What’s New? Tools, Accessories, Jigs & More – June 7, 2006
There was a time when any meaningful discussion about which cabinet-style table saw one should buy was limited largely to comparing the relative merits of the Powermatic 66 to the Delta Unisaw. But that’s certainly not the case anymore.
In Issue No. 295, the editors of Workbench magazine weigh in on their “Top 10 Table Saws” and the hands-down favorites are the Powermatic PM2000 and the SawStop CB3120. This issue is available on newsstands until July 5, 2006. In the issue, you’ll learn why Workbench thinks the SawStop cabinet saw may be the safest saw ever. Plus, the Powermatic PM2000 also made Workbench’s “Top 10 Innovative Tools of 2006.”
Chances are that many of you have seen video of how the SawStop blade break works. I was lucky enough to be in the photo studio the day we filmed the brake in action and I can tell you, no video can do it justice. In our test, Workbench senior editor Bill Link pushed a sled holding a hot dog through the blade at normal speed. Actually, he pushed it “up to” the blade. There was no chance to push it through, because the brake worked so well that there was just the faintest of marks on the hot dog.
The PM2000 doesn’t ignore safety either. A quick-release blade guard and a riving knife are standard features on this new saw from Powermatic.
Of course, safety doesn’t come cheap. But, my hope is that someday, all table saw manufacturers will see the value of investing in safety equipment like the blade break and riving knives. If, and when, that happens the competition for your tool dollars will drive the cost of this type of technology down making it affordable for everyone.
Right now though my only question is, are you concerned enough about keeping all your fingers intact to pay the price before it’s too late.