Abstract: A rotary cutting tool includes a housing and a motor provided within the housing for rotating a cutting accessory coupled to the rotary cutting tool. The rotary cutting tool also includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a point of cut of the rotary cutting tool. Each of the plurality of light emitting diodes have a central longitudinal axis, and at least one of the light emitting diodes is couple to the housing such that the central longitudinal axis of the light emitting diode is not parallel to a rotation axis of the cutting accessory.

Abstract: A scoring apparatus for placing a scoring line on a back surface of a piece of vinyl or rubber cove molding, in order to easily conform the molding about sharp corners. The scoring apparatus uses a frame for pivotally supporting a router between an inoperative position and a work engaging position. The router is mounted on a base that slides within a slot in the frame so that it can be drawn across the cove molding to provide the scoring line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing base end plunge router depth adjustment, such as when a router is utilized with a router table. The apparatus and method of the present invention permits accurate and efficient depth adjustment when utilizing a router with a router table. A router depth adjustment device includes an adjustment knob and indexer, so users are provided with the ability for measured depth adjustment.

Abstract: The dust attachment which is used with a spiral saw power tool includes a first attachment portion which at a rear end has a substantially dust-tight fit with a mounting head portion of the tool. The other (forward) end extends beyond a forward edge of the mounting head portion, but such that the spiral saw bit extends beyond the forward edge of the attachment portion by a distance which is slightly greater than that of the thickness of the workpiece. An attaching member such as a screw secures the dust attachment portion to the tool. An dust exit tube extends from a side surface of the attachment portion and communicates with the interior of the attachment portion. The dust exit tube extends at an angle away from the attachment portion toward the rear end thereof.

Abstract: A guide (12) for setting the depth of cut of a rotary cutting tool, or other hand-held power tool, which automatically locks into a desired position to set the depth of a cut without requiring manual operation of a locking knob or similar structure. The depth guide is released from the locked position by actuation of a release switch (94). The depth guide includes a depth guide base (50), a depth guide shaft (52) attached to the depth guide base, and an automatic locking and release mechanism (54) coupled to the depth guide shaft. The automatic locking and release mechanism and depth guide shaft may be mounted in a handle (24) of the hand-held power tool, such as a detachable handle, for mounting the depth guide to the tool.

Abstract: A hole cutting tool (10) configured for cutting an accurately located and precisely shaped hole in a surface, such as a wall (W) of a finished residential or commercial building is disclosed. The tool (10) provides a frame assembly (12) which is self-adhering to the surface (W) and carries removable templates (14, 146-152) for handsfree use in cutting an accurately located and precisely shaped hole. The unique frame assembly (12) provides multiple selectable, pneumatically isolated suction chambers (50,52) that enable the self-adhesion function even when the frame assembly (12) is placed over existing holes in the surface (W). The suction chambers (50,52) are formed in part by a unique corrugated gasket (56) that enables the frame assembly (12) to self-adhere to porous surfaces. The removable template (14) enables dust particles created during the cutting process to be simultaneously vacuumed away regardless of the orientation of the template (14) relative to the frame assembly (12).

Abstract: An offset base router includes an offset base assembly comprising a base coupled with a sub-base which provides an offset center of gravity and an aperture through which a bit may access a work piece. Additionally, the base and sub-base allow a dust collection system to be attached through them. The offset base router further includes a motor assembly comprising a motor casing which houses a motor. The motor assembly connects with a gear assembly comprising an inner gear casing which is housed in an outer gear casing that includes a grip. The inner gear casing houses an arbor assembly that connects with the bit and the motor. A height adjustment assembly coupled with the offset base assembly and the inner gear casing allows a user to adjust the height of the inner gear casing relative to the base and the sub-base.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a detachable flexible handle for a power hand tool and an attachment system associated with the handle and the tool for releasably attaching either a rigid or the flexible handle to the power hand tool. The system has housing attachment recesses on the tool that receive attachment clips located at opposite end portions of the flexible handle or structure of a rigid handle.

