Abstract: A method of using a hand-held power tool having a debris removal attachment is provided. The method includes providing a hand-held power tool having an output shaft and selectively coupling an extension shaft to the output shaft. The method also includes coupling a first impeller to the extension shaft and providing a housing adjacent the first impeller. The method further includes rotating the first impeller to generate a pressure differential sufficient to draw debris into the housing. The extension shaft has a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the output shaft of the hand-held power tool, and the second end configured to couple to a tool bit.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing and a reciprocating shaft supported within the housing. The reciprocating shaft has a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A cutting blade is provided at the first end of the reciprocating shaft. A drive mechanism provided at a second end of the reciprocating shaft is configured to drive the reciprocating shaft in a substantially reciprocating motion relative to the housing while at the same time allowing the reciprocating shaft to substantially rotate about the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft independent of the housing.

Abstract: A debris removal attachment for use with a hand-held power tool. The attachment includes an extension shaft, a first impeller coupled to the extension shaft, and a housing provided adjacent the first impeller. The rotation of the first impeller is configured to generate a pressure differential sufficient to draw debris into the housing.

Abstract: A miter saw with a cutting alignment device includes a base with a work surface provided thereon. A bevel support is pivotable with respect to the base and a cutting blade is supported by the bevel support. A dust chute is adjustably secured to the bevel support and pivots with respect to the base when the bevel support pivots. The dust chute includes mounts that allow lateral adjustment of the dust chute with respect to the bevel support. A laser alignment device is positioned on the dust chute and configured to emit a beam of light toward the work surface. The dust chute includes a receptacle designed and dimensioned to releasably hold the laser alignment device. Because the laser alignment device is retained on the dust chute, adjustment of the dust chute also results in adjustment of a beam of light emitted from the laser alignment device.

Abstract: A combination table-miter saw including a base, an arm rotatably coupled to the base and moveable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, and a platform coupled to the arm and moveable relative to the arm between a first position and a second position. The combination table-miter saw also includes a safety device configured to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a table saw when the arm is in the first position and to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a miter saw when the platform is in the first position.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a first end, a working end opposite the first end, and a housing extending between the first end and the working end. A reciprocating shaft is supported within the housing and has a longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is supported at the housing and is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position. When the locking mechanism is in the first position the reciprocating shaft is configured to substantially reciprocate relative to the housing but remain substantially rotationally fixed relative to the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft. When the locking mechanism is in the second position, the reciprocating shaft is configured to substantially reciprocate relative to the housing and at the same time substantially rotate about the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating shaft independent of the housing.

Abstract: A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit releasably connected to the base unit. The base unit includes a handle and a first electrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor, motor control circuitry configured to energize or de-energize the electric motor, and a second electrical connector connected to the motor control circuitry. The second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the motor unit is properly seated on the base unit. An electric switch is positioned on the base unit. The motor control circuitry is configured to deliver electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an on position. The motor control circuitry is configured to not provide electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an off position.

Abstract: A work piece guide assembly is for use with a table saw having a fence that defines an elongated slot. The work piece guide assembly includes a body having a mating component configured to be received in the elongated slot of the fence. A handle for manipulating the guide assembly is supported by the body. The work piece guide assembly includes an arm having a first end portion pivotably mounted in relation to the body and a second end portion defining a work piece contact surface. A roller is rotatably connected to the second end portion of the arm.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer for use with a high pressure fluid source is disclosed. The pneumatic nailer includes a housing defining a storage chamber positionable in fluid communication with the high pressure fluid source, a cylinder positioned within said housing, a piston having a piston head, said piston head being movable within said cylinder, said cylinder and said piston head defining a return chamber on side of said piston head, a sleeve movable with respect to said cylinder between a first sleeve position and a second sleeve position, said sleeve and said cylinder defining a sleeve space therebetween, wherein, when said sleeve is positioned in said first sleeve position, said sleeve space is isolated from fluid communication with said return chamber, and wherein, when said sleeve is positioned in said second sleeve position, said sleeve space is positioned in fluid communication with said return chamber.

