Thread: SawStop Contractor's Saw

$3000 is not much compared to a lifetime of pain, or to a lesser extent, a lifetime without fingers. I wouldn't be concerned about the $3000 (if I had it) though, more concerned if the sawstop could be retro-fitted. I wonder if anyone on these forums has ever bought one or fitted it to their saw?

No, it can't be retrofitted. You must buy a Sawstop saw. Although reports have them as well made, quality saws even without the sawstop feature. Only what i've read, I don't have any experience with Sawstop.
Do a search of these forums, there are some very ...interesting... discussions on Sawstop.

Ah, thanks for the info NCArcher, thought it was something fitted to existing saws

Hi Arry,

Do you realise that the saw stop hardware operates in a sacrificial fashion. If you trigger the mechanism you will have done in both a blade and the saw stop clamping system.

I realise this cost is inconsequential when measured against the loss of a precious digit.

Frankly I don't think a saw stop is necessary if you have good technique, are safety aware and perhaps most important of all you never operate the saw when tired at the end of the day.

In saying that I assume it goes without question that your saw will be fitted with a riving knife that is properly adjusted and of the correct thickness for the blade thickness you are using.

Happy sawing . Old Pete

Originally Posted by old pete

Frankly I don't think a saw stop is necessary if you have good technique, are safety aware and perhaps most important of all you never operate the saw when tired at the end of the day.

Totally agree. People automatically assume by purchasing a Sawstop they are guaranteed to keep all the digits, but fail to realise they are still using Jointers, Radial Arms/Chop saws, Shapers/Router tables etc.

More people per ratio kill themselves each day around the world by falling off ladders… I wonder if Stephen Gass is pressuring Congress to pass a bill to have compulsory air bags fitted to all ladders.

You'd need a parachute as well if you had an air bag on a ladder.

Originally Posted by Lignum

More people per ratio kill themselves each day around the world by falling off ladders… I wonder if Stephen Gass is pressuring Congress to pass a bill to have compulsory air bags fitted to all ladders.

Now that's an idea

hi arry.
my only experience with sawstop was checking them out at a shop in brisbane in november 2009.
the contractor saw was $4000. plus a couple more hundred for the mobile base.
it has came down in price i presume, because of the aussie dollar making parity with the yankee dollar.

whether its $3000 or $4000 i reckon its a bargain.
everybody has their opinion on the merits of this saw.
if i could afford it now, i would buy it right now.

justin.

Originally Posted by munruben

Now that's an idea

Probably not such a silly idea. If a ladder had a sensor that detected a sudden loss of pressure, and an air bag deployed it would save lives. I wonder if there is already such an invention.

Originally Posted by Lignum

Probably not such a silly idea. If a ladder had a sensor that detected a sudden loss of pressure, and an air bag deployed it would save lives. I wonder if there is already such an invention.

Better not step off the ladder on to the roof then

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Better not step off the ladder on to the roof then

But that wouldnt be sudden, it would be gradual.

Originally Posted by Lignum

Totally agree. People automatically assume by purchasing a Sawstop they are guaranteed to keep all the digits, but fail to realise they are still using Jointers, Radial Arms/Chop saws, Shapers/Router tables etc.

More people per ratio kill themselves each day around the world by falling off ladders… I wonder if Stephen Gass is pressuring Congress to pass a bill to have compulsory air bags fitted to all ladders.

Hi Again Lignum,

After I placed my post on this topic I recalled reading an article in Fine Woodworking a couple of decades ago where a study had been carried out on many hundreds of woodworkers who suffered amputation of digits in wood working machines. The survey indicated that over 85% of victims had known that the action they were about to undertake and which led to their injury was highly risky or just plain dangerous. Ever since I read that when I get the feeling that a machining action, and that's something I do almost every day, is potentially hazardous then I DON'T DO IT !!! I find another way that I feel comfortable with.

Cheers Old Pete

Originally Posted by munruben

Now that's an idea

13 People have been admitted to hospital in Victoria this weekend from falling of ladders, one in a critical condition according to Ambulance Victoria today.

Originally Posted by old pete

Hi Again Lignum,

After I placed my post on this topic I recalled reading an article in Fine Woodworking a couple of decades ago where a study had been carried out on many hundreds of woodworkers who suffered amputation of digits in wood working machines. The survey indicated that over 85% of victims had known that the action they were about to undertake and which led to their injury was highly risky or just plain dangerous.

Howdy Pete, i vaguely remember that article (if its the same one) and from memory a high percentage occurred on tables with safety guards fitted, and fingers getting trapped between the blade guard and fence, and also major kickback with push sticks also between the blade guard and fence and fingers amputated.

Sorry but Im with Old Pete. I worked in electronics for my crust and that required you to work close to live raw mains. You have to build techniques that you adhere to at all times. My one for a saaw is if the blade is turning I never look away from it. It may be my belief but I bet most people didnt see a digit removed, they were distracted. Reliance on devices is going to stop you taking care and building strategies for safety. So as Lignum says protect the saw and the router gets you.