Abstract: A system assembly (110) and a process for installation of it's major components, comprised of a clamping apparatus (10) for precision processing of a work piece (58) on a wood shaper (68), a router table (72) and a table saw (70). A machine operator can load a work piece (58) onto a platform base (12) and fix the work piece (58) by means of a block (62), a clamp (30), a clamp (34) and a sacrifice stick (60) held by a clamp (44). The operator moves the entire assembly (10) along a processing machine fence guide (98) while engaging the overhead guide/guard (26) continuously with the processing machine fence guide (98). Comprised of an adjustable back fence assembly (112) for precision processing of a work piece (58) on a wood shaper (68), a router table (72) and a table saw (70).

Abstract: A support mechanism for selectively mounting a fixed base or plunge type router on a router table comprises a table plate having top and bottom sides and an opening therethrough having an opening axis, and a carriage beneath said table plate for supporting a router coaxial with said opening axis. Guide posts slidably support the carriage for axial displacement toward and away from the table plate, and adjusting screws rotatable relative to the table plate interengage with the carriage for rotation of the screws to displace the carriage relative to the table plate. The carriage includes a pair of carriage blocks interengaging with the guide posts and adjusting screws, and a router mounting plate which is removably mounted on the carriage blocks. The router mounting plate is provided with a plurality of sets of mounting holes, and each set is for mounting a different make and/or model router on the table plate.

Abstract: An electric power tool including a housing 2 having a motive power 3, and a tool holder 19 coupled to said motive power 3 for receiving a cutting tool, a base plate 4 having an opening 5 through which said cutting tool extends, said base plate 4 being adjustable mounted to said housing by guide arms 6, 7, the position of said cutting tool being varied by adjusting the position of the base plate 4 relative to the housing 2, said tool holder 19 being able to extend through the opening 5 of the base plate 4 for easier access to the tool holder, a slave pin 24 in the housing 2 adapted to engage a recess in the tool holder to lock the tool holder 19 against rotation to enable single-handed removal of a tool from the tool holder 19 from above a tool table, such as a router table.

Abstract: A guide attachment for a rotary hand tool is disclosed that comprises a housing, an adapter and a removable base. The attachment is configured to remove grout from between adjacent tiles, such as floor or wall tiles. The housing of the preferred embodiment is configured to permit a tool bit to engage a work surface at the normal intersection of two planes. The removable base of the preferred embodiment permits the attachment to work on flat surfaces. The base is also reversible and contains multiple sets of guide points for guiding the tool bit along grooves that have different widths. The preferred embodiment can also include a vacuum adapter that is attachable to the housing and allows a vacuum hose to be coupled to the guide attachment for removing debris during operation. The configuration of the housing or locking mechanism accommodates adapters having different circumferences.

Abstract: A cutter bit for use in combination with a rotary cutter, the cutter brick comprising a removal boss integrally formed on the cutter bit shank adjacent to cutter bit body to allow removal of the cutter bit from the rotary cutting tool with a wrench ordinarily used to operate the chuck mounted on the rotary cutting tool. A boss includes a pair of spaced apart annular flanges extending outwardly from the shank and a concave angular area extending between the flanges.

Abstract: A cutter bit is provided which includes a body having a pair of free ends with a cutter bit mounted adjacent each free end. A boss extends outwardly from the center of the body such that a portion of the body and the cutter bit may be mounted in a rotary cutting tool to allow the second cutter bit to be utilized. The bit is reversible such that either cutter bit may be positioned within the chuck of a rotary cutter tool while the cutter bit mounted on the opposite side of the body is utilized. A method of mounting a cutter bit in a rotary cutter tool is also provided which includes steps of loosening the bit within the chuck of the rotating cutting tool, removing the bit from the chuck, rotating the bit end to end, replacing the end of the bit that was out of the chuck originally into the chuck, and tightening the chuck.

