Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. The safety system may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.

A hand-held band saw has a housing having an opening defining a cut zone. A first wheel and a second wheel are supported by the housing. The first and second wheels define a blade support portion configured to support a continuous blade to be driven through the cut zone. A handle extends from the housing, the handle having a grip portion. A blade guard is coupled to the housing and configured to move between open and closed positions with respect to the housing. The blade guard is configured to cover the blade support portion in the closed position. A chip vent is configured to provide an outlet for workpiece debris formed during a cutting operation, and a tire brush is configured to engage at least one of the first or second wheels to remove workpiece debris from the at least one of the first or second wheels.

A hand-held band saw has a housing having an opening defining a cut zone. A first wheel and a second wheel are supported by the housing. The first and second wheels define a blade support portion configured to support a continuous blade to be driven through the cut zone. A handle extends from the housing, the handle having a grip portion. A blade guard is coupled to the housing and configured to move between open and closed positions with respect to the housing. The blade guard is configured to cover the blade support portion in the closed position. A chip vent is configured to provide an outlet for workpiece debris formed during a cutting operation, and a tire brush is configured to engage at least one of the first or second wheels to remove workpiece debris from the at least one of the first or second wheels.

A hand-held band saw has a handle for grasping the band saw, a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor, a driven wheel and a continuous blade disposed about the drive wheel and the driven wheel. A portion of the continuous blade is positioned in a cut zone to perform a cutting operation. A workpiece guard is spaced from the portion of the continuous blade and positioned between the portion of the continuous blade and the handle for limiting movement of the workpiece after the cutting operation.

Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. The safety system may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.

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.

A hand-held band saw has a handle for grasping the band saw, a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor, a driven wheel and a continuous blade disposed about the drive wheel and the driven wheel. A portion of the continuous blade is positioned in a cut zone to perform a cutting operation. A workpiece guard is spaced from the portion of the continuous blade and positioned between the portion of the continuous blade and the handle for limiting movement of the workpiece after the cutting operation.

A hand-held band saw for cutting a workpiece. The hand-held band saw includes a deck, first and second wheels coupled to the deck for receiving a continuous blade thereabout, a motor coupled to the deck for driving at least one of the first or second wheels, and a handle providing a grip for a user to hold the band saw. The band saw also includes a blade guard having a first portion adjacent the first wheel, a second portion adjacent the second wheel, and a third portion adjoining the first and second portions. A joint couples the first, second, and third portions to the deck for simultaneous movement of the first, second, and third portions with respect to the deck.

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.

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.