SawStop? Not so fast says Stephen Colbert

[Dan26]

Enjoy the video.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/45040/stephen-colbert-takes-the-sizzle-out-of-sawstop/?&lookup=auto&V18=&V19=&V20=&V21=&V22=&V23=&V24=&V25=&V26=&V53=&V54=&Taun_Per_Flag=true&utm_source=email&utm_medium=eletter&utm_term=tablesaw-safety-controversy&utm_content=20120218-sawstop-spoof-stephen-colbert&utm_campaign=fine-woodworking-eletter

[jscott2]

Interesting.  The video doesn't play, the screen says "not available" and one of the commentators (scroll down) suggests it is only available in the US.

Jim

[dgman]

Yup, These are the same people who mandate the scroll saw manufactures to provide hold down foots on  our scroll saws. It looks like table saw manufacturers will have to comply at some point. It will add about $500 to the cost of the saw! Fortunately for me, I have a Delta Unisaw that will last my lifetime, and longer.
This guy is lobbying to make his technology standard equipment in every table saw. Can you imagine what he stands to earn?! I think it does give the operator a false sense of security and what if it malfunctions?
If the unit goes off, it ruins the saw blade, and the replacement cartridge cost around $70. So if you have a $100 blade installed, It's gong to cost you $170 to get working again plus the time lost.
It is very impressive technology, but I don't think it should be mandated!

[Dan26]

Dan, here's another thing to consider. Last year a guy posted that he bought a SawStop and was cutting green wood. There was enough moisture in the wood to fool the technology and all of the sudden, without touching the blade, he had to spend $150 to get a new blade and the braking device.

There is also talk about adding this technology to bandsaws and possibly other power tools. Will the madness ever end?

I think I'll start buying old table saws now and stock them up for the future. Forget the stock market, I'll make my living off selling old table saws (pre-SawStop).

[dgman]

Just to be fair, There is a bypass system in case you are cutting green wood, or you want to cut hot dogs on your saw, But it means you need to know how much moisture your workpiece has! I advocate safe procedures. One must know how to operate your tools correctly and safely, and not rely on technology to protect you from being stupid!

[Mainewoods]

The first time it fails and someone loses a digit, he'll get sued faster than his invention can ruin a blade!

[BilltheDiver]

I read an article about a competitor who is coming out with his own technology which doesn't destroy the blade, or its own brake.  The authors of the article claimed that it would likely make sawstop obsolete.  It will be interesting if it does hit the market. 

Dan, like you I have a Unisaw (circa 1970's) and expect it to last longer than I will.  Just in case I have a spare 3hp single phase motor.

[Al W]

An interesting comedy skit, but it bears a modicum of truth at the same time - governmental regulation.

I, for one, oppose having elected officials dictate what I may and may not do in so many facets of my (our) lives. 

Yep, I know, this will generate some controversial comments.  So, I shall leave it as is.

Stay safe out there, and think whilst you are using your equipment.

[iggygiles]

There may be a case for such things in industry where insurance premiums are high and an employer is liable for his employees safety, but an individual working in his garage has only a responsibility to himself and therefore should be able to make his own decisions as to the level of safety he employs to protect himself. Health and safety in the workplace is largely a matter of common sense, and from my experiences as an ex Project Manager, common sense is not very common.  keep safe.   

[Dan26]

I like everyones comments on this. I think the industry would self-regulate according to necessity. I do agree about the liability issue for companies and my first thought is it would lower insurance premiums. But then, instead of lowering them, the insurance companies would just raise rates for companies who don't use the technology. The common man (and woman) never win. I do like the technology, and with time think it (or something similar) would be incorporated without big brother holding our hand (while he slips his other one into our wallets).

OK, I'm off my soapbox for today.