Abstract: A power hand tool comprising an elongated housing with a nose portion having an opening concentric with a rotary output shaft, the nose portion being configured to have an accessory device mounted thereon, a shaft lock mechanism including a shaft lock actuator that is located at least adjacent to or on the nose portion and is configured to be moved by a user to engage the output shaft and prevent rotation thereof, the actuator being configured to be disabled from movement to engage the output shaft when an accessory device is mounted on the nose portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an attachment interface for a handheld power tool having an elongated housing and a rotary output shaft, the interface comprising a nose portion having a generally cylindrically shaped wall extending in the direction of the center axis to a flat annular surface, a plurality of screw threads formed in an outer surface of the wall configured to have an attachment device with a screw threaded collar mounted on the interface, and a first plurality of keys formed in an inner surface of the wall configured to receive have an attachment device with a second plurality of complementary keys, the engaged keys preventing rotation of the attachment device when the attachment device is mounted on the interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a drive system for releasably interconnecting a motor shaft of a rotary hand held power tool and an input shaft of an attachment device that is mounted thereon, the system comprising, an elongated flexible drive shaft connected to the input shaft of the attachment device, the flexible drive shaft having an outer end portion with a non-circular cross-section configured to engage a complementarily shaped cavity of an output shaft operatively attached to the power tool motor shaft, an elongated output shaft operatively connected to the motor shaft of the power tool, the output shaft having a generally cylindrical outer configuration along its length and having a rearward mounting portion for attachment to the motor shaft, an intermediate portion having the complementarily shaped cavity for receiving the flexible drive shaft and a forward portion with an enlarged concentric opening for receiving and guiding the outer end portion of the flexible drive shaft into

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dust collection attachment system for use with a power tool having an elongated housing with a nose portion with a rotary output shaft, the nose portion being configured to have an accessory device mounted thereon, the system comprising a flexible dust hose attachable to the accessory device for removing dust and particles from the immediate area of the accessory device, the accessory device having a dust exhaust port for connection with the hose and a hose support removably attached to a rear end portion of the power tool opposite the nose portion thereof for supporting the dust hose, the support having a releasable mounting clasp on one end for attachment to the rear end of the power tool and a hose retaining clip attached to the mounting clasp

Abstract: A blade mounting assembly for mounting a rotary blade to an arbor comprises an outer washer including a hub configured to extend through a bore of the blade, the hub defining a central bore sized to receive a spindle of the arbor. The hub further includes a locating surface arranged to contact the shoulder when the spindle extends through the central bore. The washer includes an engagement surface contacting the left side face of the blade when the hub extends through the bore of the blade. The engagement surface is disposed a fixed axial distance from the locating surface relative to the length of the hub. A fastener engages the outer washer to the arbor with the locating surface in contact with the shoulder. The assembly further includes a biasing element configured to be disposed over the hub between the shoulder and the right side face of the blade.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a rotary power tool that includes an elongated locking member that is retained by, and is at opposite first and second end portions within, at least one of a motor housing and a gearbox end casting and being slideable between unlocked and locked positions, the locking member first end portion being accessible by a user to move the locking member to the locked position. The locking member also includes a locking portion intermediate the first and second end portions that is configured to engage the non-circular configured portion of a rotatable armature shaft and prevent rotation thereof when the locking member is in its locked position. A biasing element is also included and configured to bias the locking member toward said unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention is an articulating hand power tool which in one embodiment includes a head portion including a head housing configured to articulate with a main housing, a bit holder rotatably positioned within the head housing, and a lighting assembly configured to emit a first elongated beam pattern from the head portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a table saw comprising: a base assembly having a base structure and side walls, a table top assembly top surface, and an undercarriage assembly including a motor, the undercarriage assembly configured to adjust the vertical and angular position of a blade relative to the table top assembly; the undercarriage assembly further comprising: an undercarriage frame and cover together defining a narrow housing configured and sized to enclose substantially all of an installed blade under the top surface, the housing having an upper pivot for adjusting the angular position of the blade and being configured to have the motor slidably mounted therein to adjust the vertical position of the blade; and a removable port structure attached to a bottom portion of the undercarriage assembly, the port structure having an outlet port at an outer end configured to be connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed a guard system for a table saw having a top surface with an opening through which a blade extends for cutting a work piece, the forward reach of the cutting edge of the blade engaging the work piece in a downward cutting direction, the system comprising an upper guard mounted to the table saw and configured to enclose the blade to shield a user from contacting the blade, the upper guard having an outlet adjacent the rearward reach of the blade for connection to a vacuum source, an inlet adjacent to the forward reach of the blade and to the table top surface and an interior channel communicating the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a miter saw comprising a base with a plurality of detents, a rotatable table mounted to the base, the table having a front handle portion configured to enable a user to angularly adjust the position of the table relative to the base, a detent system mounted to the table and comprising a moveable lever with a gripping portion and a detent pin on the opposite end thereof selectively engaging the detents, and a detent override mechanism for retaining the lever and detent pin out of engagement with the detents, the override mechanism comprising a moveable button positioned on the top of the handle portion, whereby a user can grasp the handle portion and gripping portion with one hand and move the button with the thumb to retain the lever and associated detent pin out of engagement with any of the detents.

Abstract: A fastening tool includes a drive assembly configured to drive a fastener from the fastening tool, a work contact element moveable between an extended position and a depressed position, a trigger moveable between a release position and a fire position, an electric power source, an electronic control unit configured to deliver electric power from the electric power source to the drive assembly, and a single electric switch connected to the electronic control unit and configured to indicate that the work contact element is in the depressed position and the trigger is in the fire position.