BECOME A MEMBER

How to Use the SawStop Contractor Table Saw: A Complete Guide for Makers

Welcome to Reforge’s guide on operating the SawStop Contractor Table Saw! This revolutionary saw combines professional-grade cutting performance with the industry’s best safety technology. Whether you’re a beginner maker or an experienced woodworker, this guide will help you use our saw safely and effectively.

Understanding the SawStop Safety System

The SawStop Contractor Saw features the patented Active Injury Mitigation (AIM) safety system that can literally save your fingers. Here’s how it works:

  • Detection: The blade carries a small electrical signal that constantly monitors for contact
  • Response Time: If skin touches the blade, the system detects it and stops the blade in less than 5 milliseconds
  • Braking Action: An aluminum brake springs into the blade’s path, stopping it instantly and retracting it below the table
  • Reset: After an activation, simply replace the brake cartridge and inspect/replace the blade – you’ll be back to work in about 90 seconds

Important: While this technology dramatically reduces injury severity, always follow proper safety procedures. The safety system is your last line of defense, not your first.

Status Light Meanings

The control box on the saw has red and green indicator lights that tell you the system status. Understanding these lights is crucial for safe operation:

Green Light Indicators

  • Solid Green: System Ready – The saw is ready to run or is running in normal mode
  • Green Blinking Slowly: Normal operation or system startup sequence
  • Green OFF: Saw is powered off or there’s a problem (check red light)

Red Light Indicators

  • Red OFF: Everything is normal
  • Red Solid: Replace Cartridge – Turn the main power switch OFF then ON. If error persists, replace the brake cartridge
  • Red Blinking: System detected an issue – refer to the quick reference guide or contact a shop monitor
  • Overload Due to Wet Wood: The wood being cut is too wet or green. Push the paddle in, turn main power OFF then ON. Allow wood to dry or cut in Bypass Mode

Bypass Mode: When both lights blink alternately, the saw is in Bypass Mode. This is used only for cutting conductive materials or very wet wood. The safety brake will NOT activate in Bypass Mode – use extreme caution.

Pre-Operation Inspection

Before every session, perform these checks:

  1. Visual Inspection: Check for any visible damage to the saw, guards, or fence
  2. Blade Condition: Inspect the blade for cracks, missing teeth, or damage
  3. Safety Guards: Ensure the blade guard and riving knife are properly installed
  4. Work Area: Clear the area of obstructions and trip hazards
  5. Dust Collection: Turn on dust collection system if available
  6. Material Check: Inspect your workpiece for nails, screws, or foreign objects that could damage the blade or cause kickback

Startup Procedure

Follow these steps every time you start the saw:

  1. Power On: Turn the main power switch to ON
    • Watch the status lights during startup
    • Wait for the green light to indicate “System Ready”
  2. Check Status Lights: Confirm green light is solid and red light is OFF
  3. Set Blade Height: Raise the blade to approximately 1/4″ above the thickness of your material
  4. Set the Fence: Position and lock the fence for your desired cut width
  5. Position Yourself: Stand to the left side of the blade, never directly behind the cut line
  6. Start the Blade: Press the green paddle/button to start the motor
    • Allow the blade to reach full speed before cutting
    • Listen for any unusual sounds

Essential Safety Procedures

Never Do These Things

  • Never reach over or around the blade while it’s spinning
  • Never perform freehand cuts (always use fence or miter gauge)
  • Never stand directly behind the workpiece (risk of kickback)
  • Never clear sawdust while the blade is moving
  • Never try to “test” the safety system deliberately
  • Never operate if you’re tired, distracted, or under the influence
  • Never leave the saw unattended while running

Always Do These Things

  • Always use push sticks when your hand comes within 6 inches of the blade
  • Always keep the blade guard in place unless impossible for the cut
  • Always maintain firm control of your workpiece
  • Always wait for the blade to reach full speed before cutting
  • Always support long pieces with outfeed support
  • Always keep your work area clean and organized

Bypass Mode (For Wet or Conductive Materials)

The Contractor saw can enter bypass mode to cut conductive materials like very wet wood or aluminum. Use bypass mode only when absolutely necessary, as the safety brake will be disabled.

To activate bypass mode:

  1. With the start/stop paddle OFF, turn on main power
  2. Wait for solid green light
  3. Turn and hold the bypass key (right side of control box)
  4. While holding the key, flip start/stop paddle to ON
  5. Green light will blink rapidly indicating bypass is active

To exit bypass: Turn off the padd

Operating the Saw Safely

Making Cuts

  1. Material Placement: Place your workpiece flat on the table, flush against the fence
  2. Hand Position: Keep hands at least 6 inches away from the blade at all times
  3. Feed Rate: Push the material through slowly and steadily
    • Don’t force it – let the blade do the work
    • A change in pitch indicates you’re feeding too fast
  4. Push Sticks: Use push sticks for narrow cuts (less than 6″ from the blade)
  5. Support: Ensure long pieces have proper support on both ends
  6. Complete the Cut: Push material completely past the blade before releasing pressure

What NOT to Do

  • Never reach over or around the spinning blade
  • Never make freehand cuts – always use the fence or miter gauge
  • Never cut pieces too small to safely hold
  • Never remove safety guards unless absolutely necessary
  • Never wear gloves – they can catch on the blade
  • Never cut wet, green, or pressure-treated wood in normal mode (use Bypass Mode with extreme caution)

