For all you woodworkers out there...

[Hengy]

This is a GREAT tool... Take a look at both videos... I am sure that it is expensive, but so are fingers accidents!

http://www.sawstop.com/media/WMV/Stephen.htm

http://www.sawstop.com/media/WMV/Hot_Dog_Demo.htm

Lots more information here: http://www.sawstop.com

For you big time woodworkers, this is worth its weight in GOLD!

Mike in La Crosse, WI

[grumpy]

I actually saw a demo of that last year. Tried to get the guy to use his finger but he wouldnt do it. He then wet his finger and the hot dog and it didn't cut the dog as deep. AMAZING. Grump

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

That is a fantastic system. I wish there were a way to use it on my hand held grinder.

[Rudi]

Well since I have unfortunately been the victim of a table saw accident (reason why I can no longer successfully play guitar anymore), I think this is a good idea. I have been following this story for the last couple of years since the system first made it's appearance. Many of the top home woodtrade publications such as Fine Woodworking, Shop, Wood, American Woodworker and other's have all either reviewed or viewed the system.

It is a great invention and if it saves one person for suffering a missing digit or part of a digit or multiples, then that is great. It does not however replace common sense, good safety procedures or adequate attention to the job at hand.

[George Willer]

It does not however replace common sense, good safety procedures or adequate attention to the job at hand.

Once again I'll express my contrarian view. Devices that are intended to make idiots safer only serve to increase the number of idiots. I view most extra and unnecessary devices as a distraction that may be even more dangerous. I've been through a lot of saws in the last half century and still have enough fingers to count properly. Even worse than the table saw guards are the supposed safety guards on electric hand saws. I've been noted for removing them before even taking them out of the store. I came very close to serious injury because of a failed guard I was depending on.

[Rudi]

I will qualify what I posted. I should have worded it better, and not worried about liabiltiy or being PC. Yes it is a great invention, and one that will definitely save a few digits, for some people. I still think it is a great idea. For those who believe that they need it. So if you think you need it.. as we say in the Canada.. fill yer boots eh

Now.. for the rest of the story

Would I buy one Not on your life I wouldn't.. or any other circumstances either. Not one piece of equiment in my shop has any extraneous safety gear except for my jointer. Oh, btw, my jointer is the tool that took off the ends of my left hand ring and middle finger. Thankfully they grew back.. but half of the first digit of each finger was jointed clear away. That is the only tool that has a blade guard. Oh, and that jointer became mine after the accident. I figure it bit me once, it never will again. My table saw took care of the rest of that ring finger.. which is why I cannot play anymore. Mostly because there is a piece of broken bone that gets in the way when I finger the strings. Ifn I was a southpaw, it might not matter, but I am right dominant.

I have had like George too many close calls with so-called safety equipment. As George said, many of these so-called safety devices are accidents waiting to happen. Many of them whilst good in idea and design, in practice provide a sense of complacency in an arena where complacency will lead to serious accident.

As I have said before... and I know anyone over 50 will understand what I am saying, we grew up, learned our crafts and skillsets long before OSHA etc, decided that we were too daft and needed help to work safe. I only know of one or two professional woodworkers with 40 or more years in the profession that are actually missing digits, limbs or other extraneous parts of their bodies.

For the part time woodworker these devices may provide a margin of safety. They may also save a finger or two. However, and unfortunately they will instill complacency and that will end up in accidents and any ER can attest to that.

I will repeat again... no safety device can adequately replace common sense, good safety procedures or adequate attention to the job at hand. This applies to any craft, any situation, any shop.

One last comment. Yes I have had accidents in the shop. Chisels, knives, bits, oh you name it, I probably did it.. but those things were the result of doing something stupid, something I knew better and because I was not paying attention or I was in a hurry. Guards would not have helped one little bit.

[Festus]

The importance of guards is arguable. But take it from a one-eyed hearing impaired wodoworker - always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Also protect your lungs!
Festus

[howard950]

The term "healthy respect" seems to apply here. Never been sliced, diced or spliced. But I'm always aware that luck can change in a split second.

[phildidit]

that is a neat invention, very cool.

[CapeCodCubs]

That is cool...I was a victim of working long hours restoring my old Victorian farmhouse and stung my finger ripping some trim. I wasn't too bad just a small chunk. Healed up okay. They said it feels like a bee sting when it happens and it does. Very interesting post. Thanks WCG.