Abstract: An electric circular saw includes a motor, a transmission assembly, a housing assembly, a base plate, and a fan shield. The housing assembly includes a gearbox. The base plate includes a base plate plane surface. The fan shield includes a flow guide part and a fitting part. The fitting part is connected to the gearbox. The transmission assembly includes a worm and a worm gear. A tip diameter of the worm is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm and a tip diameter of the worm gear is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 35 mm. When the electric circular saw has a maximum cutting depth, a vertical distance between a center of the worm gear and the base plate plane surface is less than or equal to 25.5 mm.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base assembly and a saw unit pivotably coupled to the base assembly. The saw unit includes a saw blade and a lower blade guard covering a lower portion of the saw blade. The miter saw also includes a linkage for raising the lower blade guard to expose the lower portion of the saw blade as the saw unit is lowered toward the base assembly. The linkage is operable to apply a force to the lower blade guard for holding the lower blade guard in a raised position, without any input from the operator of the miter saw and without changing the length of the linkage, to facilitate changing the saw blade.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade configured to cut a sheet that is conveyed along a sheet conveyance path, a scrap path through which scrap generated when the sheet is cut by the blade passes, a guide member configured to guide the sheet conveyed, and a blowing unit configured to blow air such that the air crosses the sheet conveyance path from a side opposite the scrap path with the sheet conveyance path therebetween, wherein the blowing unit blows air such that the air flows along the guide member positioned at a second position at which the scrap is allowed to enter the scrap path.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade configured to cut a sheet that is conveyed along a sheet conveyance path, a scrap path through which scrap generated when the sheet is cut by the blade passes, a guide member configured to guide the sheet conveyed, and a blowing unit configured to blow air such that the air crosses the sheet conveyance path from a side opposite the scrap path with the sheet conveyance path therebetween, wherein the blowing unit blows air such that the air flows along the guide member positioned at a second position at which the scrap is allowed to enter the scrap path.

Abstract: A foldable miter saw includes a base unit, a worktable, and a cutting unit adjustable between a working position where the saw blade of the cutting unit and the worktable define a contained angle within 90°˜45° and a folded position where one end face of the saw blade is disposed in proximity to the working surface and one guiding member and one sliding coupling component of the worktable are disposed in proximity to a working surface of the worktable, significantly reducing the dimension of the foldable miter saw and facilitating storage and packaging.

Abstract: A safety system for powered cutting tools includes a miter saw safety device. Embodiments of the miter saw safety device may be positioned on one or both sides of the rotating saw blade and include a pivotable support arm and a support plate that is repositionable relative to the support arm. In some embodiments the support plate is biased toward the guide fence of the miter saw. The device enhances the capabilities of miter saw to make precise cuts safer, faster and easier.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to apparatus and methods for cutting an object. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cutting device and an actuation device operatively coupled to the cutting device. A guide structure may be coupled at least partially between the cutting device and the actuation device. A supporting framework may provide a guiding path for linear advancement or retraction of the guide structure, and in turn linear advancement or retraction the cutting device, upon actuation of the actuation device.

Abstract: An electric home appliance includes a sensing unit for sensing whether a user's body is within a predetermined range from the electric home appliance, an input unit configured to receive user input, and a controller configured to cause the input unit to be in a protruded state or a retreated state based on a sensing result of the sensing unit. The input unit is configured to move between the protruded state in which the input unit at least partially protrudes from the electric home appliance and the retreated state in which the input unit at least partially retreats into the electric home appliance.

Abstract: A desk-top cutting machine including: a base configured to support a workpiece; a cutting part including, a motor configured to rotary drive a cutting tool, a main cover covering an upper portion of the cutting tool, and a protective cover covering a portion of the cutting tool that is not covered by the main cover, the protective cover configured to move in a direction of exposing the cutting tool when the cutting part swings toward a bottom dead point from a top dead point; and a cutting part support mechanism configured to swingably support the cutting part, characterized in that: the motor is configured to be rotated at a first rotational speed slower than a maximum rotational speed thereof when the cutting part is positioned at the top dead point.

