The SawStop has been around - and much discussed - for years, with both supporters and detractors .

My concern? It was interesting to see the developer put his own finger to the test, but I don't find it a realistic enough test. He approached the side of the blade, without holding a piece of wood, at a verrrry slow, controlled rate of speed. The narrator says "... a finger being shoved through a tablesaw..." Shoved through? Hardly.

We've seen numerous frankfurters being nicked in controlled tests, and there are testimonials from satisfied users, but I remain skeptical. The forward momentum (if that's the right word) developed when actually cutting wood at a feed rate of several inches per second, without planning on stopping (as I can't help but think was on his mind in the video) sure seems to me would result in a significantly different outcome. I'm not saying amputation, but definitely more than the claimed "buzz or tickle!"

Brian mentioned the "first false activation," I worry more about the first failure *to* activate. BP assured us that all the safeguards were all in place in the Gulf last month; "nothing could go wrong." This raises another concern many have had about the SawStop, the false sense of security it engender in users. I won't go into that here, it's been addressed elsewhere.

Great concept, possibly a great product, but as one who's missing the tip of a finger and now has an overriding awareness of the inherent dangers around tablesaws and other fast-spinning woodworking tools, I'll stick with blade guards and total concentration on what I'm doing. I'm not saying it's the proper approach for everyone, I just know what feels right for me.

YMMV,

Glenn