Poll on SawStop

[LCHIEN]

Been several posts on the topic of SAWSTOP technology in this forum (around the coffee pot, not tool talk) so I post this here.

There's controversy about the SAWSTOP patent holders and related lawsuits - one side says the sawstop is such a fine thing it should be mandated on all saws. The saw makers say its not that good and the patent holders want too much royalties. Failing to have the consumer product laws mandate use of the sawstop technology, The patent holders have gone and started a line of saws using the sawstop flesh detecting and fast-acting electromechanical brake of the patent, but the cheapest sawstop saw starts at around $1500, much more than many tablesaws which sell from $200 up to $3000.

Now the SawStop patent holders are engaged in aiding lawsuits from injured parties against major tool manufacturers saying they failed to incorporate safety features like theirs and thus the saw designs are defective.

That's the background. So why don't you have a SawStop in you shop?
Please check all that apply (multiple selections permitted). If you do have a SAWSTOP already, only check the first option!
Take the poll then leave any comments.

[Knottscott]

I could care less that the inventor is a lawyer, but I hate the communistic approach he took trying to push his device on everyone....not a great way to begin a customer/supplier relationship IMO. It seems every time I start to "let it go" so to speak, and just view the saw for the wonderful tool that it is, his name crops up in another controversial legal move. Pushing table saw lawsuits to further his agenda, which he profits from, is legal, but it doesn't make him any more endearing to me.

[Cubsfan]

First off, if I'm not mistaken, Steve Gass isn't a physicist? I didn't think he was a lawyer.

Anyway, can someone enlighten me what he's done to "push lawsuits"? He just testified in this latest lawsuit. I'm not sure if testifying in a civil lawsuit is required by law if you're subpoenaed, but I don't think I'd fault the guy for just testifying.

[cabinetman]

I voted. I'm not in the market for a new saw. If I bought a new saw it would be the Saw Stop. This subject has been talked to death.
.

[pelligrini]

I'd like to have one, but I can't justify the cost nor do I have the room in my little shop.

[cgallery]

I selected "because I don't like the other features..."

Namely, the weight. If they could build that into an aluminum-topped saw that weighs 100 # or less, I'd be very interested.

However, having seen the demo in person, I don't know whether a 100 # saw could endure the brake firing without flipping over on its back.

I also don't like the inventor's political methods of marketing his saw. But I hate that less than I love my fingers.

[pelligrini]

However, having seen the demo in person, I don't know whether a 100 # saw could endure the brake firing without flipping over on its back..

Hehe I can just see the headline; "Family awarded millions in Govt. mandated safety feature mishap killing user"

[Old Lurker]

I definitely couldn't afford one. The cheapest Sawstop costs more than my table saw, 10" benchtop drill press, 10" miter saw, 16" scroll saw, Porter Cable router and Freud router combined.

I am not afraid of the saw blade on my BT3100 , but I definitely respect it and use featherboards, push shoes, and the riving knife for safety.

[LinuxRandal]

As usual, a poll cannot contain all the options. Steve Gass is a patent lawyer, who I would have liked to ask, under oath, EXACTLY how many years did you use a table saw without getting amputated?

But his ISN'T the only technology. Look at the Whirlwind, and the one I use, the Eurekazone EZ smart system. (tablesaw has been in a unpowered garage for quite a while now).

Why does Steve Gass, not use something like a Unifence, with the adjustable part so the fence won't be past the halfway of the blade point (help reduce kickback), if this is just a safety issue?

[bthorne]

The reasons I don't have one are threefold. Cost / not ready to upgrade are important. Right now, though, I work out of a 1-car garage, and my 21829 gives me a tiny footprint when folded up against the wall, which gives me the space to use other tools. If I do purchase another saw, (and I can work the space issue out) I will save up my money, and it WILL be a Sawstop. I like my fingers right where they are. That added bit of safety is worth the money.

[LCHIEN]

First off, if I'm not mistaken, Steve Gass isn't a physicist? I didn't think he was a lawyer.

Anyway, can someone enlighten me what he's done to "push lawsuits"? He just testified in this latest lawsuit. I'm not sure if testifying in a civil lawsuit is required by law if you're subpoenaed, but I don't think I'd fault the guy for just testifying.

he is a patent lawyer by actual profession who studied sciences (useful if you are apatent lawyer). Myabe it was physics he studied.

[tung tied]

Another option in the poll could include: I intend to purchase one.

[LCHIEN]

... This subject has been talked to death.
.

you don't have to read it anymore. You can stop anytime.

I thought it would be interesting to get a graphical/statistical feel for why people really weren't buying this technology right and left. Maybe Steven Gass can learn something.

and i put a 2-week limit on it so you wouldn't have to keep seeing it every week for years to come when some new or old guy comes in and answeres the poll when it pops up as a new post/new poll for him.

[LCHIEN]

i forgot to add an option... "my brother-in-law is a surgeon, i get all my fingers reattached for free"

[LCHIEN]

Another option in the poll could include: I intend to purchase one.

i thought of that but the reality is you don't have one now, and its probably because of money (costs too much) and you already have a saw/ not ready for a new one yet, otherwise you would have a sawstop.