Petedapilot

Yes a riving knife has been standard on European saws for a long time but it is just HALF the equation. The other half of the safety equation is it's old mate, an overhead guard adjusted such that is leaves minimal space between it and the piece being cut. Not only does it significantly reduce the likelihood of contact with the blade, it very much improves the dust collection capabilities. A clear guard still affords view of the blade, and if fitted with its own dust collection facilities will ensure almost no dust being released during the cut.

Yes there are times when a blade guard cannot be fitted, arguably times when this is also not the right tool for the job and a bandsaw would be a MUCH safer option. However in this example there is absolutely no good reason one couldn't be used, yet it was not even an option in the so called "safety" game!

For some bizarre reason, table saw blade guards are rarely seen in North America, and as a foreigner used to using one every time I use the saw I simply find that attitude ... well bizarre! Much better to look for the good old "instant pill" solution of something like a SawStop (a device incidentally I believe is an excellent addition).

As mentioned, I use a TS guard EVERY time I use a saw, and cringe when I see a saw without one. I have absolutely no idea where this philosophy of not using one has come from, but I suggest it is absolutely unique to North America. I think it's about time the US caught up with the rest of the world and Fine Woodworking should play its part in leading by example.

A rant I know, but I'm simply horrified at the number of TS injury statistics that occur every year in the USA. Look them up. If you dare!