Comment from Jerome Olson

I am an owner of two cabinet type table saws and one portable or contractor’s type table saw. I have been an active armature woodworker for over 45 years and have never had occasion to come into contact with an operating table saw blade. I have however had 3 "near misses" from kickback due to my own operating errors. Having learned from these errors I adapted my saws to incorporate riving knives and pawls which I use religiously. It is my opinion that the “Saw Stop” technology available will do little to affect the most common type of table saw injuries. In fact the potential attitudes developed with regard to operating with fingers and hands in close proximity to rotating blades will increase the risk of kickback accidents. The recent safety modifications applied to all American manufactured table saws does much more to prevent injuries than any contact device ever will. I was taught saw safety in a High School woodshop class in the mid 60's and the lessons learned in those classes have remained for all my life. Proper safety training, not only on table saws, but on any powered stationary or portable tool is the key to safe operation. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.