Splitter:  I will admit, I have worked without the splitter for years. Two reasons: 1) it was a nuisance to put in and take out, and 2) it fell apart.
   You can see that it is still missing the anti-kickback palls, but it is serviceable as a spreader.
   The spreader has an important function: to keep either piece of board from moving to the back of the blade. If it does catch the back of the blade, it can be hurtled forward at speeds to 200 mph — one ugly form of kickback.
   [Note: I have updated this splitter section to include Delta's new "foldaway splitter...click here to go there.]
  

   This is a greatly improved splitter made by Biesemeyer and available for Delta, Jet and some other table saws. It is pricey ($125) but seems like it would work well. This is a picture of it at my local woodworkers store. I tried to get the manufacturer to send one for evaluation, but they didn't.

coming soon

    Zero Clearance Plate: A zero clearance plate can be a safety feature. The one pictured is a typical one sold by the catalog stores. It is made for this brand saw and I have cut a narrow slot for use with the thin kerf blades.
   Its primary safety function is to keep small cut off slivers from getting caught in a wider plate opening.
  
  

   While the zero clearance plate can be a safety feature, it can also be a safety hazard if the plate isn't carefully leveled with the table top.

  Check the clearance plate that came with your saw. If it has a nib that sticks out (arrow), then your shop-made or after-market clearance plate should have one. In this case, it keeps the plate from "floating" up from the air flow of the blade — very important.

   The Blade Guard: It is too bad that blade guards so often are removed from the saw and never returned. This is usually because the saw's guard "gets in the way."
   I am using the Exaktor Overarm Guard System that makes it more convenient to have the guard always available and ready to be used

   There are many times, when you must move it out of the way, or at least elevate it. The counterbalance system on the Exaktor makes this easy.
   The blade guard has two important safety functions: 1) it keeps your hands away from the blade, and 2) if a wood piece is thrown, it may deflect it from hitting your face.
   Do not count on the guard to protect you from kickbacked objects — prevent the kickback instead.

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