Abstract: A dust collection system for both a belt sander and a disc sander in which the dust collector for the belt sander has a removable upper section to enable a workpiece longer than the belt bed to be sanded and the disc dust collector has the front lower one-half removable therefrom to expose the entire disc for sanding. In addition, and end stop is associated with the belt sander which is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate having a plurality of U-shaped orifices at the bottom thereof to form a comb-like structure that allows a greater amount of dust to enter the dust collector for the belt sander.

Abstract: Precision saws such as scroll saws and the like are provided with a hold down apparatus which allows for enhanced work piece clearance thus, greater work piece thickness utilization of the saws wherein the hold down apparatus is mounted in an offset position allowing the hold down to be raised to a maximum height to just below reciprocating saw blade drive means.

Abstract: A power table saw assembly is disclosed which includes arrangements for the storage of spare parts at convenient locations about the surface thereof and in position for ready access to the spare parts without negatively impacting the aesthetics of the product. Specifically, arrangements are provided for the storage of rip fences, miter guides and blade wrenches.

Abstract: A quick release for enabling a belt bed in a belt sander to be selectively rotated 90.degree. from the horizontal to the vertical in a simple manner. A C-shaped collar forms a portion of the frame and a support is attached to the belt bed and positioned within the C-shaped collar. The C-shaped collar may be tightened about the support in either the horizontal or vertical position of the belt bed to maintain the bed in the selected position.

Abstract: A power table tool having an outlet port positioned relative to the cutting member of the tool so that the dust and other debris generated by the cutting member can be removed from the interior of the tool assembly through an exhaust system. A guard member is provided for the outlet port to prevent insertion of extraneous matter into the interior of the tool as well as to protect the outlet from clogging as a result of the removal of the sawdust and other debris from the interior. The guard member is structured in a manner such that the area of the openings presented in the guard member is greater than about 100% of the area of the outlet port itself. The port is specifically aligned relative to the cutting member in order to enhance the removal of the sawdust and debris from the interior of the tool.

Abstract: The ram of the reciprocating saw is driven by a scotch yoke mechanism. A planetary gear system consisting of a ring gear and an idler gear imparts an elliptical or linear path of movement to the pin forming part of the scotch yoke mechanism. The ring gear may be adjustably positioned for changing its relationship relative to the idler gear thereby varying the orientation of the elliptical or linear path of movement of the drive pin for varying the stroke of reciprocation of the ram which is connected to the saw blade holder. Actuation of the ring gear to its desired position automatically causes the foot plate of the saw to be located in its desired position for the selected stroke of movement.

Abstract: A unitary rechargeable battery pack includes a plurality of axially aligned battery cells coupled to each other in electrical series with an insulated housing surrounding and enclosing the cells. The housing includes complementary halves detachably connected to each other. First, second and third electrical terminals provide two positive voltages and a common or negative voltage terminal, respectively. First and second and third openings in one end of the battery pack expose the first, second and third terminals for electrical connection. The openings are accessible for connection in a 90.degree. quadrant at one end of the battery pack.

Abstract: An improved cordless motor-driven electric hand tool that has an elongated body portion with a tool bit-receiving chamber at one end and a housing at the other end having a battery-receiving chamber therein. An elongated tool bit storage chamber is formed in the housing above and/or below the battery-receiving chamber and has a cover that is pivotally mounted for open and closed positions. The housing is oval shaped to create a space above and/or below the battery-receiving chamber in which the tool bit storage chamber is formed.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, the distal end of a reciprocating plunger of a power saw includes a longitudinally extending cavity receiving a block-like wedge member. A planar wall of the cavity and a planar face of the wedge member are arranged for substantial coextensive engagement with respective opposed faces of the saw blade. A spring in the cavity engages the wedge member for urging the same outwardly of the cavity. A pin extends through the wedge and has its opposite ends received in slots in opposed walls of the plunger. These slots are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plunger and cooperate with the pin to form a cam to urge the planar surfaces into clamping engagement with the blade under the influence of the spring. The blade may be released by forcing the wedge inwardly of the cavity under finger pressure. In a second embodiment, a similar block-like wedge member cooperates with a U-shaped member mounted on the plunger.

Abstract: The housing of the drill press is provided with a bit storage compartment. A removable cover plate for the compartment has tabs on its inner surface for detachably holding a drill bit case of the type having two shell sections hingedly connected together with each of the shell sections provided with a rack containing arcuate recesses of progressively increasing size for detachably receiving drill bits of varying diameters. The tabs on the inside of the cover plate are adopted to hold the casing shell sections in their open position thereby to make all of the drill bits accessible upon opening of the cover plate or upon removal of the same from the housing of the drill press. A secondary drill bit holder is detachably and pivotally mounted in the storage compartment for swinging movement back and forth between an access position and a storage position.

Abstract: An automatic shaft lock for use in power tools with one end that carries implements such as screwdriver heads, drill bits and the like, permits use of the tool manually, i.e., without power. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft by the motor but locks rotation of the shaft when torque is applied at the implement end or to the housing so as to allow manual use of the tool. In the preferred embodiment, a locking ring is concentric with an end of the spindle that is connected to the implement and also with an end of the output shaft driven by the motor. A wedging pin wedges against the locking ring to prohibit rotation of the spindle and the output shaft except when the spindle is driven by the output shaft which, when driven in either direction, traps the pin in a non-wedging position.

Abstract: A portable circular saw with a 60.degree. bevel cut capability that is provided by a combination of blade diameter, height of front and rear pivot points above the footplate, the ability to tip the saw about a front hinge point to avoid projections contacting the footplate at a 60.degree. angle and recesses and orifices provided in the footplate at points where interference would normally occur between the motor housing assembly and the saw blade when the blade is at a 60.degree. bevel angle so as to prevent any interference of the footplate with the motor housing assembly and saw blade. A positive stop is provided at angles of 45.degree. and 60.degree..

Abstract: A cordless powered ratchet wrench includes a ratchet actuator that selects a direction of rotation of an output shaft that is adapted to hold rotating tools for use. The ratchet actuator also serves as a ratcheting stop to permit a limited amount of ratcheting motion for manual tightening or loosening of a nut, bolt or the like. A lost-motion drive transmits power from a battery to the output shaft while permitting nearly two full circles of ratcheting rotation. An external pushbutton operates internal switches to connect a rechargeable battery in a desired direction, and also functions as an interlock to prevent reversal of the direction in which torque is applied while the pushbutton is engaged.