I have very mixed emotions about this topic...
On one hand...
Personally, I think the Sawstop is a great idea. I think in a free market society, Sawstop should be able to produce its own line of tablesaws that incorporate their proprietory technology, then market them as "safer" tablesaws. (And in our society, they can.) Then they could charge whatever the market would bear. In fact, I thought that was what they were going to do. I thought I read somewhere that Sawstop was going to produce and market their own line of cabinet saws. I would have fully supported them in this effort, although I don't think I would have run out and bought one, as I already have a cabinet saw.
On the other hand...
It seems that Sawstop shopped its technology around, and no one bought off on it. So, in order to make money, they have decided to appeal to the government to FORCE people to buy and use their technology. I have a major problem with that. The talk about safety, but in my humble opinion, it is all about greed.
Originally Posted by
scott spencer
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I sent them a scathing note yesterday revoking my support and interest in their product. From what I've read so far, the vast majority of folks like the technology but are peaved by the idea of a mandate. If that's the case, I suggest we all write them a little note to get them to back down. The mandate is primarily beneficial to their wallets.
I think writing Sawstop would be useless. They don't care what we think. If they did, they would produce a saw, and then try to sell it to us. If we really want to make a difference, we need to make public comments to the CPSC. If a thousand woodworkers voiced their opinion that they don't want to be forced to pay an extra $400 next time they buy a cabinet saw, it might make a difference. I say might, because I am a little cynical when it comes to government. Personally, I think a lot of laws are made based on which lobbyist got to the guy with the swing vote. I am sorry I feel this way, but I think the founding fathers would not be pleased with how laws are made in this day and age.
So, does anyone have the link to the public comments section of the CPSC website? I would look for it myself, but I just don't have time right now.
Stepping off my soapbox...
Last edited by Martin Shupe; 07-13-2003 at 1:07 PM.
Martin, Granbury, TX
Student of the Shaker style