Abstract: A removable surface positioning guide for a rotary hand-held tool provides one or more adjustable features for selective positioning of a surface engaging bit driven by the rotary hand-held tool. The surface positioning guide may include a pivot joint between a guide base and a mounting adapter. The guide base pivots relative to the mounting adapter about the pivot joint between operable positions. The surface positioning guide may include at least one spring supported by the mounting adapter either directly or indirectly that biases a guide base axially away from the mounting adapter. The guide base is movable toward the mounting adapter against the biasing of the at least one spring to effect a plunging movement. The surface positioning guide may include a reversible or interchangeable base flange with differently configured faces that are adapted to be placed against a working surface.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for a hand-held rotary cutting machine to allow the operator to accurately and uniformly remove material from a work-piece and to shield the operator from exposure to the cutting tool. The apparatus employs a stepped guide to limit and control the depth of cut.

Abstract: Devices and systems for adjustably positioning a router on a work surface such as a router table are disclosed. A router lift in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a top plate having an opening therethrough adapted to receive a router bit, one or more columns extending from the bottom surface of the top plate, a router housing operatively coupled to the one or more columns, and a power screw threadably connected through the top plate and housing. The housing may include a generally circular portion defining a cylindrical aperture that can be adjusted to accommodate for various router sizes. The housing may also include cooling fins to dissipate heat generated from the router. A calibration dial having a scale that can be used to measure elevation of the router and router bit relative to the top plate may also be used.

Abstract: A tool comprising a housing having a handle and a distal end wherein the distal end includes a spindle capable of receiving a bit and defining an axis of rotation. The tool further comprises a quick-release chuck assembly that includes a sleeve and a trigger. The sleeve is disposed about the spindle and spring biased in a locked position wherein the sleeve is capable of being moved axially to an unlocked position to permit insertion of such a bit. The trigger includes a finger receiving portion and an actuator portion where the finger receiving portion extends from the housing in a position that enables the user to actuate the trigger with a finger of the hand holding the handle. The actuator portion is in physical communication with an engagement portion of the sleeve wherein the activation of the trigger causes the sleeve to move axially to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A fixed base router with an adjustable depth of cut comprising a motor unit including a first threads and an output spindle, a router bit operatively connected to the output spindle of the motor unit, an adjustment ring including a second threads for cooperation with the first threads of the motor unit for adjustment of the depth of cut of the router bit, a base for supporting the adjustment ring, and a plurality of clip assemblies for selectably coupling the adjustment ring to the base assembly, and wherein the clip assemblies are simultaneously operable by the fingers of one hand of the person using the router.

Abstract: A jig assembly for use with work piece and a hand-held power tool having a cutting bit includes a first member and at least one insert. The first member has a first opening and is configured to be positioned adjacent a first side of the work piece. The at least one insert is configured to fit within the first opening in the first member and includes a second opening. At least one of the first opening and second opening is configured to allow a portion of the hand-held power tool to pass therethrough to contact the work piece and to act as a guide for the hand-held power tool as it removes material from the work piece.

Abstract: A generally C shaped power tool handle has two ends for releasably engaging the power tool housing, with a gripping portion between the ends. One of the handle ends has a release lever, while the other of the ends has an attachment arm. The release lever has an actuating end operable to detach the handle from the tool housing. Additional power tool handle embodiments are directed to a tool handle that has a gripping layer and a storage compartment in the handle, with a pliable lip in the handle for resisting movement of stored tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric power tool with a housing, in which a drive mechanism is received; the electric power tool includes a shaft, with a chuck (20) received in it, for receiving a tool insert (19). The chuck (20) is surrounded by an annular bearing face (9). The bearing face (8, 9) includes receiving elements that enable the guidance of the electric power tool on a guide rail (1, 35), such as receptacles (21, 22; 31, 32) and (33) for slip-on tools (25), such as templates, that can be received on the support (8, 9).

