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 machinery base for supporting woodworking, metalworking and other machinery and which may be configured to a predetermined shape and dimensions by providing beam members of a predetermined length to connect individual corner brackets that define the corners of the machinery base.

Abstract: A restraining mechanism of an adjustable work table is disclosed for releasably restraining movement of a movable member of the table relative to a stationary member of the table. The restraining mechanism includes a clamping portion connected to one of the movable and stationary members, and a spring portion connected to the clamping portion for forcing the clamping means against the other of the movable and stationary members and thereby restraining movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tool having a cutting edge in a predetermined abrading orientation with respect to a tool abrading apparatus. The apparatus comprises a base member supportable on the tool abrading apparatus and adapted to support a tool thereon. A positioning member is movably attached to the base member for selective abutting contact with the tool. An adjustment assembly is attached to the base member for selectively advancing and retracting the positioning member relative to the base member to position the tool into the predetermined abrading orientation. A tool retaining member is removably attached to the base to selectively retain the tool on the base member in the predetermined abrading orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an object which includes at least two leg members attached to and capable of folding under an object-supporting surface. The leg members are pivotally attached to the object-supporting surface at pivot axes offset from one another relative to the object-supporting surface so that the leg members may fold under the object-supporting surface without interfering with one another. The apparatus includes diagonal supports, attached from the leg members to the object-supporting surface, which are designed to fold with the leg members. The apparatus may also include side rails defining the object-supporting surface. The side rails are configured to releasably attach to a specially configured base portion on an object such as a miter saw.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for linearly displacing a rotatable spindle relative to an object. The apparatus includes a support that is connectable to the spindle such that translation of the spindle relative to the support in a first direction is restrained, a rotatable shaft which is connected to the support such that translation of the shaft relative to the support in the first direction is restrained, and a rotational drive system rotatably connected to the shaft and rotatably connectable to the spindle, to transmit rotational drive from the spindle to the shaft. The apparatus also includes a contact piece eccentrically mounted to the shaft, wherein the contact piece has a contact surface thereon for contact with the object. Rotation of the shaft varies a distance, measured in the first direction, between the support and a portion of the contact surface contacting the object, such that the spindle is linearly displaceable relative to the object.

Abstract: An abrading machine includes a tool platform for supporting a tool at a selected elevation and angular position relative to an abrading surface of the abrading machine. The tool platform includes a tool rest member, having a tool-receiving surface, which is movably attached to a carriage assembly which is, in turn, movably received by a support assembly. An abrading machine having two or more abrading stations and an adjustable tool platform moveable between the abrading stations is also provided.

Abstract: A quick release saw blade chuck for connecting a free end of a saw blade to a reciprocating arm of a saw includes a blade holder including a first surface. The free end of the saw blade is interposed between the first surface and the inner surface of a clamping member. The clamping member is coupled to the blade holder by an attachment mechanism which defines a blade-accepting space and a second space between the first and inner surfaces. A mechanism is also provided for varying the size of second space and thereby pivoting the clamping member about the attachment mechanism to vary the size of the blade-accepting space and clamp a blade inserted therein.