Well taken, rambling yes, but what the heck, I do too. If worried about a finger get the hand saw out. I saw a coworker almost take one off at the mid joint with a plastic serrated knife on New Years Eve at the Power Plant cutting Summer Sausage when it "slipped" and no Acohal was evolved!!benush26 wrote:I have a number points to address so will try to make this as coherent as I can
First, I believe many woodworkers who become more engrossed with creation, go through cycles of more difficult projects.
Second, personal choices of what can and or should be spent often dictate where a woodworker enters the field.
Third, personal choice often determines our threshold of convenience and attitude versus willingness to make due or buy new.
Lastly, I think each person's criteria of acceptable change, changes. Many variables and factors contribute, however few of us stay constant nor consistent especially "hobbyists".
With that said
I've found that for me, larger more stable surfaces and great motor size are more important than the time and effort it takes to configure my M7 even though it is quite adaptable
For most of my future projects, the M7 IS configurable but the versatility and ease to make depth of cut changes to large pieces is beginning to far outweigh the time and effort the M7 requires. I "can" set up a large stable cutting surface, but I minor but significant change means changing the entire surface, nut just raising or lowering a blade or dado.
Am I willing to sacrifice shop space for a dedicated cabinet saw? Probably. Could I make do with a job site saw? Only if I made a larger table for it to set within. Do I think I would be more comfortable with the newer safety technology? Absolutely!
So,I am one of those in the market for literally larger everything.
I didn't go to the international wood products show in Atlanta this year, but will be headed to Las Vegas next July (already have my pass). I think the answer to Ed's question will be more readily gauged there.
Personally I think fewer are willing to pull the trigger on SawStop and Reaxx because of the "twice the cost" differential. I believe the clubs and organizations which share equipment will be willing to share the cost. The disparity in members levels of caution and ability seems to be evident in stories heard. You may not be able to cure stupid, but safety can help mitigate the results.
Previously I think Dick asked if there is a better way to cut wood... more safely, probably. As to a different way?
Is there and will there be better ways to cut wood? Some years back, no one would have dreamed of cutting thick sheets of steel with water.... Lasers are getting more sophisticated. Maybe CNC machines will replace saws and routers even at a hobbyist level.
So to finally address Ed's question a bit more directly, personally, no, I don't think the market for hybrid nor cabinet saws is growing nor will it. Wood magazine had a decent multi issue series about taking an empty garage and turning it into a decent hobbyists lair. My thought is that middle level equipment will be the norm and even those who would like it to the next level will make do with what they have.
Just my rambling- long winded as it may be.
Be well,
Ben
Personal safety is up to us, knowledge, knowing the rules, and I have pushed them with luck. Hips never past the ladder rungs, ect. I keep one eye on the blade and the other on my hands with the work piece in between there.
