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[tomjolly]

I suppose everyone's seen that relatively new table saw brake that stops the blade rotation almost instantaneously when it detects human flesh (or in the demo, a wiener)? Pretty amazing to see it in action. Guess you have to replace the brake every time it's used, but I suppose that would be worth it. It puts 4 volts into the blade, and detects the current when the metal touches the flesh. Still puts a little ding in your finger, but doesn't lop it off.

[Robert Yarger]

Both Eric and I have considered it.  At one time (two times for me), we have both cut our fingers almsot all the way off.  (fixed mine with duct tape and vodka).  It would have been a nice investment at the time and well worth the cost.  I should get it now, but at least all of us are still memebers of the 10 finger club.

[Jerry McFarland]

Regarding table saws and fingers what I think is terrible is the way salesmen at woodworking shows reach behind the unguarded saw blade when ripping small pieces of stock for doing demos.  They can get away with it since they are running under perfect conditions with perfectly flat stock and the fence setup perfectly.  This sets a bad example for beginners.  I can say from a nasty experience never have your hand behind the blade ever when ripping, if a kick back occurs your hand will be drawn across the blade.  So use a guard, hold downs, long push sticks, or cut the power at the end of the cut.  Saved money fixing mine using the book - Home Surgery for Dummies.

[Kerry Verne]

Of all my shop tools my table saw scares me the most. Though Sawstop isn't shipping their contractor model until after June, I think my stimulus check will be going into buying one. As I write source code for a living, my hands are my livelihood.

[Scott Peterson]

I couldn't agree more!  The tablesaw should be feared in the way of keeping a healthy amount of respect.  However, a router can be just as bad or worse - you won't sew anything back on after going through a router.  Gruesome, yes - but true!

I always spens a good bit of time designing jigs - incorporating safety so I don't need to work with precarious conditions.  I think it's worth the time, since working with my hands is also central in my career and livelyhood - as is true for all of us.  The puzzles all include some really little pieces which get your hands way too close to the blade - cradles, toggle clamps, and sleds can be used to really reduce the risk.