The Sawstop Table Saw is a high-quality table saw designed with safety in mind. It is known for its unique safety feature that helps prevent serious accidents.

Table Saw

A table saw is a powerful woodworking tool used for making straight cuts in various materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. It consists of a circular saw blade that extends from a tabletop, allowing users to push material through the blade to create precise cuts.

Sawstop Technology

Sawstop technology is a safety mechanism incorporated into certain table saws, including the Sawstop Table Saw. It features an electronic detection system that senses when a user’s finger (or any conductive material) comes into contact with the spinning saw blade. Once contact is detected, the mechanism triggers a brake that stops the blade’s rotation within milliseconds, preventing or minimizing serious injury.

SawStop Table Saw: User Documentation

Welcome to the user documentation for the SawStop Table Saw. This guide provides essential information on the key steps to operate the SawStop Table Saw and instructions on how to use the bypass mode for cutting wet or damp wood.

Key Steps to Use the SawStop Table Saw

1. Preparation

Safety Check: Ensure you have safety gear, including goggles and ear protection.
Machine Inspection: Check the saw for any visible damage or loose parts.
Blade Installation: Install the blade according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it is secure and aligned.
Fence and Miter Gauge: Set up the fence and miter gauge as per your cutting requirements.

2. Powering Up

Connect to Power: Plug in the saw to a suitable power outlet.
Power Switch: Turn on the main power switch. The power indicator light should turn on. You need to wait about 10 seconds for the saw to do the system check before the saw can be operated.

3. Setting Blade Height and Angle

Blade Height: Adjust the blade height so that it’s slightly above the thickness of the material to be cut.
Blade Angle: Set the blade angle, if necessary, for bevel cuts.

4. Making the Cut

Material Placement: Place the material firmly against the fence or miter gauge.
Push Stick/Block: Use a push stick or block for close proximity cutting.
Start Cutting: Turn on the blade and gently guide the material through the blade.

5. Powering Down

Turn Off Blade: Once the cut is complete, turn off the blade and wait for it to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect Power: After use, disconnect the saw from the power source.

Using Bypass Mode for Wet or Damp Wood

The SawStop safety system may activate when cutting wet or damp wood, as it conducts electricity similarly to a human body. To prevent this, you can use the bypass mode, but exercise extreme caution as the safety system will be disabled.

Activating Bypass Mode

Check Material: Ensure the wood is not excessively wet. Bypass mode should only be used for minimally damp wood.
Engage Bypass Mode:
- Locate the bypass switch or key. This may vary depending on your SawStop model. With the start/stop paddle in the off position, turn on the main power and wait for the red LED to turn off and a solid green LED light to stay on. This indicates that the safety system is currently on and ready.
- Turn the bypass key (located on the right side of the control box) and hold it in the turned position until the green LED is blinking on and off.
- Still holding the turned key, flip the start/stop paddle to the on position. The blade will start spinning and you’ll see the red LED blink once. Continue holding the key until the green LED remains on and steady (this should take another two seconds).
- Release the key.
Confirm Bypass Activation: The green LED will begin blinking slowly again while the blade continues spinning. This indicates that bypass mode is active and the safety system is disabled.
Conduct a Test Cut: Perform a test cut with a piece of scrap wood to ensure the saw operates normally in bypass mode.

Safety Precautions in Bypass Mode

Extra Caution: Remember, the safety system is disabled. Use heightened caution.
Use Push Sticks/Blocks: Always use push sticks or blocks to keep your hands away from the blade.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused and do not allow distractions while the saw is in use.

Deactivating Bypass Mode

Turn Off Saw: Once you’re done cutting the damp wood, turn off the saw.
Disengage Bypass Mode: Switch off the bypass mode using the same switch or key.
Safety System Reactivation: Ensure the safety system is reactivated before proceeding with normal operations.

Conclusion

The SawStop Table Saw is a powerful tool designed with safety as a top priority. It is crucial to follow these guidelines for safe and efficient operation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions related to your model, and never hesitate to contact customer support for any queries or concerns. Safety comes first, so make sure to use the bypass mode judiciously and with the utmost caution.

Sawstop Table Saw