfectly parallel.
Height Adjustment: The top of the riving knife should be slightly below the highest point of the saw blade when fully extended. This allows the blade to clear the top of the wood during through-cuts, while still providing full protection.

Test the Movement: Raise and lower the blade through its full range of motion. The riving knife should move smoothly with the blade, maintaining its parallel and height relationship.
Replace Covers and Throat Plate: Once satisfied with the alignment, reassemble any covers and the throat plate.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you encounter significant difficulties, feel unsure about any step, or if your Craftsman model proves particularly challenging to adapt, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced carpenter or a qualified tool technician. Your safety is paramount, and it’s always better to get professional assistance than risk an improper installation.

Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw Best Practices and Maintenance

Installing a riving knife is a fantastic step, but its effectiveness relies on ongoing care and adherence to best practices. Following these guidelines will ensure your riving knife continues to provide optimal safety and performance, making it a truly sustainable riving knife for Craftsman table saw investment.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Wood dust and resin can build up on your riving knife, just like on your saw blade. This buildup can cause friction, leading to binding and reducing its effectiveness.

After Each Use: Briefly wipe down the riving knife with a cloth to remove loose dust.
Periodically: For sticky resin buildup, use a blade cleaner or a mild solvent (like mineral spirits) and a non-abrasive pad to clean the surface. Ensure the cleaner is safe for your saw’s components.
Inspect for Damage: Check the riving knife for any bends, nicks, or signs of excessive wear. A damaged riving knife should be replaced immediately.

Proper Alignment Checks: Stay True to the Blade

Over time, vibrations or accidental bumps can cause your riving knife to shift out of alignment. Regular checks are essential for maintaining its protective function.

Before Critical Cuts: Always do a quick visual check before starting an important project.
Monthly or Bi-Monthly: Use a straightedge to verify the riving knife is still parallel to your saw blade. Re-adjust if necessary, following the steps outlined in the installation section.
Check Height: Ensure the height adjustment is still correct for your blade’s full extension.

Blade Compatibility: The Right Match Matters

Your riving knife’s thickness must always be slightly less than the kerf of the blade you are using. This ensures it can freely enter the cut without causing binding.

Thin Kerf Blades: If you use thin kerf blades (typically 3/32″ or 0.093″), you may need a specific thin kerf riving knife. A standard riving knife (for 1/8″ kerf) will be too thick and cause binding.
Always Verify: When changing blades, always double-check that your riving knife is compatible with the new blade’s kerf.

When to Replace or Upgrade

Even with the best care, components wear out. If your riving knife becomes bent, warped, or shows significant signs of wear that affect its function, it’s time for a replacement. Consider it a small price for continued safety.

Some woodworkers also choose to upgrade to higher-quality aftermarket riving knives made from more durable materials, especially if they put their Craftsman saw through heavy use.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Your Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw

Even with careful installation and maintenance, you might encounter a few hiccups with your riving knife. Knowing how to diagnose and solve these common problems with riving knife for Craftsman table saw will keep your workflow smooth and safe.

Misalignment Issues

Problem: The wood binds or rubs excessively against the riving knife, or cuts are not perfectly straight.
Solution: This is almost always a sign of misalignment. Unplug your saw, remove the throat plate, and use a straightedge to re-check the parallel alignment of the riving knife to the blade. Adjust as needed until it’s perfectly parallel at both the front and back.

Binding or Friction

Problem: The workpiece feels like it’s dragging or getting stuck as it passes the riving knife.
Solution:

Check Kerf: Ensure the riving knife is slightly thinner than your blade’s kerf. If it’s too thick, it will cause binding.
Cleanliness: A buildup of pitch and sawdust on the riving knife can cause friction. Clean it thoroughly.
Wood Condition: Sometimes, internal stresses in the wood itself can cause it to pinch the kerf, even with a properly aligned riving knife. This is less common but can happen with wet or warped timber.

Difficulty with Through-Cuts

Problem: The riving knife interferes with the top surface of the wood, or doesn’t seem to provide full protection.
Solution: Re-check the riving knife’s height adjustment. It should be just below the highest point of the saw blade when the blade is fully extended. If it’s too high, it will hit the wood; if too low, it won’t effectively keep the kerf open at the top of the cut.

Noise or Vibration

Problem: You hear rattling, buzzing, or feel excessive vibration coming from the riving knife area.
Solution:

Loose Mount: The riving knife might be loose in its mounting bracket. Tighten all fasteners securely.
Rubbing: The riving knife might be rubbing against another component of the saw’s arbor assembly. Inspect for points of contact and adjust if possible.
Blade Issues: Sometimes, blade issues (e.g., warped blade, loose arbor nut) can manifest as noise that appears to come from the riving knife area. Check your blade first.