Abstract: A miter saw including a base having a plurality of grooves formed in a bottom surface thereof, a table rotatable with respect to the base, a rotary indexing mechanism and a locking mechanism. The rotary indexing mechanism includes a body fixedly connected to and rotatable with the table and a protrusion provided on the body. The protrusion can be received within one of the plurality of grooves in the base and thereby angularly index the table at a desired position with respect to the base. The locking mechanism is operably coupled to the table and is configured to lock the table at the desired position. The miter saw has a more reasonable and practical structure that allows angular indexing and interlocking of the table with respect to the base to be accomplished by a single hand.

Abstract: A power equipment in one embodiment includes a swing arm assembly movable along a swing arm path between a first swing arm position adjacent a latch hold mechanism and a second swing arm position spaced apart from the latch hold mechanism, a shroud portion mounted on the swing arm assembly and configured to partially enclose a shaping device when the shaping device is mounted on the swing arm assembly, and a hose system configured such that when a hose system inlet plenum is aligned with a shroud portion outlet plenum, dust from the shroud portion outlet plenum is passed to the hose system inlet plenum and the hose system inlet plenum does not interfere with movement of the swing arm assembly along the swing arm path.

Abstract: A shield system for a hydrodemolition apparatus has a loop whose ends are secured to opposite sides of a reciprocating nozzle carrier. The loop may be supported by a supporting structure surrounding the frame along which the nozzle carrier reciprocates. The loop overlays portions of one or more gaps through which one or more nozzles extend to work an underlying surface. The nozzles have access to the underlying surface through the gaps under the nozzle carrier, but the balance of the gaps are covered by the loop which is drawn or pushed by the nozzle carrier during reciprocation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mandolin slicer adjustable for slicing item in variable thicknesses and variable shapes, wherein the adjustment is enabled by a ballpoint pen ratchet mechanism provided on the mandolin slicer. The mandolin slicer of the present invention further comprises an indicating mechanism to clearly indicate the selected thickness and shape of the sliced item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cheese slicer adjustable for slicing cheese in variable thicknesses, comprising a handle; a guiding plate pivotally connected to the handle; a slicing plate having a slicing blade, wherein the slicing blade and the guiding plate together define a gap as slice thickness; a linkage movably resting against the guiding plate so that the movement of the linkage enables the guiding plate to pivot around the handle relative to the slicing blade thereby to provide variable slice thickness for the item to be sliced; an actuator assembly in operative connection with the linkage to move the linkage on the guiding plate. The cheese slicer of the present invention further comprises an indicating mechanism to clearly indicate the selected thickness of the sliced cheese.

Abstract: A cutting machine can include a cutting machine body that is movably supported above a table and capable of vertical movement, the cutting machine body can be positioned at an upward waiting position and a lower end position. The cutting machine body can include an auxiliary cover positioned around a portion of a blade and including a projection. When in the upward waiting position the auxiliary cover is not able to move upward because of the position of the projection, and in the lower end position the auxiliary cover is able to move upward.

Abstract: A cutting machine can include a cutting machine body that is movably supported above a table and capable of vertical movement, the cutting machine body can be positioned at an upward waiting position and a lower end position. The cutting machine body can include an auxiliary cover positioned around a portion of a blade and including a projection. When in the upward waiting position the auxiliary cover is not able to move upward because of the position of the projection, and in the lower end position the auxiliary cover is able to move upward.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises an electromechanical module having an actuator for positioning a mechanical element between first and second positions, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical module. The controller is configured to detect a mechanical event coupling to the electromechanical module, select an actuation signal to position the mechanical element in a safe position between the first and second positions, and transmit the selected signal, such that the mechanical element is positioned in the safe position during the event.

