Abstract: A table saw apparatus including an extendable table. The table saw also includes a rip fence with a constant alignment spring finger to ensure alignment at all times between the rip fence and the table saw blade. The table saw further includes a self-adjusting rip fence scale associated with the extending portion of the table. The table saw further includes a self-aligning blade guard that, once adjusted a first time, ensures alignment between the blade guard and the blade on any subsequent installations of the guard. The table saw also includes a novel cradle assembly for elevating and beveling the blade.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting user entry into a defined danger zone surrounding a saw blade includes a non-conducting member defining an opening therein for receiving a saw blade. The non-conducting member may comprise, for example, an insert received by an opening in the work surface or table of a table saw, scroll saw, band saw, miter saw, etc. Alternatively, it may comprise the blade guard of a radial arm saw or miter saw, for example. A conductive sensor is situated on the non-conducting member adjacent the opening to define a danger zone near the saw blade. A voltage source is coupled to the sensor, and a monitor circuit is configured to detect a change in the sensor's capacitance so as to signal a user entry into the danger zone.