The Riving Knife Doesn’t Stay in Position

Problem: The riving knife slips or doesn’t lock firmly in place after adjustment.
Solution: This indicates an issue with the locking mechanism or adjustment hardware. Inspect the bolts, clamps, or quick-release levers. They might be worn, stripped, or simply not tightened enough. Replacement of these small parts might be necessary.

Choosing the Right Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw: A Buyer’s Guide

Navigating the options for a riving knife, especially for a Craftsman table saw, requires a bit of research. This riving knife for craftsman table saw guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure compatibility.

Compatibility with Craftsman Models

This is the most critical factor. Craftsman has produced a vast range of table saws over the years, from older belt-drive contractor saws to newer direct-drive benchtop models.

Check Your Model Number: Locate the model number on your saw (usually on a label on the motor housing or base). This number is essential for finding compatible parts.
Owner’s Manual: Consult your saw’s owner’s manual. It will often specify if a riving knife is an option and provide part numbers.
Aftermarket Kits: For older Craftsman saws that didn’t originally come with a riving knife, you might need to look for aftermarket conversion kits. Brands like MicroJig (with their Splitter SteelPro) offer universal solutions, but even these require careful measurement and installation to ensure proper fit and function.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are designed specifically for your saw. Aftermarket options can be good but require more diligence to ensure quality and fit.

Material Considerations

Riving knives are typically made from steel. Look for:

High-Quality Steel: Ensures durability and resistance to bending.
Smooth Finish: A smooth, polished surface reduces friction as wood passes over it.
Corrosion Resistance: Some riving knives may have a coating to prevent rust, especially important in humid workshop environments.

Blade Thickness Matching

As discussed, the riving knife must be slightly thinner than your blade’s kerf. Most standard blades have a 1/8″ (0.125″) kerf, while thin kerf blades are typically 3/32″ (0.093″).

Measure Your Blade: If unsure, use a caliper to measure the actual thickness of your saw blades.
Match the Riving Knife: Purchase a riving knife that corresponds to the kerf of the blades you primarily use. If you switch between standard and thin kerf blades, you might need two different riving knives or a system that allows for easy swap-outs.

Ease of Adjustment and Removal

Some riving knives offer tool-less adjustment or quick-release mechanisms, making it easier to fine-tune alignment or remove for specific operations (though removal should be rare with a true riving knife).

Consider how easily you can adjust and maintain the knife, as this will impact your willingness to perform regular checks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riving Knife for Craftsman Table Saw

Is a riving knife necessary for all cuts?

While a riving knife provides safety benefits for nearly all through-cuts, it is absolutely essential for ripping solid lumber, where internal stresses in the wood are most likely to cause pinching and kickback. For non-through cuts like dados, a true riving knife can remain in place, offering continuous protection, unlike a traditional splitter.

Can I add a riving knife to an old Craftsman table saw?

Yes, in many cases, you can. However, it often requires an aftermarket conversion kit specifically designed for older saws that didn’t originally feature a riving knife. Research your specific Craftsman model number to find compatible kits, or consult with a woodworking expert for guidance.

What’s the difference between a riving knife and a splitter?

A riving knife moves up and down with the saw blade, staying just behind it to keep the kerf open for all cuts, including non-through cuts. A splitter is fixed to the table or arbor and must often be removed for non-through cuts, leaving the operator unprotected.

How often should I check my riving knife’s alignment?

You should perform a quick visual check before any critical cut. A more thorough check with a straightedge to ensure it’s parallel to the blade should be done monthly or bi-monthly, or any time you suspect it might have been bumped or shifted.

Are there eco-friendly riving knife options?

While the material of a riving knife itself isn’t typically “eco-friendly” in terms of being biodegradable, the most sustainable approach is to invest in a high-quality, durable riving knife that lasts for many years. Proper maintenance, cleaning, and timely replacement of worn parts ensure the longest lifespan, reducing the need for frequent manufacturing and disposal. Some manufacturers also prioritize sustainable production practices, which can be a factor in your choice.

Equipping your Craftsman table saw with a properly installed and maintained riving knife is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for your workshop. It’s a testament to smart, safe woodworking, ensuring that your passion for creating doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being.

By understanding its purpose, following best practices for installation and care, and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you’re not just adding a piece of metal to your saw; you’re adding a layer of confidence and precision to every cut.

So, take the time to inspect your saw, consider the upgrade, and make that riving knife for Craftsman table saw a priority. Your fingers, your projects, and your peace of mind will thank you. Stay safe and keep those saw blades spinning responsibly!

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Jim Boslice

Jim Boslice is a power tool enthusiast who tests, reviews, and shares practical guides to help DIYers and professionals choose the right tools for every project.