A table saw is a woodworking tool that consists of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor and driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the surface of a table, which provides support for the material being cut, usually wood. Table saws are used for making straight, accurate, and fast cuts in various woodworking projects.
However, table saws can also be very dangerous, as they can cause serious injuries to the operator’s fingers, hands, or other body parts if they come into contact with the spinning blade. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 67,300 medically treated table saw blade contact injuries per year in the United States, resulting in more than 4,000 amputations.
To prevent such accidents, some table saw manufacturers have developed safety devices that can stop the blade or retract it from the operator’s reach in the event of a contact. One of the most advanced and innovative safety devices for table saws is the PCS (Preventive Contact System), which is currently the fastest, non-contact triggering safety device for sliding table saws worldwide.
PCS is a patented technology developed by Felder Group, a leading manufacturer of woodworking machines based in Austria. PCS works by creating an electromagnetic field around the saw blade, which monitors the danger zone 1000 times per second. If the field detects human tissue approaching the blade, it triggers a mechanism that reverses the polarity of permanent magnets inside the saw arbor, causing the blade to be pulled down below the table surface in milliseconds, before any contact occurs. The blade stops spinning and the saw is ready to be used again at the push of a button.
PCS is different from other safety devices, such as SawStop, which use a brake cartridge to stop the blade by applying a large force to it, resulting in damage to both the blade and the cartridge. PCS does not damage the blade or the machine, and does not require any additional maintenance or cleaning cycles. PCS also works even if the blade is contaminated by dust or dirt, unlike some optical systems that rely on sensors or cameras to detect motion. PCS does not require any external energy sources, such as batteries or compressed air, to operate. PCS also allows safe operation close to the blade, and supports groove cuts, which are not possible with some other systems.
What are the benefits of PCS?
PCS offers many benefits for both the operator and the owner of the table saw. For the operator, PCS provides a high level of safety and peace of mind, as it eliminates the risk of serious injuries or amputations caused by accidental contact with the blade. PCS also enhances the quality and efficiency of the work, as it allows the operator to work close to the blade without fear, and to perform groove cuts without changing the blade or the safety device. PCS also does not interfere with the performance or accuracy of the saw, as it does not affect the blade alignment or the cutting quality.
For the owner, PCS reduces the costs and liabilities associated with table saw accidents, such as medical expenses, lost productivity, workers’ compensation, lawsuits, and fines. PCS also lowers the maintenance and repair costs of the saw, as it does not damage the blade or the machine, and does not require any additional components or consumables. PCS also increases the value and reputation of the saw, as it demonstrates the owner’s commitment to safety and innovation, and attracts more customers and employees who appreciate the advantages of PCS.
PCS is currently available on selected models of sliding table saws from Felder Group, such as the Kappa 590, the Kappa 550, and the Kappa 400. These are high-end, professional-grade machines that offer excellent features and performance, such as the “X-Roll” sliding table, the e-motion control system, the ARDIS cutting optimization, and the PCS safety device. These machines are suitable for various woodworking applications, such as furniture making, cabinet making, joinery, carpentry, and more.
You can find more information about PCS and the sliding table saws that feature it on the Felder Group website, or by contacting your local Felder Group dealer. You can also watch a video demonstration of PCS on YouTube, or read some reviews and articles about PCS on various woodworking websites and magazines.
Conclusion
PCS is a revolutionary safety device for table saws that can prevent serious injuries and amputations by retracting the blade before contact with human tissue. PCS is the fastest, non-contact triggering safety device in the world, and it does not damage the blade or the machine. PCS also works even if the blade is dirty, and it supports groove cuts. PCS offers many benefits for both the operator and the owner of the table saw, such as safety, quality, efficiency, cost savings, and value. PCS is currently available on selected models of sliding table saws from Felder Group, a leading manufacturer of woodworking machines. PCS is a game-changer for the woodworking industry, and a must-have for anyone who values safety and innovation.
