Abstract: In an embodiment, a mat includes a base and a plurality of studs that together may position an electric radiant heating element within a floor or wall, and may protect the electric radiant heating element as the floor or wall are constructed. The base extends in at least two directions that define a plane. Two or more of the plurality of studs has a cylindrical body that includes a surface that extends from a respective portion of the base in a third direction that does not lie within the plane and that is at an angle between and including 84 and 96 degrees relative to the respective base portion. By using the mat one can quickly install a plurality of positioning devices to hold the electric radiant heating element at desired locations in the floor while the floor is constructed.

Abstract: A cutting-tool mounting structure includes a cutting-tool base that supports a cutting-tool blade and permits one to pivot the blade about an axis parallel to the cutting direction of the blade and through a range of positions. The range of positions includes a first position where the blade is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the cutting surface, a second position where the blade is canted to one side of the first position, and a third position where the blade is canted to the other side of the first position. The tool base includes a motor mount that supports a cutting-tool motor and a blade mount that supports the blade and is rotatably attachable to the motor mount. By rotating the blade mount, the vertical cutting angle of the blade can be made substantially perpendicular to a cutting surface so that the blade can be positioned perfectly plumb for cutting.

Abstract: Various modifications to a cutting tool such as a tile saw are disclosed. One modification is the frame having a hollow cylindrical receptacle and the tool mounting structure having a cylindrical insert that is disposable within the hollow receptacle to allow one to swivel the tool in and out of position. Another modification is the tool holding bar being rotatable such that one can position the tool without loosening the brackets that attach the tool to the bar. Another modification is positioning the cutting-tray wheels inward of the tray edges to increase the tray's travel distance. Another modification is a retaining mechanism for selectively retaining the tray to the guide rails. This mechanism prevents tray tipping where the wheels-are inward of the tray edges.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a cutting apparatus includes a frame and a saw-motor mounting structure that is removably attachable to the frame. Therefore, a craftsperson can break down the frame assembly to allow easy transport of the cutting apparatus. Another apparatus includes a frame, motorized tool, item tray, and coolant pan. The frame has a coolant-pan slot, and the motorized tool is attachable to the frame. The item tray is movably mounted to the frame, and the coolant pan is slidably mounted within the coolant-pan slot. Therefore, a craftsperson can adjust the position of the coolant pan to catch coolant that dribbles off the item in the item tray. In addition, a cutting/routing apparatus includes a frame, a saw-motor mounting structure, a saw, a router mounting structure, a router, and a cutting/routing tray. The saw-motor mounting structure is attachable to the frame, and the saw is mountable to the saw-motor mounting structure.