A method for operating an object detection system in a saw produces profiles for materials used in work pieces. The method includes operating a motor in the saw to move an implement and cut a work piece formed from a predetermined material, recording, a sensing signal produced in the object detection system during contact between the work piece and the implement, generating a detection profile for the material of the work piece based on the recorded sensing signal, storing, the detection profile in a memory in the saw, and operating the saw and the object detection system using the detection profile to distinguish between contact of the implement with a work piece formed from the predetermined material and contact of the implement with a portion of a body of an operator.