Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

A power tool assembly includes a drop arm assembly movable along a drop path between a first drop arm assembly position whereat a shaping device portion supported by the drop arm assembly extends above a workpiece support surface and a second drop arm assembly position whereat the portion does not extend above the workpiece support surface, the drop arm assembly including a capacitive coupling plate bracket formed from a non-conductive material and connected to a drop arm frame, and a capacitive coupling plate mounted to the capacitive coupling plate bracket, an actuating device configured to transfer a force to the drop arm assembly when the drop arm assembly is at the first drop arm assembly position, and a control system operably connected to the capacitive coupling plate and configured to control the actuating device to transfer the force to the drop arm assembly when an unsafe condition is sensed.

A power tool assembly includes a drop arm assembly movable along a drop path between a first drop arm assembly position whereat a shaping device portion supported by the drop arm assembly extends above a workpiece support surface and a second drop arm assembly position whereat the portion does not extend above the workpiece support surface, the drop arm assembly including a capacitive coupling plate bracket formed from a non-conductive material and connected to a drop arm frame, and a capacitive coupling plate mounted to the capacitive coupling plate bracket, an actuating device configured to transfer a force to the drop arm assembly when the drop arm assembly is at the first drop arm assembly position, and a control system operably connected to the capacitive coupling plate and configured to control the actuating device to transfer the force to the drop arm assembly when an unsafe condition is sensed.

A table saw includes a safety system to protect a user from injury. The safety system detects a sensed condition and rapidly moves a saw blade away from the user. The safety system includes a dual ratchet mechanism to prevent the blade from rebounding back above a work surface after an initial rapid retraction of the blade. The table saw has a swing arm that rotates to move the blade below the work surface. A first ratchet engages a first contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a first range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm. A second ratchet engages a second contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a second range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm.

A table saw includes a safety system to protect a user from injury. The safety system detects a sensed condition and rapidly moves a saw blade away from the user. The safety system includes a dual ratchet mechanism to prevent the blade from rebounding back above a work surface after an initial rapid retraction of the blade. The table saw has a swing arm that rotates to move the blade below the work surface. A first ratchet engages a first contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a first range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm. A second ratchet engages a second contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a second range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm.

A machine (1) for machining slab materials (3) is described, comprising: a working plane (2) configured to support a slab material (3) to be machined; a first tool-holder electrospindle (11) associated to a respective supporting body (33), the first electrospindle (11) and the respective supporting body (33) being supported above said working plane (2) by a respective supporting equipment (12) perpendicularly with respect to the working plane (2) and configured to move the first electrospindle (11) and the respective supporting body (33) about a rotation axis (Z) perpendicular to the working plane (2); a moving apparatus (14) configured to move the equipment (12) in parallel to the working plane (2) and along directions (X, Y) perpendicular to one another; at least a second tool-holder electrospindle (45), rotationally and translationally integral with the first electrospindle (11), supported above the working plane (2) in parallel to the first electrospindle (11) by a respective supporting arm (47) slidably supported by the supporting body (33) of the first electrospindle (11); a first actuator device (55) active to move the supporting arm (47) and the second electrospindle (45) supported by the same towards and away from the first electrospindle (11) in parallel to the working plane (2) and along a direction substantially perpendicular to a cutting plane extending perpendicularly to the working plane (2); and a second actuator device (63) associated to the supporting arm (47) of the second electrospindle (45) and configured to move the second electrospindle (45) along a direction perpendicular to the working plane (2) independently of the first electrospindle (11).

A power tool includes a swing arm movable along a swing arm path, an actuating assembly configured to transfer a force to the swing arm, a control system configured to control the actuating assembly to transfer a force to the swing arm, and a detection system configured to detect the operability of the actuating assembly.

A power tool includes a swing arm movable along a swing arm path, an actuating assembly configured to transfer a force to the swing arm, a control system configured to control the actuating assembly to transfer a force to the swing arm, and a detection system configured to detect the operability of the actuating assembly.

A safety warning system that detects the continuation of motion or freewheeling of a cutting device after power has been switched off through measurement of the magnetic field surrounding the motor, or other moving component, and provides a predesignated scheme of warning lamp illumination to indicate the cutting device remains in motion and a hazardous condition exists.