wvpolekat
Platinum Member
I had seen this before, and demoed with hot dogs. But this one, he actually puts his finger in it. If nothing else, he deserves credit for putting his money where his mouth is.
interesting saw safety
- Thread starter Bedlam
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shinnlinger
Silver Member
These saws are very high quality and they are only 2-4 hundred more than a comparable cabinet saw. They have a contractor model also and I think that is $1200. Isn't your finger worth more than $400??? I bet that is cheaper than your deductible on you insurance if you even have it. They use a guard, but it actually does a nice job of dust collection also.
There was a NPR bit on this saw a few days ago and there is actually a law suite against power tool companies for NOT adopting this technology, so I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing these features on other brand saws soon. Over 10 folks chop of digits every day with a table saw in this country, so be careful what ever you do. A manufactures rep said a $100 benchtop table saw would be about $200 with this new technology and cited that as a reason to not adopt it. Let the consumer decide, but I say my finger is worth the extra $100.
I happen to teach high school woodshop and I am trying to get these saws in my class for obvious reasons. There is a debate among teachers who have these saws about wether or not to tell the kids about the saws capabilities. If a finger actually activates it, you send the cartridge to the company and they will give you a new cartridge ($70) for free. Your blade is junk, but hey, I would ruin a $50 blade any day to save a finger.
There was a NPR bit on this saw a few days ago and there is actually a law suite against power tool companies for NOT adopting this technology, so I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing these features on other brand saws soon. Over 10 folks chop of digits every day with a table saw in this country, so be careful what ever you do. A manufactures rep said a $100 benchtop table saw would be about $200 with this new technology and cited that as a reason to not adopt it. Let the consumer decide, but I say my finger is worth the extra $100.
I happen to teach high school woodshop and I am trying to get these saws in my class for obvious reasons. There is a debate among teachers who have these saws about wether or not to tell the kids about the saws capabilities. If a finger actually activates it, you send the cartridge to the company and they will give you a new cartridge ($70) for free. Your blade is junk, but hey, I would ruin a $50 blade any day to save a finger.
dave1949
Super Star Member
My blade guard is collecting dust too. Seems to make it easier to get kickback and binding when the guard was on. It lasted about three times using the saw and it had to go.
Dave.
The blade guard is next to worthless in my view. If you know what you're doing you shouldn't get kick backs.
I've done a good share of woodworking and once I was talking when the saw was running and got careless but nothing happened. I make sure to never let that happen again. When that saw goes on it's me and the saw!
Rob
I've done a good share of woodworking and once I was talking when the saw was running and got careless but nothing happened. I make sure to never let that happen again. When that saw goes on it's me and the saw!
Rob
BTDT2
Silver Member
We replaced four table saws with these devices over three years ago. Has saved one finger and one thumb. Estimated savings - 20 to 30 times what we paid.
The first couple of years we accidentally activated the brake four to five times per year from sawing conductive material e.g foiled lined laminate or substrate. If the device senses any current flow whatsoever it activates.
Bottom line- it works and whats a thumb worth in dollars?
The first couple of years we accidentally activated the brake four to five times per year from sawing conductive material e.g foiled lined laminate or substrate. If the device senses any current flow whatsoever it activates.
Bottom line- it works and whats a thumb worth in dollars?
But it is not a matter of it being just $100.
What about all the false stops due to damp or pressure treated lumber?
It basically ruins the blade when stopped and I have read that a carbide blade will likely throw a tooth when stopped like this, there is no mention of the problems that could cause.
The lawsuit filed goes along with his lobbying to make these standard equipment, which is handy for him since he holds the patent on it.
rjkobbeman
Platinum Member
One demo I saw a few years ago showed a switch to disable the safety feature. This was used for wet wood. Great idea in theory, but in practice, I see false stops. Since it costs money each time, this could get old fast.
I also have to think that the shock involved is eventually going to cause problems with the motor and shaft. There is a lot of force in that rotating mass.
And my biggest concern is the complacency that this safety feature will promote. Not on purpose, but people will get too confortable with it. I can almost imagine people getting injured on another machine because it does not have the same type of safety feature... but the user was getting sloppy by the "safe saw".
jpm
Platinum Member
the law suit was won by the saw abuser.he never used a table saw,all safety device's removed including the fence. he said the saw was vibreting so he stoped, looked at it ,started it up and just pushed the wood harder and he finger slipped into the blade. got a lawer and sued for $250,000.00. the jury found him 35 % the manufactor 65% the amount was $1.500,000.00 . we all will pay
OP
Bedlam
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