Sawstop
SawStop is an American company that makes portable table saws with a patented safety system that stops the blade from spinning when skin touches it. The system works by detecting a change in the blade’s electrical signal when skin touches it, which activates the safety system. The safety system releases a fuse, which causes a spring to throw an aluminum break into the blade, stopping it. The entire blade assembly also drops beneath the table surface, removing the risk of further skin and blade contact.
How it Works
SawStop technology monitors the electrical signal of the blade and activates the safety system when skin comes into contact with it. The blade has a small electrical current that is continuously measured by a digital signal processor. When skin touches the blade, the signal changes because the human body is conductive. This change in signal activates the safety system, which releases a fuse and springs an aluminum brake into the blade. The blade’s angular momentum drives it beneath the table, stopping it in less than 5 milliseconds. The system drops below the table so quickly that you won’t be able to see it.
Meet the Saws
Below are the three SawStop saws that we regularly keep in stock.