Jeff's SolidWorks World #2

At SolidWorks World 2007, there were a number of innovative products in the "Designed in SolidWorks" showcase areas. I already mentioned the Moo Bella Instant Ice Cream machine...that's an innovation of convenience. The next product I would like to talk about is an innovation in safety.

The Saw Stop is a revolutionary woodworking tool. Think of a table saw that will cut wood, but not your fingers. Impossible? I thought so until I saw John McEleney demonstrate this machine on stage in New Orleans. He fired it up and cut through a 3/4" plywood board. No big deal for a table saw. But then he laid a hot dog across the piece of wood and made another cut. As soon as the blade came in contact with the hot dog, it stopped and dropped into the table! Later on I found out the response is 40 milliseconds...10 times faster than an airbag deployment. Impressive to say the least! How does it work? The blade detects and monitors electrical response to materials. Human fingers (as well as hot dogs) have a much different response than wood. This innovation will save hundereds of people every year from being maimed. For more information about Saw Stop, visit their website.