Woodworking Business

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

Curts Thumb

3/19/16       
james mcgrew Member

So I walk by Curt who is carrying a piece to the truck, then I see someone has gotten a replacement brake out for the Sawstop saw.. I ask Danny it it had been set off, He says yea curt , I asked "Wet wood , Metal ??" No his thumb.

This is the first full test We have had of the saw, today it saved me a good 30-60 K in medical Bills and workers comp....

Today after 4 years of Sawstop ownership It paid off !!


View higher quality, full size image (2656 X 1494)


View higher quality, full size image (2656 X 1494)

3/20/16       #2: Curts Thumb ...
door shop guy

Send the info to Sawstop and i am pretty sure they will send you a new cartridge for free.

3/20/16       #3: Curts Thumb ...
Ken Member

So can you explain what operation he was doing that required his thumb to be that close to the blade that couldn't have been done with a push stick, long push stick, push block, power feeder, GRR-Ripper. See where I'm going with this?

3/20/16       #4: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

We have always kept Brakes on hand and it had been a while since one had gone off,

Ken you are going in the right direction !

this is living proof the Very experience can still make a mistake, Curt is a decades old Architectural woodworker. Normally somewhat cantankerous he was very animated after this happened and We both were pretty Grateful for the saw after it happened.

He tried with out a push stick

3/20/16       #5: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

I have never shy'ed away from humiliating my mistakes.

This is Mine split in two twice within 364 days apart and the same guy was standing within ten feet of me both times. This lead to the sawstops


View higher quality, full size image (1494 X 2656)

3/20/16       #6: Curts Thumb ...
Pat Gilbert

I had to give this thread a thumbs up.

3/20/16       #7: Curts Thumb ...
Pinetree Furniture Makers  Member

I have had the corner of my thumb bit off by a unisaw once and this is the second thumb that I have seen saved by the saw stop this week. The guys that have that saw how are they for power? Do they match up with a 3 or 5hp unisaw?

3/20/16       #8: Curts Thumb ...
Ken Member

It's good we bring up this dialog every once in a while, not to point fingers but it keeps safety in the forefront of our minds. That said I'm a one man shop with a Rockwell 12/14 cabinet saw and an Altendorf F45. I would never by a Sawstop for me but if I took on an employee that was going to run my cabinet saw I would buy a SS in a second. Based on the experience above, a miscalculation even by a seasoned worker can lead to a serious injury. The reason I don't need a SS is unless I can perform the operation with one of the above mentioned aids I'm not sticking my fingers anywhere they can get bit. And correct me if I'm wrong but most of us would agree that when there is an "incident", kickback, or whatever, we have a feeling prior to it that maybe this isn't the best way to be doing this. Just my thoughts. Again, this is a healthy discussion and not a rag session.

3/20/16       #9: Curts Thumb ...
Larry

We have a 5hp SawStop, better in everyway than the Unisaw it replaced.
Worth noting that the safety system of the Saw Stop is not considered an acceptable safety device by OSHA. We just had another inspection.
Ours has saved 2 thumbs of experienced employees!

3/20/16       #10: Curts Thumb ...
Cabmaker

I shared a shop for a while with a guy who had a sawstop tablesaw. During the year I was there the saw was tripped about six times. The crew seemed somewhat ambivalent about saw safety because of the SawStop.

The guy that owned the saw stop got hit one time and was bleeding like a stuck pig. The bleeding was bad enough I asked him if he wanted me to take him to the emergency room.

They are better than nothing but don't trust them.

3/20/16       #11: Curts Thumb ...
door shop guy

I always wondered what if your hand got thrown into the blade really really fast. You see the demos where they casually walk a hotdog into the blade but accidents happen a lot faster then that.

3/20/16       #12: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

Well said,, All the safety features of any tool do not replace common sense.

3/20/16       #13: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

This is the brake after activation...


View higher quality, full size image (2048 X 1152)

3/20/16       #14: Curts Thumb ...
Pat Gilbert

Of course many accidents never have skin to blade contact.

Not to say that they are not a worthwhile investment.

Also Bosch has something similar, albeit hung up in court for a bit.

3/20/16       #15: Curts Thumb ...
Nick

Hey door stop guy, there is a video on YouTube that addresses that question. The guys takes a sausage and swings it down hard on the moving blade. The result is a cut that would require several stitches if it were on an actual hand. That seems better than a several finger. It wasn't exactly a scientific test but it was interesting.

3/20/16       #16: Curts Thumb ...
Nick

Sorry. Door shop.

3/20/16       #17: Curts Thumb ...
Andrew J. Coholic  Member

Website: http://www.joecoholiccustomfurniture.com

For the fellow that asked - I have been running a Sawstop Industrial Cab saw, with a 5 HP three phase 240V motor for five years + now.

Replaced a few older Unisaws (I also run a large Griggio slider, for panel stock - the Sawstop is mainly used for solid wood).

I love the saw. Lots of power - with a good blade (I like to use GLR most of the time) you can push through 8/4 hardwood as fast as you want to go. It is a nice saw. Has held its accuracy, daily use by three of us and three firings. I recently checked the run out on the arbor with a dial indicator - less than 1/2 a thousandth.

All three of the firings were contact (un planned) with metal - the mitre guage and some copper clad Formica. No saves yet on people, but I do preach and practise safety in the shop and the guard is on always as well.

Smaller cabinet saw is still the main culprit in woodworking shop injuries. It is piece of mind for me, with the two employees. And me too.

