Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a jig saw including a base structure, and a housing pivotally moveable relative to the base structure about a first axis that extends longitudinally along the base structure. A motor is positioned within the housing. The motor reciprocates a blade in an up and down motion. A connecting member extends between the housing and the base structure. The saw also includes a first wedge that cooperates with the connecting member to clamp the housing relative to the base structure. The first wedge is moveable to a first position in which the connecting member is caused to compress the housing and the base structure together such that pivotal movement between the housing and the base structure is inhibited. The first wedge is also moveable to a second position in which the housing can be manually pivoted relative to the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a jigsaw including a base, a housing pivotally movable relative to the base about a first axis that extends longitudinally along the base, and a motor positioned within the housing. The jigsaw also includes a blade coupled to the motor by a drive mechanism adapted for reciprocating the blade in an up-and-down motion. The blade is laterally supported by a blade guide connected to the base that is pivotally movable about the first axis. When the housing is pivoted relative to the base about the first axis, the blade guide also pivots about the first axis to inhibit binding between the blade and the blade guide.

Abstract: A sander vacuum housing and pad frame system is provided for generating unique, continuous air flow for dust collection in a sander coupled to a dust collection system, while providing the versatility of a pad frame system. The system has particular application to a pad frame system for supporting sanding pads having varying characteristics, but is not limited to such a system. The system comprises a vacuum housing configured to be coupled to a motorized sanding mechanism of a sander for moving the vacuum housing in a sanding motion. The vacuum housing defines the upper portion of a dust channel. The dust channel in the vacuum housing is configured for connection to a dust collection system. The system further comprises a pad frame configured to be coupled under the vacuum housing for moving the lower surface of an attached frame in a sanding motion. The pad frame comprises a sanding pad for supporting sandpaper.

Abstract: An in-line sander comprising a sander body which houses a motor coupled to an in-line oscillating mechanism. The in-line oscillating mechanism is adapted and configured to move a sanding pad in a linear oscillating motion.A preferred pad is a profiled sanding pad coupled to the in-line oscillating mechanism. The profiled sanding pad has, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the linear oscillating motion of the sander, a particular cross sectional profile corresponding to a profile to be formed onto or to be sanded on a workpiece. The cross sectional configuration extends substantially consistently along the length of the pad, and the pad defines a sanding surface having a profile corresponding to the particular cross sectional profile. With such profiled sanding pads, sandpaper secured to the sanding surface of the pads will power sand the profile to be formed onto or to be sanded on a workpiece.

Abstract: An optical system for projecting an alignment marker on to a workpiece relative to the circular blade of a power saw. The light projection system projects a planar beam of light along a plane defined by one side of the blade to designate the location at which that side of the blade will enter the workpiece. An adjustment mechanism may be included to allow movement of the light projection system so that the planar beam of light can be selectively located parallel to the plane defined by either side of the blade.

Abstract: A miter saw with an optical system for projecting an optical alignment marker onto a workpiece. The miter saw has a base, a turntable rotatably supported by the base, a fence disposed above the base for supporting the orientation of the workpiece located on the base, a support coupled to the rear portion of the turntable, and a cutting apparatus including a blade for cutting the workpiece. The cutting apparatus is pivotally coupled to the support for positioning the blade from a raised position above the workpiece to an operational position for engagement with the workpiece. The light projection system is attached to the cutting apparatus for projecting an optical alignment marker onto the workpiece so that the location at which the blade engages the workpiece is in a selectably adjustable relationship with respect to the position of the optical alignment marker on the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shaft and bearing assembly comprising a cylindrical shaft. The bearing assembly comprises first and second ends, the bearing assembly further comprising a ball bearing having an inner race positioned over the shaft. A restraining mechanism is located on the shaft for preventing the first end of the bearing assembly from coming off the shaft. The shaft further comprises an end formed over the second end of the bearing assembly in order to hold the bearing assembly against the restraining mechanism and onto the shaft.