SawStop - 10-Inch Cabinet Saw (Rating: 5)

Intro
The saw is a 3hp, 635 pound behemoth. It is heavier than sin.

Steel, Black, and Red are a good look for a saw.

Very, very, very, expensive. Over $4000 with all accessories (fence, mobile base, dado cartridge, extra break cartridge, taxes). I know ….. that is really expensive.

(And… I'm over it.)

Why this saw:

I have been taking woodworking classes for the last four years and have grown accustomed to working on the Unisaws and Powermatic cabinet saws. At home I was using a bench top saw. As my skills have grown I knew I was ready for a better saw.

My sweet wife and I have discussed this saw for a long time, and she had encouraged me to get it. Frankly we are very nervous about hospital bills, I play guitar and piano, and like my fingers. I know the brake system is just mitigates risk and does not eliminate it. I am just telling you why I got it.

Also, I love technology and gadgets.

The Big Day
So I sold the Ridgid 2400 and bought this at Eagle Tools. They delivered it the next day already uncrated and sitting in its mobile base. Setup consisted of attaching the fence, extension tables, and rails. Everything was adjusted near perfection at the factory. I had to wire on my own plug.

Video
In the video I take a tour of the saw, explain how the little computer works, but never mention the braking system. You can check that out on their website and in a video on the Rough Cut Blog. The saw sends low voltage through the blade and then monitors the current. If it detects a contact (drop in voltage) it instantly springs a break cartridge into the blade, and drops the blade under the table. Obviously the blade is destroyed along with the cartridge. Cartridges cost $60 U.S. for standard or $80 for dado. Plus you need a new blade.

Conclusions
Very awesome, stable and accurate.
Easily rivals any cabinet saw I have used.
Great fence. Slick base.
Cool computer and brake system.
Plus it's black.
Not for everyone, I know. But the less expensive contractor version should arrive this year (2008).