Take it or leave it - but I appreciate having one in my shop.

3/22/16       #18: Curts Thumb ...
Bill Hagers

James, I think it's great you share this. It's the most seasoned guy that will get hurt, because they get too comfortable with the machine. I'm guilty of that myself. I love the sawstop, it's incredible, and a superior table saw with respect to build quality and functionality. But I do have some concerns. First let me admit I have had my fair share of close calls, some so close I couldn't believe how close I got to bodily injury or serious kick backs. But being human like the rest of you, we do stupid things when we are in a rush or working late.

The sawstop prevents certain types of injuries but not all. Kickbacks are still prone without a proper riving knife, and or guard, and most importantly technique. I like the sawstop's technology but I think people need to always keep in mind that you can't let it drive shop safety culture, because the table saw while principal for us cabinetmakers is not nearly the only dangerous tool we use. I've seen this first hand, where guys get too relaxed on this machine and carry that over to the bandsaw, shaper, jointer, etc. Proper safety precautions, training and oversight will prevent most injuries.

But don't get me wrong, I love sawstop's table saws, it just can't be the only thing between you and accidents.

3/23/16       #19: Curts Thumb ...
Brady Lewis

Website: http://www.allmoxy.com

This is great to see! I love what Saw stop has given the industry, and I really respect this technology, so forgive me for a quick rant.

I think there is such a huge opportunity (for both Saw Stop monetarily AND people loosing their fingers) to expand this technology. This technology needs to be applied to other saw brands. Saw stop only manufactures saws for a very limited slice of the industry and it drives me crazy to see this amazing technology "shelved" so that they can be in the business of manufacturing and selling saws. They should be in the business of saving fingers, not manufacturing saws. They could accomplish so much more with a few small tweaks.

When I was running my shop, I had a guy loose his finger and passionately petitioned Saw stop to allow me to help them develop retrofit kits to use on our machines, with no avail. I hope someday we can make this happen as an industry.

Having said all of that, again, this is a great post, with great news. We live in an amazing time!

3/23/16       #20: Curts Thumb ...
Nick

Would sliders benefit from having this kind of technology? I know they are inherently safer than a cabinet saw since you don't get as close to the blade. I wonder what the statistics are for accidents on sliders.

3/23/16       #21: Curts Thumb ...
Brady Lewis

Website: http://www.allmoxy.com

Nick, Yes!

3/24/16       #22: Curts Thumb ...
Larry

For years before the SawStop guys had a saw made with their technology, they tried to license it to other manufacturers. No takers for all sorts of reasons. To retrofit a Unisaw or the like would require about everything to be replaced except the box. Not likely an economic solution. The risk of being litigated out of business, should the technology fail, is huge. Their saws are better designed, better documented, in addition to being safer.

3/24/16       #23: Curts Thumb ...
David R Sochar

Brady L - The guy that invented the Sawstop technology application has a long and not always pleasant history that can be found online if you look a bit.

Among other things, he tried to get the CPSC to declare tablesaws inherently unsafe in order to force court orders that would then force every new saw to be equipped with his technology. He even lobbied hard to make this retroactive to existing tablesaws throughout the US!

He currently has at least two competitors hamstrung in litigation, preventing other types and applications of safer equipment from becoming available to those that can benefit from them.

While the Sawstop is a good machine, the man behind it appears to be far more concerned about wringing every dollar out of his one innovation rather than bringing an improved measure of safety into shops everywhere.

3/24/16       #24: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

Honestly I am just Glad I own one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SawStop

3/24/16       #25: Curts Thumb ...
Chip Geffre

I vote for the guy who invented sawstop.
Before he came along, the tool manufacturers only provided the least amount of safety they were legally obligated to offer.
He deserves his "pound of flesh". :-) Pun intended.
I can testify that I have an employee that is eternally grateful for the innovation.
So if those poor tool manufacturers have to pay a few dollars licensing fees for this ingenious and industrious fellows invention. Remember all you little guys, (employees) and small shop owners he did this for your fingers! This is no small thing. Shame on the companies that are fighting him!!!
Best Regards My Friends,
Chip Geffre

3/24/16       #26: Curts Thumb ...
Brady Lewis

I'm not ready to throw all the blame at Sawstop. Again, this technology is amazing and has saved so many fingers. In some applications, the saw is just right as well. What I am saying though, is that I think it's a tragedy that the saw manufacturers and Saw Stop can't work out the legal issues, and that is costing everyone money and more importantly, fingers!

3/24/16       #27: Curts Thumb ...
Sea444

I have had a SawStop for almost 5 years. It is a fine saw even forgetting the safety issue. I probably would have bought one years sooner if not for the legal antics of the inventor. I just couldn't get behind supporting some one trying to get the government to force his product on us.

3/25/16       #28: Curts Thumb ...
james mcgrew Member

I mean this with a sense of Humor ....

"I just couldn't get behind supporting some one trying to get the government to force his product on us."

If this were my case I would never Vote.

LOL


Post a Response
  • Notify me of responses to this thread
  • Subscribe to email updates on this Forum
  • To receive email notification of additions to this forum thread,
    enter your name and email address, and then click the
    "Keep Me Posted" button below.

    Please Note: If you have posted a message or response,
    do not submit this request ... you are already signed up
    to receive notification!

    Your Name:
    E-Mail Address:
    Enter the correct numbers into the field below:
     

    Date of your Birth:



    Return to top of page

    Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

    FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)


  • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)