Abstract: A scale system used with a table saw. The table saw has a stationary table, a movable table and support rails portion relative the stationary table, and a rip fence that slides over the stationary table and the movable table. The scale system includes a first measurement scale and a second measurement scale located relative the stationary table. The first measurement scale includes a zero marking aligned with a point on the stationary table and a last marking separated from the zero marking. The initial marking on the second scale is aligned proximate the last marking such that the second scales runs counter to the first scale. A pointer system designates the distance on the measurement scales the unit is from the point where a first pointer on the unit measures on the first measurement scale and a second pointer on the stationary table measures on the second scale. The scale system can include a third measurement scale on the opposite side of the scale.

Abstract: A tool guard attachment for a rotary hand tool of the type which has a housing with a nose portion from which an output shaft protrudes and which typically has a mechanism for holding tool bits or implements is disclosed. The tool guard attachment, which mounts to the nose portion of the rotary hand tool, has a guard housing with an enlarged guard portion at the outer end thereof which provides a shield or guard for a flat circular tool implement that is mounted on an arbor shaft assembly that in turn is connected by a U-joint to a drive shaft assembly at an acute angle relative to the arbor shaft assembly. The drive shaft assembly engages a driver nut or the like that is mounted to the output shaft of the rotary hand tool. The angle between the drive shaft and the arbor shaft is offset about 10 to 30° so that the rotary hand tool itself does not interfere with the cutting blade engaging a work surface at a perpendicular angle during operation.

Abstract: A scale system used with a table saw. The table saw has a stationary table, a movable table and support rails portion relative the stationary table, and a rip fence that slides over the stationary table and the movable table. The scale system includes a first measurement scale and a second measurement scale located relative the stationary table. The first measurement scale includes a zero marking aligned with a point on the stationary table and a last marking separated from the zero marking. The initial marking on the second scale is aligned proximate the last marking such that the second scales runs counter to the first scale. A pointer system designates the distance on the measurement scales the unit is from the point where a first pointer on the unit measures on the first measurement scale and a second pointer on the stationary table measures on the second scale. The scale system can include a third measurement scale on the opposite side of the scale.

Abstract: A quick release attachment tool where the rotary tool has a housing which encloses a motor with the housing having a central axis, a non-operational end portion and an operational end portion. A nose portion is formed at the operational end portion, and the nose portion has an outer annular groove disposed generally perpendicularly to the axis. The nose portion also has a non-circular element at the outer end thereof coaxial with the central axis. A rotatable shaft is connected to the motor and located along the central axis. The attachment tool includes a central cavity, an attachment end portion and a working end portion. A non-circular mating element is formed in the central cavity that matingly engages the non-circular element of the rotary tool. There is also a biased connection element provided on the attachment tool, which faces the central cavity. This biased connection element engages the annular groove of the nose portion when the attachment tool is fitted onto the rotary tool.

Abstract: A rotary power tool having a light source includes a housing, an electric motor provided in the housing and an elongated spindle engaged with and adapted to be rotatably driven by the motor. A rotatable holding assembly is attached to an end of the spindle and extends from a front end of the housing for holding a tool accessory. At least one magnet is adapted to be rotated by the spindle for producing a magnetic field, and a generally tubular sleeve is attached to the front end of the housing. At least one light emitting diode projects from a front end of the sleeve, generally between the inner and the outer surfaces of the sleeve. An inductive coil is also imbedded at least partially in the sleeve generally between the inner and the outer surfaces, proximate the magnet for generating an electric current from the magnetic field. Electrical conductors are also embedded and routed through the sleeve for supplying the electric current from the inductive coil to the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A recessed key and bit holder for detachably holding at least one drill part such as a drill bit and a chuck key having a chuck key handle and a chuck head, onto a handle base of a power tool. There is at least one recessed area disposed on an enlarged handle base, and at least one spring clip having an anchor end and a retaining end. The anchor end is mounted inside the handle base and the retaining end is located inside the recessed area. The structure also has a finger relief cutout portion formed in connection with the recessed area. The recessed area has a handle portion and a head portion, where the handle portion is shaped to accommodate the chuck key handle and drill bit, and the head portion is shaped to accommodate the chuck head.

Abstract: A line-of-cut indicator for use with a cutting tool including a pointer element that may be moved between an open position substantially in front of the footplate of the cutting tool and a closed position substantially behind the front of the footplate of the cutting tool. The pointer element may be moved between the open and closed positions by rotating or sliding. The pointer element may provide one or multiple reference points for the line-of-cut.