Abstract: A circle cutting accessory for use with a generally cylindrical powered rotary hand tool with an output shaft at one end thereof, the tool having a second accessory attached to the one end, with the second accessory having at its distal end an outwardly extending flange with a first predetermined diameter around a substantial portion of the circumference thereof, the circle cutting accessory including a generally flat housing for receiving and supporting the second accessory and the rotary hand tool. The housing has an upper support surface with an aperture through which a cutting tool attached to the output shaft can pass. The circle cutting accessory further includes a generally horizontal elongated arm mounted to the housing and extends outwardly from the housing. A circle center and sizing elongated member is slidably attached to the arm and has a centering pin extending downwardly therefrom at one end portion.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a tool includes a holding block having a central opening formed from a stack of laminated members secured together. The block includes holes extending away from the central opening. A pair of support plates are secured to the block and are secured at right angles to one another. Key hole slots are in one of the support members and have a first bore containing a slug and a second bore at right angles thereto. A threaded member extends through the other of the support members, through the second bore, and is threaded into the slug within the first bore.

Abstract: A router including a base for supporting the router on a work piece surface, a motor housing supported by the base, and a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element. The router also includes a hand grip attachable to one of the base and the housing. The hand grip may be contoured to fit a hand of an operator and may be at least partially formed of an elastomeric material. The router may also include a fixing assembly for fixing the housing in a position relative to the base, the fixing assembly including a clamping member for applying a clamping force to the housing to fix the housing in a position relative to the base, and an actuator for moving the clamping member.

Abstract: A fixed base router is provided comprising a base having a central bore. The router includes an adjusting ring rotatably affixed to a base upper end, being coaxial with the central bore, and having a series of gear teeth formed thereto defining a ring gear. A motor housing, including a motor for imparting rotational motion to a tool holder, is threadably engaged with the adjusting ring. A pinion gear, journaled for rotation relative to the base, is engaged with the ring gear, and is coupled for rotation with a dial extending from the base. The base is adapted to prevent rotation of the motor housing relative thereto, such that rotation of the adjusting ring axially translates the motor housing relative to the base. The router includes a scale and indicator for indicating fine adjustment of the motor housing relative to the base.

Abstract: A device for removing grout from between a joint. The device comprises at least one handle member with at least one guide and at least one motor portion. The motor portion has at least one cutting member. The guide and the cutting member are aligned. The guide is adapted to guide the cutting member along the joint.

Abstract: A quick release attachment tool where the rotary tool has a housing which encloses a motor with the housing having a central axis, a non-operational end portion and an operational end portion. A nose portion is formed at the operational end portion, and the nose portion has an outer annular groove disposed generally perpendicularly to the axis. The nose portion also has a non-circular element at the outer end thereof coaxial with the central axis. A rotatable shaft is connected to the motor and located along the central axis. The attachment tool includes a central cavity, an attachment end portion and a working end portion. A non-circular mating element is formed in the central cavity that matingly engages the non-circular element of the rotary tool. There is also a biased connection element provided on the attachment tool, which faces the central cavity. This biased connection element engages the annular groove of the nose portion when the attachment tool is fitted onto the rotary tool.

Abstract: A process board is moved, positioned and processed by first and second upper conveyers and first and second lower conveyers, and a tool of a head is moved between the first upper and lower conveyers and the second upper and lower conveyers such that the first and second upper conveyers and the first and second lower conveyers are not damaged by the tool.

Abstract: A fixed base router is provided comprising a base having a central bore. The router includes an adjusting ring rotatably affixed to a base upper end, being coaxial with the central bore, and having a series of gear teeth formed thereto defining a ring gear. A motor housing, including a motor for imparting rotational motion to a tool holder, is threadably engaged with the adjusting ring. A pinion gear, journaled for rotation relative to the base, is engaged with the ring gear, and is coupled for rotation with a dial extending from the base. The base is adapted to prevent rotation of the motor housing relative thereto, such that rotation of the adjusting ring axially translates the motor housing relative to the base. The router includes a scale and indicator for indicating fine adjustment of the motor housing relative to the base.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for a hand-held rotary cutting machine to allow the operator to accurately and uniformly remove material from a work-piece and to shield the operator from exposure to the cutting tool. The apparatus employs a stepped guide to limit and control the depth of cut.

