SawStop

I don't think it will. as pointed out several times, if it is less than 100% foolproof, the liabilities faced would increase manyfold. As an aside, most powertools are inherently dangerous due to their nature. It is really up to the operator to make things as safe as possible

Thousands of Amputations? Damn. Can you site some official figures of those "thousands" of amputees? I ain't buyin' it...

Philski

Besides, Saw Stop is not a brand new idea. It's been out long enough for manufacturers to have looked at it and decided if it was worth installing. So far, I haven't seen any saws with it.

Actually, i meant cite (vs. site)

phil(ski)

I've seen the SawStop guys at woodworking shows for years, and the product is still not widely available. Last check, I think they were still taking "deposits". Must have one heck of a VC behind them all these years.

One of the very best climber cut his finger off on a table saw. They could have reattached, but then he couldn't have climbed for 6 months and he wasn't willing to do that; so he went without.

That is one.

This was discussed a while back. I found a source of information on this then--you can find that post at

In short though, in 2002 there were approximately 3503 table-saw amputations, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission . That site also explains the methodology--it's based on emergency-room reports though.

I think your premise is incorrect. If that were the case the unsafe blade guards used in North America would have been replaced a long time ago.

Like most things, if the market decides that an extra $X00 per saw is a worthwhile investment, then some will be fitted. It is usually not up to the manufacturer to make it safe (unless it is legislated) if there are clear warnings in the manuals or stickers etc on the machines.

Greg

philski responds:

Me either. I searched for facts and figures on this a couple, three months ago when Saw Stop came up for the 32nd or so time. Nothing definitive, lots of guesswork, so my guess of amputations in the low dozens is as good as any.

I first saw the demo video of the SS back in 2000, IIRC, at IWF in Atlanta. It was, and remains, impressive, but IMHO what would be more impressive is a total, simple, solution to kickback that is low in cost. Rough guess: there are

And I have to wonder, too, if figures exist do they count such "amputations" as one an uncle of mine got a decade or so ago. He ran his finger tip over the

Charlie Self "If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner." H. L. Mencken

"amputations" as

A fingertip probably qualifies. The dictionary defines it as "cut off part of body: to cut off a limb or other appendage of the body, especially in a surgical operation". I'd guess if it was something that doesn't grow back, then it qualifies as being amputated.

Upscale responds:

You're probably right. But if his fingertips are like mine, he can spare 1/8" without hitting bone, or at least without hitting it hard. My concept, if not definition, of amputation has always involved bone.

Enough. This is making my fingernails itch.

Charlie Self "If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner." H. L. Mencken

I heard that they are trying to design one that will work with a deli meat slicer.

That'll be ...problematic... but, as the real "product" still seems to be vaporware, I don't think that the technology will be the limiting factor.

We'll see. Until I see one I can buy, or know someone who has, it's still vaporware. And I thought some had arrived, but had "build quality problems", the thing with the 'excuse letter' and all that?

Dave

You mean the blade will stop if someone put a piece of wood in it?

It was reported that they were shipping in small numbers. Not quite vapor, but a very fine mist.

Does anyone know of anyone who has one?

A batch of sawstops saws is crossing the ocean as we speak to be delivered later this month.

On Mon, 15 Nov 2004 01:58:44 GMT, "ks" calmly ranted:

I got the FWW Tools & Shops issue today and the article on SawStop said that the saw blade is WELDED to the aluminum stop when it's engaged, meaning that you have to replace BOTH every time it happens. How'd ya like to replace a $100 Forrest WWII every week?