I've seen tests of that saw using a hotdog. I really do need a tablesaw (I tell my partner that often) and I'd like one of those. It's a bit pricey but it's solid and well made, and finger security is important to me.

ah297900 wrote:

Will it work for a 1/2" dado blade?

I would certainly hope so!

Still not sure why there are so many people getting their fingers mixed up with table saw blades. All you need to know is where the blade is and your fingers are at all times when it's running.  Is that too much to ask?  Regardless, this invention is very cool and probably has many applications above and beyond rotary blades.  Worst wood shop accident I've witnessed was a long haired metal head kid in high school that didn't bother tying his hair back.  Not a wise idea while using a router table.  It ripped a one inch section out of his scalp, he turned white, started blacking out then began puking a minute later while waiting for the ambulance.

hedgewizard wrote:

Dirckman wrote:

Still not sure why there are so many people getting their fingers mixed up with table saw blades. All you need to know is where the blade is and your fingers are at all times when it's running.  Is that too much to ask?  Regardless, this invention is very cool and probably has many applications above and beyond rotary blades.  Worst wood shop accident I've witnessed was a long haired metal head kid in high school that didn't bother tying his hair back.  Not a wise idea while using a router table.  It ripped a one inch section out of his scalp, he turned white, started blacking out then began puking a minute later while waiting for the ambulance.

I've always thought it's mostly caused by impatience.  I know I've torn equipment up being impatient.  I've also torn equipment up just for fun, but I try really hard not to tear myself up either way.

It happens to the best of us.  Among my avocations is one of being a cabinetmaker, and a pretty good one if I do say so.  And, yes, even *I* managed to get myself caught in the saw once.  And as noted, it was in haste, late in the evening, on a long and frustrating job... and I should have quit when I got tired, but I didn't... and I became careless.  Fortunately, it only caught my little finger and ripped the edge off, which was sewn back on successfully, though with some minor nerve damage.  This device would have prevented the injury, so I'm definitely looking into getting one.

Dirckman wrote:

I can see losing that caution if it would become a regular part of my routine.

Complacency

doesyourpussyhurt wrote:

People just don't pay attention 100% of the time. Case in point, I used to run a crew on a golf course. Every day I would remind the crew if their mower got clogged, use a branch to clear the blades. One day one of the guys had a problem, got off to clear it, and used his hand instead of a stick. He lost most of his hand, was caught in the mower for two hours and had to be taken to the hospital with his hand still jammed in the reel. If you have seen modern lawn tractors and the like, you will be aware of the umpteen warning stickers plastered everywhere warning of such an outcome. He just ignored all that. Shit happens.

Yeah, I had a customer who lost 3 fingers on his hand in a snowblower... same deal.

GooberMcNutly wrote:

What will happen is that people will install this device on their saws (or I guess its it's own saw line?) and feel smug about it, so they can stop thinking about safety. Then, the first time they try to cut with a high humidity or on a cool morning when dew is condensing it will trip the blade, wrecking the mechanism. Maybe the first time they will pay the $60+ to replace the broken parts, but after the second or third false trip they will just throw it away and use it like a regular saw.

As far as I can tell from examining one and reviewing the tech info, the rate of false triggerings is very low if the saw is used in a normal shop environment. The cabinet maker in our complex got some for his big tables. This system uses a  radio signal injected onto the blade parts. The contact with substances with meat like consistencies changes the capacitance of the antenna system created by the blade. This can be monitored with a high sampling rate A to D signal processor. The microprocessor then can be programed to exclude signal patterns that do not conform to human like meat.

It is an innovative application of well know rf properties. I did not go so far as to hook up a signal analyzer, but I am getting a new one with more user friendly logging capabilities so i still might. 

Of course if it wasn't for the nanny state overburdening the workplace with rules and the coddling tolerance of tort lawyers in this country, corporations would not have to buy these things to protect themselves from their employees stupid actions. Should you really get any special treatment if you are too inattentive to keep your fingers out of a spinning saw? Safety is your responsibility isn't it? Really now.

If this could be modified for a chainsaw, I'd be interested.  Also an accelerometer for when the damn thing kicks out.

If I added a camera and net connectivity I could beat Apple to the I-Saw.

Last edited by opsec (2011-01-26 17:18:23)

I've used a large assortment of power tools in my life, including my home brewed router table. I still have all 12 fingers and what's left of my hair and intend to keep them intact. The nanny state doesn't enter into it, I WANT one. My worst fear is that the company will go out of business after some idiot circumvents the safety system, and then single-handedly sues the company because there was no warning label telling him not to short the electronics with a penny.

Tall Paul wrote:

I really do need a tablesaw (I tell my partner that often) .....

Me too. But so far she refuses to submit further than the spinning wheel and knife throwing.

Dirckman wrote:

http://lotiva.my3gb.com/images/238.jpg

This is my newest toy. So far the only thing I've used it for was to cut new baseboards for my basement.  I should use up some of my vacation time and use it to actually build something.

Sweet! Those will do everything but rip, so I'll need a table saw and a joiner too. Wood is at such a premium here that buying anything other than rough planks doesn't make sense.

I've got a home brewed router....

...but I gave up that geek part of my life cuz I wanted hot women to have sex with me.