Source 1
In the article “If Table Saws Can Be Safer, Why Aren’t They?”, it is explained why most people don’t want to buy a safer table saw, considering how expensive it will be with the new SawStop technology.
“Young says consumers won’t want to pay for the SawStop technology, which could add $100 – $300 in costs”
This is a opinionated claim, as people would rather bet on themselves, than pay more money for something they feel like they can prevent.
Source 2
In the article “SawStop Sues Bosch over new ReaXX Table Saw and its Flesh-Detection and Blade Braking Tech”, the post claims how SawStop is suing other companies for possible trademark and patent infringement. It also details their previous failures.
“First, Gass tried to get power tool brands to license their technology, but they declined to. ”
“Then, since manufacturers wouldn’t license SawStop’s technology voluntarily, Gass lobbied for federal regulations that would force power tool manufacturers to do so.”
“Then SawStop sued brands for allegedly boycotting his technology.”
These are all factual claims as they all state the process that SawStop has been through for people to use their technology.
Source 3
In the article “Bosch Tools SawStop Lawsuit”, the article provides the reasons to why SawStop isn’t favored by companies, as there are many business reasons as to why.
- The additional cost to manufacturers to implement this technology is estimated to be between $150-$200 per product, an amount that will be passed on to the consumer.
- Gass (SawStop) is asking for 8 percent licensing/royalties on the wholesale price of each saw sold, a figure that many manufacturers view as near-extortion and monopoly position. This fee would also be passed on to consumers.
- “False positives” or “nuisance trips” produce downtime and expenses. False positives can trip on common materials such as moist wood (think freshly delivered pressure treated lumber).
- A false trip mandates replacement of the brake mechanism which is an expensive piece (~$59)
- A false trip mandates replacement of the saw blade, since it is unknown whether the carbide teeth may be jarred or broken loose – creating a hazard. As most pros know, blades can be upwards of $100 each
- During a braking event, carbide teeth could be thrown through the blade opening
- Existing Underwriters Laboratories document ANSI/UL 987 includes provisions for maintaining safe distance from saw blades and instructions for proper use.
- The “court is out” on how a high-impact braking mechanism will affect smaller jobsite table saws.
- Consumer choice can dictate whether this technology, and its associated potential issues and added cost, will gain widespread acceptance by consumers
- A low percentage of the 30,000 annual (U.S.) table saw injuries are due to contact with the blade – most are from kickback.
This is a factual claim, as the reasons are clearly stated as to why companies do not like safety requirements on their products.
Source 4
In the source “Table Saw Injury Lawyer”, is provides sources to where you can seek legal help for any table saw injury including SawStop. They also provide stats to how many are injured per year.
“Every year, there are over 40,000 table saw injuries, resulting in more than 4,000 amputations. Table saws cause more injuries than any other woodworking tool.”
This is a factual claim, as they provide a clear statistic as to how many people get injured per year.
Source 5
In the source, “Table Saw Facts at a Glance”, offers information about current table saws, as well as SawStop such as technology price and where to find them.
- SawStop introduced a saw for the benchtop table saw market in March of 2015. The saw weighs 79 pounds and retails for $1299, compared to other benchtop table saws of similar size, weight and features, (but for the injury mitigation system) selling for $500 – $600
- SawStop saws are currently available in the marketplace to any consumer who chooses to purchase them.
- SawStop technology mitigates the hazard of a spinning saw blade when a human hand or finger touches the blade by jamming a braking pawl into the saw blade, thus stopping the blade in milliseconds and destroying the blade.
Counterintuitive 