Abstract: A safety component is provided for a power saw that includes a rear guard pivotably mounted to the saw assembly. The rear guard is generally U-shaped to straddle the cutting blade in a deployed position. The rear guard includes arms that contact the workpiece during the cutting operation so that as the saw blade moves downward to perform the cut the rear guard pivots upward while maintaining protection of the rear portion of the saw blade.

Abstract: A power saw includes a base portion, a support assembly, a cutting arm, a blade guard, a linkage arm, and a biasing member. The support assembly is supported by the base portion. The cutting arm is supported by the support assembly and is configured to rotatably support a saw blade. The cutting arm is movable between a lower position adjacent to the base portion and an upper position spaced apart from the base portion. The blade guard is rotatably supported by the cutting arm and is configured to receive a portion of the saw blade therein. The linkage arm includes a first end portion pivotally connected to the blade guard, and a second end portion movably supported by the support assembly. The biasing member is operably connected to the second end portion and is configured to bias the linkage arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for slicing food products, comprising a driven circular blade rotating about a blade axis revolving on a track about a center axis, and a cover element rotatable relative to the circular blade on the side of the circular blade facing away from a product to be sliced. A holding device is provided that is designed for counteracting the self-rotation of the cover element about the blade axis.

Abstract: A knife holder device for a microtome having a blade guard constituted as a pivotable bow, wherein, in a protective position, the blade guard is disposed on the side of the knife facing away from the sample at a distance such that access to the cutting edge is not possible. The blade guard can be positioned in three different defined positions and is provided with elements that have the following effects depending on the position: in the upper, protective position, simultaneous fixing of the position of the knife holder in the guideway; in the central, knife-holder-sliding position, accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous release of the position fixture of the knife holder in the guideway; and in the lower, knife-changing position, free accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous fixture of the position of the knife holder in the guideway.

Abstract: A power miter saw of the type which has an upper fixed blade guard and a lower swinging blade guard for covering the lower reach of an installed blade when the saw is in its rest position and for exposing the lower reach of the saw blade when moved to its operational position, the saw comprising an adjustable length elongated linkage mechanism interconnecting a frame support and the lower blade guard for moving the lower blade guard in response to movement of the saw between the rest and operational positions, such that the lower blade guard covers the lower reach of the blade when the saw is in its rest position and uncovers the blade when the saw is moved to its operational position, the linkage mechanism permitting the exposure of a blade arbor to facilitate changing of the blade.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power miter saw of the type which has an upper fixed blade guard for encasing upper reaches of an installed saw blade without encasing the blade arbor, and a lower swinging blade guard for covering the lower reaches of an installed blade when saw is in its rest position and for exposing the saw blade when moved to its operational position, the saw comprising an elongated linkage mechanism having opposite end portions interconnecting a frame support and the lower blade guard for moving the lower blade guard in response to movement of the saw between the rest and operational positions, such that the lower blade guard covers the lower reaches of the blade when the saw is in its rest position and uncovers the lower reaches of the blade when the saw is moved to its operational position, the linkage mechanism being configured to be selectively detachable from the frame support, thereby enabling the lower blade guard to be placed in at least first and second positions wherein the first position enab

Abstract: A board shaped mandolin slicer includes a folding leg for stability in an angled orientation, and a “dead mans handle” for to enable exposure of the blade and adjustable thickness slicing only upon actuation of the handle. In addition, a spring resist in the handle is used in conjunction with a mechanical position guide limiting switch and angled cam which allows the user to better control the degree to which a platform move forward to expose the front of a main blade, to thus adjust the thickness of the slices uniformly. An additional child safety feature includes a pair of buttons on either side of the housing which need to be urged inwardly at the same time to unlock the mandolin slicer.

