System and method for object and operator profiling in an object detection system in a saw

A method for operating an object detection system in a saw comprising:

• operating a motor in the saw to move an implement;
• engaging, with the implement in the saw, a work piece formed from a predetermined material while operating the motor to move the implement;
• recording, with a controller, a sensing signal produced in the object detection system during the engaging of the work piece and the implement;
• disabling, with the controller, an implement reaction mechanism in the saw during the recording to prevent triggering of the implement reaction mechanism during the recording;
• generating, with the controller, a detection profile for the material of the work piece based on the recorded sensing signal;
• storing, with the controller, the detection profile in a memory in the saw;
• and
• operating the saw and the object detection system using the detection profile with the implement reaction mechanism being enabled to distinguish between contact of the implement with a work piece formed from the predetermined material and contact of the implement with a portion of a body of an operator.