Any way to retrofit an older Delta tablesaw to riving knife?

[SamInDurm]

I have a Delta 10 in. contractor saw that I bought used years ago and works great for my needs. The one thing that I don't like about it is that it has a fixed height splitter instead of a riving knife that would rise and lower with the saw blade height.

I can't see a way to fix this problem without buying a different saw but maybe someone out there knows a solution?

Thanks,
Sam

 

[Oka]

Not really, you can fit a splitter to it but the main issue disallowing a riving attachment is the blade swings on a pivot which means the riving will not ascend evenly. Look at newer saw the whole assembly ride on a front and back riser mechanism.
I have a Unisaw I have a splitter, but TBH, I spent my entire life without a riving knife on a table saw, you plan and cut with that in mind.

 

[zdorsch]

The nearest thing to what you want is a shark guard riving knife—although the user manually moves it with the blade.

Delta ARK Package -- For Unisaw and Other Brands – Shark Guard

The SharkGuard OSHA compliant aftermarket table saw blade guard. Contains all parts necessary - get your's today!

www.thesharkguard.com

If you’re creative and handy, other folks have made their own riving knife (although for a Unisaw):

 

[Tarhead]

I don't know of an aftermarket riving knife for a contractor saw. Shark sells a low profile 'shorty' splitter that sticks up ~3/4" above the table and they have different versions for different saws for attaching them. It can be removed or replaced in about 10 seconds but the only time it needs to come off is when using the dado set.

 

[RickR]

I bought my unisaw second hand. It had neither a splitter nor blade guard. After an ‘incident’ I bought a ARK / shark guard kit and have never regretted it. I don’t use the saw every day but do not find its manual operation to be a burden. I looked at the price recently and can only say ouch! That said it is a good system.