Abstract: A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power tool including a wireless remote stop for terminating the flow of electricity to an electric motor. The electric motor is configured for operating a working element assembly of a power tool, such as an arbor/circular saw blade included a table saw. In an embodiment, a remote stop is a hand-held fob, having a housing and a button. Alternatively, the remote stop may be implemented as a foot pedal apparatus, for being disposed on a shop floor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for testing and analyzing a plurality of stream sources to monitor for an upset condition in one of the stream sources. A manifold is provided having a plurality of manifold inlets and a manifold outlet. A plurality of sampling devices for sampling the plurality of stream sources are coupled to the manifold inlets to provide stream samples to the manifold. A controller is in electronic communication with each of the plurality of sampling devices for providing test samples in the manifold. The controller alternately operates the sampling devices in (1) a sequencing mode in which each test sample is a stream sample from one of the plurality of sampling devices or (2) an averaging mode in which each test sample is representative of an average of the stream samples from the plurality of sampling devices. An analyzer is coupled to the manifold outlet to receive the test samples from the manifold and analyze each test sample for the presence of the upset condition.

Abstract: A power tool control system includes a non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with the power tool and enabled to establish various readings, such as power tool settings. A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device.

Abstract: A device for finishing a surface includes a body member with a contoured exterior surface and adapted to couple with a shaft. At least two surface portions, positioned at different radial distances from an axis of the body member, define the contoured exterior surface. Each surface portion includes an abrasive member to finish a surface. In another aspect, a device for finishing a surface includes a body portion with an exterior surface configured to finish a surface formed by a rotary cutter. The exterior surface has a profile that substantially corresponds to a profile of a surface formed by the rotary cutter. A coupling member is coupled to the body portion and adapted to be coupled to a rotary drive mechanism to transmit rotational energy to the body portion.

Abstract: A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device. In operation with a power tool, the graphical user interface provides a user with selectable control over the power tool through the computation and display of multiple power tool settings.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus includes first and second wedging members, each having individually corresponding inclined surfaces, and further includes first and second rail sections, each having a surface defining at least one aperture configured for receiving a fastener. The first and second wedging members are positionable so that at least a portion of each wedging member is within both the first rail section and the second rail section. The first and second wedging members are further positionable so that their corresponding inclined surfaces are forcibly engaged via fasteners introduced through each aperture, the first and second wedging members further engaging with at least a portion of the first and second rail sections so as to connect the rail sections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical alignment system for table saws. In an aspect of the invention, an optical alignment system includes a support for positioning the system so that a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator are projected by at least one emitting device included in the system. An alignment device is further included in the system to permit adjustable alignment of the first and the second optical indicators individually with respect to one of a first side and a second side of a kerf created in a workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power tool including a working element for performing a task. A light source is arranged to project a beam of light adjacent the working element. A detector, such as an electro-optic type detector, is communicatively coupled to the power tool such that the detector is capable of detecting the presence of a human body part in the beam of light. If a body part is detected, the detector may communicate to stop operation of the working element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutterhead including a cylindrical main body portion including a recess for at least partially receiving a knife. A primary shaft extends from an end of the main body portion. Preferably, the primary shaft includes a keyway or flat portion to mechanically connect the shaft to a power tool's drive system. A secondary shaft extends from the opposing end of the main body portion for supporting the cutterhead minimizing vibration and the like. A knife assembly is included in the cutterhead for permitting secure positioning of the knife. A lock bar is included to sandwich the knife between a sidewall of the knife recess and the lock bar. An index pin is disposed so as to engage the knife and lock bar. So as to generally fix the knife to the lock bar. In additional embodiments, the knife's position along a primary axis of the main body portion may be varied to extend the knife's cutting life.

Abstract: A power tool control system includes a non-contact measurement and alignment device operative with the power tool and enabled to establish various readings, such as power tool settings. A graphical user interface communicatively coupled with the non-contact measurement and alignment device enables user control over and display of the readings from the non-contact measurement and alignment device.

Abstract: A quill lock assembly for locking a quill of a device such as a drill press is described. The quill lock assembly includes a cam assembly and a handle connected to the cam assembly. The cam assembly is connected to the device, such as with a mounting bracket or the like, and is capable of rotating for alternately engaging and disengaging the quill. The cam assembly is self releasing, allowing a user to translate the quill toward a work piece and release the cam assembly from engagement with the quill in one motion.

Abstract: A table saw includes a worktable mounted on a first and second workstation. The worktable includes two blade access assemblies for operationally enabling saw blades to extend through the worktable and operate upon a work piece. Each workstation includes a housing disposed with a saw assembly comprising a motor coupled with a saw blade which extends through the blade access assemblies. The table saw allows for the performance of two separate cutting operations upon a work piece, which is engaged with the worktable, by the saw blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a riving knife assembly for use with a saw assembly, such as a table saw. The riving knife assembly is enabled with a riving knife blade having a first end for extending above a planar work surface established by the saw assembly and a second end for connecting the riving knife with the saw assembly. The second end of the riving knife blade includes a riving engagement mechanism which enables the riving knife blade to connect with a saw coupling mechanism in a manner which may promote the riving knife blade to be more quickly and easily inserted into and/or removed from an operational stance with the saw assembly.

Abstract: A table saw allows a user to operate the table saw through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of table saw setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine table saw settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs.

Abstract: A power tool control system allows a user to operate a power tool through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of power tool setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine power tool settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs. The power tool control system further enables stud detection and visual indication of stud location.

Abstract: An optical alignment system. In an embodiment, the system includes an optical emitting device for projecting an optical indicator onto a workpiece surface area. Further, a lateral arm may be coupled to the optical emitting device for supporting such device. In addition, a vertical support is constructed to receive the lateral arm allowing the lateral arm and optical emitting device to cantilever over the workpiece surface area. Moreover, a securing mechanism for securing the vertical support to the workpiece surface area such as a horizontal platform may be included. Additionally, at least one optical emitting device housing which substantially encloses the optical emitting device is present for operationally coupling the optical device to the lateral arm. The at least one optical emitting device housing is configured so that the optical emitting device may cantilever above the workpiece surface area and project a line-of-cut indicator onto the workpiece surface area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power tool including a wireless remote stop for terminating the flow of electricity to an electric motor. The electric motor is configured for operating a working element assembly of a power tool, such as an arbor/circular saw blade included a table saw. In an embodiment, a remote stop is a hand-held fob, having a housing and a button. Alternatively, the remote stop may be implemented as a foot pedal apparatus, for being disposed on a shop floor.

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 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.