SawStop is coming out with a new compact corded table saw, model CTS-120A60, and it looks to be smaller, more portable, and considerably less expensive than their Jobsite table saw.
We learned about the SawStop Compact Table saw through a reader (thank you, Robert!) who spotted it in a retailer’s latest catalog. Authorized dealers have begun to advertise the new SawStop CTS, but its official launch date remains unknown.
The SawStop CTS saw will be sold for $899.
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For context and comparison, a popular Dewalt jobsite saw, the DWE7491RS, is $649 at Amazon, and the SawStop Jobsite Saw Pro with mobile cart is $1,579 at Acme Tools (plus $200 shipping).
The SawStop Compact Table saw has a 10″ blade size, and of course is advertised as featuring the brand’s patented safety system.
Retailer listings confirm that the SawStop CTS’s safety system will stop the spinning blade on contact with skin and drops it below the table in less than 5 milliseconds.
At the time of this posting, SawStop is the only option for customers who want a portable table saw with flesh-detection and blade brake technologies.
Festool offers a portable table saw with similar safety tech, but it is only available outside North America. (SawStop and Festool are now part of the same company.)
SawStop’s Jobsite Saw Pro is their second generation jobsite table saw and comes with a wheeled stand. Unlike that saw and its predecessor, the SawStop CTS does not come with a mobile cart-type of stand, but there is a folding stand option.
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The SawStop CTS folding stand, CTS-FS, is priced at $129.
The SawStop CTS features a rack and pinion fence that is said to be “easy to adjust or remove and always square.” It has “built-in high and low shelves to support all types of cuts.”
It also has quick-tilt bevel with micro adjustments, with fine-tuning in 1° increments.
There is a built-in accessory storage compartment at the rear of the saw, for convenient storage of the included table saw accessories. There is also space for a spare blade brake cartridge.
The saw includes standard safety accessories, such as a blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls. This is important, as the SawStop injury mitigation technology can help protect users from blade-contact injuries, but not kickback such as when wood is pinched between the blade and rip fence.
It is notable that the SawStop Compact Table saw features a 10″ blade size. Due to updated safety guideline standards, many manufacturers have had to modify their most compact portable jobsite table saws. Because of this, most smaller portable and jobsite table saws now feature smaller 8-1/4″ blade sizes.
Features & Specs
- 10″ blade size
- 4,000 RPM
- 3-1/8″ max cutting depth
- 25-1/2″ max rip-cutting capacity
- Overall dimensions: 27″ x 32.5″ x 14.13″
These specs were published by authorized SawStop dealers, but we were not yet able to independently confirm them with SawStop.
Compatible Accessories
Pricing and Availability
Price: $899 (saw only, model CTS-120A60)
- CTS-FS – folding stand ($129)
- CTS-TSI – zero-clearance insert ($25)
Some retailers list an additional shipping fee.
ETA: TBA
Discussion
Back in 2017, NPR reported that SawStop co-founder Steve Gass said a $400 saw was “about to come out.” I followed up with SawStop CEO Matt Howard in 2019, and was told that while he couldn’t disclosure details on the many tools in development, they were not developing a $400 saw.
I had lost hope that we would see a portable jobsite table saw with flesh detection and injury mitigation technologies for under $1000.
But now, that seems to be exactly what the SawStop Compact Table Saw is – a sub-$1000 portable table saw with AIM (active injury mitigation) tech.
Granted, it’s $899 plus $129 for the optional folding stand, and shipping is likely extra. But it’s still quite a bit less expensive than SawStop’s larger and heavier Jobsite Saw Pro, which is $1,579 plus $200 at authorized dealers.
The rack and pinion fence seems like a nice choice for a saw this size. I’m also intrigued by the rear on-board accessory storage.
The Compact Table saw looks to have everything I would expect to see in a small table saw.
Retailers have been publishing product listings – online as well as physical mailers – but it’s not clear when SawStop intends for the new CTS to start shipping.
