Building upon their MJ Splitter that we featured yesterday, Micro Jig recently introduced the MJ Splitter SteelPRO. Both of these products are designed to be inserted into a zero-clearance insert on your table saw to keep the kerf in the workpiece from pinching the blade.
Rather than using plastic like the original MJ Splitter, Micro Jig makes the SteelPRO splitters from stainless steel — including the pins — and covers them in high-density polycarbonate. In addition to their more rugged construction, MicroJig added a few new features.
The first feature is an automatic kerf keeper. If there is enough tension in the workpiece to close the kerf, the kerf keeper is designed to be pulled out by the closing kerf and keep it open. When you notice this happen, you should shut off your saw.
The second new feature is the dual splitter, which allows you to not only keep the stock against the fence like a featherboard, but to apply pressure on the cutoff side as well. The splitters have the same system of offsets in increments of .003″ as the original MJ Splitters.
Since this product is new, a search on Google Products came up empty, but a little more digging shows that WoodCraft, Lee Valley, and Hartville Tool are selling the SteelPRO version. The SteelPRO Splitters come with an installation jig that allows you to drill the proper holes in your insert plate. Both the regular and thin kerf kits retail for $30 to $35, but Hartland Tool is currently discounting them to $25. A combo kit with both sizes retails for $63. You can also order replacement parts directly from Micro Jig here.
SteelPRO Splitter [Micro Jig]
SteelPRO Splitter [Lee Valley]
SteelPRO Splitter [Hartville Tool]
SteelPRO Splitter [Woodcraft]
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2 Responses to The MJ Splitter SteelPRO
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I have never used these, but I think I would opt for the plastic. I know from experience that occasionally the workpiece backs up on a table saw, either accidentally or purposely. I would be wary of the splitter lifting up and into the cut, and stainless steel coming too close to my blade. Kind of like those throwing stars the ninjas use, not to mention the damaged blade and flying carbide chips.
It’s easy enough to make a hardboard fin that slots into the throat plate. Not as adjustable as this product when switching blades, but you really don’t need a splitter unless you’re ripping solid wood, with a dedicated blade.