Table Saw Blade Brake

[iwire]

I was shown this by someone at work. It is a Table saw that can sense when it hits flesh, then stops and retracts the blade in an instant.

Sawstop

Check out the video on the bottom right of the page called "An Inside Look"

It seems like it works the same way as a 'touch lamp'.

The SawStop safety system includes an electronic detection system that detects when a person contacts the blade. The system induces an electrical signal onto the blade and then monitors that signal for changes. The human body has a relatively large inherent electrical capacitance and conductivity which cause the signal to drop when a person contacts the blade. Wood has a relatively small inherent capacitance and conductivity and does not cause the signal to drop.

I found it interesting, thought some of you might as well. :smile:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That is absolutely incredible. If that works the way it advertises then it's a great invention and hopefully will be required of all saws.

 

[celtic]

I saw that saw awhile back (someone posted either on this forum or another)...

MY question .....what happens should that sensor fail:
a) Blade no longer spins, sensor needs replacing
b) Blade spins...and continues to spin even AFTER contact.

About 15 years ago, I put some touch dimmers (like the lamp you describe Bob) in my BIL's house. He was NOT happy with them, telling me they would fail in a short time ....well, here we are after 15 years of cleaning them (Sis is a "neat freak") and 2 teenage boys later and they still function properly.

What say you on the a/b question?

 

[realolman]

MY question .....what happens should that sensor fail:
a) Blade no longer spins, sensor needs replacing
b) Blade spins...and continues to spin even AFTER contact.


What say you on the a/b question?

Probably one or the other

 

[iwire]

MY question .....what happens should that sensor fail:
a) Blade no longer spins, sensor needs replacing
b) Blade spins...and continues to spin even AFTER contact.

I don't know.

As long as it is working the saw is safer. :smile:

My concern is more about false trips, they could be expensive, if you cut conductive materials without using the bypass I think your out some money.

 

[stickboy1375]

MY question .....what happens should that sensor fail:
a) Blade no longer spins, sensor needs replacing
b) Blade spins...and continues to spin even AFTER contact.

I think this answer is obvious... :grin:

 

[brian john]

I have followed this device since i was first posted in one of the Woodworking magazines some years ago, I have seen it in action, pretty awesome, small nick in the hot dog (test subject), beats the two finger tips I am missing.