I have a couple of technical questions, but also this: does the CTS increase the possibility SawStop will also come out with cordless table saw powered by Festool power tool batteries?
What do you think about the new SawStop table saw? Any questions?
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Kevin
For me you have to add in the price of another blade and blade arrestor pack because the first thing I’m doing when it comes is throwing a hot dog at it
John
That’ll blow $200 for no reason 😉
Robert
There’s a legitimate reason. Reassuring the wife.
dardobs
priceless you bet!
Matthew
I had the exact same thing in mind!
Allen
I recently had an accident with my old table saw. Almost lost two fingers in the process. Because of this accident (and two numb fingertips) I have lost confidence in my old table saw. I have stopped working on my favorite hobby of woodworking. Although it would be great for the price to be a bit lower, I will start saving money so I can buy one of these saws. I would also point out that the saw is still cheaper than an ambulance ride and ER visit. I can only hope it will be made available for Europe (Germany specifically) by the time I have saved the money for it.
Robert
Allen, since Festool bought Sawstop a few years ago Festool has a version in the EU. TKS 80 EBS. Seems to be Festool in style, such as the stand, but with the Sawstop blade stopping tech. The price is in the ball park of the other small Sawstop table the Job site saw, around $1500. https://www.festool.com/products/semi-stationary-work/table-saw/575781—tks-80-ebs#Overview
Allen
Thank you so much. I may have a few other friends interested in this too.
Stuart
The Festool is exclusive to Europe, with no plans of it making its way to the USA.
https://toolguyd.com/festool-sawstop-equipped-table-saw-updates-2019/
It’s unclear if the SawStop CTS will be available outside the USA.
Adam
He y Stuart, I live in New Zealand aand can day with 100% certainty that it is definitely coming to both New Zealand and Australia, cant say about the rest of the world but if its making its way here it might be good news.I do know the rough release date but I also know that they are having problems with the shipment so it might be delayed in this corner of the world.
I must say, as the first person on the order list I am very excited for my first table saw, I love the rack and pinion of the Dewalt and when researching was a little skeptical of the t-glide so am very hopeful for the cts. Whenever I can get my hands on it.
Stuart
Thanks for the update! They probably can’t launch it in the USA due to different safety guidelines, and I’m thinking the USA/North American market won’t be large enough to justify a new design just for us.
Franco
It really irks me when SStop articles are posted, there is always a long line of people that did lose a finger or came close, and that justifies the price.
Can not buying a gun or rifle be justified because if you point it at your head an it accidently goes off, the cost of a funeral would be expensive? Or owning a car is fine, just don’t drive it because the expense of repairs and insurance increase, plus possibly being sued is not worth it.
A saw is one of many tools that can have unfortunate results when something goes wrong. All kinds of accidents happen everyday and not just with tools. Play nice with your tools and you don’t need to pay Gass’s insurance premium.
For me, and I have stated this on numerous occasions on this forum and others, I dislike Gass’s tactics over the years and would take my chances at losing an arm rather than pay him.
I know many that believe in karma, and I certainly do not wish ill will towards anyone, but losing a finger is far from the end of the world. I would love to see karma in Gass losing a finger because in using his saw, the detection feature failed and he lost a finger. Heck they could rush him to the hospital and re-attach it, but the pain and hospital bills would be nothing compared to the irony, “black eye” and pain from almost losing a finger because his system failed…now that would be karma!
MM
In my opinion safety is everyone’s responsibility. People should think about their own skills and experience, the complexity of the situation and assess the risk accordingly.
I do not own a SawStop and I don’t have much interest in one. I realize there’s a risk to my hands if I screw up on my old-school table saw. There’s a risk to my safety if I screw up running my lathe, milling machine, welder, oxy torch, forklift, chainsaw, etc, too. I take those safety precautions I consider appropriate.
But if I were in a situation where I was working with students, volunteers, or interns rather than professionals? Well that’s a totally different level of risk.
