The table saw isn't, by itself, dangerous. However, if you disregard good safety practices or don't keep your attention completely focused on what you're doing, you could have an accident. Approximately 32% of the table saw accidents are due to kickback, with injuries to the head, face and neck. The majority occur because of physical contact with the spinning blade. Of those accidents, about 10% result in amputation - of fingers or thumb. These are very sobering statistics, but the Bosch 4100-09 has integral safety features that go a long way in keeping you safe while using the saw.
Kickback causes a lot of injuries. What is it and how can it be prevented? Kickback is when the wood being cut is unexpectedly thrown back at the operator. It originates at the back of the blade and can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common are stopping before the cut is complete, backing out of a cut, and a toed in fence, allowing the wood to come in contact with the back of the blade. The simplest way to prevent kickback is with a riving knife, which doesn't allow the wood to come in contact with the back of the blade.
The Bosch 4100-09 has an excellent, three position riving knife. At its full height, the riving knife accepts a snap-on anti-kickback pawl and a clamp-on guard. The second position is for rabbets and other non-through cuts. The lowest position is beneath the saw for dados.
The blade guard on the Bosch 4100 table saw has a new split-guard feature. The cut line isn't obscured by the guard, but it still offers maximum protection. Compare this to saws where the blade guard actually obscures the cut.
Because the whole guard system on the 4100-09 is modular, each component can be added or removed, based on the task at hand. This may not seem like a big deal, since the guard systems on most saws can be removed. What makes this system stand out is that all the elements are tool free. It is easy to remove them, and it is just as easy to re-install them. You won't be tempted to leave the guard off, for example, because it's a hassle to put on and you can't remember where you put the tool anyway.
No one thinks he will ever have an accident while using power tools, but unfortunately, they do happen. The 4100-09, however, has taken safety to a new level, making it easier than ever to have an enjoyable - and safe - woodworking experience.
