Abstract: A power tool is a “low profile” power tool, that is the overall height of the power tool is sufficiently small that a user can grasp the top of the power tool with the user's hand and the hand will be positioned relative close to the bottom of the power tool compared with existing power tools. The low profile power tool uses a low profile motor having a diameter to lamination height ratio of at least 2:1. In an aspect of the invention, the motor is an electronically commutated “pancake” style motor. In an aspect of the invention, the power tool is a random orbital sander or an orbital sander having a motor that provides at least 40 watts of power. In an aspect of the invention, the sander has a mechanical brake that brakes the orbital mechanism and the motor is dynamically braked.

Abstract: A power tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a motor driving a member, a switch coupled across windings of the motor that dynamically brakes the motor, and a mechanical brake that brakes speed of the member. In an aspect, the combined dynamic and mechanical braking brakes speed of the member to a desired speed in no more than about two second. In an aspect, the motor is an electronically commutated motor and the power tool includes a controller that electronically commutates the motor by switching switches that switch power to the motor in an electronic commutation sequence and switches the switches to electronically brake the motor.

Abstract: A storage container for housing bits includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion pivotally connected through a hinge for moving between open and closed positions. The first housing portion defines a first body cavity and the second housing portion defines a second body cavity in the closed position. At least one bit holder is pivotally connected to the hinge and arranged to fit within the first body cavity in the closed position. The bit holder includes a plurality of bit receiving portions formed thereon for accepting the bits. The bit receiving portions are generally parallel to the hinge. A cover is pivotally connected to the second housing portion and moveable between open and closed positions for accessing the second body cavity.

Abstract: A storage container for housing drill bits can include a front housing portion and a rear housing portion. The front and rear housing portions can be pivotally connected through a hinge for moving between open and closed positions. The front and rear housing portions can define a body cavity therebetween in the closed position. A front bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie adjacent to the front housing portion. A rear bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie adjacent the rear housing portion. An intermediate bit holder can be pivotally connected to the hinge and lie between the front and rear bit holder.

Abstract: A portable light is provided with a hook cylinder assembly which includes a retracting hook rod connected to a rotor assembly. The hook rod and rotor assembly can be rotated and held in position with respect to a remainder of the hook cylinder assembly. A hook located at an end of the hook rod can thus be oriented in a desired direction.

Abstract: A power planer having a base, a carriage assembly and a height scale. The carriage assembly includes a cutterhead that may be adjustably positioned relative to a datum that is defined by the base. The height scale has a rotary scale that rotates in response to movement of the carriage assembly relative to the base. A value of a displayed portion of the rotary scale is related to a distance between the cutterhead and the base.

Abstract: A tool container includes first and second container members rotatably connected to create an inner compartment. Each member has a compartment outer wall and integrally formed perimeter walls. A grid system is created on an inner compartment facing surface adjacent at least one of the compartment outer walls. The grid system includes female receptacles arranged in each of a plurality of rows and columns. Tool packages having at least one male peg member are releasably engaged within selected receptacles providing multiple locations and orientations about the grid system for the tool packages.

Abstract: A power tool is a “low profile” power tool, that is the overall height of the power tool is sufficiently small that a user can grasp the top of the power tool with the user's hand and the hand will be positioned relative close to the bottom of the power tool compared with existing power tools. The low profile power tool uses a low profile motor having a diameter to lamination height ratio of at least 2:1. In an aspect of the invention, the motor is an electronically commutated “pancake” style motor. In an aspect of the invention, the power tool is a random orbital sander or an orbital sander having a motor that provides at least 40 watts of power. In an aspect of the invention, the sander has a mechanical brake that brakes the orbital mechanism and the motor is dynamically braked.

Abstract: A storage container for housing drill bits includes a front housing portion and a rear housing portion pivotally connected through a hinge for moving between open and closed positions. The front housing portion and the rear housing portion define a body cavity therebetween in the closed position. A plurality of sleeves are pivotally and independently connected to the hinge and arranged to fit within the body cavity in the closed position. The plurality of sleeves each include a plurality of bore portions formed thereon for accepting the drill bits. The plurality of sleeves further include hinge arms for cooperating with the hinge.

Abstract: A storage container for housing bits includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion pivotally connected through a hinge for moving between open and closed positions. The first housing portion defines a first body cavity and the second housing portion defines a second body cavity in the closed position. At least one bit holder is pivotally connected to the hinge and arranged to fit within the first body cavity in the closed position. The bit holder includes a plurality of bit receiving portions formed thereon for accepting the bits. The bit receiving portions are generally parallel to the hinge. A cover is pivotally connected to the second housing portion and moveable between open and closed positions for accessing the second body cavity.

Abstract: A power tool having a base assembly with a first portion, which defines an upper surface, and a second portion that defines a lower surface. The first and second portions may be castings and are coupled to one another without machining the upper surface of the first portion or the lower surface of the second portion. After assembly of the base portion, the upper surface of the second portion is machined to define a flat reference surface. Construction of the power tool in this manner provides a robust base assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A planing machine including a base, at least two support columns disposed on the base, and a carriage assembly carrying a cutterhead. The carriage assembly may be mounted on the support columns. At least one of the base and the carriage assembly is movable vertically towards the other of the base and the carriage assembly. The planing machine may have panel mounted on at least one one of the base and the carriage assembly and extending between the carriage assembly and the base housing for preventing user contact with the cutterhead.