Stuart
It’s fair for someone to say this isn’t for them, but the “nobody needs this, nobody should buy this” attitude some detractors seem to convey is just wrong.
The market has proven that there’s interest and value in SawStop table saws.
For someone to disagree with this is a matter of opinion. That SawStop has been successful enough to expand their offerings is a matter of fact.
Franco
“nobody needs this, nobody should buy this”…that is not what I believe. What I say may come across like that, but no…I believe to each their own.
Am I Gass Hater (for lack of a better term), yes.
I do believe that their are risks in everyday society and we should expect to have safety accessories on everything, but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.
ABS brakes, safety belts, airbags, crumple zones for car frames, to name a few safety features we have on cars, and are great. I would have been a shame if in every scenario, the car company that came up with the idea held out for ridiculous terms or nobody gets it. Which is kind of the Gass story.
Stuart
Thank you for clarifying!
I do see a lot of “this product doesn’t need to exist, learn how to use a saw” comments and wasn’t sure if you shared that stance.
A lot of people like to criticize Gass, but is he even in the picture anymore?
Charlie
I also had a close call. Soured me on woodworking for a number of years, until coming back with a tracksaw. But seeing the limitations (repeatability), want a table saw again. This little guy looks right up my alley cost and size wise. Finally.
Travo
You can achieve repeatability with a track saw with stops and bench dogs. For me the whole process is just slow.
eddie sky
Slow yes. Safer, likely. I’ve been ripping long boards with my tracksaw, over foam, with both accurate cuts and to checked lumber. Something that if I tried to lift 8/4 x 12′ x 20″ onto a tablesaw to rip down, and it pinch (even with riving knife) would be scary. Yet with a low-tooth count blade and steady speed, I can rip down rough sawn 8/4 and 5/4 all day.
Now when the router hits an oak knot….safety
Still, I wish I had a SawStop and all the Youtubers I watch have one (which only a small handful admit they bought while others were sponsored).
Derek
I love saw stops tech, but their prices keep it out of reach for most. 900 for a saw of this size, no way.
Jared
This is a step in the right direction at least. It’s good to have an option that gets this tech closer to the Dewalt, Kobalt, Bosch, saws that most consumers buy.
It’s still more, but at least it isn’t a multiple of those typical options. We want this tech in the hands of those who don’t use a tablesaw frequently and might be prone to a mistake.
Pat Thompson
Exactly. Speccing and building to tight/exact tolerances is not unique to NASA. Engines, for example, are tightly specced. So are arrows. And this saw is missing features that are standard on other brands.
Dane
I’m always confused by the size comments about table saws. What is the issue that you are having? Motor size? I would never rip anything wider than about 12” on a table saw anymore- not with track saws being so much better and safer for that task. So I don’t get people wanting massive rip capacity on a table saw.
Stuart
Larger table saws offer more support. It’s not just the rip capacity that’s important, but the length of the table in front of and behind the saw. Aligning separate outfeed tables can be difficult on uneven surfaces, and even when not it’s something else to carry.
MM
Agreed. Having extra room in front of the saw is nice not only for infeed but also if you’re working with jigs or fixtures to make angled cuts or to hold odd-shaped workpieces. Having more space also means there’s more room for featherboards, you can use a larger crosscut sled, etc.
John
I have had a Sawstop PCS for 8 years after a hand injury. The saw is excellent and I’ll keep it for life as long as the brake cartridges are available and reasonably priced. But that’s the issue, the brakes were very consistent in price at $69 for a long time. Now they are $95 and rising. The dado brakes are $115. I’ve had a brake go off at a spin down (not knowing at all) only to find out it happened many months prior next time I went to use the saw. The frustration is that we will be held hostage in buying the brakes at any cost.
The brakes must stay at a low cost or it will push people away.
Jobsite guys would go through brakes like crazy. I see this for hobbyists mostly because construction crews are cheap and won’t spend the money.
