Abstract: There is described a control system for an electrically powered saw of the type incorporating a table through which the blade of the saw passes. The control system comprises a clamping mechanism (16, 16a) having clamping members (18, 20) counter-rotatable relative to one another to clamp the blade (4) in use to stop travel of the blade in event of an operator coming into electrical contact with the blade during use of the saw. The control system monitors for an electrical signal conducted between the operator and the blade or the blade and the operator upon contact of the operator with the blade.