Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment, and components and brake cartridges for use in those safety systems, are disclosed. The safety systems, components and brake cartridges are specifically applicable for woodworking equipment such as saws. An exemplary brake cartridge includes a housing, a brake pawl, a spring, a fuse wire, circuitry a plug, an aperture for a key, and a switch activated by the key to indicate the cartridge is installed.

Abstract: A convertible miter/table saw comprises a base frame supporting a lower, miter saw table rotatable about a vertical axis. A circular saw assembly, namely a saw blade and motor, is mounted on a rear pedestal of the table and pivotable about a horizontal axis, the miter saw table providing a turntable and having a lower saw slot for receiving the saw blade. In miter saw mode, the swivel position of the miter saw table is adjusted and the circular saw blade moved downwards into the lower saw slot. In table saw mode, an upper saw table connected to the rear of the base frame is pivoted about a horizontal axis from a raised, generally vertical position to a lowered, generally horizontal position in which a slot in the upper saw table accommodates the circular saw blade when the latter is aligned therewith.

Abstract: A sawing machine has a cutting angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the cutting angle of a saw blade. The adjustment mechanism includes a handwheel for rotation by the user to bias a bracket on which a saw unit having the saw blade is mounted so as to further adjust the cutting angle of the saw blade, and a positioning member, which is rotatable between a first position to lock the bracket in position and stop the handwheel from biasing the bracket and a second position to allow operation of the handwheel to bias the bracket.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a table on which a workpiece is placed, a saw assembly supporting a saw blade and having a motor for rotatably driving the saw blade, a housing pivotally supporting the saw assembly related to the table in such a manner that the saw assembly is at least laterally pivotable, and a bevel stop mechanism for selectively determining the lateral position of the saw assembly at any of a plurality of pivoted positions, the bevel stop mechanism comprising a movable rod and first, second and third fixed stop members. The table may be rotatably attached to a base.

Abstract: A table saw includes a table, a saw unit coupled to a substantially inverted U-shaped suspension girder, two supporting devices fixedly fastened to the bottom side of the table to support the suspension girder, and two sliding blocks respectively fastened to the two ends of the suspension girder and respectively coupled to a respective arched guide slot in each of the supporting devices to guide movement of the suspension girder along an arched track to keep the cutting reference point of the saw blade in position so that the saw blade can cut the workpiece accurately.

Abstract: A gear and shaft assembly that translates the bevel of a power tool to an indicator more easily readable by an operator provides a front bevel indicator and locking mechanism. A locking mechanism is conveniently placed within reach of the operator and directly controls the motion of the gear assembly. The front bevel indicator may provide a higher resolution of the tilt angle by selection of the various gear ratios of the gears that translate the bevel position of the power tool mounted in the rear to the front of the mount of the power tool.

Abstract: A miter saw with angular adjustment has a carrier (1), a turntable (3) which is able to turn relative to the carrier (1) and which forms a workpiece support surface (2), and a turntable fixing device (8) for fixing the turntable (3) relative to the carrier (1) in certain reproducible angular positions. The miter saw turntable fixing device (8) enables adjustment of the angular position relative to the carrier in a manner which is continuous and mechanically reproducible.

Abstract: A woodworking table with an auxiliary device to provide fast and precise cutting of a work piece at the angle as desired includes a case and a sawing controller. Adjusting slots and pivoting holes are provided on two sides of the case for the sawing controller to penetrate through and to be pivoted in the case. The sawing controller includes a handle. The handle slides along the adjusting slot to adjust angle and height of a saw blade of the sawing controller. The auxiliary device is for further control of the cutting angle.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having electrically conductive cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a contact detection system capacitively coupled to the cutting tool, and adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a reaction system configured to cause one or more predetermined actions to take place upon detection of contact between a person and the cutting tool by the contact detection system.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably mounted on the base, and a extension arm rigidly connected to the periphery of the table and extending radially away from the axis of rotation of the table. The angular position of the table relative to the base may be fixed via a locking member mounted on the extension arm. The locking member can be linearly moved relative to the extension arm between a locked position where the angular position of the table is fixed relative to the base, and an unlocked position. The locking member is also pivotable between a locked position where the angular position of the table is fixed relative to the base, and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A fence assembly of a cut-off machine includes a fence base fixed above a worktable of the cut-off machine, a fence plate supported on and movable along the fence base, having a downwardly extending bottom panel and a locking structure for controlling if the fence plate is locked to the fence base. The locking structure includes a fastener defining a separation with a constant length from the fence base, a first block, a second block and a press member. The first block, the second block and the bottom panel are crowded into the constant separation. The bottom panel is disposed between the second block and the fence base. The contact surface between the first block and the second block slopes toward the direction of the separation. The first block is movable substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the separation. The press member selectively presses the first block.

Abstract: A miter saw has a base, a turntable, a cutting unit, and a support unit. The base supports a workpiece thereon. The base has an rotation center. The turntable is supported by the base and rotatable about the rotation center. The cutting unit rotatably supports a saw blade. The support unit is provided to the turntable for pivotally movably supporting the cutting unit over the turntable. The turntable has: a main body and an extension member. The main body is provided with an outer periphery and an upper surface having an imaginary line onto which the saw blade is pivoted down. The extension member extends outwardly from the outer periphery in a first direction of the imaginary line for rotating the main body. The extension member is movable with respect to the main body.