Abstract: A circular cross-cut and miter saw has a supporting table and a sawing device, which is pivotable about a cross-cutting axis and has a saw blade and a movable swing guard. During a cross-cutting movement of the sawing device, a swivel mechanism produces a pivoting and/or swiveling movement of the swing guard such that the swing guard can be at least partly opened by swinging the sawing device down and closed by swinging the sawing device up. Uncomfortable and dangerous handling of the swing guard during the cross-cutting movement is avoided by a locking element of the swivel mechanism disposed such that the swing guard can be opened still further, even completely, by hand or by a workpiece to be cut, if either the locking element has been actuated or the cross-cutting movement has already been at least partially carried out.

Abstract: A power cutting tool includes a cutting surface, a conductive structure, and first electrode matrix comprising an array of electrical conductors. A moveable blade used to cut an object is located on the cutting surface. When at least one electrical conductor of the first electrode matrix is energized relative to the conductive structure, an electric field extends between the at least one electrical conductor and the conductive matrix to detect the presence of an object in proximity to the electric field.

Abstract: A foodstuff slicer includes a support frame carrying a support with a support surface and a slicing blade including a cutting edge situated above the support surface, whereby a foodstuff article may be slid along the support surface into contact with the cutting edge to cut a slice from it. A guard member including at least one guard limb is guided to move transversely to the support surface between an operative position, in which it extends in front of and adjacent to the cutting edge and prevents access to the cutting edge, and an inoperative position, in which it permits access to the cutting edge. A release member is guided to move parallel to the support surface and includes at least one release limb. One of the guard limb and the release limb includes a ramp formation and the other of the guard limb and the release limb includes a follower cooperating with the ramp formation, whereby movement of the release member results in movement of the guard member between the operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a main body in which a rotary blade is included, a base over which a workpiece is to be placed, and a guide fence mountable to the base. The main body is provided above the base in such a manner that the main body is movable upward and downward, and a longitudinal direction of the guide fence is perpendicular to the rotary blade as viewed from top when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence provides a guide surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the guide fence and is configured to be rendered perpendicular to a top face of the base when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence includes a stopper that is configured to project from the guide surface, to be movable upward and downward, and to be fixed at any level.

Abstract: A miter saw which prevents deterioration in perpendicularity of a cutting blade to the upper surface of a base part when slide of a pipe is regulated by pressing a pipe. In a miter saw, a pair of pipes support a cutting part, on one end side. On the other end side, the pipes are surrounded and supported slidably by a first slide support part of a support member of a turntable. A virtual plane including the axes of the pair of pipes is substantially parallel to the pivotal direction of a disc saw blade. A first screw is screwed in the first slide support part. An end part of the first screw contacts and presses a pipe. This end part is engaged with the pipe so as to restrict slide of the pipe relative to the first slide support part.

Abstract: A knife holder for a microtome has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member, which, in its functional position, covers the cutting edge of the knife and is spaced apart from the cutting plane towards the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen. The plate is also spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. The plate precludes gripping of the cutting edge of the knife and a pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch. When the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide. The plate preferably consists of a transparent material to permit observation of section removal in the functional position.

Abstract: A power tool having an integrated control system includes a workpiece supporting surface, a cutting instrument extendable above the workpiece supporting surface, a guard assembly securable above the workpiece supporting surface for covering at least a portion of the cutting instrument, the guard assembly having a first state for providing a first level of protection and a second state for providing a second level of protection, a motor coupled with the cutting instrument, and a power switch operable for starting the motor for driving the cutting instrument. The power tool includes a control system in communication with the guard assembly for determining if the guard assembly is in the first state or the second state. Before the motor is started, the control system automatically disables the motor if it determines that the guard assembly is in the second state. The control system includes a bypass switch for enabling starting of the motor when the guard assembly is in the second state.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing assembly having a housing portion and an arm extending upwardly from the housing portion. The arm has an outer surface. The power tool also includes a drive unit supported by the arm. The drive unit is operable to drive a tool element to work on a work piece. The power tool further includes a collection assembly operable to collect debris generated by the tool element working on the work piece. The collection assembly includes a collection chute assembly having an inlet and an outlet. The collection chute assembly is positionable on the arm to define, between the inlet and the outlet, a first path for debris around one side of the outer surface of the arm and a second path for debris around the other side of the outer surface of the arm.