Other thing to consider is how many jobsite saws are now battery powered which means we won’t see a cordless Sawstop for 5-10 years if we’re lucky because they move at a glacial pace.
Champs
I don’t see the word “dado” so I assume it won’t accept a stack.
Kevin
Yeah I’m guessing a dado stack has too much mass and the brake may not be able to arrest it to a stop. It may fail to catch the blade and or be trying to stop so much mass that it would just break it
Bonnie
They make dado brakes for their larger saws, but I could see an issue with stopping that mass quickly making this entire saw jump. That’s supposedly the main reason they haven’t made a SS Bandsaw, as it would have to be bolted to the floor to not fall over when the brake triggered.
John
It’s disappointing that sawstop has been so litigious with anyone who attempts to make any kind of active saw safety system, even in the case of bosch where they used a completely different technology. Their lawsuits have kept safer saws unaffordable and unavailable. It’s like if a company patented seatbelts and prevented any other automakers from using them – I get they want to make money but at some point you have to consider there’s more to running a company than just avarice.
Stuart
The courts determined that the Bosch saw was infringing. I thought it was different enough, but apparently not. If I recall correctly, the flesh detection tech was the problem.
The Bosch also was not ready – it was subject to interference that could only be minimized by keeping smartphones far away.
Things will get interesting when patents expire and allow for competition.
Felder has a “preventative contact system“ that looks different and doesn’t seem to have been licensed. There also doesn’t seem to be any open litigation. So, there are non-infringing alternatives, just none that have been implemented into portable table saws.
Dave
Gass, the then president of the company, told the committee during the hearing for the Bosch review he was nearing an announcement for a $400 sawstop saw. Curious if this was the idea only there’s no way to make it $400 without expected profit margins. Additionally, I have seen on forums some claiming the patents expired last year but due to the vagueness and number of patents it could take awhile till competitors are announced. But who knows
Dr. G
The Bosch suit was about 5 years ago. If Gass was saying itwas $400 then, this is probably it. I bought a Laguna 1412 last summer for $1400 (with a blade and mobility kit). Same deal now is nearly $1850. That setup cost about $1000 five years ago.
David
Patents are expiring. I think the last of them will expire by 2026.
Tim D.
I can’t help but feel like they could have made more money just licensing the technology and selling arrestor/blade packs than making their own line of saws.
Stuart
As the story goes, it’s said that power tool brands didn’t want to do this, as it would potentially open them up to liabilities when users were injured on saws that didn’t feature safety tech.
Bonnie
If SS had never been willing to license the tech I would probably agree. But Gass made the rounds and got turned down by all the saw makers. They had their opportunity to add the safety tech and chose not to. Gass trying to get it legislated was a bad move though. Starting his own company to compete is where we ended up and I find it hard to fault it at this point.
There are also other safety mechanisms out there, like computer-vision-based or contact-based brakes available for meat-cutting bandsaws that seem like they could be used as well (unless the patents are separate for woodworking/construction vs butchering?). They’re just not as convenient to the end user and require more operator oversight (which construction companies seem loathe to provide).
Franco
“But Gass made the rounds and got turned down by all the saw makers”…this is misleading. I remember when this was is in the news, somewhat.
Gass’s demands were considered ridiculous. From what I remember, most of the MFR’s dropped slowly, but 2 were in it till the end, because they really wanted the product.
Again, Gass basically over hyped and over played his cards till no one would go for it.
To produce and market a saw with his invention was never the plan, in fact he had no idea how to go about it, but felt he had no choice in order to stick it to the MFR’s that would not pay an arm and a leg for his invention that would save a finger. He is a very vindictive person, or so it seems in the way it played out.
Yes, there are so many times that the little guy gets roped by big MFR’s and don’t get what they are due. This was the opposite. Gass was a patent lawyer and new how the game was played as well as believing he had the magic bullet and could demand whatever he wanted.
