Abstract: A cutting tool including a base having a workpiece support surface for supporting a workpiece and an annular, upwardly facing bearing surface. The cutting tool also includes a turntable mounted on the base for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The turntable has a workpiece support surface and an annular, downwardly facing bearing surface. A cutting unit is mounted on the turntable for movement therewith and an annular bearing is mounted between the first and second bearing surfaces. The cutting unit also includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the second surface toward the first surface so that the base workpiece support surface and the turntable workpiece support surface form a smooth continuous upper surface beneath the cutting unit.

Abstract: A router including a base for supporting the router on a work piece surface, a motor housing supported by the base, and a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element. The router also includes a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing. The hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. The router may also include a fixing assembly for fixing the housing in a position relative to the base, the fixing assembly including a clamping member for applying a clamping force to the housing to fix the housing in a position relative to the base, and an actuator for moving the clamping member.

Abstract: A circular saw having an improved line-of-sight. The circular saw comprises a motor for rotatably driving a saw blade about an axis to cut a workpiece, a bevel angle being defined between the cutting plane of the saw blade and a surface of the workpiece; a housing supporting the motor; a shoe plate supporting the circular saw on the workpiece to be cut, the shoe plate being pivotably connected to the housing to adjust the bevel angle; a main handle supported by the housing; an auxiliary handle supported by the housing; and an indicator for indicating the bevel angle. Preferably, the main handle, the auxiliary handle and the indicator are arranged so that, in the cutting position, the operator can view the saw blade as the saw blade cuts the workpiece and can view the indicator. The operator holds the main handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other hand.

Abstract: A circular saw having an improved line-of-sight. The circular saw comprises a motor for rotatably driving a saw blade about an axis to cut a workpiece, a bevel angle being defined between the cutting plane of the saw blade and a surface of the workpiece, a housing supporting the motor; a shoe plate supporting the circular saw on the workpiece to be cut, the shoe plate being pivotably connected to the housing to adjust the bevel angle; a main handle supported by the housing; an auxiliary handle supported by the housing; and an indicator for indicating the bevel angle. Preferably, the main handle, the auxiliary handle and the indicator are arranged so that, in the cutting position, the operator can view the saw blade as the saw blade cuts the workpiece and can view the indicator. The operator holds the main handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other hand.

Abstract: A cutting tool including a base having a turntable mounted thereon for rotation about a vertical axis. The base has a surface including a first detent portion at a predetermined position, and a second detent portion mounted on the turntable and being selectively engageable with the first detent portion to releasably secure the turntable in a predetermined position of angular adjustment relative to the base. The cutting tool also includes a spring biasing the second detent portion against the base surface, and a lever movable with the turntable to move the second detent portion to a withdrawn position allowing angular adjustment of the position of the turntable about the predetermined position of angular adjustment of the turntable relative to the base.

Abstract: A cutting tool including a base having a turntable mounted thereon for rotation about a vertical axis. The base has a surface including a first detent portion at a predetermined position, and a second detent portion mounted on the turntable and being selectively engageable with the first detent portion to releasably secure the turntable in a predetermined position of angular adjustment relative to the base. The cutting tool also includes a spring biasing the second detent portion against the base surface, and a lever movable with the turntable to move the second detent portion to a withdrawn position allowing angular adjustment of the position of the turntable about the predetermined position of angular adjustment of the turntable relative to the base.

Abstract: A motorized miter saw includes a base having a turntable mounted thereon for rotation about a vertical axis, a cutting unit having a mounting apparatus for securing the cutting unit on the turntable for movement to non-cutting and cutting positions relative to the turntable, and an indexing apparatus for releasably securing the turntable in predetermined positions of angular adjustment. The saw also includes a detent receiving recess at each predetermined position, a detent alignable by rotation of the turntable with any one of the recesses and a detent biasing member constantly biasing the detent into the specific recess which it is aligned.