strange behavior by my SawStop tablesaw

[thewalnutguy]

Some years ago I switched from a Delta Unisaw to a SawStop Professional saw, and have never regretted making ti (expensive) switch. Love the SawStop. I've tripped the brake about three times. Cost of a new blade and a cartridge about $150, but that amount wouldn't even get you past the front desk at the emergency ward. 
Yesterday when ripping a short length of walnut, the saw decided to lower the blade below the table, without cutting power to the blade. Retrieved the piece I'd been ripping, tried to complete the cut, and had the same problem. Then I tried just turning on power but not running any material into the blade, and the blade slowly lowered itself below the table. Tried to raise it with the elevation whee., and the control refused to raise.  Lowered the control and then raised it and it brought the blade back up to full height. Tried it again, same thing. It took the blade about 30 to 40 seconds to lower beneath the table top. I then submitted a problem report to Saw Stop, and received a reply that they'd get back to me as soon as they could. Waiting for a reply, just for grins I decided to remove the cartridge and then reseat it. Sure enough, quick no-cost fix, let the bsaw running for several minutes, and it remained at its set height.  Forr a test I ran a 4 foot length of particle board through the saw, making half a dozen cuts, and the blade remained at the set height  I repplied to SawStop's response to my initial report, describing what I'd done, letting them know the case number could now be closed.  And now I know what to try if I ever encounter this problem again.

[stav]

If it were me, I'd leave the ticket open.

[Admiral]

I'd also vote to leave it open; this happened because something in the SS system had a brain fart, perhaps a chip, who knows. It would be good to see what SS has to say about it.

[tablesawtom]

I own a Saw Stop table saw and I haven't experienced that problem. But it is nice to know of a possible solution, should that problem ever arrive. I also agree with you on the saw. I have owned a craftsman, Delta contractor, General 350. and a Shop Smith and I can honestly say, I think I like the Saw Stop the best. Even if it didn't have the flesh sensing technology I would still like it the best. I have tripped the saw twice and both times it was the Aluminum fence on the miter gage contacting the blade, I will keep what you wrote in my shop book for reference. Thank you for sharing.

Tom

[fredhargis]

Thank you for that, I'll have to write it down (or print your post) and put it in my owner's manual so I don't forget.

[Kudzu]

"I've tripped the brake about three times. Cost of a new blade and a cartridge about $150, but that amount wouldn't even get you past the front desk at the emergency ward."

Serious question that I am surprised one one else has asked.
Are you saying you have put a finger or other body part into the blade 3 times?!

[thewalnutguy]

"I've tripped the brake about three times. Cost of a new blade and a cartridge about $150, but that amount wouldn't even get you past the front desk at the emergency ward."

Serious question that I am surprised one one else has asked.
Are you saying you have put a finger or other body part into the blade 3 times?!

none of the trips of the cartridge were related to my touching the blade with a body part.

[Kudzu]

none of the trips of the cartridge were related to my touching the blade with a body part.

GOOD! 

But you have had 3 false triggers at $150 each?
Not about to badmouth a Saw Stop but that is crazy.

[thewalnutguy]

GOOD! 

But you have had 3 false triggers at $150 each?
Not about to badmouth a Saw Stop but that is crazy.

saw did what it was designed to do. Can't blame the saw for the fence of the miter gauge being adjusted just a hair too close to the blade, or an imbeded nail in a piece of reclamed lumber, or a piece of pressure treated lumber just purchased having high moisture content.

[Tapper]

TWG,

Thanks for the post - will make note of it. After having a Powermatic Artisan contractor saw and later a Delta Unisaw, I sprang for a Sawstop PCS on their Field Test Program when it was first introduced. Best tablesaw I've ever owned, hands down!

"I've tripped the brake about three times. Cost of a new blade and a cartridge about $150, but that amount wouldn't even get you past the front desk at the emergency ward."

I've tripped the cartridge on my saw once. Ran the aluminum miter gauge into the blade. As far as I'm concerned, $150 is a bargain as opposed to a potential catastrophic injury - YMMV.

Doug