Colin W
Worth it. My hands are priceless.
dardobs
yup,CW…this dumb ol’ mechanic’s hand injury has cost $5+k CAD for still ongoing tcm & osteopathic treatments…slowly but surely reviving…otherwise the wonderful med.mafia docs would have amputated it to the best of their ‘ability’
Rick
I love tool choices. Whether I may buy any of them is a different question. This new saw wouldn’t be released if sawstop didn’t do its homework.
William
Would be a better deal if it included the base, the Jobsite saw looks like a much better saw, with a proper mobile base.
I guess if a contractor is getting a them for job sites, saving some cash per saw makes sense, and the guys abuse them, and would like let trash any saw, but for myself, a DIYer, I’d spend the extra on the pro.
Marc
I have the job site pro saw and its a great saw but I will be selling it to purchase this saw when it come out. The jobsite pro is difficult getting it in and out of my truck and barely gets through doorways when needed. I have been saying for a long time if dewalt had skin sensing safety tech it would be the best portable saw around. being able to easily store it in a cabinet when not needed and put it in and out of my truck with ease will be great for my needs.
Fyrestorm
Agreed!
neandrewthal
I know most people here are not pros, but as a pro, the cost perspective is definitely different for me. Each of my carpenters costs my clients around $600 a day. The cost of good, safe tools is practically irrelevant compared to the cost of labor.
Robert
Neandrewthal, does your insurance company care if you have Sawstop? I know a lot of schools and community work shops have switch over to Sawstop because of the litigation fears.
Jared
Obviously this would be different between states, but in most cases workers are insured by a workers’ compensation regime. Use of safety devices is unlikely to have a direct effect on rates (except in some cases if the employer is already subject to a rate penalty because of poor performance, the insurer may offer a rate reduction if the employer undertakes specific safety measures).
A reduction in time loss claims translates to lower rates over time – so using a Sawstop might be worthwhile not only to avoid having your workers off with injury, but because avoiding even a single accident probably recoups the costs for the upgrade.
That’s a different rationale than applies to most schools or a community workshop seeking to avoid litigation (though some jurisdictions might have workers’ compensation coverage for “learners”).
GML
Great, now I’m going to be singing that all day.
MM
Back when I had my machining business we had our own injury/death policy in addition to state workman’s comp. The insurance company wanted to know what kind of work was being done on the premises. We informed them of all the machinery we had and the kinds of work we did. Our CNC machines were late model but the majority of everything else was “old iron” built at a time when safety regulations were more lax than they were today. They never asked about what sort of safety guards or features were present on the machines. Really the only thing they wanted to know in detail was the number, type, and location of fire extinguishers. They didn’t care one bit if our table saw was a Sawstop or a Grizzly.
Fyrestorm
Perfectly said
Michael
Baby table saw… doo doo doo… Baby table saw… doo doo. LOL
Nathan
Do you think they are getting by the OSHA mandate on the portable table saw depth to blade requirement because of the stop tech? Sure appears this way.
I’d agree too that it’s a decent reason. Still wish duder hadn’t been so greedy vs all his vitriol on making work safer. This should have been licensed to SBD, Bosch, whomever etc.
For the features it’s about right – for the cost I’d have considered it back in the day when I bought my dewalt. wonder if they’ll get sued for using the rack and pinion fence.
anyway that rear storage is for a spare brake isn’t it? makes alot of sense. I agree with that other comment above – how much are brake kits now and will that skyrocket.
Stuart
I don’t know, but the same thought crossed my mind. Or, the tabletop might be just large enough.
fred
Safety is only one concern with saws that don’t have enough room in front of the blade. Crosscut sleds and even miter gauges with a sacrificial fence might be too deep to work. But I suppose that a a saw like this will get most use for ripping trim.
