Abstract: Several preferred embodiments are disclosed for a tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool of the type which has a reciprocating plunger which has a tool attachment receiving slot for receiving a tool attachment of the type that has a shank portion. The clamping apparatus has an unclamped position and a clamped position. In the unclamped position, a tool attachment can be easily inserted and when it is in its clamped position, the tool attachment is securely retained. The preferred embodiments have at least one spring biasing the apparatus toward the clamped position, a releasable retaining mechanism for holding the apparatus in its unclamped position after being placed in that position. When the blade shank portion is inserted into the slot a predetermined distance, the shoulders of the shank portion release the retaining mechanism to move it to its clamped position.

Abstract: Several preferred embodiments are disclosed for a tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool of the type which has a reciprocating plunger which has a tool attachment receiving slot for receiving a tool attachment of the type that has a shank portion. The clamping apparatus has an unclamped position and a clamped position. In the unclamped position, a tool attachment can be easily inserted and when it is in its clamped position, the tool attachment is securely retained. The preferred embodiments have at least one spring biasing the apparatus toward the clamped position, a releasable retaining mechanism for holding the apparatus in its unclamped position after being placed in that position. When the blade shank portion is inserted into the slot a predetermined distance, the shoulders of the shank portion release the retaining mechanism to move it to its clamped position.

Abstract: Several preferred embodiments are disclosed for a tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool of the type which has a reciprocating plunger which has a tool attachment receiving slot for receiving a tool attachment of the type that has a shank portion. The clamping apparatus has an unclamped position and a clamped position. In the unclamped position, a tool attachment can be easily inserted and when it is in its clamped position, the tool attachment is securely retained. The preferred embodiments have at least one spring biasing the apparatus toward the clamped position, a releasable retaining mechanism for holding the apparatus in its unclamped position after being placed in that position. When the blade shank portion is inserted into the slot a predetermined distance, the shoulders of the shank portion release the retaining mechanism to move it to its clamped position.

Abstract: Several preferred embodiments are disclosed for a tool-less blade clamping apparatus for a reciprocating tool of the type which has a reciprocating plunger which has a tool attachment receiving slot for receiving a tool attachment of the type that has a shank portion. The clamping apparatus has an unclamped position and a clamped position. In the unclamped position, a tool attachment can be easily inserted and when it is in its clamped position, the tool attachment is securely retained. The preferred embodiments have at least one spring biasing the apparatus toward the clamped position, a releasable retaining mechanism for holding the apparatus in its unclamped position after being placed in that position. When the blade shank portion is inserted into the slot a predetermined distance, the shoulders of the shank portion release the retaining mechanism to move it to its clamped position.

Abstract: A planer having a base, a first support member attached to the base and supporting a cutterhead for selective travel in a first direction toward the base and a second opposite direction, a top frame attached to the first support member and a depth stop mechanism attached to the top frame for selectively preventing travel of the cutterhead in the first direction beyond a pre-selected distance from the base. A depth measuring device including a retractable tape may be attached to the cutterhead. A workpiece level indicator plate movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position may be attached to the planer to indicate contact with a workpiece. A locking mechanism for locking a pivotable infeed table of a planer in the upright position for storage, and thereby switching off power to the planer is also disclosed. The planer may include a readily attachable and detachable dust removal assembly.

Abstract: A planer having a base, a first support member attached to the base and supporting a cutterhead for selective travel in a first direction toward the base and a second opposite direction, a top frame attached to the first support member and a depth stop mechanism attached to the top frame for selectively preventing travel of the cutterhead in the first direction beyond a pre-selected distance from the base. A depth measuring device including a retractable tape may be attached to the cutterhead. A workpiece level indicator plate movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position may be attached to the planer to indicate contact with a workpiece. A locking mechanism for locking a pivotable infeed table of a planer in the upright position for storage, and thereby switching off power to the planer is also disclosed. The planer may include a readily attachable and detachable dust removal assembly.

Abstract: A planer having a base, a first support member attached to the base and supporting a cutterhead for selective travel in a first direction toward the base and a second opposite direction, a top frame attached to the first support member and a depth stop mechanism attached to the top frame for selectively preventing travel of the cutterhead in the first direction beyond a pre-selected distance from the base. A depth measuring device including a retractable tape may be attached to the cutterhead. A workpiece level indicator plate movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position may be attached to the planer to indicate contact with a workpiece. A locking mechanism for locking a pivotable infeed table of a planer in the upright position for storage, and thereby switching off power to the planer is also disclosed. The planer may include a readily attachable and detachable dust removal assembly.

Abstract: A planer having a base, a first support member attached to the base and supporting a cutterhead for selective travel in a first direction toward the base and a second opposite direction, a top frame attached to the first support member and a depth stop mechanism attached to the top frame for selectively preventing travel of the cutterhead in the first direction beyond a pre-selected distance from the base. A depth measuring device including a retractable tape may be attached to the cutterhead. A workpiece level indicator plate movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position may be attached to the planer to indicate contact with a workpiece. A locking mechanism for locking a pivotable infeed table of a planer in the upright position for storage, and thereby switching off power to the planer is also disclosed. The planer may include a readily attachable and detachable dust removal assembly.

Abstract: A multiple-speed gearbox for a planer. The planer includes a cutterhead mounted on an input shaft, which is driven by an electric motor, and infeed and outfeed rollers, which are driven by an output shaft. The gearbox includes a first input gear rotatable by the input shaft and a first and second output gears mounted on and independently rotatable about the output shaft. The gearbox further includes a three-gear set having a middle gear, a first outer gear and a second outer gear rotatable with a common speed. The middle gear engages the first input gear, the first outer gear engages the first output gear, and the second outer gear engages the second output gear. An actuator is operably attached to the multiple-speed gearbox to selectively engage the output shaft with one of the first and second output gears when the actuator is moved in a first or second axial direction respectively.

Abstract: A multiple-speed gearbox for a planer. The planer includes a cutterhead mounted on an input shaft, which is driven by an electric motor, and infeed and outfeed rollers, which are driven by an output shaft. The gearbox includes a first input gear rotatable by the input shaft and a first and second output gears mounted on and independently rotatable about the output shaft. The gearbox further includes a three-gear set having a middle gear, a first outer gear and a second outer gear rotatable with a common speed. The middle gear engages the first input gear, the first outer gear engages the first output gear, and the second outer gear engages the second output gear. An actuator is operably attached to the multiple-speed gearbox to selectively engage the output shaft with one of the first and second output gears when the actuator is moved in a first or second axial direction respectively.

Abstract: A scotch yoke mechanism for converting rotational movement into reciprocating linear movement and having an adjustable stroke length. The scotch yoke mechanism includes a stroke length toggle eccentrically connected to a cam such that the stroke length toggle may assume one of first and second positions. The first position defines a first stroke length which is shorter than a second stroke length defined by said second position. Rotational movement of the cam causes the stroke length toggle to assume the first position when the cam is rotated in a first direction to assume the second position when the cam is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An adjustable cutting stroke length is provided by a wobble plate mechanism. A wobble plate mechanism imparts reciprocating linear action to a working end of a reciprocating motorized tool. A drive source is included that has an axially rotatable main drive shaft that is selectively rotatable in one of two opposite directions. The main drive shaft is configured to engage a wobble mechanism that provides the reciprocating linear action to the tool's working end. One of a first stroke and a second stroke is provided to the working end of the tool by the wobble mechanism. When rotation of the main drive shaft occurs in a first direction, the working end is provided with a first stroke. Furthermore, when rotation of the main drive shaft occurs in a second direction, the working end is provided with a second stroke. Elements used for adjusting the stroke length are placed on one axis only.