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New Safety Feature Detects Flesh
nmb3000 writes "SawStop has introduced a new safety feature for dangerous power tools such as table and band saws which, if accurate and reliable, could result in a lot fewer people visiting the emergency room due to deadly accidents. Using the difference in electrical capacitance between various substances, the system can stop a blade rotating at 4000 RPM in less than 5 milliseconds after detecting contact with flesh. It's hard to understand just how effective this is until you see the demonstration videos where a hotdog is used in place of a potential victim's finger. The site also gives a brief explanation of how the system works as well as some high-speed videos showing just how quickly the blade stops rotating. I wonder if this same technology might be used to protect you neighbor's cat from your robotic lawnmower?"
Sorry, this type of safety feature has been available for a few years. I have seen it demonstrated, and it is impressive. 3hp cabinet saw meets hotdog. The blade stopped instantly, with only a small nick taken out of the hot dog.
The unit I saw demonstrated was a one-use unit. Once the brake was used, it had to be replaced. The system had to be professionally installed, which is very inconvienient unless you have an installer in your city. It was also expensive, relative to the tool. However, when compared to your fingers, how expensive is it really?
Personally, I would never use one of these things. If you use your tools properly, and avoid running 'bad' wood through your tools, you will never have a problem. Avoid distractions, pay attention, and use push sticks.