Brake positioning system
A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.
1. A woodworking machine comprising:
a blade;
a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade;
a mounting pin;
a brake supported by the mounting pin, where the brake is adapted to decelerate the blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition; and
a brake positioning system configured to pivot the brake on the mounting pin to selectively position the brake relative to the blade without activating the brake to decelerate the blade;
where the blade is planar and where the brake positioning system is configured to pivot the brake around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the blade.
2. The woodworking machine of claim 1 , where the dangerous condition is contact between a person and the blade.
3. The woodworking machine of claim 1 , where the dangerous condition is proximity between a person and the blade.
4. The woodworking machine of claim 1 , where the machine is a table saw.
5. The woodworking machine of claim 1 , where the blade is a circular blade with a cutting edge at its perimeter.
6. The woodworking machine of claim 5 , where the mounting pin is positioned beyond the cutting edge of the blade.
7. The woodworking machine of claim 1 , where the blade has a cutting edge, and where the brake positioning system is configured to pivot the brake toward and away from the cutting edge.