Dewalt has come out with a new table saw, model DWE7499GD, which joins the three new table saws Dewalt released last summer.
The DWE7499GD table saw has a new safety feature that Dewalt dubbed Guard Detect, which requires that the safety guard assembly be installed to the proper position before the saw will turn on.
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If a user must use the saw without the safety guard in place, they can activate an override switch. An LED light will flash to warn users when the safety guard is not in its proper position.
Additionally, the new table saw has control circuitry that prevents it from unintentionally powering on following a power outage or tripped circuit breaker. To resume operation of the saw, a user would simply have to activate the switch as usual.
Basic Features and Specifications
- 10″ blade size
- 15A motor
- 32-1/2″ rip capacity
- 2-1/4″ dust collection port
- Weighs 90 lbs with attached roller stand
Price: $749
Availability: [Late] April 2014, wherever Dewalt tools are sold
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Rob
When I read the headline, I thought perhaps the Whirlwind flesh-sensing blade guard had finally made it to market. I’m all for promoting safe power tool use, but frankly, DeWalt’s “guard detect” feature seems more like an anti-litigation feature than a genuine safety feature.
Is this saw basically the same as the DWE7491RS but with the new safety features? If so, I’m annoyed. All the saw manufacturers have been complaining for years about how adding SawStop technology to their saws would add $100 to the price of the saw, yet the safety features added to this saw cost an extra $150.
Stuart
That’s what I was thinking at first as well, but if it were an anti-litigation feature designed to protect Dewalt and SBD from lawsuits from injured users, then maybe it would be implemented in all of Dewalt’s saws.
Mahalo
Anti-litigation features CAN pull double duty as genuine safety features. They shouldn’t *always* be viewed with such contempt. Such a feature may help remind employees of say, a contractor, to keep the guard in place. Keeping the guard in place can help prevent injuries, which is mutually beneficial to both the employee and the employer. As long as it isn’t intrusive or impractical, I don’t see the problem. As for pricing, something tells me that they are targeting employers with these features, which many will gladly pay for in order to avoid jobsite injury (and subsequent claims).
Stuart
Agreed. Sometimes seasoned pros and woodworkers tend to get too comfortable with their tools and might not adhere as strongly to proper safety practices as they should.
I would really like to see Dewalt and other brands integrate this type of safety interlock into all of their saws. It seems like something that could be implemented for just a few bucks.
fred
The blade-guard interlock feature is a little like the neutral safety switch on a car – and I can see it having some appeal. The other feature – dropout on loss of power (or loss of a phase) – I view as a real plus. Magnetic starter controls are getting to be a pretty standard feature on stationary power tools. I have as a retrofit on my Unisaw, it came standard on my Laguna bandsaw, and Delta Jointer and I would not mind having on my Bosch jobsite saw and some other stationary power tools.
Over the years – reading about some jobsite table accidents – it seemed to me that one or more factors such as lack of proper training, poor supervision, inattention, and fatigue had a role. Maybe needing to take action to bypass the blade guard/anti-kickback pawls and riving knife – and suffer an annoying flashing LED will avert some accidents – but this sounds like trying to make saw operation a bit more “fool-proof” – while “damn-fools” will still be put at risk.
Dan
Here in the UK (well the EU really) magnetic drop out switches (known as No volt release) have been required by law for about the last 20 years or so on all fixed machines and portable power tools than are not used hand held.
Even my 6″ bench grinder has one. They are definitely a worthwhile safety feature. Blade guard interlocking is not something i would want as they always get in the way so get removed. Yes I know this is not very safe but I do take care with table saws.
JohnnyFbomb
I removed mine as well. All the other carpenters on the job have taken theirs off as well.
Tom
I see this as more anti-litigation for the owner.
Buy this an put it in a school, or for your employees to use on a jobsite. They can’t disable/lose the guard and then sue you.
Stuart
There is still liability if it can be proved that there was insufficient training for workers to properly recognize and understand the risks involved with overriding the safety interlock.
JohnnyFbomb
I have the 744x. The first thing I did was pull the whole guard off. Using the saw is second nature to me. My hands never get close to the blade.
DreamcatchereDB
So… it’s a switch that must be turned to the ‘guard removed’ position whenever you remove the guard? Would you otherwise try to turn the saw on without realizing that the blade guard was missing? Is this a real problem? Blade guards are pointless and annoying enough, that’s why everyone removes them this just seems like a redundant annoyance. Then on top of it simply being more annoying, those extra features cost an additional $150? Surely this is some sort of belated April’s fools joke?
Stuart
I would think it’s more of an interlock system, either with a microswitch or magnetic sensor that is mechanically toggled when the guard is lowered to the correct position. If the guard is not lowered to the correct position, then an override must be toggled to bypass the interlock circuitry.
Bill Sterling
I understand the stand on the dwe7499gd is flimsy. Can the saw be mounted on a sturdy work table instead. I’m a hobbyist with a shop in my garage and don’t need to travel with the saw.
Stuart
You’ll have to check the manual for mounting recommendations.
I believe most portable table saws have mounting holes for securing them to sturdy workbenches.
Bill Sterling
Thanks. I did locate the online PDF for setting it up. It only addressed the assembly of the stand. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Stuart
Hmm, I don’t see anything in there either.
If in your shoes, I’d secure it to a sturdy worktop with long screws, and if not available I’d use strong straps such as pipe clamps to lock the roll cage down.
Some improvisation might be needed.
Dewalt customer service or tech support might have official recommendations for you.
The main thing is to make sure the saw cannot move during use.
I’ve seen table saws used on floors and tables without being bolted down, but it’s a lot safer if the saw is securely fastened down.
Sorry, I thought the manual would have helped, and that I wasn’t able to check it myself sooner.
Bill Sterling
Thanks for extra mile. If workable I plan a table of 2×12 top, 2×4 under framing, and 4×4 legs. I would biggest bolts it would take and wide enough not to to tip. Thanks again for effort I will call Dewalt