Safety

29 docs

Can I safely use my SawStop table saw with an EcoFlow battery pack?

Last Updated: May 21, 2025

While EcoFlow battery packs are popular, we recommend caution. These devices do not guarantee a good ground connection, which is essential for the SawStop safety system to function properly. For optimal safety, we advise using a reliable power source that ensures a good ground connection.

Is my table saw completely broken after an activation?

Last Updated: May 21, 2025

Don’t worry! When the system activates, it’s designed to protect you, but the machine itself isn’t “broken.” However, you will need to replace the cartridge and the blade.

Why not use fingers when testing the table saws? (Safety First)

Last Updated: May 21, 2025

We use materials that replicate the electrical conductivity of human skin for testing purposes. This allows us to evaluate the performance of the safety system effectively without putting anyone at risk.

Can I replace the brake cartridge myself?

Last Updated: May 21, 2025

Yes, replacing the brake cartridge can be done by the user. We provide instructional videos and manuals on our website to guide you through the process.

Do your saws have a magnetic switch?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes, our saws have a magnetic switch that prevents it from coming back on.

Can I use my SawStop saw with a generator?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

We do not recommend operating SawStop saws on a generator, as we cannot say whether or not a given generator will damage the saw. It is possible to run a SawStop saw on any generator as long as that generator’s output is equivalent to utility power (voltage level, low electrical noise, surge capacity, etc), but…

Can I use blades that are coated or have coated teeth?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Steel blades with a lacquer finish or other coating on the teeth should not be used as the coating may inhibit or slow the speed at which the safety system detects skin contact. However, most coated blades do not cover the blade teeth. Those blades may be used on SawStop saws.

Can I use SawStop in a humid environment?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes SawStop works well in humid environments

What happens if the blade comes into contact with a nail or staple in the wood?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Generally, the safety system will not activate when a nail or staple is cut. Although conductive, these objects are not large enough to cause the safety system to activate unless they are grounded to the table or operator when they contact the blade.

Is there a way to check if a material is conductive before I cut?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

​If you are unsure whether the material you need to cut is conductive, you can make test cuts using Bypass Mode to determine if it will activate the safety system’s brake. The red light on the control box will flash to indicate conductivity.

Do I need to use a blade guard with a SawStop saw?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes. SawStop strongly recommends that you use a blade guard whenever possible.

What % moisture would cause an activation

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

It isn’t possible to determine an exact moisture % threshold for firing the brake given the variability of material contents. However, the saw will tell you if your material is conductive. Simply make a few test cuts in bypass mode, and the lights on the saw will tell you whether or not it would have…

Do your saws work in the rain?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes, our portable saws can be used outside when it’s raining. The main caveat pertains to the material you are cutting. SawStop saws cut most wet wood without a problem. However, if the wood is very green or wet – for example, wet enough to spray a mist when cutting – it may be sufficiently…

Will cutting green or ‘wet’ wood activate the SawStop safety system?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

SawStop saws cut most wet wood without a problem. However, if the wood is very green or wet (for example, wet enough to spray a mist when cutting), or if the wood is both wet and pressure treated, then the wood may be sufficiently conductive to activate the brake. If you are unsure whether the…

How does the SawStop safety system work?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

You can find an explanation of the safety system’s operation as well as watch a brief video of the safety system in action here

Can I get a serious injury using a SawStop saw?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

In the vast majority of cases, coming in contact with the spinning blade will result in a minor cut. However, if your hand moves into the blade at very high speed, it is possible for you to receive a serious injury.

Can I be certain the safety system is working?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

The SawStop safety system continuously performs many self-checks to ensure the components of the safety system are working properly. The safety system will not allow the motor to start (or to remain running) unless every component of the safety system is working properly.

Will the safety system work if I wear gloves whilst cutting?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Do not wear gloves when using a SawStop saw because the glove can snag on the blade and pull your hand into the blade at high velocity. The safety system will still react as soon as your skin contacts the blade, but the resulting injury can be more severe because of the velocity of your…

Does activation damage the saw?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

SawStop saws are designed to absorb the force of activation and are not damaged by it.

What will it cost to reset the safety system?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

A standard brake cartridge costs £79/89 Euros.

What do I do if I activate the safety systems break cartridge?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

If you activate the safety system’s brake, you will need to replace the brake cartridge and evaluate the condition of the blade for future use. Replacing the brake cartridge is simple and can take as little as 90 seconds to complete.

Can the blade be reused if the safety system break is activated?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

When the safety system activates, it will sometimes damage one or more teeth on the blade. Some users discard and replace the blade, while others choose to have their blades inspected/repaired by a qualified specialist.

Can I cut conductive materials?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes. You can operate the saw in Bypass Mode which deactivates the safety system’s braking feature, allowing you to cut aluminium, very wet/green wood (see above) and other known conductive materials.

Do we retrofit our safety system into other brand table saws?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

No. It is not economically practical to retrofit other manufacturers’ table saws. The structural changes necessary to incorporate the safety system into another saw and the cost to have it installed would exceed the cost of a new saw.

Will the break respond during coast down?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Yes, if you are using the red paddle to turn the blade on/off, the brake is still actively monitoring the coast down rotation. The yellow power switch is what powers the cartridge to begin monitoring the blade, so as long as that remains on, the cartridge will activate during coast down.

Can I use SawStop in cold environments?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Cold ambient temperatures should not affect your saw mechanics. However, your saw’s brake cartridge contains “computer-like” parts that can be affected by extreme cold. If the cartridge is stored in temperatures well below freezing, the saw won’t turn on until the cartridge warms up. If you are in an extremely cold climate, we recommend removing…

What is a High/Low fence?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

The high/low fence comes on the Jobsite Saw Pro. It provides an additional level of safety while performing cuts close to the saw blade, such as thin rips and small parts, by providing additional clearance from the standard fence face.

What is a riving knife?

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

The riving knife is an important safety feature that substantially reduces the chance of kick-back. The riving knife functions similar to a spreader on a blade guard assembly. The difference is that the riving knife does not extend above the top of the blade. Therefore, the riving knife can be used when making non-through cuts…