Sawstop put to test unlike I've ever seen

[reible]

OK I know this sounds hard to believe but Steve Gass the inventor of the Sawstop uses his own finger to test the sawstop.

I don't have cable so I don't get to see a lot of the cool shows that are on but every once in a while someone will tape me something they think I need to see... so anyway there is this show called Time Warp where they use high speed cameras to shoot footage of different things and then let you see them really happen in slow motion. In this one show they had Steve giving some demos of the sawstop and you get to see the blade and crumple zone come together. At the end of that segment puts his finger almost into the spinning blade...

Anyone else see this?? Not something I would ever want to do!

Ed

[dicksterp]

I haven't seen this particular demo but I have seen a number of demos where they use a hotdog. It MAY just barely break the skin of the hotdog.

[fixit]

Here's the link the the video for those who want to see it.

http://www.toologics.com/Videos/Amazing_Tool_Videos/SawStop_ACTUAL_FINGER_DEMO!_200811231099.html (http://www.toologics.com/Videos/Amazing_Tool_Videos/SawStop_ACTUAL_FINGER_DEMO%21_200811231099.html)

If you can't click on it you should copy the link and paste it into the address box of your browser.

I'd like to have one of those saws; however, the $2,300 (approx.) price tag is a bit steep for my budget. I might buy one after I make my second million (I hear the 1st million of harder to make so I'll just start on the 2nd!).:D

[curiousgeorge]

You just KNOW that there are a few idiots out there that will try this.

[dusty]

I will have one of those (SawStop) when I remodel and enlarge my shop. It will sit right along side of my big Unisaw (like Norm uses).

This was an impressive demonstration; Steve Gass actually gave the Sawstop a finger (third finger). It won't be long until we all see this on TV somewhere.

[doug45601]

Guess your finger has to be wet and saltie! could have used something like this last year when I put my finger tip into the jointer blade! Blood is still on the garage floor as a reminder to me!

thanks for the post.

[paul heller]

I can't read any of this without cringing. The whole thread sends shivers up my spine, and this last post from Doug tops it all. I have to stop reading this particular thread.

Paul

[Ed in Tampa]

The Sawstop product has been the topic of conversation on many forums I visit. It has been an interesting story.

Apparently the inventor first developed and perfected the idea and presented it to major saw manufactures as a "low cost" upgrade to their existing line of saws. I think all turned him down for what I understand was two reasons. One cost they felt it would cost more than his estimated $100+ the second reason was liability if you say something will not cut someone's finger and it does your liable. If you say saws are inheritantly dangerous by nature and someone cuts their finger you not liable because of assumed known risk.

The inventor then went to the government and tried to convince the 'powers that be' that his invention should be mandated on every saw manufactured in this country. The idea was rejected and not included in the latest saw safety changes that recently went into effect. One of them being saws must now have riving knifed not just splitters.

The inventor then said he would manufacture the saw himself and we see the results. The cabinet saw was first on the market and presently sells in the $3000+ price range. Then many years later the contractor saw became available and in presently in the $1500+ price range. When compared to say a Delta or Powermatic that market similar contractor saws in the $1000 price range and then when we consider Ridgid selling for $600+ and being awarded outstanding saw of the year awards by many mags we have to ask what happened to the $100 upgrade cost that was first announced by the inventor?

Initial cost aside since I think everyone will agree that $1000 is money well spent if you save a finger or a trip to the ER.. There is also the cost of repairing the saw should the mechanism fire. I'm told the saw arbor assembly has to be replaced, as does the saw blade. So this could amount to approx $100 for the mechanism and $75+ for a saw blade. Again money well spent if it saves a trip to ER.

However the blade mechanism will fire if the wood is too damp so before you make a cut you must first test the wood by putting the saw into safe mode, touch the wood to the blade and see if the indicator comes on. You then must switch the saw out of safe mode and proceed with the cut.

It is my understanding the there have been misfires on the saw. Most have been traced to the fact that the operator nelgected to make the necessary test. Others have been traced to things other than flesh touching the blade, and other errors.

I also believe there have been numerous testimonials of people that for whatever reason have come into contact with the blade and mechanism saved them from serious injury.

There are also stories of people simply switching into safe mode thus defeating the product which to me makes as much sense as removing the blade guard and never reinstalling it.

That is the story as best I know it.