Abstract: A miter saw having a securable positioning structure for a blade guard thereof includes a saw blade, a rotatable handle, a movable blade guard, a control unit, a positioning unit, and a rope. The rotatable handle is provided for the user's holding for the cutting operation. The movable blade guard is shiftable between where it covers the saw blade and where it does not cover the saw blade. The control unit is mounted to the rotatable handle. The positioning unit is provided for blocking the movement of the movable blade guard. The rope is connected with the control unit and the positioning unit. Accordingly, the user only needs to operate the control unit to drive action of the positioning unit via the rope to hold the movable blade guard in position, thus securing the safety of the operation. In addition, the rotatable handle can be turned smoothly without any barrier.

Abstract: An electric miter saw includes a base, a cutting table, a cutting member and a link arm. The cutting table is mounted on the base. The upper portion of the link arm is connected to a cutting member with the cutting saw blade driven by a motor. The lower portion of the link arm is connected to the upper portion of a supporting member and secured by a threaded central bolt. The linear ball bearing is mounted in the inner aperture of the supporting member, which is slidably connected to the slide rod by a linear ball bearing. At the outer end of the slide rod is mounted a position limit socket. The inner end of the slide rod is connected and secured beneath the cutting table via a releasable securing configuration mentioned above. A flexible blade guard is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is based on a power tool, in particular a stationary saw, having a guard device which has a guard element. It is proposed that the guard device has an actuator system, which is provided for monitoring an opening which is formed at least by the guard element and is adaptable to at least one geometric feature of a workpiece.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet.

Abstract: A power cutting tool, such as a table saw, comprising a sensing system for detecting certain conditions with respect to an exposed blade of the power cutting tool is disclosed. Several embodiments of the sensing system comprise at least one sensor located above the blade and positioned to (1) monitor one or more volume zones adjacent the blade, (2) detect when an object enters one or more of the zones, and (3) trigger a reaction system in response to the detection. Another embodiment uses an optical sensor to measure the height of objects approaching the blade to detect an increase in the height beyond a predetermined threshold. Still another embodiment uses an optical distance sensor to detect the occurrence of a work piece lifting from the table top which can indicate that a kick-back condition is imminent. The reaction system can be triggered when such a condition is detected.

Abstract: A power table saw having a table top surface with an opening through which a blade can extend, the blade being mounted on an arbor and being at least vertically adjustable relative to the top surface, the table saw comprising a blade assembly having a first pivot connection and being pivotally mounted to the table saw enabling the blade to be vertically adjusted through a predetermined arc relative to the table top and a riving knife mounted on the blade assembly and being vertically moveable in a substantially straight direction as the blade is vertically adjusted through the predetermined arc.

Abstract: A cutting machine can include a cutting machine body that is movably supported above a table and capable of vertical movement, the cutting machine body can be positioned at an upward waiting position and a lower end position. The cutting machine body can include an auxiliary cover positioned around a portion of a blade and including a projection. When in the upward waiting position the auxiliary cover is not able to move upward because of the position of the projection, and in the lower end position the auxiliary cover is able to move upward.

Abstract: A power tool for cutting a workpiece including a casing, an auxiliary handle assembly extending from the casing, a motor disposed at least partially in the casing, and a drive transmission operably coupled to the motor. The drive transmission outputs a driving force in response to an input from the motor. A spindle locking mechanism is provided that is selectively positionable between a retracted position spaced apart from the drive transmission and a locked position engaging the drive transmission. The spindle lock mechanism thereby prevents rotation of the drive transmission in response to actuation of a pad member. The pad member can be positioned adjacent to the auxiliary handle to permit single-handed holding of the power tool and actuation of the pad member.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a main body in which a rotary blade is included, a base over which a workpiece is to be placed, and a guide fence mountable to the base. The main body is provided above the base in such a manner that the main body is movable upward and downward, and a longitudinal direction of the guide fence is perpendicular to the rotary blade as viewed from top when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence provides a guide surface that extends in the longitudinal direction of the guide fence and is configured to be rendered perpendicular to a top face of the base when the guide fence is mounted to the base. The guide fence includes a stopper that is configured to project from the guide surface, to be movable upward and downward, and to be fixed at any level.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a detection system for detecting a situation where an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed rotating component contacts the rotating component, and a protection system for minimizing the possibility of an operator being injured by contacting the rotating component.

