A Sawstop table saw improves safety and significantly reduces accidents in your workshop, whether you’re just a hobbyist or a pro. Over the years, the brand has innovated with technologies that focus on preventing injuries, while enhancing table saw performance at the same time. Even though woodworking will always have risks, such technologies help make it an even more rewarding activity. This article examines woodshop safety, as well as the technology behind Sawstop table saws and how it makes your workshop a safer environment for your projects.
Understanding the Importance of Woodshop Safety
There are high risks involved when working with powerful woodworking tools. Unfortunately, the incidence of severe injuries such as cuts, amputations and even fatalities are still present even with the best and most advanced technologies. However, sound safety measures and protocols, along with reliable tools, go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents in the woodshop.
The Technology Behind Sawstop Table Saws
Sawstop table saws feature the Sawstop Safety System technology that is designed to detect contact between skin and the blade that shuts down the tool automatically to prevent severe injuries. The technology uses an electrical current that runs through the blade, and when the system senses skin contact, it instantly activates a set of aluminum brake pawls. These pawls engage with the blade, bringing it to a stop within milliseconds, and the kinetic energy is absorbed, avoiding harmful consequences.
Increasing Safety with Sawstop Table Saws
Here is a list of the many Sawstop technology benefits and safety features.
- Reducing the Risk of Severe Injuries: The reduction of the severity of injuries is the main objective of Sawstop table saws. While minor cuts can still occur, the technology helps prevent further damage.
- Protection for Beginners and Novice Woodworkers: Without the experience and precision of seasoned professionals, novices are at high risk. Sawstop table saws provide an extra layer of protection for beginners, giving them confidence to learn and practice while minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Peace of Mind: Sawstop table saws provide woodworkers and their families peace of mind, knowing that even if an accident occurs, it is less likely to cause life-changing injuries.
- Promoting Safety Culture: By having Sawstop table saws in workshops, woodworkers commit to safety and encourage to follow suit. This promotes a safety-conscious culture within the woodworking community.
- Minimal Downtime and Losses: With enhanced safety features, Sawstop table saws help cut down on downtime and losses due to accidents. As a bonus, the safety features also help keep you from incurring costly medical treatments, time off work, and even prevent the abandonment of projects.
A Variety of Models Available
Sawstop offers a wide range of table saws for various users and project requirements.
Jobsite Saws
The Jobsite Saw PRO with Mobile Cart Assembly saw features a 15-amp motor and a 10-inch blade. It is designed for easy transport, whether to job sites or for storage. This model also has Sawstop’s patented safety technology, making it one of the safest portable saws on the market.
- Compact and portable design for easy transportation and use at job sites
- Patented safety system that stops the blade in less than 5 milliseconds on contact with skin
- Powerful 1.5 horsepower motor that delivers efficient and precise cutting performance
- Designed for use with standard 10-inch diameter saw blades
- Folding stand with wheels for convenient storage and mobility
- Durable and lightweight construction for jobsite durability
- Quick and easy setup with tool-free assembly
- T-style fence system for accurate and consistent cuts
- On-board storage for accessories and tools
- Dust collection port for effective dust and debris extraction
- The blade guard and riving knife for enhanced safety
- Soft start and electronic brake for smooth and safe operation
- Compatible with mobile cart systems for increased versatility
Compact Table Saw
The Sawstop Compact Table Saw gives you maximum portability, perfect for small spaces. This saw comes with a 10-inch blade and a 15-amp motor. It also features a T-Glide fence system, allowing for precise cuts.
- Durable, precise, and powerful for any job site
- Easy-to-adjust rack & pinion fence for reliable square cuts
- Built-in high and low face supports various types of cuts
- Convenient one-handed blade tilting for quick angle adjustments
- Micro-adjust feature for precise cutting angles
- Blade safety feature stops spinning blade on contact with skin
- Blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, minimizing injuries
- Tools and accessories can be conveniently stored in one location
Contractor Saw
The Sawstop Contractor Saw is a powerful saw for budget-conscious woodworking enthusiasts. It comes with a 1.75 hp motor and a 36-inch T-Glide fence system. The Contractor Saw is portable with an easy-to-move base for more flexibility in workspace.
- Patented safety system that stops the blade in less than 5 milliseconds on contact with skin
- Contractor saw designed for portability and ease of use
- Powerful 1.75 horsepower motor that delivers excellent job-site cutting performance
- Safety features include a riving knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback pawls
- Compatible with standard 10-inch diameter saw blades
- Aluminum extruded fence rails with a precision T-square style fence for accurate cuts
- Large cast iron table provides excellent stability and workspace
- Table saw base is designed for portability with smooth-rolling wheels and a folding stand
- Quick-release blade guard and riving knife makes blade changes fast and easy
- The dust collection system effectively captures dust and debris with an above-table port and an integrated shroud around the blade for maximum dust control
Professional Cabinet Saw
Professional Cabinet Saws are at the upper tier of the brand. These saws are built with durability and precision for consummate professional woodworkers. There are several options in this category, including the 3 hp Professional Cabinet Saw with 52-inch fence and the 3 hp Professional Cabinet Saw with 36-inch fence. Both models feature a 10-inch blade and a T-Glide fence system.
- Top-selling cabinet saw with unmatched fit and finish
- Best-in-class cutting performance
- Trunnion and arbor built for precision, strength, and stability
- Gas piston elevation for smooth and easy adjustability
- Table flatness measured diagonally at 0.010 In. maximum gap
- 99% dust collection above the table with included dust collection blade guard
- Advanced shrouding around the blade for effective dust collection below the table
- Blade safety feature stops spinning blade on contact with skin
- Blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, minimizing the risk of serious injury
- Control Box houses on-off switch, power paddle, and on-board computer for safety monitoring
Industrial Cabinet Saw
Sawstop’s Industrial Cabinet Saws are for heavy-duty use. They have a 5 hp motor and are available in both 3-phase and single-phase options. The saws also come with a T-Glide fence system that enhances cutting accuracy. The Industrial Cabinet Saw is available with either a 52-inch or 36-inch fence.
- World-class safety system stops the blade in less than 5 milliseconds on contact with skin
- Unmatched fit and finish with high attention to detail
- Industrial T-glide fence system for precision and accuracy
- Ergonomic and intuitive knurled knobs for easy adjustment of the fence and blade angles
- Innovative dust collection system above and below the table
- An integrated collection system compatible with most dust collectors
- A large blade opening and a braced arbor for stability and smooth operation
- A riving knife and blade guard for maximum safety and functionality
- A heavy-duty motor with excellent power and efficiency to get the job done
- Height and angle adjustments via gas-pressed piston for smooth and accurate blade control
- Cast iron table extension for additional workspace and support
- Two poly V-ribbed belts for efficient power transfer from the motor to the blade
- A Smart on-board computer for self-checking and diagnostics in real time
Apart from the saws, Sawstop offers a variety of accessories, including dado brake cartridges, dust collection systems, and mobile bases. These accessories complement the functionality and performance of Sawstop saws as they add safety features.
This brand’s emphasis on safety technology greatly contributes to turning workshops and project sites into safer working environments. The woodshop safety features of Sawstop not only help protect both the DIY enthusiasts and pros, but they also help promote a culture of responsible woodworking. Accidents can happen in an instant, so investing in Sawstop saws is a sensible step towards prioritizing safety and protection.
