Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.

Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

A power tool has a base defining a work surface, a rotary cutting blade extending through an opening in the work surface, a drive motor for imparting rotational movement to the cutting blade and a power train coupled between the drive motor and the cutting blade to transmit rotation movement from the drive motor to the cutting blade. A swing arm assembly carries the cutting blade and is pivotably supported on the base at a pivot axis. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the power tool includes a safety system operable in response to an emergency signal that includes a mechanism for stopping the rotation of the cutting blade, whereby the rotational inertia of the cutting blade is converted after the rotation is stopped to pivoting of the swing arm assembly carrying the blade when the rotation of the blade is stopped.

A power tool has a base defining a work surface, a rotary cutting blade extending through an opening in the work surface, a drive motor for imparting rotational movement to the cutting blade and a power train coupled between the drive motor and the cutting blade to transmit rotation movement from the drive motor to the cutting blade. A swing arm assembly carries the cutting blade and is pivotably supported on the base at a pivot axis. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the power tool includes a safety system operable in response to an emergency signal that includes a mechanism for stopping the rotation of the cutting blade, whereby the rotational inertia of the cutting blade is converted after the rotation is stopped to pivoting of the swing arm assembly carrying the blade when the rotation of the blade is stopped.

Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

A system and method relating to a saw system, the saw system including a saw blade configured for cutting, a shaft connected to the saw blade, a motor configured to rotate the saw blade by rotating the shaft, and at least one processor configured to control the motor. The saw system further comprising a detector configured to detect when a body part of a person is adjacent to or touching the saw blade. The at least one processor is configured to control the motor to stop rotation of the saw blade in response to the detector detecting that the body part is adjacent to or touching the saw blade. The saw blade including at least one hole that is filled with a weight-reduction insert.

A system and method relating to a saw system, the saw system including a saw blade configured for cutting, a shaft connected to the saw blade, a motor configured to rotate the saw blade by rotating the shaft, and at least one processor configured to control the motor. The saw system further comprising a detector configured to detect when a body part of a person is adjacent to or touching the saw blade. The at least one processor is configured to control the motor to stop rotation of the saw blade in response to the detector detecting that the body part is adjacent to or touching the saw blade. The saw blade including at least one hole that is filled with a weight-reduction insert.

Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.

Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.