Gary Junken
SawStop, a Portland, Oregon, development company shows off its technology for a safer tablesaw at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers semi-annual trade show. This is an early look at the technology years before the company took its idea to market. The device works by shutting down the blade when it senses that it is cutting into human flesh. See it in action in this video.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM
The big motor on this collector left the chamber under my jointer very clean. You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you. Strangely, this huge unit comes with the smallest plastic chip bag, but you can replace that with a taller one from Rockler.
Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM
While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test. Bag changes were very easy too, thanks to a lip on the lower edge of the
canister, which holds the bag in place while you operate the clamp. The Rockler 650 also hangs very solidly on its bracket, which helps when you turn the filter-cleaning crank.
Shop Fox W1826
The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.
Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander
With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.
- Initial static pressure (in. of water): 97
- Static pressure with bag 2/3 full: 95
- Noise level (db): 80
- Disposable filter bags (5 pack): $53
- Reusable bag avail. from mfr.: $217
- Hose length (ft): 11.5
- Cord length (ft): 24
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