Abstract: A combined rotary hand tool and accessory attachment includes a rotary hand tool having an output shaft and a nose end associated with the shaft. An accessory attachment has a mounting portion configured for releasable attachment to the nose end and an engagement formation provided to the nose end and the mounting portion and configured so that the mounting portion is securable upon the nose end upon an approximate ¼ relative rotation.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a plunge router mounted on the underside of a router table comprises an adjusting screw extending vertically beneath the table and being rotatable relative to the table from the top side thereof, and a lift arm threadedly engaged with the screw and having an end spaced from the screw and interconnected with the router, whereby rotation of the screw displaces the router relative to the table.

Abstract: A power tool accessory system has a first accessory with a first connector for attaching the accessory to the power tool, and a second connector for attaching a second accessory to the first accessory. Preferably both attachment means are manually operable whereby the first accessory may be attached to a power tool and to a second accessory without the use of tools.

Abstract: A portable device includes at least one tool driven by a motor and provided in a housing with at least two housing surfaces at relative right angles to each other. One of the housing surfaces is arranged at a right angle relative to the tool and the device includes a plurality of stops fixedly connect and pivotably connected with the housing to be moved out or pivoted out until corresponding stop surfaces are reached. The stop surfaces have different differences with respect to the tool.

Abstract: A collet assembly for a tool comprising a collet nut rotatably connectable to the tool; a collet operatively connectable to the collet nut; and a collet wrench movably connected with the tool and engageable with the collet nut for tightening and loosening the collet.

Abstract: A guide (12) for setting the depth of cut of a rotary cutting tool, or other hand-held power tool, which automatically locks into a desired position to set the depth of a cut without requiring manual operation of a locking knob or similar structure. The depth guide is released from the locked position by actuation of a release switch (94). The depth guide includes a depth guide base (50), a depth guide shaft (52) attached to the depth guide base, and an automatic locking and release mechanism (54) coupled to the depth guide shaft. The automatic locking and release mechanism and depth guide shaft may be mounted in a handle (24) of the hand-held power tool, such as a detachable handle, for mounting the depth guide to the tool.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A plate joiner including a fence support, a drive, and a fence system. The fence support includes a cutter and a contact surface, which defines a cutter slot. The cutter is arranged and configured to protrude from fence support through cutter slot to make a plunge cut into a surface of a workpiece when the contact surface is pressed against the surface and the cutter is plunged into the workpiece by pushing on a rearward handle portion of the tool. The drive is arranged and configured to rotatably drive the cutter through a motor. As shown in the drawings a preferred fence system includes an angle adjustment system arranged and configured to position the fence at a wide range of fence angles and, at any selected distance from a top face of the workpiece to the fence, the distance from the top face of the workpiece to the cutter remains constant as the front fence angle is adjusted. A preferred fence system includes a trunnion which pivotally couples the front fence to the fence system.

Abstract: A router bit system and method. The system includes at least one shaping body having at least one cutting blade and at least one shank, at least one guide bearing and a fastener for detachably coupling the guide bearing to said shaping body in which the shank includes at least one substantially flat surface for receiving a gripping device. The substantially flat surfaces of the shank can include a plurality of raised ridges for providing a slip-resistant gripping surface. In addition, at least a portion of the substantially flat surface of the shank can include a protective material. The cutting blades of the shaping body can remove a predetermined amount of material from a workpiece in which the predetermined amount of the material removed can be partially based upon a radius of the guide bearing.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: A quick release attachment tool where the rotary tool has a housing which encloses a motor with the housing having a central axis, a non-operational end portion and an operational end portion. A nose portion is formed at the operational end portion, and the nose portion has an outer annular groove disposed generally perpendicularly to the axis. The nose portion also has a non-circular element at the outer end thereof coaxial with the central axis. A rotatable shaft is connected to the motor and located along the central axis. The attachment tool includes a central cavity, an attachment end portion and a working end portion. A non-circular mating element is formed in the central cavity that matingly engages the non-circular element of the rotary tool. There is also a biased connection element provided on the attachment tool, which faces the central cavity. This biased connection element engages the annular groove of the nose portion when the attachment tool is fitted onto the rotary tool.

