Abstract: A vise for securing a work piece is disclosed which includes a base. A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece can be disposed on the base, at least one of the first and second jaw pieces movable on the base such that the first and second jaw pieces are moveable toward and away from one another. A magnetic assembly can be positioned on the base and configured to produce a magnetic field that extends beyond the base to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface. The magnetic assembly can be operable to alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode. The magnetic assembly can produce a magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface.

Abstract: A drill press is disclosed including a drill press column. A drill press spindle assembly can be mounted to the drill press column. A drill press table can include a table frame secured to the drill press column and a table insert removably received in the table frame. The table frame can be positioned on the support column beneath the drill press spindle assembly, and the table insert can be positionable under the drill press spindle assembly when the table insert is received in the table frame. A work piece can be supported by the drill press table insert and the drill press spindle assembly can be operable to engage the work piece supported by the drill press table insert. Different table inserts can be interchangeable to provide different functionalities for the drill press as desired without having to replace the entire drill press table on the column.

Abstract: A power tool includes a control for the motor of the power tool that senses an operating characteristic of the motor and controls the operation of the power tool based on the sensed characteristic. The sensed characteristic includes variations in reluctance of the motor. A controller may sense changes on load on the motor as a result of interaction between a working element such as a saw blade or drill bit and the work piece. The controlled operation may include variation in speed or torque or both, or may include stopping the motor. Emergency conditions may be sensed by changes in reluctance.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Abstract: A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.

Abstract: A vise for securing a work piece is disclosed which includes a base. A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece can be disposed on the base, at least one of the first and second jaw pieces movable on the base such that the first and second jaw pieces are moveable toward and away from one another. A magnetic assembly can be positioned on the base and configured to produce a magnetic field that extends beyond the base to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface. The magnetic assembly can be operable to alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode. The magnetic assembly can produce a magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface.

Abstract: A work table apparatus is disclosed for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. The magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A power tool includes a control for the motor of the power tool that senses an operating characteristic of the motor and controls the operation of the power tool based on the sensed characteristic. The sensed characteristic includes variations in reluctance of the motor. A controller may sense changes on load on the motor as a result of interaction between a working element such as a saw blade or drill bit and the work piece. The controlled operation may include variation in speed or torque or both, or may include stopping the motor. Emergency conditions may be sensed by changes in reluctance.

Abstract: A power tool includes a control for the motor of the power tool that senses an operating characteristic of the motor and controls the operation of the power tool based on the sensed characteristic. The sensed characteristic includes variations in reluctance of the motor. A controller may sense changes on load on the motor as a result of interaction between a working element such as a saw blade or drill bit and the work piece. The controlled operation may include variation in speed or torque or both, or may include stopping the motor. Emergency conditions may be sensed by changes in reluctance.

Abstract: A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.

Abstract: A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Abstract: A power tool includes a control for the motor of the power tool that senses an operating characteristic of the motor and controls the operation of the power tool based on the sensed characteristic. The sensed characteristic includes variations in reluctance of the motor. A controller may sense changes on load on the motor as a result of interaction between a working element such as a saw blade or drill bit and the work piece. The controlled operation may include variation in speed or torque or both, or may include stopping the motor. Emergency conditions may be sensed by changes in reluctance.

Abstract: A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.

Abstract: A lathe or other rotating machine includes a chuck for holding a work piece or tool. The chuck is operated between engaging and disengaging positions by rotating a chuck key that has been inserted into a key receiving opening in the chuck. A chuck key docking station on the machine includes a sensor to sense the presence or absence of the chuck key at the docking station. The sensor is connected to prevent operation of the machine at speed if the chuck key is not sensed in the chuck key docking station.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Abstract: A power drill can comprise a housing having a motor that includes an output member. A rotary output spindle can be journaled in the housing. A transmission can be disposed in the housing and include a first output gear and a second output gear. The transmission can selectively couple the output member to the output spindle through one of the first output gear or the second output gear for rotating the output spindle at one of a first speed or a second speed, respectively. A speed shift assembly can include a guide plate and a user engageable member. The guide plate can selectively influence movement of the first and second output gears. The user engageable member can be movable between a first speed position and a second speed position. Movement between the first and second positions can cause the second output gear to at least partially nest into the first output gear.