Every SawStop is equipped with a sophisticated and powerful brake system that stops the spinning blade in its tracks within milliseconds of contact with your fingers or another body part. It also retracts the blade safely below the table to pull it completely out of the way. The system works by sending a small electrical signal through the blade that senses when the blade is contacted by a conductive material (like your body). That signal triggers the brake instantaneously to prevent serious injuries.

But what if you need to cut some sort of conductive material, such as very wet wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber? This is where the SawStop bypass mode comes into play — a special temporary operation mode during which the braking system will be disabled and the saw will cut conductive materials without stopping or activating the safety cartridge. For all SawStop models with the exception of the JobSite Saw (JSS), bypass is activated in the following fashion:

Contractor, Professional, and Industrial SawStop Bypass Mode

1. With the start/stop paddle in the off position, turn on the main power and wait for the red LED to turn off and a solid green LED light to stay on. This indicates that the safety system is currently on and ready. 
2. Turn the bypass key (located on the right side of the control box) and hold it in the turned position until the green LED is blinking on and off.
3. Still holding the turned key, flip the start/stop paddle to the on position. The blade will start spinning and you’ll see the red LED blink once. Continue holding the key until the green LED remains on and steady (this should take another two seconds).
4. Release the key. The green LED will begin blinking slowly again while the blade continues spinning. This indicates that bypass mode is active and the safety system is disabled.

To end bypass mode, turn off the start/stop paddle and wait for the blade to stop completely. The CNS, PCS, or ICS SawStop Saw will now exit bypass mode and go into standby mode. The next time you turn it on, the safety brake system will automatically be re-engaged and you will no longer be in bypass mode (unless you follow the steps above once more).

SawStop Jobsite Bypass Mode

The method for the JSS is very similar, but does not require a bypass key. Instead, there is a pressable bypass switch. Rather than turning and holding the key, you’ll be pressing and holding the switch. 

1. With the start/stop paddle in the off position, turn on the main power and wait for the red LED to turn off and a solid green LED light to stay on. This indicates that the safety system is currently on and ready. 
2. Press the bypass switch (located on the top of the control box) and hold it until the green LED is blinking on and off.
3. Still pressing the switch, flip the start/stop paddle to the on position. The blade will start spinning and you’ll see the red LED blink once. Continue holding the key until the green LED remains on and steady (this should take another two seconds).
4. Release the switch. The green LED will begin blinking slowly again while the blade continues spinning. This indicates that the SawStop bypass mode is active and the safety system is disabled.

See How It’s Done

Safety Disclaimer

It’s not recommended to bypass the safety break unless you absolutely must. This innovative system prevents serious injuries, saving limbs and lives in the process. Luckily, it takes a specific and deliberate action to enter bypass mode, so it won’t happen by accident. Only enter the SawStop bypass mode if you’re using your saw to make a cut on a conductive material that would otherwise activate the system and use your brake cartridge at an unwanted time.

It can also help to prevent unauthorized use of the SawStop bypass mode if you take precautions and remove the bypass key whenever your SawStop is not in use. You should also always make sure to check the blade after using SawStop bypass mode to cut a conductive material. If a shard of aluminum or other material is embedded on a tooth of the saw blade, it could contact the aluminum brake pawl when you next start the saw. This could cause the brake to activate right away.

Stock Up on SawStop Accessories and Brake Cartridges

Feel free to browse our SawStop collection at the USTF online store and stock up on all of the accessories or spare brake cartridges you need for your SawStop JSS, CNS, PCS, or ICS saw.