Do I Need a Riving Knife

Because this type of blade does not create a through cut, a riving knife would serve no purpose. In fact, it would actually get in the way, blocking the completion of the cut. … In nearly every other case, though, the riving knife should be used when making standard rip cuts and crosscuts with your table saw.

Is a riving knife necessary?

Because this type of blade does not create a through cut, a riving knife would serve no purpose. In fact, it would actually get in the way, blocking the completion of the cut. … In nearly every other case, though, the riving knife should be used when making standard rip cuts and crosscuts with your table saw.

Is a splitter as safe as a riving knife?

Splitters have a leg up on riving knives in one regard, though. They can be retrofitted to your existing tablesaw, whereas a riving knife can’t be. Some protection is better than no protection. Better than nothing.