Abstract: A portable electric plunge router (10) having an improved housing (20) including a right handle (28) and a left handle (30) each including an elongated portion (32) and a hand rest lobe portion (34). The handles of the router are conveniently gripped in two positions corresponding to a plunge operation and guided movement position and a detail or free-hand cutting position. In the plunge or guided cutting position, the elongated portion (32) of the handles are gripped. In the detailed or free-hand cutting position, the hand rest lobe portions (34) of the handles (28) and (30) are gripped while steadying the router by sliding a portion of the user's hands along the surface of the workpiece (52). An upper surface (36) of the hand rest lobe portion (34) extends radially outwardly and downwardly from the elongated portion (32) of the handles (28) and (30). A bridging portion (38) encloses wiring to switches disposed on the handles (28) and (30).

Abstract: A router including an arrangement for locking the shaft against rotation and preventing power from being supplied to the motor when the shaft is locked. The shaft is locked by movement of a lock bar which traps a flatted portion of the shaft in an appropriately dimensioned slot. A secondary switch in the power path to the motor is controlled by movement of the lock bar. In addition, an indicator lamp connected to the secondary switch is lit when the shaft is locked and the router is still connected to a source of power.

Abstract: A plunge type router including a mechanism for setting the depth of cut of the router. The mechanism is a compact and self-contained assembly which provides for fine adjustment, locking and quick release, all at a single location on the tool.

Abstract: A deadman switch arrangement for a hedge trimmer wherein the auxiliary handle of the hedge trimmer is provided with a cover member which pivots thereon. The cover member has a camming surface near its pivot point, the camming surface having a ramp which moves an actuating pin inwardly toward the center of the hedge trimmer housing as the cover member is moved toward the auxiliary handle. When moved inwardly of the housing, the actuating pin closes a switch to complete the main power circuit of the hedge trimmer. The cover member is biased away from the auxiliary handle so that if the operator releases the cover member, the hedge trimmer is automatically turned off.

Abstract: A plunge type router including an arrangement for locking the depth of cut adjustment which does not require the operator to release the grip on the router handle. The locking mechanism is activated by an actuator arm mounted for pivoting movement within the handle. Pivoting of the actuator arm causes a stop plug to be pressed against a guide tube displaceably coupling the router base plate to the router motor housing.

Abstract: A self correcting belt tracking mechanism is disclosed for a portable belt sander having an idler belt roller arranged with its axis movable into and out of co-planer relation with that of a driven belt roller, and springs acting in opposition to each other to resist such idler roller axis movement.