Changes

This saw is equipped with a safety feature that will (hopefully) stop the blade when it contacts something conductive-- like your hand. However, that means you normally can't cut conductive things with this saw or you will trigger the safety brake. This is good if it was your hand in the way, but it also destroys the sawblade and requires installation of a replacement part that costs $70+ every time. And the saw will be down until the replacement can be installed.  

This saw is equipped with a safety feature that will (hopefully) stop the blade when it contacts something conductive-- like your hand. However, that means you normally can't cut conductive things with this saw or you will trigger the safety brake. This is good if it was your hand in the way, but it also destroys the sawblade and requires installation of a replacement part that costs $70+ every time. And the saw will be down until the replacement can be installed.  

According to the owner's manual: "Conductive materials such as aluminum and other metals, carbon fiber materials, '''mirrored acrylic''', carbon-filled materials, etc. will typically '''cause the brake to activate'''." [Emphasis added.]

Conductive materials such as aluminum and other metals, carbon fiber materials, '''mirrored acrylic''', carbon-filled materials, etc. will typically '''cause the brake to activate'''."  

Other things that may trigger the brake include wet wood, and wood with embedded nails or staples. Lexan and green pressure-treated wood reportedly can also be a problem. That is why the rules instruct you to check your material on the side of the blade before spinning it up, and to check your wood for nails or staples!

Other things that may trigger the brake include wet wood, and wood with embedded nails or staples. Lexan and green pressure-treated wood reportedly can also be a problem. That is why the rules instruct you to check your material on the side of the blade before spinning it up, and to check your wood for nails or staples!