An automatic braking system for a pivoting power tool includes a cutting assembly, a cutting arm supporting the cutting assembly, a hinge supporting the cutting arm through a pivot, a primary braking system operably connected to the cutting assembly, a secondary braking system operably connected to the hinge, and a safety circuit configured to sense an unsafe condition and, in response to sensing the unsafe condition, (i) control the primary braking system to oppose rotation of a blade supported by the cutting assembly, and (ii) control the secondary braking system to oppose rotation of the cutting arm.