From Popular Woodworking - Are Benchtop Saws Gone?

[Eagan]

Are Benchtop Saws Gone?

If you haven't kept informed about the landmark table saw lawsuit, Osorio vs. One World Technologies Inc. et. al., you should catch up. The findings in this case could lead to major changes in the technology our saws include and it could determine what your options are as far as table saw availability (read the entry here). And if you wonder about your techniques at the table saw and whether you're working safely or not, take a look here to see what you're not supposed to do – Osorio did most of it wrong. And for a complete rundown of the case from the beginning, see the list of links below.


SawStop Safety System Saga Steams Forward
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...s+Forward.aspx

Response From Ryobi Technologies, Inc.
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...ogies+Inc.aspx

Actual Table Saws in Use: A Numbers Game
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...bers+Game.aspx

Update: The Number of Table Saws is Even Larger
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...en+Larger.aspx

Court Documents: Osorio Wasn't Using the Guard or Rip Fence
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...Rip+Fence.aspx

Are Benchtop Saws Gone?
http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/...Saws+Gone.aspx

[sweensdv]

Over the last month or two this case has been discussed to death, dissected, discussed some more and for what? That ruling will never stand up under appeal and that idiot will never see a dime. As far as what will become of the benchtop table saw, my guess is that those who insist on dictating to us what our wants and needs are will cause them to become so expensive that they will go away. Whats next, blade guards on jigsaws, reciprocating saws and routers?

[germdoc]

That ruling will never stand up under appeal and that idiot will never see a dime.

Knowing the quirks of the legal system to some extent I wouldn't bet on it...

I don't think the benchtop saws will go away, but I WOULD bet money that TS manufacturers will be burning the midnight oil to come up with a way to incorporate anti-injury technology into their saws of all sizes. If everyone does it the cost will not be too dramatic.

[Eagan]

One of the articles that claims the "Power Tool Institute" already has an alternative to Saw Stop that it has made available to it's members. I'm sure you are familiar with it. Here's the link to see a demo.
















Still looking for the demo? So am I.

[cabinetman]

Knowing the quirks of the legal system to some extent I wouldn't bet on it...

I don't think the benchtop saws will go away, but I WOULD bet money that TS manufacturers will be burning the midnight oil to come up with a way to incorporate anti-injury technology into their saws of all sizes. If everyone does it the cost will not be too dramatic.

I agree. Another way of looking at the issue is what would you pay to have an aftermarket device added to your saw? I doubt seriously that table saws in a hobbyist's garage could be tracked down. It's different with commercial shops, which are a matter of record.
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