Abstract: A quick release structure for use in the saw blade guard assembly of a table saw is disclosed to include a mounting member affixed to the base of the table saw, a coupling block detachably attached to the mounting member to hold a pivoted attachment member, for example, a saw blade guard, and a rotary locking member mounted in the coupling block and rotatable relative the coupling block between two positions to lock the coupling block to the mounting member or to release the coupling block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blade guard assembly capable of allowing increased capacity for saws, such as radial arm saw, miter saws, and the like. The assembly includes a U-shaped guard and a pivot pin for allowing the guard to obtain a plurality of positions including a guarding orientation and a cutting orientation. The guard may pivot so as to allow a larger dimension workpiece to be cut without exposing the saw blade unnecessarily. Additionally, a biasing device may be included for generally forcing the guard into a guarding orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for maintaining contact between a portion of a workpiece between a kerf intrusion device and an alignment fence. In an aspect of the present invention, a table saw is configured with a support having a support surface for accepting a saw blade extended through an aperture in the support to cut a workpiece. An alignment fence is adjustably coupled to the saw to allow for workpiece positioning with respect to the saw blade. A kerf intrusion device such as a back splitter is coupled to an arbor for rotating the saw blade. An side pressure splitter is further included on the intrusion device such that a portion of a workpiece disposed between the intrusion device and the alignment fence is directed into contact with the alignment fence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a food slicing apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus for slicing bread. The food slicing apparatus of the invention has an enclosure to support the food to be sliced. The enclosure features an access opening through which food can be introduced into the enclosure. A cover for the access opening can be provided, moveable relative to the enclosure from an open position to a closed position. A guide is provided within the enclosure for guiding a blade to slice food supported within the enclosure. A stop is also provided to at least partially obstruct the guide. The cover is connected to at least one of the guide and the stop to displace the guide and the stop relative to one another, so that when the cover is in an open position, the stop at least partially obstructs the guide. In the embodiment disclosed, the stop is connected to the cover and moveable relative to the guide to at least partially obstruct the guide when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power miter saw with a quick actuating mechanism for a movable guard. The mechanism comprises a mounting arm, a fixed guard, a drive means and a circular saw blade. A movable guard is pivotally connected to the fixed guard. The movable guard is pivotally connected to the front end of the actuating link by a second guiding member. The rear end of the actuating link is movably connected to the mounting arm. A first guiding member is disposed on the rear end of the actuating link and the mounting arm has a first arcuate slide slot with which the first guiding member engages. When the fixed guard moves together with the saw unit downwardly, the actuating link pivotally engages the first slide slot and actuates the movable guard rapidly to open. The movable guard of the present invention can be easily manufactured and conveniently assembled or adjusted so as to reduce the cost.

Abstract: A saw guard system for enhancing the safety of use of powered hand saws by eliminating the need to hold the blade guard in a static position during the cutting operation. The saw guard system includes a circular saw with a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a shaft extending from the motor through a wall of the housing, a blade operationally coupled to the shaft, and an upper blade guard for covering a perimeter edge of the blade above the shaft; a lower guard member pivotally coupled to the housing, a guard member motor coupled to the housing and the lower guard member for moving the lower guard member from the deployed position to the stored position; the guard member motor is operable separately from the motor of the circular saw; and a gear assembly operationally coupling the guard member motor to the lower guard member.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10).