3067: SawStart

2026-05-02T06:37:38Z

2A02:C7C:7344:4C00:572:6ABF:A2C9:F448: /* Explanation */ the comic never mentions Beret Guy?

{{comic
| number = 3067
| date = March 24, 2025
| title = SawStart
| image = sawstart.png
| imagesize = 290x313px
| noexpand = true
| titletext = Unfortunately, SawStart is one-use-only. Once started, the blade cannot be stopped, and must be replaced with a fresh blade while the running one is carefully disposed of.
}}

==Explanation==
{{w|SawStop}} is an American {{w|table saw}} manufacturer whose products are designed to increase safety. Table saws are extremely dangerous tools due to their rapidly spinning {{w|circular saw}} blades protruding from the table surface. Accidental contact with the blade can result in severe injury or death. Even a stopped blade can pose a risk if the saw is not properly powered off and unplugged, or if the blade remains sharp.

SawStop saws feature an automatic brake that activates when the blade detects contact with human skin. According to the company, the system stops the blade within 5 milliseconds by releasing an aluminum brake block, after which the blade instantly retracts below the table. This mechanism is intended to prevent serious injury in the event of contact.

Here, [[Black Hat]] takes the concept of a safety-enhancing product and reverses it, creating one that is far more dangerous. His fictional invention mimics the SawStop's ability to detect skin contact, but instead of stopping the blade, it uses an explosive charge to ''start'' a stationary blade. This would be extremely hazardous, in triggering a rapid spin-up exactly when someone touches the blade. The comic suggests that it might even work when the tool is turned off and unplugged, which is typically considered a safe state. The explosive acceleration could cause severe injuries, and the device provides no functional advantage. Its only purpose is malicious, which is presumably why it's "less popular."

{{w|Coffman engine starter|Explosive starters}} have historically been used in older piston aircraft and some {{w|Field Marshall#Starting|tractors}} to rapidly start engines when electric starters weren’t practical. This method is still used in some modern aircraft, such as the [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/121480/ B-52 bomber].

The title text references the fact that the SawStop brake mechanism is single-use. Once triggered, both the brake cartridge and the saw blade are damaged and must be replaced — though this is a small price to pay compared to losing a finger.{{Citation needed}} The fictional "SawStart" is also single-use, but in its case, the result is even worse: the blade becomes unstoppable, defying the second law of thermodynamics (and possibly several others). Since the spinning blade cannot be stopped, it must be replaced while still in motion — an obviously dangerous and impractical process. Even disposal would be hazardous, as the blade could destroy any container it's placed in.

A similar concept, subverting a safety feature, is explored in [[2876: Range Safety]], where a range safety officer is accompanied by a "range danger officer."

==Transcript==
:[A table with a table saw stands behind Black Hat who gestures to the table while facing Megan and Cueball. There is a label on the side of the table, a logo of a circular saw blade, with the first part of a word inside the blade:]
:SawStart
:Black Hat: When the saw detects contact with skin, an explosive charge starts the blade spinning at full speed within a few milliseconds.

:[Caption below the panel:]
:SawStop's less-popular competitor

==Trivia==
In theory, such a system could be useful on a futuristic mechanized melee weapon (like "[[wikia:w:c:warhammer40k:Chainsword|chainswords]]" from ''{{w|Warhammer 40,000}}''). In that case, the saw would start spinning as soon as it hits the enemy, removing the need to allow time for it to spin up. On top of that, the saw is impossible to stop, and will continue to rip and shred any enemies in contact until the saw breaks. Such a combat disk saw may need to be redesigned so that it is activated by armor and flesh alike. It could also be used in {{w|Robot Combat}}, where it could be modified to be activated by metal and be used as a spinning weapon.

{{comic discussion}}

[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]

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3067: SawStart