Abstract: A free-standing angle gage is described having a first substantially flat plate connected to a second substantially flat plate. When the angle gage is placed on the reference surface of a power tool, the sides of the first and second substantially flat plates form angles to the reference plane. By aligning an adjustable element of the power tool against one of the angled sides of the angle gage, the angle formed by the adjustable element the reference surface may be determined quickly and accurately. Also described is a method of measuring the angle formed by an adjustable element of a power tool relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: A blade tool that is useful for removing and installing blades into and out of a cutter head which is rotatably mounted in a thickness planer. The blade tool consists of a handle and a hook portion. This hook portion is designed to pull or pry blades away from the cutter head when removing the blades from the cutter head. The handle of the blade tool defines a curved portion that is designed to press against the edge of the blade when installing the blade into the cutter head. The blade tool may further comprise a magnet coupled inside a cavity at the end of the handle. The magnet is designed to extract the blade away from the cutter head once it has been loosened by the hook portion. In one embodiment, the magnet is a rare earth magnet.

Abstract: A free-standing angle gage is described having a first substantially flat plate connected to a second substantially flat plate. When the angle gage is placed on the reference surface of a power tool, the sides of the first and second substantially flat plates form angles to the reference plane. By aligning an adjustable element of the power tool against one of the angled sides of the angle gage, the angle formed by the adjustable element the reference surface may be determined quickly and accurately. Also described is a method of measuring the angle formed by an adjustable element of a power tool relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: A motor housing for a variable speed scroll saw or other operating tool is disclosed. The motor housing includes a motor as well as a printed circuit board mounted in the motor housing adjacent the motor. A switch is attached to the printed circuit board and extends outside of the motor housing. The switch is also attached to the motor housing. A switch lock-out is operably associated with the housing for disabling the switch until the switch lock-out is disengaged. Preferably, the switch lock-out is a releasable locking mechanism such as a padlock.

Abstract: A compound miter saw with an adjustable/bypassable bevel stop is disclosed. The compound miter saw includes a turntable rotatably mounted on a supporting frame. A power driven saw blade is pivotally mounted to the turntable and moves along a predetermined path from an upper raised to a lower operational position that includes a saw blade slot in the turntable. A bevel adjusting features selectively rotates the power driven saw blade relative to the turntable. The adjustable/bypassable bevel stop includes predetermined bevel stop settings at set angles, for example, such as 0.degree. and 45.degree., as well as an over-riding feature when angles either less than or greater than the predetermined bevel stop settings are desired. The over-riding feature does not require re-adjustment of the predetermined bevel stop settings.

Abstract: An adjustable worktable fence for a jointer/planer machine is disclosed. The jointer/planer machine includes an elongated worktable having a rotary cutter mounted in alignment with and positioned below a transverse slot in the elongated table. An adjustable worktable fence extends generally longitudinally along the elongated worktable in generally transverse relationship to the rotating cutter. The adjustable worktable fence is mounted to an adjustable fence bracket that includes adjustable knobs for independent slidable movement of the adjustable worktable fence in generally transverse relationship to the rotating cutter as well as independent pivotal movement for bevel adjustment of the adjustable worktable fence relative to the rotating cutter. The jointer/planer machine also includes a table elevating mechanism for accurate elevational adjustment of the worktable relative to a supporting base.

Abstract: A combination handwheel/crank for a power tool, such as a radial arm saw or the like, is disclosed with the power tool having a base or frame, a component adjustably movable relative to the base and rotatably driven adjustment mechanism for moving the component relative to the base with this adjustment mechanism having a drive shaft. This crank assembly is provided for rotatably driving the drive shaft, this crank assembly having a hub adapted to securely receive the drive shaft with the hub having an enlarged hub body facilitating the precision manual rotary adjustment of the component. The crank assembly has a crank handle carried by the hub body and radially offset from the hub.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for a whole house fan is disclosed which can be flush mounted (i.e., substantially coplanar) with the underside surface of a ceiling so as to close off an opening in the ceiling leading to a whole house fan located thereabove. The shutter assembly comprises a frame somewhat larger than the opening and adapted to be flush mounted to the underside of the ceiling surrounding the opening. The frame is comprised of side and end members. A bracket at the intersection of the frame members securely joins the frame members together. The brackets have temporary attachment tabs for temporarily holding the frame in place with respect to the ceiling sheathing until the frame is securely secured to the ceiling structure. These temporary securing tabs are carried by the brackets and are spaced from the portion of the frame which is flush mounted to the underside of the ceiling so as to hold the ceiling between the frame and the tabs, and thus hold the frame assembly in place.