SawStop CTS-120A60 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

A
Alyssa SandersAug 6, 2025
What to do if SawStop CTS-120A60 Saw motor stopped unexpectedly?
- M
  Melissa KelleyAug 6, 2025
  If the motor of your SawStop Saw stops unexpectedly during operation without brake activation, there are several potential causes: * The Start/Stop paddle may have been accidentally bumped. Ensure it's in the OFF position and restart the saw. * The material you're cutting might be overloading the safety detection system, especially with green or wet wood. Try using a different type of wood or switch to Bypass Mode. * There may have been a temporary loss of electrical power. Check that the saw is properly connected to a power supply with the correct voltage. * The brake cartridge could be faulty and may need replacement.
R
Riley WarnerAug 10, 2025
Why did the brake activate on my SawStop CTS-120A60 without contact?
- P
  patrick46Aug 10, 2025
  If the brake on your SawStop Saw activated without any accidental contact, there are a few possible reasons: * An electrically conductive material might be touching the blade, arbor, or arbor pulley. Ensure no metal or conductive material is in contact. Use Bypass Mode when cutting conductive materials. * The spreader or riving knife may be misaligned and contacting the blade. Check their alignment and ensure they are securely clamped, maintaining a 4-8 mm gap between the blade and the spreader or riving knife. * The blade could be making contact with the brake pawl. Ensure there's a 1.5 mm to 3 mm gap between the blade teeth and the closest point on the brake cartridge. Use only a 10" blade.
J
Jeremy WrightAug 14, 2025
How to troubleshoot SawStop CTS-120A60 when motor won't start and status lights are off?
- J
  James BuckAug 14, 2025
  If the motor on your SawStop Saw won't start and both status lights on the switch box are off, consider these possibilities: * The saw may not be receiving power. Verify that the electrical supply to the saw is on and that the correct voltage is being supplied. * A brake cartridge may not be installed. Install the brake cartridge. * The installed brake cartridge may be defective. Replace it with a new one.
S
Sara FrankAug 19, 2025
Why does my SawStop CTS-120A60 Saw motor start slowly?
- A
  Amy GoodAug 19, 2025
  If the motor of your SawStop Saw starts slowly or doesn't reach full speed, the electrical supply voltage might be too low. Ensure that the correct voltage is being supplied to the saw.
J
Jeffrey ChavezAug 23, 2025
What to do if SawStop CTS-120A60 motor won't start, red light is on and green light is off?
- M
  Martha WattsAug 23, 2025
  If the motor on your SawStop Saw will not start, the power switch is on, the red status light is solid, and the green status light is off, the brake cartridge is likely faulty. Replace it with a new one.
C
Christopher SpencerAug 27, 2025
Why can't I install the cartridge key on my SawStop CTS-120A60 Saw?
- M
  Mary BellAug 27, 2025
  If you can't install the cartridge key on your SawStop Saw, here are a couple of things to check: * The key may not be properly aligned with the keyhole in the cartridge. Rotate the key so that the handle is pointing directly toward the brake pawl. * The shaft of the cartridge key may be binding in the cartridge or on the cartridge bracket. Try installing the key while pressing upward or downward on the key or cartridge.
A
Andre TrevinoAug 31, 2025
Why does the blade hit the brake pawl on my SawStop Saw?
- V
  Vincent SanchezAug 31, 2025
  If the blade hits the brake pawl during installation on your SawStop Saw, it is likely that the blade is the wrong size. Use only a 10" blade.

Summary

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

General Power Tool Operation Safety

Provides overarching safety guidelines for the operation of power tools.

Table Saw Safety Instructions

Guarding and Blade Safety

Importance and use of guards, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls for safe operation.

Safe Cutting Procedures

Guidelines and precautions for executing various cutting operations safely.

Kickback Prevention

Explanation of kickback causes and critical preventative measures.

Operating Procedure Safety Rules

Essential safety rules for the day-to-day operation of the table saw.

Additional Safety Precautions

Electrical Grounding and Connection Requirements

Ensuring proper electrical grounding and connection for safe saw operation.

