Abstract: A power tool in accordance with the invention includes a housing having a handle connected to the housing in at least one position and extending about the rear of the housing with first and second end portions positioned at least in part off the sides of the housing such that the handle allows an operator a range of locations about the housing to facilitate an effective two-handed grip to maintain control over the power tool. The power tool may include an actuator, such as a switch, to regulate power supplied to the tool's motor, and may automatically shift to deactivate the power tool when an unintentional impact above a predetermined magnitude is received by the power tool. The power tool may also include a recess for maintaining an accessory tool and may be designed so that it is both statically and dynamically balanced in order to provide a balanced tool both at rest and during operation, and in order to reduce the amount of vibration experienced by an operator during use of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.

Abstract: A power tool in accordance with the invention includes a housing having a handle connected to the housing in at least one position and extending about the rear of the housing with first and second end portions positioned at least in part off the sides of the housing such that the handle allows an operator a range of locations about the housing to facilitate an effective two-handed grip to maintain control over the power tool. The power tool may include an actuator, such as a switch, to regulate power supplied to the tool's motor, and may automatically shift to deactivate the power tool when an unintentional impact above a predetermined magnitude is received by the power tool. The power tool may also include a recess for maintaining an accessory tool and may be designed so that it is both statically and dynamically balanced in order to provide a balanced tool both at rest and during operation, and in order to reduce the amount of vibration experienced by an operator during use of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.