"Sawstop" table saw

[poohbear]

Any wood workers out there that own or use a Sawstop table saw?would you spend the mucho bucks again for one?
I am getting kinda interested in adding wood working to my hobbies and my saw that I have is a pretty crappy craftsman that I got at a garage sale that I use for building platforms to put ac equipment on when needed.I want a really good saw for my house.

[mcfarmall]

Nope, don't own one and I wouldn't spend the extra money on one. Sure they might save you a finger now and then but if you were paying attention, using proper techniques and tools (push sticks, featherboards, etc.) you wouldn't need a SawStop and you'd still have all your fingers.

I'd pocket the extra money that the SawStop costs and make sure your new saw has a riving knife or at least a splitter instead.

Most SawStop threads on the woodworking forums get locked down because they escalate to astronomical levels like gun control threads.

I have a JET 3hp 10" cabinet saw with a 50" rip fence and couldn't be much happier. I used the extra $1000 in my pocket towards the 15" thickness planer!!

[Jagiven]

I do not have one, but I used one in college. More than once someone would go to cut something, non wood they would trip the saw stop feature. I have also been told that wet wood will trip it. I am with mcfarmall, good technique is better than technology.

[Iraqvet05]

My neighbor works at a millwork and the owner bought one for the shop. In the few months they have had it, they have not had a trip. Cool technology but a bit pricey.

[Tpratt83687]

My good friend felt the same way as mcfarmall. Voiced his opinion when he came over to look at my SawStop Professional Cabinet saw (1.75 hp, 36" rails, extension table & proglide fence) about 9 months ago. About 7 months ago he was ripping some 2 x 8 cedar boards to replace the benches on his outdoor table. A chunk of board about 2" square feel in front of him and he didn't see it. Turned to grab another board, stepped on the chunk of wood, twisted his ankle and started to fall. Instinctively, he reached out with his left hand to catch himself. The blade took his little finger, ring finger and just past the knuckle on his "bird" finger of his left hand. Says he remembers hearing his wedding ring ricochet off of something out in his shop, but he still hasn't found it. Accidents happen, even to the most cautious. He got the last of the bandages off about 4 weeks ago. One other thing; he was alone in his shop and his wife was at a neighbors house. If his next door neighbor hadn't heard him yell, he might have bleed to death.

[mitechie]

I'm more hand tool and ditched the table saw for a band saw and my bad axe handsaws, but I would get one if I went back that route. It's pricey, but I use thing fingers to type every day and earn a living. Anything to help reduce risk is good for me.

[poohbear]

I got lucky sunday and a 36in contractor model came up near me on CL.I bought it .Man that thing is heavy but does it saw.

[bgermane]

I have ran the same Delta Unisaw in my shop for over 16 years and love it. I absolutely agree with all the comments regarding proper technique and I advocate such. But, it is the type of accident that Tpratt explains that scares me the most. A loss of balance in front of the saw could have deadly consequences. They are pricey, but they are very well built saws. I actually believe they rival my Unisaw. It is something that I have been considering.

[bgermane]

Well, it finally happened. After 17 years with my unisaw, and over 22 in the trade, my fingers and the blade had a little fight. Blade wins every time. Could have been much worse, but luckily, the fence was very close to the blade and prevented me from putting more of "myself" into it. In the end, nothing was left sitting on the saw, but it took 22 stitches to close everything up. Be careful.

[33 RLDS]

On a table saw the blade is just sitting there minding its own business. Chainsaws !! That's where the real carnage is !!! I heat my home with wood mostly that I fell myself. I never cut with out helmet gloves and chaps. Never let your guard and respect the saw (and tree). Table saws scare me more than my chainsaw for some reason though..

[bgermane]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Table saws scare me more than my chainsaw for some reason though..

I have to say, it was a little earie turning the saw on for the first time after the accident.

[lightcs1776]

I've looked at the SawStops and they look like quality saws. However, they are simply way over my budget. I have a Craftsman that does what is needed, although I desperately need an upgraded fence (I keep eyeing the Pro 40 fence). However, I do think the saw's safety features are worth looking at. No matter how careful one is with a table saw, it has its risks. Any additional safety is a plus.