Abstract: A planer having a base, a first support member attached to the base and supporting a cutterhead for selective travel in a first direction toward the base and a second opposite direction, a top frame attached to the first support member and a depth stop mechanism attached to the top frame for selectively preventing travel of the cutterhead in the first direction beyond a pre-selected distance from the base. A depth measuring device including a retractable tape may be attached to the cutterhead. A workpiece level indicator plate movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position may be attached to the planer to indicate contact with a workpiece. A locking mechanism for locking a pivotable infeed table of a planer in the upright position for storage, and thereby switching off power to the planer is also disclosed. The planer may include a readily attachable and detachable dust removal assembly.

Abstract: A multiple-speed gearbox for a planer. The planer includes a cutterhead mounted on an input shaft, which is driven by an electric motor, and infeed and outfeed rollers, which are driven by an output shaft. The gearbox includes a first input gear rotatable by the input shaft and a first and second output gears mounted on and independently rotatable about the output shaft. The gearbox further includes a three-gear set having a middle gear, a first outer gear and a second outer gear rotatable with a common speed. The middle gear engages the first input gear, the first outer gear engages the first output gear, and the second outer gear engages the second output gear. An actuator is operably attached to the multiple-speed gearbox to selectively engage the output shaft with one of the first and second output gears when the actuator is moved in a first or second axial direction respectively.

Abstract: A multiple-speed gearbox for a planer. The planer includes a cutterhead mounted on an input shaft, which is driven by an electric motor, and infeed and outfeed rollers, which are driven by an output shaft. The gearbox includes a first input gear rotatable by the input shaft and a first and second output gears mounted on and independently rotatable about the output shaft. The gearbox further includes a three-gear set having a middle gear, a first outer gear and a second outer gear rotatable with a common speed. The middle gear engages the first input gear, the first outer gear engages the first output gear, and the second outer gear engages the second output gear. An actuator is operably attached to the multiple-speed gearbox to selectively engage the output shaft with one of the first and second output gears when the actuator is moved in a first or second axial direction respectively.

Abstract: An eccentric orbit abrading apparatus includes a housing having a base for supporting the abrading apparatus on a surface. A workpiece support member is mounted on the housing and provides a surface for supporting the workpiece thereon. A motor is mounted in the housing and includes a motor shaft that may selectively rotate about a first rotational axis. A transmission transmits the rotational motion of the motor shaft to a platen so that as the motor shaft rotates, the platen is caused to rotate about a second rotational axis that is offset from and orbits about the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing an object includes a body having a block and a pin mounted thereon. The block is movably mounted on the body and preferably may move relative to the body along a line that is oblique to a center line of the body. The block may be in a first position, at which the surface of the block contacts or is adjacent to the pin's perimeter, and a second position, at which a distance between the surface of the block and the pin's perimeter is greater than when said block is in said first position.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a surface relative to a first element includes a first arm having first and second members. One of the first and second members is pivotally mounted to the first element about a first axis. The other of the first and second members is pivotally mounted to a second element, having the surface thereon, about a second axis. The first member includes a first bore therein, and at least a portion of the second member is received by and is slidably movable within the first bore. A locking mechanism selectively restrains sliding movement of the second member within the first bore to thereby adjust the length of the first arm and vary the position of the surface relative to the first element.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for selectively locking a driven cutterhead at a desired elevation relative to a support surface of a planing apparatus having a frame assembly for supporting the cutterhead relative to the support surface. The locking apparatus includes at least one locking plate having a first and second sides attached to the frame assembly. The locking apparatus also includes a first clamping block attached to the cutterhead and disposed adjacent to the first side of the locking plate and a second clamping block disposed adjacent to the second side of the locking plate. Additionally, the locking apparatus includes means attached to the first and second clamping blocks for selectively drawing the first and second clamping blocks into clamping engagement with the locking plate to lock the cutterhead at a desired elevation.

Abstract: A fastener for securing an object to a threaded spindle comprises a nut portion and a flange portion rotatably connected so as to rotate independently. The fastener includes a bore therethrough having threaded and unthreaded regions, the threaded region for securing the fastener to the spindle.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for selectively locking a driven cutterhead at a desired elevation relative to a support surface of a planing apparatus having a frame assembly for supporting the cutterhead relative to the support surface. The locking apparatus includes at least one locking plate having a first and second sides attached to the frame assembly. The locking apparatus also includes a first clamping block attached to the cutterhead and disposed adjacent to the first side of the locking plate and a second clamping block disposed adjacent to the second side of the locking plate. Additionally, the locking apparatus includes means attached to the first and second clamping blocks for selectively drawing the first and second clamping blocks into clamping engagement with the locking plate to lock the cutterhead at a desired elevation.

Abstract: A motorized miter box or saw comprising a cuttinghead handle for guiding the movement of the saw between a raised, rest position and a lowered, operational position. The cuttinghead handle is adjustably coupled to the cuttinghead so that the orientation of the cuttinghead handle with respect to a user of the saw can be adjusted by the user between a first position and a second position. The first position has a preferred orientation for the user when the saw is located on a floor or at a similar elevation and the user is kneeling or similarly located at floor level. The second position has a preferred orientation for the user when the saw is located on a bench or similar elevated structure and the user is standing or similarly located in front of the saw.The disclosed motorized miter box also comprises a carrying handle for use by a user in carrying the miter box between work sites. The carrying handle protrudes from the rear of the miter box base.

Abstract: A compound miter saw or the like comprising a base having a lower surface for supporting the base on a work surface. A turntable is rotatably supported by the base, and a fence is disposed above the work table for supporting the orientation of a workpiece located on the base. A support is coupled to the turntable at a rear portion of the turntable.The compound miter saw disclosed also includes a cuttinghead system for cutting the workpiece. The cuttinghead system comprises a pivoting system coupled to the support for pivoting a motor driven saw between a raised, rest position and a lowered, operational position.A compound miter saw beveling system comprises a male conical taper structure having an outer surface defining a cone-shaped member, the cone-shaped member being coupled to the support.