davept

There will always be pushback on enforcement of safety that has a first cost. Seat belts, motorcycle helmets, thermocouples on gas furnaces, smoke alarms, etc. all have cost but the benefits are significant. U.S. manufacturers were dragged to the table for riving knives, just to save nickles for goodness sake. Ten amputations per day is sobering. Probably in many of these cases, careers or lifelong hobbies are put on hold or worse, ended.

I have a Sawstop. It is an excellent machine and has allowed me to take my efforts to a higher level. When it first came on the market I was concerned that it was a going to be a safety/quality evaluation. As I read the reviews of the saw, it was seemingly the gold standard. As I evaluated the options, it seemed foolish not to go with the safety and top quality. The overall investment is expensive but it is also a lifetime investment that can literally be passed on to others. The safety caused a 10-15% premium cost, in the end, a no-brainer. I fully support efforts to improve the safety of the equipment. Accidents happen and these can be avoided.

I agree re the demise of the radial arm saw. I still own one but use it less and less. It was a good solution for me starting out in the mid 70s. Very versatile and accurate enough if I did not need to make too many cuts to a part. About two years ago I was finally was able to invest in a good cabinet saw (retiring my tilting arbor Delta Homecraft, which served me well). I suspect I avoid the radial arm primarily due to accuracy concerns since working with a high end machine. I also avoid it due to safety concerns. I noticed I grit my teeth as I pull it toward me. Operating a chop saw, I would probably crack my teeth.
-dave