Abstract: A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, defining a cord loop therebetween, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. A cord lock is preferably formed in association with the cord channel for releasably locking the cord in the channel and preventing unwanted cord release.

Abstract: A DC-DC voltage converter that is capable of increasing as well as decreasing the voltage of a battery pack for application to a power tool or other load. The converter thereby enables different voltage batteries to be used with power tools that have motors that operate at different voltages. The voltage conversion is accomplished by using a relatively high speed switching circuit wherein the duty cycle of the switching circuitry varies the output voltage. An alternative embodiment utilizes feedback control circuitry to automatically adjust the duty cycle so that the speed of the motor, which is a function of the voltage applied to it, would be held generally constant.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A recessed key and bit holder for detachably holding at least one drill part such as a drill bit and a chuck key having a chuck key handle and a chuck head, onto a handle base of a power tool. There is at least one recessed area disposed on an enlarged handle base, and at least one spring clip having an anchor end and a retaining end. The anchor end is mounted inside the handle base and the retaining end is located inside the recessed area. The structure also has a finger relief cutout portion formed in connection with the recessed area. The recessed area has a handle portion and a head portion, where the handle portion is shaped to accommodate the chuck key handle and drill bit, and the head portion is shaped to accommodate the chuck head.

Abstract: A handpiece for a rotary tool including a flexible power shaft configured for connection at one end to the rotary tool, and at the other end to the handpiece, with at least one locking formation affixed to the shaft. The handpiece includes a housing having a first end for receiving the shaft, and a second end configured for accommodating a working attachment, the housing defining a central throughbore for rotatably receiving the shaft. At least one locking actuator is disposed in the housing for releasable engagement with the locking formation, the handpiece being provided with a biasing force for biasing the actuator out of engagement with the locking formation, so that a user-applied force on the actuator overcomes the biasing force to enable locking engagement between the actuator and the locking formation. A working end of the handpiece housing has an endcap and is also configured for receiving supplemental attachments.

Abstract: A power supply for a power tool which is adapted to be powered by a battery source and an AC voltage source includes a battery module constructed and adapted to be removably coupled to the power tool. The battery module includes a battery pack for supplying power to the power tool. A power converter module supplies current for charging the battery pack and for operating the power tool. A power plug extends from the power converter module and is adapted to be connected to the battery module. The power plug has a first output for supplying the tool operating current to the power tool and a second output for supplying the battery charging current to the battery pack when the plug is connected to the battery module. A switching device is provided in the battery module for electrically disconnecting the battery pack from the power tool responsive to the plug being connected to the battery module.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A tool guard attachment for a rotary hand tool of the type which has a housing with a nose portion from which an output shaft protrudes and which typically has a mechanism for holding tool bits or implements is disclosed. The tool guard attachment, which mounts to the nose portion of the rotary hand tool, has a guard housing with an enlarged guard portion at the outer end thereof which provides a shield or guard for a flat circular tool implement that is mounted on an arbor shaft assembly that in turn is connected by a U-joint to a drive shaft assembly at an acute angle relative to the arbor shaft assembly. The drive shaft assembly engages a driver nut or the like that is mounted to the output shaft of the rotary hand tool. The angle between the drive shaft and the arbor shaft is offset about 10 to 30° so that the rotary hand tool itself does not interfere with the cutting blade engaging a work surface at a perpendicular angle during operation.

Abstract: A quick release attachment tool where the rotary tool has a housing which encloses a motor with the housing having a central axis, a non-operational end portion and an operational end portion. A nose portion is formed at the operational end portion, and the nose portion has an outer annular groove disposed generally perpendicularly to the axis. The nose portion also has a non-circular element at the outer end thereof coaxial with the central axis. A rotatable shaft is connected to the motor and located along the central axis. The attachment tool includes a central cavity, an attachment end portion and a working end portion. A non-circular mating element is formed in the central cavity that matingly engages the non-circular element of the rotary tool. There is also a biased connection element provided on the attachment tool, which faces the central cavity. This biased connection element engages the annular groove of the nose portion when the attachment tool is fitted onto the rotary tool.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A releasable footplate assembly for a jigsaw includes a shaft portion having a handle, a screw boss having a yoke, a base portion having a bridge portion through which the screw extends into the screw boss and a bridge plate, attached to the screw, releasably engaging the bridge portion.