Why isn't this compulsory on all saws.

Should be made law.

 

I saw this on a dragons den type program years ago. Absolutely agree should be standard. Although not sure how it would work on damp wood.

 

That's your saw knackered.
Perhaps putting a guard on the blade, using a riving knife which although used here isn't common in the USA or just learning how to use saws safely would be better.

 

Well it's not on all saws because it's patented technology...

Bosch have come up with a similar concept but one that uses small gas cartridges instead. They are much cheaper to replace, and don't wreck the blade either (I don't think anyway) which looks like a batter system, and being Bosch seems more likely to make it to the UK.

It's difficult though, because although I know table saws can cause horrific injuries (it's one of my only tools I'm a bit scared of...) I don't really think laws that make it much more difficult to injure yourself are a great idea - the danger of my table saw keeps me far more cautious, attentive and focussed than if the accident potential was a lot less.On the flip side I do appreciate that a lot of people who do lose a thumb on a table saw are skilled operators who know what they are doing and often have decades of experience.

 

I have never had a nick from a table saw because I know it could take my fingers off and I concentrate, last year I virtually severed my thumb having a shower, I've lost 3 tendons in a car crash and have various scars from stupid accidents but you shouldn't feed your didgets into a table saw.

 

Only thing I noticed in the video, is that he didn't actually shove his finger into the saw, which would be how it might happen in life. The way he did it, if it had failed, he would have just scratched his skin.

And no, I would not shove my finger in the saw no matter how confident of its ability to stop.

Mr. HandyAndy - Really