Last Updated on July 20, 2022
When it comes to comparing a cabinet saw’s sliding table, many homeowners are torn between the Sawstop and the Harvey models. The SS has the advantage of blade proximity, but the Harvey sliding table only gives lip service to the concept.
Also, the SS’s short stroke slider has been criticized by many people with cabinet saw experience. There are even videos posted on users’ YouTube complaining about their ineffectiveness.
Preventive Contact System (PCS)
The Preventive Contact System (PCS) of a Harvey vs Sawstop sliding table is a clever magnetic field that detects incoming motion and pulls down the blade.
This system detects both slow and fast movements within milliseconds. In some cases, the PCS will even stop the saw before it hits the blade. However, this feature is not available in every model.
The PCS is a new feature from Felder that detects dangers in real-time, and it works by retracting the blade under the table. This new feature works on the electro-magnetic repulsion principle, and a safety drop-down mechanism encloses the blade area. PCS-approved circular saw blades are available for purchase online.
The PCS is a relatively new addition to sliding table saws. Currently available with the Format-4 kappa 550 sliding table panel saw, it supplements standard protective equipment. It will be available in Germany and Austria early next year, and will be released in North America in mid-year.
The new system is scheduled to make its North American debut at the Ligna show in Hannover, Germany, which is the largest woodworking event in the world. There will be demonstrations of the system, including a hot dog.
Feed supports
The main difference between the Sawstop and Harvey sliding table is the type of feed support used to hold the workpiece. The Harvey model includes an extended rail and a feed support, which mounts on the outfeed side of the table.
These supports prevent the workpiece from lifting or falling off the table, which is a significant plus in my opinion. The sawstop includes a shroud around the blade, which I find very useful.
Workpiece-detection technology
The difference between a SawStop and a Harvey sliding table saw lies in the way they detect motion. The SawStop system uses a current to detect movement, while the Felder system creates an electromagnetic field around the blade to detect contact before the blade hits the material.
Both systems include a braking system to prevent the blade from slipping out of the way. The braking system prevents the blade from hitting the workpiece, and the PCS automatically pulls the blade down to the desired level. The Felder system, on the other hand, pulls down the entire saw aggregate, rather than just the blade.
Although the SawStop has a patented piece-detection system, Felder’s PCS does not infringe on the SawStop patent, and the latter keeps the sawblade intact.
Griggio has been using its Unica Safe system since 2015, but this is only available for panel saws. Alterndorf is currently working on a camera-tracking system, though it may be more difficult to secure.
While Finger-detection technology has been around for many years, it was only recently made widely available by Sawstop. Until this year, the only major manufacturer of table saws with this technology was Felder.
The Preventive Contact System, however, retracts the blade before it contacts the workpiece, thereby preventing damage. The Preventive Contact System is available with the Format-4 kappa 550 sliding table panel saw, and is expected to be available on its other sliding table models in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the pros and cons of a harvey sliding table?
The pros of a harvey sliding table are that they are typically cheaper than sawstop tables, and they can be easier to use since the table moves rather than the blade. The cons of a harvey sliding table are that they can be less accurate and more difficult to maintain than sawstop tables.
– What are the pros and cons of a sawstop sliding table?
The pros of a sawstop sliding table are that they are typically more accurate and easier to maintain than harvey tables. The cons of a sawstop sliding table are that they are typically more expensive than harvey tables, and they can be more difficult to use since the table moves rather than the blade.
– Which is better, a harvey sliding table or a sawstop sliding table?
In general, a sawstop table is likely to be more accurate and easier to maintain, while a harvey table is likely to be cheaper and easier to use. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in a sliding table saw.
– How do I choose between a harvey sliding table and a sawstop sliding table?
When choosing between a harvey sliding table and a sawstop sliding table, consider what is most important to you. If accuracy and ease of use are key, then a sawstop table is likely the better choice. If affordability and ease of use are more important, then a harvey table may be the better option.
Final Words
Both the harvey and sawstop sliding table have their pros and cons, so it really depends on what you are looking for in a saw. If you need a saw with a sliding table, then the Sawstop is the obvious choice.
However, if you are looking for a saw with more power and a better fence, then the Harvey might be a better option. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a saw.
