Better buy that new table saw now

[Lightyear]

That is sickening. I remember seeing that device a few years a go. Very cool, but to make it mandatory is criminal.

I read about this on Fine Woodworking's site.  I think the product has merit but from what I've read the money they're after to license the thing is criminal.  From I've seen it destroys your blade in the process of activation - I could sacrifice a $120 to save a finger but for a false trip I would cry like a baby at the loss.

[SGD Lutherie]

Of course if you leave the guard on the saw, you have little to worry about. But most of us take them off. Making this mandatory is silly, unless it's just part of the saw and not some expensive add on. So they would be a monopoly if this becomes mandatory, and other technology will have to be thought up. What we need is a better guard.

Also, anyone here every use a jointer? There's a damn scary machine! Are they going to make those illegal as well?

Lots of people have been using these machines for years and have all their fingers, including me.

I've cut myself with chisels and razor blades more. Are they going to add a razor blade stop to those?

[Pilgrim]

I'm good.  I have my 1954 Shopsmith Mark V, which has no guards or safety devices of any kind.  I just make every effort to be careful, keep my fingers out of harm's way, use push sticks and feather boards, and avoid clothing which can get tangled.

[Lightyear]

Fine Woodworking is following this closely - as is to be expected.  Evidently the guy that holds the patent on the Sawstop technology hold an astounding amount of related patents and this further complicates other companies developing similar technologies.