On 1/21/2011 1:33 PM, Leon wrote:
Bill wrote:
I don't yet have a TS, but I intuitively keep my hands away from things
spinning at 4000 RPM. A normal blade guard appears to offer "good"
protection. I will increase my level of protection when it's cost is more
modest. Until then I will exercise due caution--like I do when I use my
chain saw. Seems like a chain saw is more dangerous, no? At least the TS
blade is fixed in 2 dimensions. I am watching the technology, and this
discussion, with interest.



A good point of view to have BUT you may eventually progress past cutting
2x4's and start to build more complicated/detailed projects. You may need
to cut smaller pieces. There comes a point where a standard blade guard
becomes a problem because of it's inherent design. You have heard of kick
back, a piece gets trapped between a stationary object, usually the fence,
and the spinning blade. The guard is a stationary object and small cut off
pieces can and do get trapped up inside the guard and the spinning blade.
Some what like a bullet the piece gets thrown out. Bigger pieces can shoot
out the side of the guard if trapped under and the guard is setting on top
of the waste piece.
IMHO it is a "blade guard" not a person guard. It does a good job at
keeping things from falling on and damaging the blade.
Yes I have been hit by small pieces while using the blade guard, don't
recall small pieces setting free on the table top ever getting caught and
thrown.

Just curious, does anyone else share this experience/point of view--that
blade guards are unsafe due to a greater likelihood of small pieces
being thrown?

Bill