Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool provided to perform a cutting operation, said power tool having a base on which a work piece to be cut is placed, and a cutting unit on which a blade or grinding wheel is mounted for rotation. At least one guideline generating unit is provided which includes a light emitting means such as a laser to generate a guideline onto the work piece to allow the blade of the cutting unit to be aligned with the guideline, and the guideline generating unit emits a guideline light from a level which is the same as or below the plane of the top surface of the base. The guideline generating unit can be provided within the base or attached to the front or side of the same.

Abstract: A planer including a housing having a base planing surface for contacting a workpiece, a rotatable blade cylinder located within said housing and including more than one cutting blade for engaging with and planing the work piece. A drive means is associated with the blade cylinder and operable to cause rotation of the blade cylinder. The drive means is located within the housing, above the axis of rotation of the blade cylinder and a chip an debris removal channel passes from the location of the cylinder to the rear end of the planer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blade which allows a saw blade, such as a blade for a reciprocating saw in the form of a jigsaw, to be held securely therein for use and to allow the same to be selectively inserted and removed without the need for tools to be used by the user. The insertion of the blade into the holder can be achieved by the user moving the end of the blade into a channel in the blade holder whereupon clamping automatically occurs and the release of the blade requires the manipulation of a release means by the user so that the blade cannot be inadvertently released from the blade holder. The holder incorporates a roller which is movable within a chamber within the blade holder between release and clamping positions.

Abstract: Vacuum and blowing apparatus is provided having means for selecting between a first vacuum mode and a second blowing mode. A base portion of the apparatus is in contact with a surface from which debris is to be collected and/or across or relative to which debris is to be blown in use and, depending from the base portion, a body portion of the apparatus supports a collection box for the reception of debris collected from the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a power tool such as a jigsaw, circular saw or mitre saw which is provided with guideline generating means. The guidelines are typically generated as laser beams and the invention allows for the generation of at least first and second, side by side guidelines. The guidelines are generated onto the workpiece and the area which lies between the guidelines defines the path along which a cutting blade of the power tool is to be directed. Preferably the guidelines are spaced such that a first guideline lies to one side of the blade and the other guideline lies to the other side of the blade thus allowing the guidelines to be viewable on both sides during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for a tool component, such as a saw blade. The clamping device includes a housing with a saw blade location channel defined therein for the location of at least a part of the saw blade in use. Clamping members are movably mounted in the housing and can be moved between a locked position, wherein the saw blade is clamped between one or more surfaces of said clamping members and one or more walls defining the saw blade location channel, and an unlocked position, wherein the saw blade can be inserted or removed from the clamping device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a power tool, such as a sander, which has a working portion which, when moved with respect to a workpiece creates debris. The invention provides a debris collection bag mounted in a housing on the power tool body which allows for the collection of debris from the vicinity of the working portion. The debris collection bag is selectively removable for discarding the debris and/or washing.