(01-18-2022, 02:01 PM)messmaker Wrote: I hesitate to bring this up but I have read more than once that there has not been a recorded case of someone losing a finger when using a properly functioning blade guard. This may or not be true, but if it is open for discussion, why is this not part of the conversation? I know you can not use a blade guard for all cuts, but for a great many you can. I have only used a Sawstop on a few occasions but the ones I used had an override function for the safety system in case you were working with wet lumber. This seems similar to working without a net, as you do with all other saws. You guys may have me convinced that a Sawstop is the only reasonable route to go. 10 amputations per day scares the hell out of me. I am a guy who likes to weigh my options and I am hearing that the smart money says I have but one choice. I am going to have to think about it.
Can't speak for the others here, but I have no intent to "scare" you, only to offer opinions based on factual information. As John has already said, there are probably instances where users have been seriously injured
even with the blade guard on. Not nearly as likely, but it can happen.
Correct, that you can bypass the safety feature on a Sawstop tablesaw. Because of the material you're cutting, you
choose to bypass the safety device to avoid tripping the device erroneously. When I do this on my PCS, of course I'm overly careful when making the cut. So yes, there is still the chance of an accident when the safety device is purposely turned off, but not nearly as much as if you never have it.
Again, it's the only saw that absolutely prevents catastrophic injuries on a tablesaw when the safety device is engaged.
Good luck in whatever you choose,
Doug