I have hybrid table saw ,gereral model 50-220, 2hp with a splitter and an overarm
blade guard. I am considering buying a steel city cabinet saw with 3hp, using a splitter and an overarm blade guard, does the additional horsepower increase my
potential chance of kickback or lessen it? I am a one man home shop and while
I could use the extra horsepower, not if it poses more risk.
Regards
Rex
Replies
Rex,
The increased horsepower will not have much if any effect on the severity of a kickback. The energy that fires the wood back all comes from the momentum stored in the spinning motor and blade assembly which are about the same mass whether the machine is 2 or 3 horsepower. The kickback happens so fast the motor doesn't have a chance to increase its power output before the kickback is over.
I would suggest that if you are buying a new machine you get one of the new models that have riving knives. A riving knife will greatly reduce the chance of kickback. The newest issue of FWW has an article about riving knives and a review of the new saws that have them.
John White
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