Removing the safety guard on the Grizzly G0704 Mill

I’ve only used  my mill briefly and already noticed that the safety guard on my G0704 mill just had to go.  Basically it works by pressing a switch when the guard is flipped out, causing the mill to stop.  Good idea, but the plastic guard gets in the way.  So, here’s the easiest way of removing the guard without having to splice anything.

Step 1) Remove the snap ring on the top of the guard.

Step 2) Remove the two hex bolts holding the switch housing to the head.

Step 3)  Take out the set screw holding the guard to the switch housing.  Careful – nothing is really holding the guard up.

Here you can see how it actually works.  Behind the paper strip is a micro-switch.  When the guard is flipped out, the switch presses in.

Step 4)  Flip the guard open and pull straight down until it comes out.  Finally bolt the switch housing back onto the head and you’re done.