Kilroy
I am an occasional woodworker who has to drag tools up a storm cellar staircase and set them up in the driveway to use them (per my landlord’s rules, which I respect). I’ve already had a table saw blade knick a finger, draw blood, and come about 1/8″ away from turning a “Band-Aid” injury into a life altering injury, and thus absolutely refuse to use a table saw without flesh detection, as I simply won’t be comfortable with them from a safety perspective, and fear I’ve already used up all my “luck” with table saw near misses.
I don’t currently own a table saw, in large part because the SawStop saws are a too expensive for my blood, at a ~$1000 premium (vs regular table saws) for the smallest SawStop compared a decent quality non-flesh-detecting table saw.
However, a premium of $300-400 and a price under $1000 are much easier to justify for someone like me, so this definitely catches my attention…
Not something I’ll rush to buy (I’ve gotten by without a table saw since my near miss, and am hoping to see more options in the market once SawStop parents expire), but I’ll keep my eye on this product, and it’s definitely in the back of my mind now.
Just figured I’d share my 2 cents, as for me this product has solid appeal.
Matt
As someone who does trim carpentry SawStop may have finally gotten me with this one. I’ve been holding off for a while on a new portable table saw because there are a lot of features out there I’ve been waiting on in one saw. The perfect saw for me would be a portable jobsite saw, preferably 10in, rack and pinion fence, cordless/plug in option, with sawstop type tech. I was about to go for the Metabo HPT cordless saw, but I think the SawStop tech beats out the cordless advantage in my mind.
Fyrestorm
Perfect saw! Build it!
Mateo
This is incredibly tempting. I do a lot of work with volunteers of wildly varying skill and ability to focus on potentially dangerous tasks like a table saw. The only ER visit a volunteer has had in my 4 years here was a table saw incident that almost cost fingers and that was a competent skilled adult.
The price is still steep but I’ve needed an additional table saw anyway and the peace of mind seems invaluable.
Nathan
one thing to note is I wonder if that stand is needed? Every see a saw stop brake activate – now imagine that sudden jerk-jump happening on a normal stand. My Dewalt doesn’t have that over lock (red lever you see above) and it doesn’t need it as there is a slide in notch.
BUT – given how violent the stop is on the brake cartridge and with a piece of wood there – I could see the saw jumping or bouncing off a normal stand – let alone used bare on a table top.
I’d be curious what the manual states and if you would have to screw it down.
MFC
I am very wary of my table-saw anytime I use it. I would still be vary wary of this one, but it would definitely be worth it if I ever made a mistake or physics kicked in at the wrong moment. All it takes is the right combination of mistakes to have a bad accident. If I had a shop and was woodworking all of the time, I’d want that tech on every piece of high powered, flesh cutting equipment. However, I am unwilling to give up my cordless flexvolt saw for a corded. If DeWalt wants to make a sawstop saw, then I might be interested.
Fireside
I have had my Jobsite SawStop for 8 years. It was expensive then, and it is now. It is a GREAT jobsite table saw. It is portable(ish), (not like the newest one of course) but better than a contractor saw that is metal. We have ripped thousands and thousands of feet of material thru ours, without much complaint.
We have fired ours 2 times via contact without injury. We have fired it 3 other times by mistake (cutting aluminum faced wood, foil covered foam x2).
So the cost of the two hand injuries alone could have been $5k-20k+ per hand. To say “it’s only a finger” is insanity. Losing any digit or use of a digit can be catastrophic for some.
Now we need a cordless version that doesn’t require a Jackery.
Franco
“To say “it’s only a finger” is insanity.” Just a guess, but from your comment, you must be young, (Less than 40).
I have been lucky to not lose a finger but have known so many people over the years with a missing finger, or part of a missing finger. For the most part, it isn’t a big deal is what they typically say. I agree. It usually isn’t even noticed right away. Of the many accidents that can happen to someone, losing a finger has to rank near the very bottom in severity.
If you lose a finger and can’t continue to lead a normal life, losing the finger is not your problem.
Patrick
I cannot even begin to process the asininity of this comment.
