The Woodworker’s Choice: Harvey or SawStop

Table saws are among the most useful and dangerous tools in a woodshop. Nothing else can rip through lumber as quickly and accurately as a good table saw. But that spinning blade can also lead to severe injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken.

That’s why there has been so much interest in flesh-sensing technology that can stop a spinning saw blade in milliseconds when it contacts skin.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at two major players in SawStop flesh-sensing table saws: Harvey and SawStop. We’ll cover the key features of each brand’s saws, how their safety technologies work, pros and cons of each system, and how they compare on price. Read on to learn which one might be the safer choice for your woodshop.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Harvey	SawStop
Sensor Technology	RFID Tags	Electrical Signal
Reaction Time	<3 milliseconds	<5 milliseconds
Special Blades Needed?	No	Yes
Power Down After Detection?	No	Yes
Price	$$	$$$
Availability	Direct from Harvey	Retailers & Distributors

Harvey GuardSafety System

Harvey developed one of the first successful flesh-sensing blade brake systems in table saws. Their GuardSafety system has been around since 2009. Here’s an overview of how it works and what it offers:

• Sensor Technology: The system uses RFID technology to sense contact between the blade and operator. There are RFID tags in a replaceable cartridge in the blade guard which communicate with sensors on the saw.
• Braking Mechanism: An aluminum brake block is released into the blade when skin contact is detected, stopping the blade quickly. The cartridge and some saw components may need replacement after activation.
• Reaction Time: Harvey states the GuardSafety can react and stop the blade in less than 3 milliseconds. Tests indicate it takes about 1/8″ of blade contact to activate.
• Models Available: Harvey offers both cabinet saws and contractor saws equipped with GuardSafety technology. The exact features vary by model.
• Additional Safety: Their saws also offer anti-kickback pawls, riving knives, and other safety features. But only the blade brake system is proprietary.
• Price: Suggested retail prices range from $1,800-$3,000, with jobsite models being less expensive than industrial cabinet saws. Upcharges over comparable saws without GuardSafety run $300-$800 typically.

Also Read: NM500 Vs. AR500 Steel: A Detailed Comparison

SawStop Flesh Sensing Technology

SawStop pioneered the table saw flesh sensing niche and remains an industry leader. Here are the key points on their safety systems:

• Sensor Technology: Infrared conductive technology detects contact between the blade and the operator’s body. An electrode in the blade inserts a small electrical signal. When skin contacts the blade, it closes the electrical circuit and triggers the brake.
• Braking Mechanism: A spring-loaded aluminum brake is released into the spinning blade. The inserts in the brake absorb the energy and momentum of the blade, bringing it to a stop. Some components need replacing after activation.
• Reaction Time: Advertised reaction time is less than 5 milliseconds. Real world testing shows similar performance to the Harvey GuardSafety system.
• Models Available: SawStop offers both contractor and cabinet saws across a range of prices equipped with their patented system. Even some portable jobsite saws are available with flesh sensing brake tech.
• Additional Safety: Like Harvey, they incorporate anti-kickback pawls, riving knives, and other guards to prevent common table saw injuries. The brake system is their unique proprietary safety feature.
• Price: Base models usually start around $1,500. Upcharges for adding SawStop technology range from $400 on a jobsite saw up to $800+ on a cabinet saw.

Now that we’ve covered the basics on each brand’s safety technology, let’s take a closer look at how they compare.

Harvey Guardsafety Vs. SawStop: Key Differences

While Harvey GuardSafety and SawStop systems operate in similar ways, there are some notable differences between the two:

• Sensor Technology: Harvey uses RFID tags and sensors whereas SawStop relies on a small electrical signal through the blade. Both work extremely fast to detect flesh contact.
• Materials Required: The SawStop system requires a special electrically-conductive blade and brake cartridges. Harvey’s tags are in the blade guard, so standard blades can be used.
• Component Replacement: With both systems, the protective brake inserts and some components must be replaced after activation. Harvey’s cartridges are slightly cheaper ($69 Vs. $89 for SawStop).
• Available Models: SawStop equipment is more widely available through local dealers and big box stores. Harvey is mostly sold direct to consumer.
• Power Down: After contact is detected, SawStop saws also cut power to the blade motor to further reduce risk of injury. This doesn’t happen on Harvey models.

While the core safety functionality remains similar across the two brands, SawStop saws incorporate a few extra design choices to further improve safety. But Harvey still offers very fast reaction times and blade stopping effectiveness.

Also Read: Comparison Between Echo X Series And Regular Echo Chainsaws.

Pros And Cons Of Harvey And SawStop Systems

To help summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of these two blade stopping systems, here’s an overview of pros and cons:

Harvey GuardSafety Pros

• Proven stopping effectiveness within 3 milliseconds
• Doesn’t require special blade or brake cartridges
• Sold at slightly lower price points than SawStop
• Available for contractor and cabinet style table saws

Harvey GuardSafety Cons

• Not as widely available through local retailers
• Must be purchased direct through Harvey
• No power down or blade retraction after contact
• Fewer models and options than SawStop

SawStop Pros

• Industry leader in safety brake technology
• Widely available through retailers and distributors
• Power down and blade retraction after contact detected
• Slightly faster reaction time than GuardSafety

SawStop Cons

• Requires more expensive proprietary blades and cartridges
• Higher base price for saws than comparable Harvey models
• Not available for lowest priced portable jobsite saws

As you can see, both options provide excellent safety features and extremely fast reaction times. SawStop has a slight edge in some areas, but also comes with a higher price tag.

Harvey And SawStop Prices: How Much Do They Cost?

Let’s take a closer look at pricing and cost differences between Harvey and SawStop:

• Entry-Level Harvey Cabinet Saw: $1,800-$2,000 with GuardSafety technology included.
• Entry-Level SawStop Cabinet Saw: $2,300-$2,700 for similar features plus flesh sensing.
• Harvey Contractor Saw: $1,500 range with GuardSafety included.
• SawStop Contractor Saw: $1,800-$2,000 range for contractors saws with their safety system.
• Jobsite/Portable Models: Harvey doesn’t offer their tech on jobsite saws. SawStop has some models in the $1,400-$1,600 range.

As you can see, SawStop saws command about a 10-20% price premium over Harvey saws with similar features. The proprietary SawStop cartridges and blades also add to long term operating costs. But many buyers find the extra peace of mind worth the added investment.

Still Not Sure? Our Recommendation

While both Harvey and SawStop make high quality, safe table saws, we give a slight recommendation to SawStop. The more widely available retail distribution, power down feature, and broader range of table saw models give them an edge for most buyers.

We think the extra 10-15% premium for SawStop models is justified for the added safety and convenience they provide. But you can rest assured that either brand offers the best flesh sensing blade brake technology on the market today. Your fingers will thank you regardless of which you choose!

Also Read: Comparison Between Cabinet Saw And Table Saw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So in summary, choosing between Harvey and SawStop comes down to price tolerance, availability, and preferences around specialized blades. Both deliver outstanding protection against severe table saw injuries. Prioritize safety, and you can feel confident with either brand.

Just make sure you invest in a fast-stop system like GuardSafety or SawStop to protect yourself in the workshop.