Abstract: A jig for making chopsticks defines a guideway for a cutting tool and includes a workpiece holder that is configured to support a stick thereon in at least two different positions inclined at different angles relative to the guideway when the jig is in use. The jig may form part of a system for making chopsticks including a cutting tool that is manually slid along the guideway to cut the stick. The jig enables the stick to be positioned in several different positions sequentially so that in each of the different positions the cutting tool cuts a different surface of the stick to thereby form a high quality chopstick by hand. The jig may be reconfigurable for different styles of chopsticks, and may include a blade sharpening feature and an optional end-trimming assembly for cutting a pyramidal finial on an end of the chopstick.

Abstract: A kerf making machine includes a table. A slide assembly comprises first, second, and third slides. The first slide has a first stop and a first abutment on the end thereof. The second slide has a second stop oppositely positioned to the first stop. The third slide has a third abutment on the end thereof and is positioned relative to the first abutment a distance that is the exact distance of the desired distance. The slide assembly is reversed from its one side to its other side wherein the first slide, the second slide, and the third slide are positioned on the table.

Abstract: A cutting device (10) includes a sled (12) guided on a base (14) for reciprocating linear movement along a blade (20) that is supported on the base below the sled and includes an inclined working edge (28) projecting beyond the sled. The sled is manually movable while the blade is held stationary, so that a workpiece supported on the sled is conveyed against and along the working edge for cutting the workpiece. Mechanisms for adjusting the blade height, inclination angle, and bevel angle are also disclosed. Novel saw blades are also disclosed, and preferably include a blade extension extending from the working edge beyond the maximum travel of the sled. The blade extension may remain in the kerf at the end of a cutting stroke, preventing the blade from jamming against the workpiece upon a return stroke and may also provide an unobstructed means by which to gage blade angle relative to the sled.

Abstract: A kerf making machine includes a table. A slide assembly comprises first, second, and third slides. The first slide has a first stop and a first abutment on the end thereof. The second slide has a second stop oppositely positioned to the first stop. The third slide has a third abutment on the end thereof and is positioned relative to the first abutment a distance that is the exact distance of the desired distance. The slide assembly is reversed from its one side to its other side wherein the first slide, the second slide, and the third slide are positioned on the table.

Abstract: A cutting device (10) includes a sled (12) guided on a base (14) for reciprocating linear movement along a blade (20) that is supported on the base below the sled and includes an inclined working edge (28) projecting beyond the sled. The sled is manually movable while the blade is held stationary, so that a workpiece supported on the sled is conveyed against and along the working edge for cutting the workpiece. Mechanisms for adjusting the blade height, inclination angle, and bevel angle are also disclosed. Novel saw blades are also disclosed, and preferably include a blade extension extending from the working edge beyond the maximum travel of the sled. The blade extension may remain in the kerf at the end of a cutting stroke, preventing the blade from jamming against the workpiece upon a return stroke and may also provide an unobstructed means by which to gage blade angle relative to the sled.

Abstract: A variable cutting angle hand plane is provided. The variable cutting hand plan has a base unit configured for holding an iron, wherein the base unit has a sole and a throat extending through the base unit to the sole. The base unit has an adjustable frog for supporting the iron at multiple angles with respect to the sole. A means for engaging the iron is used for holding the iron against the adjustable frog. The hand plane may have an adjustable throat. There may be a means for indicating the approximate angle of the adjustable frog.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap pivotally mounts to a hand plane. The iron cap for the hand plane mates to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker for engaging the iron where the chip breaker pivots approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. A nose piece on the chip breaker may be configured to extend and pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a mass near the cuffing edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.

Abstract: A ruler system for measuring workpieces includes a multi-surfaced ruler with rules inscribed along the edges of several surfaces. The ruler contains grooves and T-slots in its surfaces that run along the length of the ruler. In addition, apertures are located in the end surfaces of the ruler. The T-slots and apertures allow several accessories to be attached to the ruler for additional functionality. The accessories include a wheel attachment for drawing parallel lines, storyboard indicators for repeated measurements, a hook rule for measuring from the end of a workpiece, and trammel points for drawing arcs and circles. Connectors may be placed in the grooves of the ruler to link together multiple rulers.

Abstract: A tool for accurately determining and setting angles using an x beam and a y beam that pivot about a common axis and may be locked in position relative to each other with an axle lock and by locking one leg of each beam to a slotted stabilizer bar. Index holes on the x beam and the y beam receive movable index pins between which measurements are taken. Trigonometric calculation may be used, or a precalculated reference book or data table may be consulted, to determine or set the angle between the x and y beams for various index pins separations, when the pins are located in the various combinations of x and y beam holes. Relatively course linear measurements permit very fine angular measurements and settings.