John
Patrick I agree. Glad someone said something. I deleted a few times what I wanted to say yesterday since I knew Stuart might ban me. This guy is a nut.
Franco
Patrick and john, you are entitled to your opinions, as we are all. I have no need to call you names, as you did.
Not wanting to go and on but to try and make a point that most can relate to.
I am of an older generation and closing in on 70, and am sure that there are a couple of others in my age range, but believe the majority to be in the 20-40 year range on Stuart’s forums.
My grandmother was missing a finger, an uncle also, and when I was a kid, I saw literally dozens of people with 1 or more fingers missing. Obviously manufacturing safety standards were no where near what they are today.
So, to my point. Just about everyone knows someone or was someone that served overseas. The ones that lost a leg, whole or in part, a hand, arm, their eyesight or any of the other horrific things that happened.
I knew of one poor guy that didn’t lose anything but had very bad PTSD. I see him less and less lately, but he was one that struggled quite significantly. One time he said the nightmares, the shakes he would get and the depression, were just overwhelming. He said that if he could exchange the PTSD for the below knee leg replacements one of his comrades had, he would do it because life would be so much easier for him.
For many of these men and women that served, losing a finger would be a joke.
For the poor guy that posted earlier that he cut almost his whole finger and part of another, I feel for him and also what it cost him monetarily $450k, IIRC.
I don’t want to be morbid, but if you said to people, I will give half a million $$$ to every person that will donate a finger, how long do you think the line would be?
So, my point was just to say that in the many accidents at work, driving a car and life in general, losing a finger is very low on the severity list.
And if you cannot lead a reasonably normal life, I am sorry for you.
Dr. G
I know lots of people who lost fingers in saw mills when I grew up in Idaho and Oregon. I know those folks moved on with their lives and found happiness.
I’m over 40 and I retired from the Army. I have friends who lost legs, hands, and feet in combat. I have friends who suffer from PTSD. They live their life successfully and, for the most part, pretty happily.
However, there’s none of them that would have chosen their outcome.
There is no need to willingly embrace this risk, if you don’t have to. Simply because you are wiling to take these risks with saws, doesn’t mean that others have to. Could I live without a finger? Absolutely. Do I feel a need to willingly increase that risk and espouse that others do also? No.
I spent a couple of years in war zones. I’m glad I didn’t lose a finger, arm, leg, or my life there. There’s no need to lose one here doing something I enjoy.
If you choose to use a non-saw stop because you don’t like Gass, it’s your choice. I wish you the best, and I hope you never have to directly test your theory that you, personally, can live happily without a finger.
Franco
I pretty much agree with you. As much as I do not like Gass’s practices, that is not the reason I would not buy it. The main reason is because of price.
A whole argument can, and has, been made about the price is a small amount to pay compared to losing a finger. But I use SCMiter saw, planer, jointer, chainsaw, circular saw, 14″ gas paver saw, not to mention my tractor and its attachments, and all the other tools I have. I could lose something on any of these as they do not have the safety feature of a SS. Paying close to 3 times for a SawStop is not worth the money in MY opinion.
Anyone that wants to, is free to do so.
Larry
I did.itwill be worth it to me.have to have another surgery this wk.thats 3 since last November. The other surgeon did not do the surgery right.i am in my 70’s.just can’t worry obout haveing more fingers missing. I enjoy doing my crafts.
Fireside
Sign me up! Can’t find one anywhere online (not even on SawStop website). I’d have ordered it already if I could.
Can you post an update as soon as they hit the market???!!!