Abstract: A cordless router motor unit has a metal barrel and a plastic battery housing. A DC motor is housed inside of the barrel and drives an output shaft and up to a ½″ collet chuck. The battery housing holds a power switch and is fastened to the barrel. A battery is releasably attached to the battery housing through a sliding engagement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the motor unit. When the battery is in its locked position relative to the battery housing, the center of gravity of the battery is balanced over the output shaft. The power switch is positioned radially from the DC motor and below the battery so that the router motor unit has a low center of gravity. The battery provides at least 18V and the maximum power output of the DC motor is at least ⅝ hp. The barrel can be sized to engage with a router base which also engages with a corded router motor unit.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.

Abstract: The level-adjusting apparatus adjusts the level of a tool such as a router having a bit for cutting a piece of work on a working surface. The apparatus has a carriage on which the router is mounted. The carriage is located beneath the working surface and its bit projects above the surface. The carriage may be raised and lowered by means of a handle above the working surface. The handle is removable so that once the router is in position the handle may be removed so that it does not interfere with the routing operation.

Abstract: A router is described for cutting workpieces with router bits. The router includes a safety system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and a router bit. The safety system includes a reaction subsystem configured to perform one or more predetermined actions in the event a dangerous condition is detected. In one embodiment, the safety system is configured to detect accidental contact between a person and the router bit, and then at least partially retract the router bit the person.

Abstract: A cordless router motor unit has a metal barrel and a plastic battery housing. A DC motor is housed inside of the barrel and drives an output shaft and up to a ½″ collet chuck. The battery housing holds a power switch and is fastened to the barrel. A battery is releasably attached to the battery housing through a sliding engagement in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the motor unit. When the battery is in its locked position relative to the battery housing, the center of gravity of the battery is balanced over the output shaft. The power switch is positioned radially from the DC motor and below the battery so that the router motor unit has a low center of gravity. The battery provides at least 18V and the maximum power output of the DC motor is at least ⅝ hp. The barrel can be sized to engage with a router base which also engages with a corded router motor unit.

Abstract: A combined rotary hand tool and accessory attachment includes a rotary hand tool having an output shaft and a nose end associated with the shaft. An accessory attachment has a mounting portion configured for releasable attachment to the nose end and an engagement formation provided to the nose end and the mounting portion and configured so that the mounting portion is securable upon the nose end upon an approximate ¼ relative rotation.

Abstract: A power hand tool includes a body, an electric motor, an output driving shaft rotatable by the motor, a holder for holding a cutting bit and rotatable by the shaft for, in turn, rotating the cutting bit for cutting, an electrical switch provided on the body for controlling operation of the motor, and a detachable handle. The handle has a first, fixed end releasably connected to the body, a middle section extending to form a relatively large gap with the body sufficiently wide to allow the handle to be gripped by a hand, and a second, free end. The free end extends to approach a region on the surface of the body adjacent and not reaching the switch and forms a relatively small gap with the region sufficiently narrow to retain a hand gripping the handle.

Abstract: A plunge base router for use in an upright and an inverted position is disclosed. The router includes a depth adjustment mechanism, a depth stop mechanism, a post lock mechanism, and a return spring defeat mechanism. The depth adjustment mechanism includes a course adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism to set the cutting distance of a bit. The course and fine adjustment mechanisms are usable in both the upright and inverted positions and the fine adjustment mechanism is operable without being reset throughout the full range of motion of the plunge router. The depth stop includes a mechanism for locking the end of a rod on the housing to the base in order to set the relative position in between the housing and the base. The depth stop also includes a plurality of steps for engaging the rod and permitting incremental passes of cutting at different depths with the router.