Extension Cord Safety Guidelines

Safe Use of Bypass Mode

SawStop Safety System Overview

Understanding the Safety System

Essential information about the active injury mitigation technology.

Blade Compatibility and Safety

Guidelines for using compatible blades and related safety precautions.

Saw Operation Modes

Normal and Bypass Mode Operation

Details on normal operation and Bypass Mode for cutting conductive materials.

Integrated Blade Control

Adjusting Blade Height and Bevel

Prepare Saw for Use

Setup, Clearance, and Stability

Kickback Prevention Features

Kickback Cause and Prevention

Details on kickback causes and essential preventative practices.

Attaching Anti-Kickback Pawls

Using Your Compact Table Saw

Status Lights and Error Code Interpretation

Explanation of status lights and common error codes for diagnostics.

Blade Contact Scenarios and Responses

How the safety system responds to blade contact in various modes.

Brake Cartridge Error Troubleshooting

Saw Startup and Rip Width Adjustment

Fence Usage and Saw Operation

Bypass Mode Operation

Activating Bypass Mode

Step-by-step guide to enable Bypass Mode for cutting conductive materials.

Identifying Conductive Materials

Cut Types and Procedures

Rip Cuts vs. Cross Cuts

Rip Fence Usage Guidelines

Guidelines for using the rip fence for accurate rip cuts.

Specific Cut Types

Miter Gauge Usage for Cross Cuts

Performing Rip Cuts Safely

Detailed steps and safety precautions for making rip cuts.

Performing Cross Cuts Safely

Detailed steps and safety precautions for making cross cuts.

Advanced Cut Types

Performing Bevel Cuts

Instructions on how to execute angled cuts using the bevel feature.

Specialized Cut Procedures

Non-Through Cut Safety

Plunge Cut Safety Guidelines

Grooving and Rabbet Cuts

Specifications and Requirements

Required Saw Blade Specifications

Details the specifications for compatible saw blades.

Workpiece and Electrical Requirements

Electrical Safety Specifications

Electrical Connections and Cords

Grounded Electrical Connection Guide

Ensuring proper grounding of the saw for electrical safety.

RCD or GFCI Connection Importance

Saw Maintenance and Care

Adjusting Table Insert and Changing Blade

Changing the Saw Blade Procedure

Step-by-step guide on how to safely replace the saw blade.

Brake Cartridge Information

Brake Cartridge Replacement and Activation

Replacing the Brake Cartridge

Detailed instructions for replacing the brake cartridge.

Actions After Brake Activation

Steps to take after the brake cartridge has been activated.

Spreader, Riving Knife, and Clamp Adjustments

Adjusting Spreader or Riving Knife

Centering within the Blade Kerf

Procedure for centering the spreader or riving knife in the blade kerf.

Blade and Fence Alignment

Aligning Blade to Miter Slots

Procedure for aligning the saw blade with the miter slots.

Aligning Rip Fence to Miter Slots

Procedure for aligning the rip fence with the miter slots.

Calibration Procedures

Calibrating the Bevel Scale

How to calibrate the bevel mechanism and scale for accurate angle settings.

Calibrating the Miter Gauge

Steps to calibrate the miter gauge for accurate angle readings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Motor Start and Speed Problems

Diagnosing and resolving issues with the motor not starting or running slowly.

Unexpected Stops and Brake Activation

Troubleshooting unexpected stops and brake engagement.

Bypass Mode and Activation Errors

Resolving issues with Bypass Mode and unintended brake activations.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Blade and Cartridge Installation Issues

Troubleshooting problems encountered during blade or cartridge installation.

Bevel Cut Accuracy Problems

Brake Cartridge Removal Difficulties

SawStop CTS-120A60 Specifications

General

Blade Diameter	10 inches
Motor Power	1.75 HP
Voltage	120V
Arbor Size	5/8 inches
Maximum Depth of Cut (90°)	3-1/8 inches
Maximum Depth of Cut (45°)	2-1/4 inches
Maximum Rip Capacity (Left of Blade)	30 inches
No-Load Speed	4, 000 RPM
Safety System	SawStop Safety System
Table Dimensions	22-1/2" wide x 17" deep (572 mm x 432 mm)
Motor	1.75 HP, 120V, 15A