Thread: Feedback Needed For SawStop in Australia

I'm currently in the TS market, and as much as I would be thrilled to own a SawStop, and although I've long been on the supporters side of the debate, I cannot justify the expense of the base unit, let alone any add-ons.

Turning that around, IF I needed a TS with the sliding table and scribe blade, and the SawStop already had them as part of the unit at the base price, then the debate between another's 10" TS of comparable quality $$s + adding on the scribe blade and sliding table would then bring it into the ballpark of the SawStop (just) (I've got a mental image of the Jet Supersaw when saying this).

However, perhaps I'm not the best to ask. Given where I am in the demographic, and my intended use for the machine, I don't think I'm an expected customer. (No, I don't make a living from woodworking, nor have a class full of students) Pity, as I'd love Stu's Shed to be showcasing such a machine

Been thinking a bit more about this (and given no other opinions have been forthcoming), what I wanted to add (and perhaps clarify my previous post a bit) was this:

As much as add-ons such as scribing blade and sliding table would make the tool even better, sadly, the price of the base unit puts it out of reach of many woodworkers who would otherwise be very keen to have the quality of tool, and the inherent safety features in their shed. If work could be done to bring the saw down to a price where it can compete, then many more woodworkers would benefit from the safety, and then some might be quite interested in spending the extra grand to get the add-ons discussed.

Know that isn't quite what you were looking for as an answer, but I hope it is useful never-the-less.

I'm a bit like Stuart - even though I think SawStop is a great idea, my budget just isn't that big.

Congratulations, though, on exploring packaging ideas like this with your potential customers.

As you know, I am also on the supporters' side of the SawStop debate, and while, like Stuart, I would like to replace my Triton with something more substantial, the extras that you mention wouldn't get me over the line to buy the SawStop machine at the current prices.

What might be more valuable would be to ensure that readily available equivalent upgrade features (such as those for the Carbatec/Hafco/Sherwood models) can be fitted to the SawStop. At least then the SawStop is in the same position when it comes to the cost and ease of adding the upgrades as competitors. My fear would be that specialist SawStop upgrades would be also more expensive than the upgrades from Carbatec etc...

I am sure there are many members on here that would fit into the same category as me but for fear of upsetting the purists I speak for myself only.

I am a weekend warrior and yes I would like a better saw than my Triton, however it only needs to do the basics wihch are, cut straight and consistantly Therefore Carbatec or Jet are the saw of choice, and yes I would pay an extra few hundred dollars for the better looking Jet because it is my hobby and hobbies are emotional not logical.

As a weekend warrior I cant help but comment on the price of the base unit itself, I tell myself that my fingers and hands are priceless but still cannot justify $5-6k. I am sure that SWMBO would demand a new hobby if I said I was going to pay that much for a saw when I have a mortgage and 2 children to educate and I would find it hard to argue.

Scribing Blades and Sliding Tables to me are Panel Saw items,
1. I dont have the room to manouver a sliding table
2. I am not about to start making melamine cupboards that I can buy cheaper as flat packs than I would pay for the materials.

The way I see it the saw stop system is a very good safety management system for industry and educational institutions and once sold on the product optional extra prices would not be a hurdle.
Am I still invited to the demo

It's a pity that such safety devices aren't compulsory on new saws.

It would achieve two things, firstly make saws safer and secondly reduce the price of the safety unit. Both very big positives for woodworkers.

Just something to think about, as it probably effect the price of the scriber option - does/will the scriber also come with "saw stop" technology?

My 0.02c worth.
To me, the Sawstop is a premium quality unit, and I would not like to see the quality compromised to fit a price.

True, the Sawstop is comparatively expensive, when you compare it to Chinaewese made machine, that appear top me, made to a price.

A search around these forums will find alot of troubles woodworkers have had with these machines, as well as good stories I might add.

I will be in the market for a cabinet saw in 12-18 months(need the time to save up) and Sawstop is on the list at the moment. I would like to think if spending this sort of money, any problems should be few and far between.

As I've just mentioned in another thread, I've just gotten back from having a look at the SawStop in Melbourne (thanks Ruddigar for the invite).

An immaculate saw - it really is. Almost didn't get out of there with my wallet intact (and I even had my first-born with me....I think I bought her home....)

Will write more about it in the next day or so (photos etc on blog).

It really did temper my opinion about the price - even without sawstop, the manufacturing looks superb - I love good engineering. I wish even more now that these were in the price ballpark of 'the rest of us'.

Just had a look at the website videos of this saw "WOW" am gobsmacked, if i have a win in the lotto I would definitely buy one. extra options would be icing on the cake, a sliding table would probably be a must for me if i were to go into that price range. Hubby nearly amputated his finger in November, cost us a lot of money with hospital visits etc and lost potential income.

Also thinking this would be a fantastic machine for the smaller workshop with employees.

Donna

Well Ruddigar, Id like to see you stick your sausage into the blade just to see how safe it is, if you have the confidence to do so people may be inclined to buy a saw, vids would be required of course.

As I said at the Newcastle wood show a BBQ attachment to cook the sausages , now theres an option...
Great demonstration BTW and the saw was a great design though the blade was difficult to remove once the safty stop had engaged, I personally think the sliding table would be a seller and make the whole package even more desirable but should be built into the saw not an add on.
The stop device works well , better than well it was great , and the other safety features well thought out, though the replacement cost at $200 plus a new blade would put it out of the reach of schools where it would be ideal , imagine those little darlings using it they would be inventing ways to set it off
All in all a good unit but a bit more $'s than I could justify to SHMBO

Rgds
Russell

for me it would come down to choosing between the Hammer K3 and a Saw Stop fitted with a JessEm sliding table

ian