Abstract: A hand-held power tool, such as a rotary cutting tool, allows for improved operator control and visibility. The power tool includes a housing and a motor provided in the housing. A cutting accessory is coupled to the motor and is adapted to cut a workpiece at a point of cut. At least one light emitting diode is coupled to the housing and configured to direct light toward the point of cut.

Abstract: A guide for setting the depth of cut of a cutting tool, or other hand-held power tool, which automatically locks into a desired position to set the depth of a cut without requiring manual operation of a locking knob or similar structure. The depth guide is released from the locked Position by actuation of a release switch. The depth guide includes a depth guide base, a depth guide shaft attached to the depth guide base, and an automatic locking and release mechanism coupled to the depth guide shaft. The automatic locking and release mechanism and depth guide shaft may be mounted in a handle of the hand-held power tool, such as a detachable handle, for mounting the depth guide to the tool. A dust collector is provided for removing cutting debris which may accumulate in the base of a depth guide around the point of a cut.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool, such as a spiral cutting tool, with improved operator control and visibility. The power tool includes a motor contained in a motor housing. The motor may be a variable speed motor controlled by a speed control user interface mounted on the housing. Each time a speed control button is actuated, the motor speed is changed. A display provides the operator of the tool with an indication of the motor speed selected. A detachable handle is provided with a moveable mechanism for easily, quickly, and securely attaching the handle to the housing and removing the handle therefrom with one hand. The detachable handle may include one or more storage compartments formed therein. The detachable handle includes a trigger switch mounted therein for operating the cutting tool motor. The trigger switch is mounted in the detachable handle in a position such that the switch is operated by the little finger and ring finger of an operator's hand.

Abstract: An angle attachment for a hand-held power tool, such as a spiral cutting tool, includes an angle attachment housing having an open first end adapted to be attached to the motor housing of the power tool. An alignment bearing is mounted in the angle attachment housing and adapted to receive and support a first shaft having a first shaft gear mounted thereon. An attachment shaft is mounted in the angle attachment housing at an angle, e.g., a right angle, to the first shaft. The attachment shaft includes an attachment shaft gear mounted thereon which is engaged with the first shaft gear. One or more attachment shaft bearings are mounted in the angle attachment housing to support the attachment shaft for rotational movement thereof. The first shaft is coupled to a motor shaft of the power tool before the angle attachment housing is attached to the power tool motor housing.

Abstract: A detachable battery pack is connectable to hand-held power tools, such as spiral cutting tools, in which cuts are made by positioning the axis of the cutting tool motor housing perpendicular to a workpiece surface, and moving a cutting tool bit through the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the bit to remove material from the workpiece. The battery pack allows the cutting tool to be utilized without an electric cord and without the need of a power source near-by, thereby increasing maneuverability, safety, and range of use. The battery pack is connected to the motor housing of the power tool by being received by a receptacle. The receptacle is preferably formed to include one or more storage compartments therein, accessible through apertures in the receptacle for storage of additional cutting tool bits.

Abstract: A router bit for laterally cutting through sheets of wood product, such as plywood and the like. The bit includes a shank portion adapted to be gripped in the chuck of a router, a fluted portion, and a tip. The fluted portion has two helical left-hand flutes. Each flute has a cutting edge and a web portion having a convex surface that extends rearwardly and immediately inwardly from the cutting edge, without a land, in a continuous curve. The flutes are formed by parabolic grinding. In one embodiment the tip is conical in shape and has two diametrically opposed tip flutes for cutting axially into a workpiece. In another embodiment the tip is flat and the bit is adapted only to cut laterally through the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bit which can be cut both axially and laterally, and which is especially useful to cut an access opening in a sheetrock panel covering an electrical outlet box. The bit self-guides itself laterally around the periphery of the outlet box so that the opening will correspond to the shape of the box. The configuration of the bit permits it to be made in an unusually small diameter so as to minimize the width of the slot it cuts.