SawStop Bandsaw Leads IWF 2026 Tool Innovations
At the 2026 International Woodworking Fair, SawStop revealed a 14-inch bandsaw with Sensic safety technology. Other innovations included Brett Burdick's Hedgehog ball valve for dust collection, Temple Tool Co.'s folding Demon Tooth Dozuki saw, and Harvey's table saw with contactless safety detection.
SawStop has introduced a 14-inch Professional Bandsaw equipped with its Sensic active safety technology. The tool was revealed at the 2026 International Woodworking Fair.
The bandsaw's safety system uses a "cut and capture" method. A cartridge slices through the blade loop and clamps it instantly upon detecting skin contact. This stops the blade within a fraction of a millisecond. The saw also includes an integral work light, improved direct dust collection, and an e-brake. The e-brake stops the blade within two seconds of being intentionally turned off, eliminating the need for a foot brake. The product is not yet available for purchase. Pre-orders will open in early 2027, with availability expected in mid-2027.
New Dust Collection Valve
Brett Burdick, inventor of The Hedgehog featherboard, is developing a 4-inch ball valve to replace traditional sliding blast gates. He aims to improve upon existing blast gate designs that often get stuck or leak air. The round ball geometry creates a better seal under suction than a flat sliding panel. A motor controller attachment is also in development. This attachment would automatically operate the ball valve when a connected power tool is turned on. The stand-alone ball valve is slated for release in winter 2026 to 2027. The version with the motor controller is expected in 2027.
Compact Folding Saw Debuts
Temple Tool Co., founded by Chris Schoenberg and Takashi Morita, showed a new folding version of its Demon Tooth Dozuki saw. The company's goal was to blend Western-style saw aesthetics with Japanese tool geometry. This iteration folds in half for compact storage and travel. The folding mechanism operates with a deep, satisfying click and felt nice in the hand. The report suggests it would be perfect for craftspeople who travel regularly to teach, learn, or collaborate. This saw will become available in September 2026.
Harvey's Contactless Table Saw
Harvey generated interest at IWF with a table saw featuring contactless safety detection. Integral sensors create a "forcefield" around the blade. If this field is crossed, the blade immediately drops into the saw's body. Activation does not require skin contact, and the quick blade drop does not damage the sawblade or require component replacements. The Fine Woodworking report also noted an entertaining demonstration at the Harvey booth where a staff member was making an empty soda bottle levitate with a Harvey dust processor.
The report concluded by congratulating the innovators who presented their work at the fair.