How to Properly Stop the Saw

Proper shutdown is just as important as startup:

  1. Complete Your Cut: Ensure your workpiece has completely cleared the blade
  2. Stop the Motor: Press the red paddle to stop the blade
    • Some models may have a power switch instead
  3. Wait for Complete Stop: NEVER touch the blade or make adjustments until it has completely stopped spinning
    • This can take 10-15 seconds
    • The brake will activate if you touch the coasting blade
  4. Lower the Blade: Once stopped, lower the blade below the table surface
  5. Power Off (End of Session): Turn the main power switch to OFF
  6. Clean Up: Remove cutoffs and debris from the table

Essential Safety Rules for the Makerspace

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Safety Glasses: ALWAYS required – no exceptions
  • Hearing Protection: Recommended for extended use
  • Appropriate Clothing:
    • No loose clothing, jewelry, or dangling items
    • Tie back long hair
    • No gloves while operating the saw
  • Closed-toe Shoes: Required in the shop

Safe Practices

  • Maintain focus – silence your phone and eliminate distractions
  • Keep the work area well-lit and clean
  • Stand to the side of the blade, not in line with it
  • Use push sticks and push blocks for narrow cuts
  • Never reach over the blade to remove cutoffs
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • If something feels wrong, STOP immediately
  • Ask for help if you’re unsure about any procedure

Regular Maintenance

Keep our saw in top condition with these maintenance tasks:

Daily/Before Each Use

  • Visual inspection of blade, guards, and safety features
  • Check that the blade is sharp and undamaged
  • Verify riving knife and blade guard are properly installed
  • Ensure the fence locks securely and is square
  • Remove any dust or debris from the table

Weekly (Shop Monitors)

  • Clean the cast iron table with mineral spirits
  • Apply a thin coat of paste wax to the table surface
  • Check and adjust blade alignment if necessary
  • Verify fence alignment to blade
  • Empty dust collection system
  • Lubricate adjustment mechanisms as needed

Monthly (Shop Monitors)

  • Deep clean all surfaces and remove built-up sawdust
  • Inspect electrical connections
  • Check motor brushes (if applicable)
  • Verify all safety features are functioning
  • Test the brake activation system (if trained to do so)

Blade Care

  • Use only standard 10″ steel blades with kerfs from 3/32″ to 3/16″
  • Do NOT use non-conductive blades or diamond blades
  • Avoid blades with coatings on the teeth (may slow detection)
  • Keep blades clean and sharp for best performance
  • Report dull or damaged blades to shop monitors immediately

Beginner Tips and Highlights

Your First Cuts

  • Start Simple: Practice with straight rip cuts on scrap wood before moving to complex projects
  • Go Slow: Speed comes with experience – focus on safety and accuracy first
  • Use Push Sticks: Get comfortable with push sticks from day one – they should become second nature
  • Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask a shop monitor for guidance
  • Watch Others: Observe experienced users before your first solo cuts

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Blade set too high (should only be 1/4″ above material)
  • Feeding material too fast
  • Not using push sticks on narrow cuts
  • Standing directly behind the blade (kickback zone)
  • Removing safety guards unnecessarily
  • Not waiting for blade to reach full speed
  • Reaching over the blade to remove cutoffs

Key Safety Reminders

  • The SawStop safety system is NOT a substitute for proper technique
  • Always use guards and safety devices
  • Never cut materials that are too small to safely hold
  • Keep your work area clean and organized
  • If you trigger the brake, report it to a shop monitor immediately
  • When in doubt, stop and ask for help

Helpful Resources and Videos

If the blade does not spin when turned on, check that the breaker is not tripped. It will sometimes trip under heavy load. The breaker is a pushbutton located on the back side of the on / off box.

We recommend reviewing these resources to deepen your understanding:

Official SawStop Resources

Recommended YouTube Videos

  • SawStop Official Channel: Search “SawStop Contractor Saw” for official tutorials
  • The Newbie Woodworker: Great beginner-friendly content on SawStop setup and operation
  • Fine Woodworking: Professional reviews and demonstrations of SawStop features
  • Search for “SawStop safety system demonstration” to see the brake in action
  • Search for “Table saw safety tips for beginners” for general best practices

Additional Learning

Getting Certified at Reforge

Before using the SawStop Contractor Saw independently at Reforge, you must:

  1. Complete a safety orientation with a shop monitor
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the status lights and safety system
  3. Successfully complete supervised practice cuts
  4. Show proficiency in proper startup, operation, and shutdown procedures

Contact a shop monitor to schedule your certification session. We’re here to help you become a confident and safe maker!

Emergency Procedures

If the Brake Activates:

  1. Stay calm – the system worked as designed
  2. Check yourself for any injuries and seek first aid if needed
  3. Do NOT attempt to use the saw again
  4. Immediately notify a shop monitor
  5. Document what happened for our safety records

In Case of Injury:

  1. Stop the saw immediately
  2. Call for help
  3. Apply first aid as needed
  4. Contact emergency services for serious injuries
  5. Report all injuries to shop management

Remember: The SawStop Contractor Saw is an incredibly safe and capable tool when used properly. By following these guidelines and maintaining focus on safety, you’ll be able to create amazing projects while protecting yourself and fellow makers. Happy woodworking!

Questions? Contact a shop monitor or visit us during open shop hours. We’re always happy to help members develop their skills safely.