I have mixed feelings on this issue. ‘Saw Stop’, the manufacturer (Created by Steve Gass, a patented lawyer & hobby carpenter) of a table saw that can detect a human finger when it comes in contact with the blade, then applies a brake and drops the blade below the table top within 3/1000ths of a second (Amazing to say the least) has stirred up some controversy. The biggest issue, the cost. The Saw Stop costs upwards of $2,500-$3,500 for the complete unit (I just visited my local woodworkers store to compare), while manufacturers like Bosch, Black & Decker, and Dewalt say it would add $100-$200 per unit to sell the added technology, the average consumer and tradesmen will be crossing their fingers, no pun intended, to see what happens.
I’ll gladly pay an extra $200 for an option to add this feature if it saves my fingers and the added workman’s comp expense. I am not a risky carpenter but sometimes I have to make tricky cuts in the field. I use feather boards (A safety tool used to place pressure on the material and make it stationary) and push sticks (Another safety tool used as a hand extension) if my fingers are within 3 inches of the blade. I’ve seen a lot of other trades remove the guards and make freehand cuts, NOT COOL.
Another option to a table saw is the “Track Saw” , a high-end circular/plunge saw guided by an aluminum track that cuts with ultimate precision. The leader in this industry is Festool, a German manufacturer existing since the 20’s. It eliminates the possibility of ever running your fingers through a rotating blade. When compared to the Saw Stop, it’s a steal on price.
I’ll keep you updated!
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