Posted By GavinR Hi, We are currently in the process of buying a new bench saw to replace our old saw to ensure compliance with PUWER. We have in place a purchasing procedure and have reviewed the equipment prior to purchase with all but one safety issue being satisfied at present. My issue is the manufacturer does not appear to have considered noise reduction methods in his design of the equipment as levels in the technical manual read Sound Power level in operation = 105 and Sound Pressure Level at operator station= 92.8 db(A). The machine is CE Marked, issued with Declaration of Conformity to BS EN 1870-1 1999. We have requested the supplier ask the manufacturer what could be done, if anything to reduce noise at the source via engineering methods but i was wondering if anyone had come across this before and could recommend to me a method of noise reduction for this equipment. Any advice would be much appreciated. Gav

Posted By Chris Pope Bench saw training is hard to find. I tried fruitlessly to arrange with Didac. In the end I went with North Devon College and had a brilliant trainer. I don't know how far he will travel but you could try Roy Imerson on 07813 142 058

Posted By holmezy Gavin, I doubt you will find a bench saw that is anywhere near the acceptable sound limits, I've certainly never come across one. Manufacturers obviously build things to a budget so the integral parts ie bearings, motors, dc brakes etc would be to a standard acceptable to the price. Not too sure that even if you use the "best" of everything that the sound levels would decrease. Anyway, I would concentrate on siting the saw in an area that is either enclosed or away from other people, ie isolation. Then I would consider suitable ear protection, and length of exposure. Does one man use it all day long or are there several different users during the course of the day? Maintenance is also important as any degradation of bearings, sharpness of blade, spindle wear etc would possibly increase sound levels. Might want to consider occy health due to the noise levels and also wood dust? Sorry its not much, but its early and brain not functioning properly yet Holmezy

Posted By Peter Leese Same experience as Holmezy, I'd think it quite difficult to engineer out the immediate noise levels experienced by the operative. The noise will also depend on the materials being cut, but it's good advice to ensure blade kept in good condition and the equipment regularly maintained. Occasionally I come across a saw with a 1KHz (ish) whine which is usually eliminated when the blade is replaced.

Posted By Jim Walker Assume you mean Woodworking bench saws? Dependant on design they have significant noise differences. Belt driven (rather than direct) are much quieter. Also ones with induction motors. Of course the decent ones will be x10 the cost of cheap. You payes yer money........... Training issues most wood machinists courses have a large element of this. See also the HSE website section on woodworking