Last Wednesday, Bosch announced that it had developed a flesh-sensing tablesaw meant to prevent the finger-amputation injuries that are so common among carpenters and woodworkers. Although the saw won’t be available until the fall, I got a chance to see a preproduction model at the Northeast JLC Live trade show on Friday. Like SawStop’s line of saws, Bosch’s REAXX ($1500 list) uses the principal of capacitance to trigger the finger-saving technology. What’s different is that the REAXX doesn’t attempt to stop the blade, but instead forces it below the saw table within milliseconds after the safety device is triggered. It uses a small piston-shaped cartridge with an explosive charge much like those in automotive airbags to force the saw below the table. Each cartridge can be used twice. Replacement cartridges cost $99. 

The new saw is based on the popular Bosch 4100 model and shares many of the same components, including the table, the fence, and the universal motor. Unlike the 4100, which has the motor’s transmission connected directly to the saw arbor, the REAXX has a belt drive connecting the blade arbor to the saw’s motor. According to product manager Craig Wilson, the belt drive, which is necessary because of the safety system, is similar to the setup used on modern miter saws and requires no maintenance. Bosch declined to give me a specific date when the saw would go on sale (the company wouldn’t even commit to early or late fall), but I’ve already requested a saw for testing as soon as they’re available. To see a video of the Bosch REAXX’s safety system being demonstrated, click here.

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