Abstract: A guarding system for the protection of workers at least at the workpiece discharge side of a truss lumber component cutting apparatus is disclosed. Guard sections are attached to and move with movable elements of the cutting apparatus in both horizontal and vertical directions of movement in relation to a lower stationary guard section. As a result, a restricted opening only is formed by the guarding system at the workpiece discharge side of the apparatus so that a worker can receive cut wooden components with comparative safety.

Abstract: Rotary saw blades mounted on primary supports of a truss component cutting machine require angular adjustment to produce various required angle cuts of the truss components without changing the necessary lengths of the components. To achieve this result, the outer face of each rotary saw blade must pivot around a fixed reference axis lying on the outer face of the blade. The system provides a number of diverse precision adjustments of parts on which the saw blades are supported to assure that the blades in all angularly adjusted positions will have their outer faces remaining on the fixed reference pivot axis.

Abstract: A radial arm saw has a vertical rotational axis which is displaceable from the plane of the work fence through predetermined distances. A mechanism is provided through which the work fence will be automatically shifted on a linear path in response to angular rotation of the radial arm saw about its vertical axis of rotation through a distance proportional to the degree of angular rotation. The mechanism includes a carriage and linear slide arrangement for the work fence and a proportional cam actuator for the carriage on a turntable of the radial arm saw.

Abstract: A power saw for rapid repetitive and accurate cutting of truss members and the like at predetermined angles to insure tight fitting truss joints. The power saw is cycled vertically in a reciprocating mode after being set at a precise cutting angle. Cooperating adjustable angle stops make possible a wide range of accurate angle cuts. A power-operated retractable fence or work positioner and a coacting power workpiece clamp are provided, as well as means to adjust the saw for fence line or workpiece center line cutting.