Larry
I cut my finger 99% off .it was hanging on.my push stick came off the piece of lumber I was ripping. I cut the finger next to it also.7hr surgery,4days in hospital. Got infection 4months latter,was cut open again.still can’t bend my fingers.its been 11months.decided to buy. The jobsite sawstop saw.not going to take any more chances again. Getting cut again. 1500 for saw,medicale 450,000 with physical therapy. I am a hobbyists wood worker.i am right handed and have learn how to use my left hand alot.my trigger finger will not ever be able to bend again.can move that’s all I can do.i have been doing wood work most with my left hand and some with my right,I will not let this stop me to do my woodwork. Haven’t use the saw yet,got it before it went up in price,hope by October I can use it .trying to get more strength in my hand and fingers.i fill I will be alot safer. Using this saw. The accident really turn my life upside down ,thank God my wife help me get through this.i am very independent and have to ask your wife to help you on some things is embarrassing. You all be safe out there
Chris
I used to work on the ICS version. Saved me a fingertip. I have also put ¾ MDF sheets through it… At 109 pounds per sheet… the extra space was very much needed. I don’t use it now but as a hobbyist that uses solid wood like white oak, rock maple, and alder; I envision pushing this saw over to the ground when there’s a particularly dense piece of material going through.
Sawyer
If this saw works well, that will be the end of line for cheapo table saws. Any insurance company with an ounce of sense is going to require the contractors in insure to use these. And once that happens, big box stores will face liability if they sell a saw without a reasonable safety feature.
All the people who are annoyed at the inventor of this thing appear not to understand how capitalism works.
Diplomatic Immunity
If you’re all afraid of your old table saws make some sleds for them. You won’t have your hands anywhere close to the blade then.
Stuart
As far as I’ve seen, sleds are mainly for cross-cuts, and not rip cuts of any kind.
Fyrestorm
The only sled used for ripping is for straightening or ripping a board on a straight angle.
Fyrestorm
Look man, after 30 years it’s not about being afraid – I still use a push stick with my SawStop. It’s about realizing that bad shit happens to good people. Even the most well intentioned people get distracted or slip up. It’s not about fear. Sounds like a real manly and tough perspective though.
So if there is technology to prevent an injury – why not use it? Especially if it is affordable and also works really amazingly?
Don’t tell me it’s about cost. It can’t possibly be. Society has proven that even as stuff gets more expensive- we just keep on buying it. Every single one of us is guilty of it. Cell phones, smart phones, computers, vehicles, clothing, blah, blah, blah. As stuff gets better we want it.
For the record – I’d take my older 7 1/4” Makita table saw any day over any other compact saw out there today. Especially when paired with a older Rousseau table and out feed table.
Construction is dangerous enough, but this technology is brilliant. Compared to any finger/hand injury that would require an ER visit – it’s a smoking deal, and better yet you still keep your flesh intact for the most part.
Unlike calling for diplomatic immunity which is used because someone fears that they might get in trouble for something stupid they did, this is based on sound, proven judgement.
Diplomatic Immunity
>All the people who are annoyed at the inventor of this thing appear not to understand how capitalism works.
You just described corporatism NOT free market capitalism.
Frank D
Seriously?
$900 for a basic small contractor table top saw, with just their sawstop tech as the only real differentiating feature?!
:-/
Larry
I was a victim of a 2 cut fingers, 1 was attached back to my hand. I use my push stick when it happen. I try to be careful but shit happens.you never know what will happen when you use a table saw.i purchase the sawstop to prevent 450thousand dollar accident to happen again.1500 is better than going through pain ,therapy, not able to use all my hand.its been 9months still can’t use my right-hand completely. Won’t ever be able to use my index finger,can’t bend my fingers to my hand,idrop things all the time. Have a big hump on one finger..got a infection in February, was cut open again.had to start all over again. I still do you wood working, alot with my left hand ,miter saw,and bandsaw ,waiting toget more strength in my fingers befor I use the new saw,don’t regret buying it,I purchase it befor it went up.cant lift to much with my right hand ,have developed arthritis in my nuckles. It’s been really uncomfortable with all of this.this can happen to anyone no matter how much experience you have on a tablesaw. I read all the negative reviews obout the price of the saw.yes it’s expensive, better than loosing fingers., going through pain,inconveniences of everyday of life living.