Abstract: Disclosed is a bench mountable joining machine. The joining machine comprises machine apparatus for supporting and positioning a workpiece while making a slot-like plunge cut into a joint surface of the workpiece. The machine also includes a base member for removably mounting the machine to a bench.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitive measurement system. The system comprises structure for generating a plurality of waveforms, a calibrated reference member for use with a reader head in making a measurement, and a reader element configured for lateral movement with respect to the calibrated reference member. The calibrated reference member comprises one element of a capacitor. The reader element comprises a plurality of reader regions comprising the other element of the capacitor. The reader element also includes structure for receiving two signals resulting from coupling of the two capacitor elements. The system functions to detect a phase shift level between the two signals and to determine magnitude of lateral movement in a particular direction from the magnitude of the phase shift.

Abstract: A portable sawmill (20) having a frame (22) adapted to be disposed transversely of a log (24). A pair of horizontally spaced apart wheels (26a,b) are adapted to straddle the log (24). The wheels (26a,b) are rotatably supported by the frame (22) for rotation in a substantially vertical plane. A band saw blade (28) is trained around the wheels (26a,b) and for movement transversely of the log (24). An engine (30) is provided for rotating at least one of the wheels (26a,b) to cause the band saw blade (28) to form a cut in the log (24) as the frame (22) is moved longitudinally along the log (24). An elevating assembly (44) is provided for supporting the frame (22) so as to enable vertical adjustment of the band saw blade (28) relative to a top surface of the log (24). Guide rollers (40) are interconnected through the frame (22) for guiding the frame (22) along the log (24).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing motive power to a tool are disclosed. A preferred power mitre box (10) including a base (12), a table (14) and electrically-powered motor unit (18) suitable for driving a saw blade (20) is described. The motor unit (18) includes an armature (40) and an arbor shaft (22) which are respectively supported by armature bearings 42 and arbor bearings 44 and are preferably substantially parallel and of substantially the same length. Also, the distances between the armature bearings (42) and the arbor bearings (44) are preferably substantially equal. The relatively large distance between the arbor bearings (44) causes the blade (20) to have very little play or deflection due to looseness in the bearings (44). In preferred embodiments, a speed reducer assembly (34) is located on the opposite end of the arbor shaft (22) in relation to the blade (20). Also, the speed reducer assembly is preferably of the cog belt type.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting a power tool, e.g., a power mitre box, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment (10), an electrically-powered motor unit (16) is pivotably supported by a table (14) which in turn is rotatably supported by a base (12). The base (12) preferably includes four legs (20) and an equal number of studs (26). The legs (20) and studs (26) combine to form front slot (27a) and rear slot (27b) in the base (12) suitable for receiving a pair of horizontal support members, e.g., a pair of two-by-fours (34). The base (12) also preferably includes a pair of extensions (24) which are sized to make the top surface of the base (12) and table (14) flush with a plurality of cross pieces (36) spanning the horizontal support members (34). The flush surface created by the cross pieces (36), base (12) and table (14) is suitable for supporting a long workpiece so as to minimize blade binding and splintering.

Abstract: A scroll saw is disclosed having upper and lower reciprocable arms terminating in upper and lower ends having a saw blade connected therebetween. A releasable blade tensioning device is mounted on the upper end including a blade support member having a central portion pivotally mounted to the upper end with a first end thereof extending along the upper arm and a second end connectable to the saw blade. The blade support member is pivotable between a first blade tensioning position and a second blade tension releasing position, and a manually rotatable cam is mounted on the first end and a manually operable adjustment screw engageable therewith is mounted on the upper arm. The manually rotatable cam is constructed and arranged to force the first end and the upper arm apart in one rotated position thereof to move the blade support member to the first position, and to permit the blade support member to move to the second position in another rotated position thereof.

Abstract: A scroll saw is disclosed having a yoke with upper and lower reciprocable arms terminating in upper and lower ends having a saw blade connected therebetween. A motor, with a horizontally extending drive shaft, is mounted on the base for the saw. A connecting rod is coupled eccentrically at one end to the drive shaft and at the other end to the lower arm of the yoke. A second shaft is rotatably mounted on the base parallel to the drive shaft and is driven by intermeshing gears on the shafts. First and second counterbalances are mounted on the shafts which rotate with the shafts in opposite directions. The counterbalances, each having a center of mass offset radially from an axis of the shaft, are positioned on the shafts so as to enhance or compound the inertial effects of the counterbalances in a vertical direction to cancel out the inertial effects of the reciprocating yoke, and so as to cancel the inertial effects of each other in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A scroll saw is disclosed having a base with a table mounted at one end and a horizontal pivot shaft mounted at an opposite end of the base. A yoke member having upper and lower arms and a curved bight connecting the arms is mounted on the pivot shaft at the curved bight. The arms of the yoke member terminate in upper and lower ends having a saw blade connected therebetween and extending through the table, and means are provided for reciprocating the yoke member and pivot shaft to effect movement of the saw blade. The opposite ends of the pivot shaft are mounted in tapered roller bearings disposed in bearing support openings in the base. Cap members are provided at each end of the bearing assembly to hold the roller bearings and shaft in place and a wave spring is mounted between one cap and one roller bearing to apply a compressive force to the roller bearings in the direction toward the yoke to hold the bearings, pivot shaft and yoke in place.

Abstract: A fence assembly for a tilting arbor table saw is provided in which a fence is detachably mounted on a fence carrier in either one of the two selected positions to present either a comparatively tall or a comparatively short work guiding surface and for use on either the left or the righthand side of the cutting blade. The fence carrier is mounted on an elongated guide that is attached to the saw table and which has front walls that define a slot running along the length thereof. A locking mechanism is provided on the fence carrier that includes a locking element located within the elongated guide that can be rotated between a position where it secures the fence carrier against movement and a position where the element can be removed through the slot in the front wall to dismount the fence and fence carrier from the elongated guide.