Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on and frictionally contacting the structural body. In addition, the platform includes an override mechanism for allowing horizontal movement of the platform along the structural body. Further, the portable work bench may include a plurality of legs for supporting the structural body. The structural body may be tubular and preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section. Such work bench can be used by disposing the platform on the structural body, so that the platform frictionally contacts the structural body. Then the user can mechanically override the static friction between the platform and the structural body and move the platform horizontally along the structural body.

Abstract: An improved sliding saw includes a base, a rotatable table rotatably disposed within the base, a first rail fixedly attached at least partially underneath and extending forwardly from the table, and a saw unit slidably disposed on the first rail, wherein a user moves the saw unit along the first rail towards the table to perform a cutting operation. A second embodiment of the saw includes a table having a top surface, the top surface having a first plane, a fence attached to the table, the fence having a front surface extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane, a first rail fixedly attached at least partially underneath and extending forwardly from the table along a first direction, and a saw unit slidably disposed on the first rail, wherein a user moves the saw unit along the first direction towards the table to perform a cutting operation. Preferably, the fence is rotatably attached to the table.

Abstract: A frictional pivot 100 for use in a device measuring gravitational alignment is provided. The frictional pivot 100 comprises a gravity-responsive directional means 200 for indicating a datum direction of alignment with gravity; frictional pivoting means 300, 400 for allowing the gravity-responsive means coarsely to align with gravity; vibration means 303, 403 for vibrating one or more elements of the pivoting means; and portable power means 303a for powering the vibration means 303, 403.

Abstract: A gear and shaft assembly that translates the bevel of a power tool to an indicator more easily readable by an operator provides a front bevel indicator and locking mechanism. A locking mechanism is conveniently placed within reach of the operator and directly controls the motion of the gear assembly. The front bevel indicator may provide a higher resolution of the tilt angle by selection of the various gear ratios of the gears that translate the bevel position of the power tool mounted in the rear to the front of the mount of the power tool.

Abstract: A table saw including a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly connected to at least one of the base assembly and the table assembly, a riving knife assembly connected to the saw assembly, the riving knife assembly comprising a holder, a plate attached to the holder, a riving knife disposed between the holder and the plate, and a retainer disposed within the holder and contacting the riving knife. The retainer may be biased towards the riving knife.

Abstract: An improved miter saw comprises a base assembly, a table rotatably attached to the base assembly, a saw assembly pivotably attached to the table, a wear ring non-fixedly attached between the base assembly and the table and wear ring. Other inventions are described herein.

Abstract: An improved chop saw may include a base assembly, a blade assembly including a blade having a center and a motor for driving the blade, an arm pivotally attached to the base assembly and carrying the blade assembly, the blade assembly being movable between a lower position for engaging and cutting a workpiece disposed on the base, and an upper position not engaging the workpiece. The chop saw further includes a vise for holding the workpiece in place, the vise including a vise screw, a latch support supporting the vise screw, and a vise jaw disposed at the end of the vise screw. Preferably, the maximum distance between the vise jaw and the latch support is about equal or shorter than the distance between the blade center and the latch support, when the blade assembly is at the lower position. Further the chop saw includes a substantially horizontal handle connected to the blade assembly.

Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on the structural body. In addition, the platform includes a cam mechanism for locking the position of the platform along the structural body. Further, the portable work bench may include a plurality of legs for supporting the structural body. The structural body may be tubular and preferably has a square cross-section. Accordingly, the user need only place the platform in any position along the length of the structural body and move the cam mechanism to lock the platform in place. The cam mechanism may include a cam pivotally attached to the platform near the structural body, so that when the user rotates the cam, the cam contacts the structural body, locking the platform. A plate may be disposed between the cam and the structural body. The plate may have a hook portion, which contacts the bottom surface of the structural body.

Abstract: A cordless power tool system for improved power output includes a plurality of hand-held cordless power tools, where each power tool includes a tool housing, motor assembly, transmission/gear assembly and removable battery pack. The battery pack provides a nominal output voltage of approximately 25 volts or greater to a DC motor of the motor assembly. Each of the hand-held cordless power tools of the system has a power output to weight ratio of 70 watts per pound (W/lb) or greater.

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a beam, legs for supporting the beam, and at least one bracket having first and second surfaces for contacting respective first and second sides of the beam, wherein the second surface is movable between a first position contacting the second side of the beam, and a second position not contacting the second side of the beam. A spring biases the second surface towards the first position.

Abstract: A battery release mechanism for releasably securing a battery to a power tool is disclosed. The battery release mechanism includes a battery receiving portion integral with a handle portion of the power tool and an attachment portion integral with the battery. The attachment portion is configured to engage the battery receiving portion. The battery release mechanism also includes a closure member that is operable with and transversely disposed within the battery receiving portion. The closure member is configured to secure the battery within the battery receiving portion when the closure member is in a “lock” position. The closure member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is disposed through a side wall of the tool housing and defines a push button for selectively moving the closure member from the “lock” position to a “release” position. When the closure member is in the “release” position, the battery can be removed from the power tool.