Bosch REAXX Table Saw with “Flesh-Detecting” Technology

When not running the full-service family Texaco station in Southwest Florida before his passing in the mid-80s, my grandfather was an extremely talented woodworker. His shop was an amazing place where I spent a lot of time back in the day. As good as he was, he also lost a couple of fingers doing what he loved to do.

Back then, table saws were a simpler affair, with very little in the way of safety. Today’s table saws are much safer, but given the nature of what these powerful tools are supposed to do, they’re still dangerous—even the most seasoned aren’t immune to an accident.

Bosch Tools has a solution. The company’s new REAXX™ Jobsite Table Saw is the first saw with the company’s flesh-detecting Active Response Technology™ designed to reduce the risk of injury by combining sensors and electronics with mechanical injury-prevention systems.

The Active Response Technology system on the REAXX table saw detects human flesh that comes in contact with the blade. And when that happens, a small chemically-charged cartridge fires a stopping pin and rapidly drops the saw blade below the tabletop—this all happens in milliseconds.

After activation, the system can be reset in less than 60 seconds. A dual-activation cartridge enables activation for two incidents before replacement is needed. All necessary parts, instructions and wrenches are located onboard the saw, including storage for extra dual-activation cartridges.

The Bosch REAXX onboard control system uses an LED light panel that communicates and manages saw operation and indicates saw status. Users can also access the REAXX Android phone app, which uses near field communication (NFC) to provide saw registration, saw status and troubleshooting steps, lockout options, performance information, number of activations remaining and service requirements. In addition, an iOS app is available that provides information about saw registration and troubleshooting steps.

Like all Bosch table saws, the Bosch REAXX saw includes a modular blade guard, the Smart Guard System. This primary safety device provides a physical barrier between the user and the saw blade, as well as offering protection against kick-back. Bosch says the Active Response Technology is intended to be used with the Smart Guard System to provide the operator with an added level of protection.

The Bosch REAXX is powered by a 15 amp, 4.0 hp max motor that generates 3,650 rpm. The unit works with onsite generators , uses an electronic control soft-start system, constant response electronics and overload protection. An optimized rail system uses the Bosch pre-squaring SquareLock™ Rip Fence for precision. The REAXX is made from cast aluminum and can rip up to 25″ on full-sheet materials (4 ft. x 8 ft.); an onboard rear outfeed support provides an extra 18″ of support for longer workpieces. Finally, the Bosch Gravity-Rise™ Stand with integrated 8″ treaded wheels allows for easy transport.