Photo Courtesy of Sawstop
While table saws continue to be the industry standard and are vital to contractors on a jobsite, it’s still dangerous tool that needs to be operated with care. Sadly, a number of accidents still occur all across the world with people being seriously hurt or even worse…losing their fingers.
Many have wondered with today’s technology, is it possible to put a sensor or other detection device into the saw or on the blade itself to stop when it detects human flesh? Recently, that question has been answered thanks to a small company in Oregon whose saw was created to stop accidents as they happen.
A Brief History
Photo Courtesy of SawStop
In 1999, the SawStop Table Saw was invented by Dr. Steven Gass in Tualatin, Oregon…about a half hour south of Portland. The business was started by Dr. Gass and three of his friends. In 2004, the first SawStop table saw was sold and continues to grow in popularity all over the world.
The saw’s design, craftsmanship and dedication to safety continue to impress as more and more people weigh safety when getting a table saw.
What It Offers
The SawStop table saw can do a variety of tasks. It can cut wood, title, metal and other similar materials. What makes this stand out though is the fact it can detect flesh on its blade and the saw immediately shuts down.
Photo Courtesy of Discovery via YouTube
The blade carries a small electrical charge that allows the blade to sense any material that is conductive. When skin contacts the blade, the safety system is activated. The aluminum brake springs into the spinning blade and stops it in milliseconds. The blade’s angular momentum drives it under the table and helps prevent further injuries.
If the safety mechanism is activated, you’ll have to open up the saw and pull the blade and the cartridge out. The blade will be unusable since three to five of the saw’s teeth will be damaged. You’ll either have to replace the blade or get sharpened.
Photo Courtesy of Discovery via YouTube
Safety isn’t the only feature this table saw has to offer. Many also praise the saw for its effectiveness and efficiency design. It also has an easy-to-use aluminum fence, excellent dust collection, a riving knife and a full blade guard.
Saw Features and Specifications
Sawstop’s Jobsite Saw
Motor Configuration: 120 VAC 60 Hz, Universal
Amperage: 15A
No Load RPM: 4,000
Saw Dimensions: 15-1/2″ H x 31-3/4″ W x 28-3/4″ D
Saw Dim. w Cart (folded, On End): 45″ H x 26-1/4″ W x 28-3/4″ D
Weight (saw only): 79 lbs
Weight (with cart): 108 lbs
Blade Diameter: 10″
Dado Diameter: 8″
Max. rip right of blade (extended): 25-1/2″
Sawstop’s Contractor Saw
Motor: (all 60Hz, TEFC): 1.75hp
Cabinet footprint: 25 3/4″ w x 27″ d
Cast iron table: 20″ w x 27″ d
Extension wings: 12″ w x 27″ d each
Shipping weight (approx.): 240 lbs (table saw only)
Blade: 40-tooth, prof. grade, 5/8″ arbor
Blade diameter: 10″
Blade tilt: Left
Max. depth of cut, blade at 0º:3 1/8″
Max. depth of cut, blade at 45º:2 1/4″
Dado diameter: 8″ (req. dado brake + insert)
Dado max. width: 13/16″
Sawstop’s Professional Table Saw
Motor: (all 60Hz, TEFC): 1.75 or 3 hp available
Cabinet footprint: 19 3/8″ w x 19 3/8″ d
Cast iron table: 20″ w x 27″ d
Extension wings: 12″ w x 27″ d each
Weights – table saw only: 317 lb (1.75 hp), 335 lbs (3 hp)
Blade: 40-tooth, prof. grade, 5/8″ arbor
Blade diameter: 10″
Blade tilt: Left
Max. depth of cut, blade at 0º: 3 1/8″
Max. rip, right of blade – 30 in: 30″ (w/ 30″ rails)
Dust collection port diameter: 4″
Sawstop’s Industrial Saw
Motor: (all 60Hz, TEFC): 3.0, 5.0 & 7.5hp available
Cabinet footprint: 20″ w x 25″ d
Cast iron table: 24″ w x 30″ d
Extension wings: 10″ w x 30″ d each
Weights – w/ 52 in fence systems: 685 lbs
Shipping weight (approx.): 640 lb (table saw only)
Blade diameter: 10″
Blade tilt: Left
Max. depth of cut, blade at 0º: 3 1/8″
Max. depth of cut, blade at 45º: 2 1/4″
Max. rip, right of blade – 30 in: N/A
Dust collection port diameter: 4″
Conclusion
While it’s true other companies are working on a flesh detecting saw, as of right now…SawStop’s is the only one on the market. Sawstop is used not only in workshops, but is also starting to become common place in schools. While the price tag can cause questions for some consumers, think about how money you spend if there is a workshop accident. If you’re looking for a saw that works well and keeps you safe at the same time…the SawStop is probably for you.