SawStop line any good?

SawStop line any good? · 06-12-2010, 06:19 PM

I was in Wood Craft the other day shoping for a table saw. I saw a line called SawStop. The safty feature on it looks pretty good to me. I really liked the rip fence on it. What do you guys think of the SawStop line of table saws?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD3agP5hv0

MarkE · 06-12-2010, 07:14 PM

This should be interesting.

AmishWarlord · 06-12-2010, 07:26 PM

LOL yeah, I've just now been reading old reviews.

Reminds me of motorcycles. People who haven't crashed say riding gear and helmets are a joke and not worth the money or discomfort. People who have crashed say that riding gear and helmets are worth every penny and you should never even sit on a bike without them.

From the reviews people say they are over priced and have been sawing wood for 40 years and never lost a finger. People who have cut off fingers say it's worth every penny.

As for me I like the black and silver with red trim color scheme. LOL

Really though, are the motors holding up well? How accurate are the front mounted rip fences? Are blade changes easy?

Bill Clemmons · 06-12-2010, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by MarkE

This should be interesting.

Yup, believe I'll just sit back and observe.

Bill

Mt. Gomer · 06-12-2010, 08:03 PM

Mitch,

If you haven't already guessed this has been a pretty contentious subject here on North Carolina Woodworker. Searching for saw stop threads will turn up a lot of good information and a lot of strong opinions.
I think it's safe to say that most everyone agrees that it is a very high quality saw that has some very will though out features (both safety and functional). I've personally never heard anyone who's used one give a negative review on it's operation.

Most of the debate has been on the "value" of the actual saw stop functionality and some of the patent related practices of the owner of the company. As the former is totally subjective and well covered in other threads and the latter is outside the scope of this site I'll not get into it and ask others to do the same.

It really comes down to if you think the added safety feature is worth the extra money. The other functional/performance/quality specs can be matched by other manufacturers for less money. The only functional "gotcha" that I know of is the the saw-stop cartridge itself is designed around blade type so if you're going to use a dado stack you'll also need to purchase the dado cartridge... So, if it fits in your budget and you think the added safety of the saw is worth it I don't think you'll regret buying one.

Travis

Gotcha6 · 06-12-2010, 08:09 PM

I've only seen one in use. That was Woodwrangler's before he moved to FL. Perhaps he could answer your questions regarding the non proprietary features of the saw. From what I've seen of them I'd say they are a well built saw, but I'd have to defer a proper answer to your question to those here that actually own one. They'd be the only ones qualified to give an objective review.
And I'll have to say that your assessment of people's opinions of the saw is pretty well hittin' the nail on the head.

FredP · 06-12-2010, 08:27 PM

safety aside it looks like a well made machine. I don't own one but if I were in the market I would probably go with a proven performer. there are cabinet saws out there that are 75-80 years old and are still going strong. properly maintained they will probably run another 100 years. they have proven track records. saw stop? remains to be seen. there is a unisaw in the classifieds right now that would be in my shop already IF I needed another uni. If you want the SS and you got the $$$ go for it.

Travis Porter · 06-12-2010, 08:31 PM

I have looked at them, and they are well built. From what I have read (not personal experience) the riving knife is a bit harder to remove and insert than say the new Delta, but the articles I read also said that it was easier than some other brands.

It is a nice saw, for a nice price.

WoodWrangler · 06-12-2010, 08:32 PM

I have the original SawStop saw (now called Industrial). It is a solid saw by every measure and the company really went above and beyond to not only design, but produce, a saw that would contend for the top position in any comparison ... even without the blade break (which is the most compelling part for me). Huge cast iron top, quality components, quick-release riving knife/blade guard, really nice fence system, excellent dust collection, large wrenches (which was a huge improvement over my previously owned Jet saw), plenty of power (5HP model).

Here is a review I did a while back ... http://newtoolreviews.com/featured/s...trial-tablesaw

As a company, SawStop is also great to work with because they are a smaller company and you get first-class service. They also have warrantied a part that I openly admitted fault in the damage of -- and they did it without hassle.

bobby g · 06-12-2010, 09:45 PM

I've got the Saw Stop Industrial saw also. I've had it for about 2 years and I like everything about it. The fence is accurate and easy to adjust. Blade change is easy and the riving knife is easily removed/inserted. It takes less than a minute to change the cartridge from regular blade to dado setup or back. The safety feature is a good backup to my onboard systems.

bobby g

merrill77 · 06-12-2010, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by AmishWarlord

What do you guys think of the SawStop line of table saws?

I wish I could relay my personal experience...I really do! I've try to talk my wallet into one ever since they came out with a contractor saw. I was pretty close to spending my bonus on one in the spring...then my wife got laid off

Over the past few years, I've read every review I can find and have not (yet) found one that did not say that SS builds a very high quality saw. The contractor model seems to be as good as (or better than) every other top-end contractor saw. You're obviously paying about a $1000 premium for the blade brake. I won't bother arguing the good/bad of that...as you either think it is worth it, or you don't.

If you find a review that isn't positive of the overall quality of the saw, please pass it on to me!

Jeff Mills · 06-13-2010, 11:34 PM

Wished I had one when I cut the tip of my thumb off several years ago...

drw · 06-14-2010, 08:24 AM

Within the next month, I plan to purchase a new table saw and specifically a new SawStop cabinet model. I have read as many tablesaw reviews as I could find, examined various makes/models, and talked with people who own different brands. While few could find too much fault with the construction and features associated with the SawStop, price was typically the major objection. While, I wish I could purchase a SawStop at a cheaper price, I have come to the conclusion that for me the added safety feature is worth the additional cost. All of us are aware of tablesaw accidents that have occurred to our friends, many who are experienced woodworkers. My feeling is that I would rather spend a little extra in hopes that I never have an occasion to test the SawStop safety feature, than to have regrets about it latter.

I realize that this is my rationalization and that others have gone through the same mental gymnastics and arrived at a different conclusion. These are not "right" or "wrong" decisions, simply matters of personal preference.

Donn

AmishWarlord · 06-15-2010, 02:40 PM

I think I'll go with the SawStop. Now should I get the "cheap" 120 volt pro model or go ahead and get the industrial model since I will have 220 outlets?

Travis Porter · 06-15-2010, 02:45 PM

Maybe this is a dumb question, but why not develop the sawstop brake for other tools like bandsaws and jointers?