SawStop

[frankson]

We're looking to buy a new, accurate and safe(r) table saw for our kids to use at our Kids Making It (KMI) Woodworking shop. We've read about the SawStop (www.sawstop.com) table saw but, don't know anyone who has used one. Any pros/cons would be appreciated.

thank-you
Frankson

P.S. at this point our alternative would be a Delta Unisaw

 

[toolferone]

Here is a good review from a friend in Raleigh.

http://www.just4fun.org/woodworking/tool_reviews/sawstop/index.htm

 

[D L Ames]

Frankson, I haven't had an opportunity to use the Saw Stop saw yet but I saw it in action last Summer at the AFWS. They did the live demo with the hot dog and their safety stop works just as advertised. The blade immediately stopped and recessed back into the cabinet. The only downside I see in how the saw stop works is that you have to replace the brake cartridge once it fires and it will ruin a blade. Still a lot cheaper then loosing a finger or two. It could get expensive though if a few of the kids were not careful around the saw. Or if they find out about the feature and use it for one of those "I double dare ya" games.

Tom posted a link to a good review above that lists some of the pros and cons for the saw. From what I saw while looking at the saw, IMHO it is comparable to the PM 66 and Delta Unisaw. The Saw Stop folks added in a few additional innovations when they developed their saw but I can't remember what all of them were. I saw the dust pick up at the blade (mentioned as a con in the above link) and thought that was a pretty neat idea but didn't think about the issue with saw dust getting trapped in the bottom of the cabinet. Adding another 4" dust port to the cabinet would probably take care of that.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you end up going with.

D L

 

[frankson]

Tom
D.L.

Tom,thank you for the site review and D.L. thank you for your observations. The decision ultimately rests with our director, I just thought I'd look to get addt'l input from folks that have used the SStop. I had read about the cabinet dust problem but, we're also planning for a new dust collection system - we'll be sure to plan for this limitation.

Frankson

 

[clowman]

When you say "kids", I have horrific pictures of 5 year olds flinging stuff at a spinning blade. How old are the kids in this program?

 

[frankson]

The Kids are all teenagers, mostly in the 14-16 age bracket. Our oldest boys will graduate from H.S. this year.......hopefully they'll continue as volunteers, once established with a job, and mentor the younger kids.

 

[JohnsonMBrandon]

I think Sawstop would be a great choice. It is a great saw. If the kids are taught to respect the tools, then hopefully you won't even have to worry about sawstop engaging. I think you would have your basis covered more so with saw stop then other saws. I would rather have a knick on my finger, then no finger and a night in the ER.

 

[woodguy1975]

I've seen Vanguards in person and can tell you that it is a quality saw. Besides the saw stop feature the build of the saw is excellent. If I were in the market it would definitely be in the running.

John

 

[frankson]

UPDATE:

The folks at SawStop quoted us a discounted price for their 3 hp saw with minor dents. We agreed to their price...they sent a brand new saw. TOOLS PLUS , a local shop, donated a Biesmeyer fence. The saw purrs and with the new fence, is dead on accurate.

We, of course, are happy to have a SAFE table saw in our shop.

If your travel plans take you to Wilmington, please stop by for a tour and a cup of coffee.

Jeff (Frankson)
Kids Making It (KMI) shop #910-763-6001

 

[NCPete]

Great news! Of course, Jeff, you have to know, that you are not yet worthy of the 'you suck' award yet, until we have pics!

 

[Ray Martin]

There is a downside to the safety built into the tool. Whoever is doing the teaching or shop supervision MUST remember that the stop on the saw, or any other safety device, is an addition to safety and not the beginning of safety.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, and I'm going to say it anyway. Safety is not a device or even a thing you do, it's a way of doing things.

I'm a bit rabid on this topic because I work with the youth groups at Habitat for Humanity in Wake County. I've built two houses with an army of highschoolers only... and worked a couple of years of with teen groups working on other houses... I've had nothing more serious than about a half dozen splinters and blisters in my volunteers.

Here at Habitat, we are restricted to 16 or older on the worksite and 18 or older before using any power tools. I would check with insurance and local authorities about restrictions on young folks and power tools.

I'll get off my rant now (hope I didn't offend) and say that getting folks involved in woodworking or building when they are young is an absolutely wonderful gift. Highest praises to the folks providing this service.

Ray

 

[frankson]

NC Pete

I agree we need to take some pix of the installed saw.....will forward once available.

Ray Martin,

Thanks for your comment...no, I'm not offended.

As we're introducing kids to the SawStop and continued safety precautions (goggles, ear protection, check table top for obstructions,...power on) we have purposely NOT mentioned SawStop's unique safety feature.

Frankson

 

[skeeter]

Congrats on the saw. Keep up the good work!

 

[NCPete]

we have purposely NOT mentioned SawStop's unique safety feature.

Frankson

Good idea!

 

[sapwood]

Jeff, it's great that folks are recognizing KMI's value by supporting their needs. Keep up the good work and I look forward to stopping by for a cup of coffee (or other adult beverage) and some of that great chowder

Sapwood

 

[DaveO]

I got to lay hands on the Sawstop in person while visiting KMI's shop this weekend. That is one fine machine, quietest 3HP saw I've ever heard. The KMI shop is coming right along with the additon of the new saw and Jet lathes. Those kids are really making some nice stuff, and I expect to see even better coming out soon with the better tooling.
Dave