Abstract: Elevation mechanisms for table saws and anti-backdrive mechanisms for use in elevation mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The anti-backdrive mechanisms typically include three sub-assemblies: an input assembly, an output assembly, and a fixed assembly. The anti-backdrive mechanisms prevent a torque related to the output assembly from changing the blade elevation. For example, the weight of the blade and the structure supporting the blade is prevented from backdriving the elevation mechanism and allowing the blade to drop.

Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The disclosed tilt mechanisms provide easy and intuitive operation. They also provide auto-locking so that a user simply releases a component to lock the blade at a specific angle. The tilt mechanisms also provide defined incremental steps for the tilt of the blade and the steps are typically spaced at 1-degree intervals.

Abstract: Table saws are disclosed. The table saws can include a blade, an arbor, an arbor block, an elevation carriage, and a latch that connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can have a first position in which the latch connects the arbor block and the elevation carriage, and a second position in which the latch does not connect the arbor block and the elevation carriage. The arbor block can pivot from the first position to the second position upon the occurrence of a retraction force. The table saw can include an actuator to cause the occurrence of the retraction force, and detection electronics to detect contact between the blade and a person. Woodworking machines with detection and reaction systems are also disclosed. A reaction system can include an explosive that causes retraction of a cutting tool.

Abstract: Control systems are disclosed for power tools such as table saws, miter saws, band saws, hand-held circular saws, jointers, shapers, routers, and up-cut saws. The control systems include systems to turn power tools on and off, and to control the supply of power to motors. The systems to turn power tools on and off may include dual switches that must be operated together to turn a power tool on. The systems to provide power to motors may include dual relays in series implemented with methods to minimize arcing and welding of the relays. The systems described herein may be implemented in power tools equipped with active injury mitigation technology.

Abstract: Extension rails for table saws are disclosed. Some of the disclosed extension rails can be attached to a table saw without a user having to manipulate a lever or knob. Extension rails particularly relevant to portable table saws such as jobsite and bench-top table saws are disclosed, including extension rails that can provide 48? or more of cutting capacity on jobsite and/or bench-top table saws. A method of attaching extension rails to a table saw is disclosed that does not require the use of a tool or the manipulation of a knob or clamp.

Abstract: Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Conductive couplings are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology. Conductive couplings provide a mechanism through which an electrical signal can be coupled or imparted to a blade, and then monitored for changes indicative of human contact with the blade. An exemplary conductive coupling includes a brush that establishes an electrical connection with a moving part of a power tool, and the brush maintains contact with the moving part of the power tool during at least 40 hours of cumulative time when the motor is spinning the arbor and blade without an interruption in the electrical connection sufficient to trigger the reaction system. A conductive coupling may be two-sided compliant. A conductive coupling may connect to a motor shaft to minimize electrical noise.

Abstract: Outfeed tables for table saws are disclosed. The outfeed tables may include adjustable clamps configured to adjust the height of the outfeed table relative to the table saw. Such outfeed tables may also include parts capable of being configured in multiple ways to accommodate various table saws.

Abstract: Blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The disclosed tilt mechanisms provide easy and intuitive operation. They also provide auto-locking so that a user simply releases a component to lock the blade at a specific angle. The tilt mechanisms also provide defined incremental steps for the tilt of the blade and the steps are typically spaced at 1-degree intervals.

Abstract: Fast-acting and low-inertia actuators useable in various applications where a high force must be applied very quickly are disclosed. Power tools with detection systems configured to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a cutting tool are disclosed. In power tools, for example in a woodworking machine, a fast-acting and low-inertial actuator as disclosed herein can be used to retract a blade upon detection of a dangerous condition by a detection system. The actuator includes a charge of pressurized fluid and one or more electromagnets to selectively retain or release the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Table saws with safety systems are disclosed. The safety systems detect and react to dangerous conditions, such as contact between the blade and a person. The table saws may include a switch, a first light that illuminates to indicate the safety system is operable, and a second light that illuminates to indicate that the safety system is inoperable. The switch may not power the saw when switched on if the second light is illuminated.

Abstract: Fences for use in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include an actuator, handle or lever to lock and unlock the fence from the table, where the actuator, handle or lever is positioned substantially above the tabletop and substantially within the perimeter of the table (including any rail associated with the table). Another embodiment may include an actuator, handle or lever to lock and unlock the fence from the table, where the actuator, handle or lever is positioned along a top surface of the fence and configured so that the fence unclamps from the saw when the actuator, handle or lever is pressed.

Abstract: A dust collection system designed for a table saw is disclosed. The dust collection system includes a dust shroud and dust shield to channel dust generated by a blade as it cuts wood or other material. The dust shroud includes fins and walls to “peel” dust and air off a spinning blade and direct the dust and air downward. The dust shroud encloses the lower front portion of a blade. An insert with a channel into which a dust shield can extend is disclosed.

Abstract: Table saws and features for table saws are disclosed. Some of the disclosed features are particularly relevant to portable table saws such as jobsite and bench-top table saws. Disclosed features include, but are not limited to, extendable rails, mechanisms to lock rails in position, drawers, compartments and components to store table saw accessories, switch boxes, dust collection systems, table saw housings, tables, and handles.

Abstract: Machines with safety systems are disclosed. The machine may take the form of woodworking machines including table saws, band saws, miter saws, hand-held circular saws, pneumatic chop saws, radial-arm saws, jointers, planars, routers and shapers. The machines may include an operative structure configured to perform a task, where the operative structure includes a cutting tool adapted to move in at least one motion, and a safety system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool and for mitigating the unsafe condition. The safety system may include a detection subsystem and a reaction subsystem. The machine may also include a bypass or override mode where in an injury mitigation system is disabled for certain cuts.

Abstract: Blade guards for table saws are disclosed. The blade guards can be used in a configuration where the guard holds a work piece against a work surface. This may be thought of as blade guards with hold-down capability. The blade guards also include splitters and anti-kickback assemblies. The anti-kickback assemblies include anti-kickback pawls that can be in an operable configuration or a disabled configuration.

Abstract: Table saws and table saws designed to implement safety systems that detect contact between a person and a dangerous portion of the saw are disclosed. Table saw components, mounting systems for table saws, and table saw attachments are also disclosed. One embodiment may include a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface spaced apart from the first clamp surface so that a base portion of a riving knife or splitter can be placed between the clamp surfaces with the opposing sides of the base portion generally parallel to the first and second clamp surfaces.

Abstract: Power saws and features for power saws are disclosed. Various features are particularly relevant to jobsite or benchtop table saws, such as a trunnion formed from a shaped tube, an elevation carriage, and an arbor block retention mechanism. Other features are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology, such as an electrically isolating gear and an overmolded arbor/gear element.

Abstract: Table saws and table saws designed to incorporate safety systems are disclosed. The table saws may include vertical slide elevation mechanisms positioned toward the rear of the saw and constructed so that an arbor block and blade can retract when a safety system detects an unsafe condition. Other table saw parts and components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mounting systems to secure and index riving knives and spreaders in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include three mounts or screws attached to an elevation carriage. A clamp plate fits over the heads of the mounts and a handle pivots to move the clamp plate against flanges on the heads of the mounts to clamp a riving knife or spreader in place.