Abstract: A miter saw has a base assembly, a table assembly assembly rotatably attached to the base assembly, and a drive assembly pivotally attached to the table assembly. The drive assembly has a motor and a blade driven by the motor. The table assembly has at least one elastic bumper thereon.

Abstract: A circular sawing machine has a multi-directional adjustable laser indication device that includes a body, a support rod disposed rotatably and movably within the body, and a laser lamp fixed on the support rod so as to form a visual indication line on a worktable. An angle-adjusting unit is operable to rotate the support rod so as to adjust the angle of the laser lamp. A transverse adjusting unit is operable to move the support rod within the body along a transverse direction of the worktable so as to adjust the position of the laser lamp.

Abstract: A table saw insert (10) includes an annular table insert portion (22) formed of machinable aluminum and a kerf insert portion (20) received in a stepped passage (44) formed in the table insert portion (22). Holding screws (56) extend through counterbored openings (54) in the kerf insert portion (20) and are threadably received in lips (46) of the table insert portion (22). Set screws (52) are threadably received in the lips (46) on diametrically opposite sides of the holding screws (56) to adjust the upper surface of the kerf insert portion (20) to be planar with the upper surface of the table insert portion (22). Ball plungers (30) are located in plunger openings (36) extending from the outer periphery of the table insert portion (22) to remove side-to-side play of the insert (10) within the table opening (12).

Abstract: A power transmission structure with a dual blade shaft of a circular saw wherein the rear end of the driving shaft of the driving roller is provided with a fixing plate pivotally mounted with a steering roller, a steered roller and a dual level transmission roller. These rollers are surrounded with a first transmission belt, and the fixing plate is provided with a floating rod having an adjustable roller. The rear end of the driven shaft has a driven roller, and the driven roller, the adjustable roller and the dual level transmission roller are provided with a second transmission belt. The first and second transmission belts are used to cause the saw blade and pre-cut blade of the driven shaft to rotate in reverse directions. The tightness of the second transmission belt is adjusted by the floating rod.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.

Abstract: A cutting workstation which includes a cutter mounted on an arm type configuration. The arm configuration is slidably moveable relative to a divided work piece support table, the cutter moveable there between. Further, the cutter is capable of elevating the arm either above or below the worktable. Not only is the arm capable of being lengthened and shortened, but also it is also of capable of rotation producing a variety of miter cuts. The arm is also capable of rotating to a vertical axis to produce a chop cut motion. The bifurcated table or work piece support is capable of being rotated through a number of degrees relative to the cutter also producing mitered or angled cuts. The bifurcated worktable is also capable of being elevated above or below or at the level of the cutter. The cutter, if in the form of a circular cutter blade, is preferably provided with the conventional pivotal spring-loaded blade guard.

Abstract: A front-accessible bevel locking system for use with a power tool, including a mechanism for locking the power tool into a selected tilt or bevel position for bevel angle cuts. The bevel locking mechanism has a lever attached to a link rod by a cam mechanism such that, as the lever is moved to the locked position, the link rod holds a pivot support for the power tool at a bevel angle.

Abstract: A machine is described having at least one dangerous portion. The machine also includes a safety system to detect dangerous proximity between a person and the dangerous portion and perform a predetermined action to limit or prevent injury to the person from the dangerous portion.

Abstract: A stone cutter having blade angle adjustment device includes a rectangular base having a pair of sliding bars, three cutting grooves of different slanting sections and two alignment of rectangular through hole in the top, a pair of hollow interior rectangular bars at two ends for respectively receiving a pair of lateral rods of a U-shaped extension and a sink on underside thereof. A salver plate slidably disposes on the sliding bars. A pair of support arms spacedly dispose on the top of the salver plate each having a first circular through hole and three second through hole in an arcuate slot in upper portion respectively engaged with a pair of first screw holes and a pair of second screw holes of a motor which is secured on the top of the salver plate between the support arms, a guarded blade secured to the axis of the motor and a pair of handled locks selectively engaged with one of the three second circular through holes to adjust the different slanting angles for the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a table saw to decrease a clearance of a surface surrounding a saw blade includes a throat plate that is inserted into an elongated slot that is provided in the surface of the table saw. The throat plate includes an enlarged opening with a pair of spaced-apart rails that, together, are adapted receive a replaceable T-shaped center portion. The center portion is cut by the saw blade as the blade is raised from below the center portion resulting in a space around the blade having a clearance that approximates the kerf of the blade. Screws secure the center portion in the enlarged opening. A pair of cam screws secures the throat plate in the elongated slot. A side to side adjustable splitter is attached to the throat plate.

Abstract: A miter saw has a remotely actuated bevel angle locking system and a bevel angle adjustment assistance system with a remote override actuator so that the user does not need to reach around to the back of the miter saw to adjust the bevel angle. The remote actuator for the bevel angle locking system can be provided on the front of the miter saw's turntable to form a suite of actuators with the miter lock and miter detent override lever. The remote override actuator for the bevel angle adjustment assistance system can be provided on the handle in proximity to the power switch. Also disclosed is a bevel angle adjustment assistance system in which each of the preset bevel angles can be fine tuned simultaneously and which exhibits other advantages.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for mounting to a conventional bench saw having a frame, a work supporting table on the frame displaying an opening therethrough and a pair of longitudinal grooves on a top face thereof, a moveable structure mounted to the frame and carrying a power operated shaft. The attachment assembly includes a tool base detachably mounted to the top face of the table; releaseable securing means fixed in a pair of grooves connected to a tool base for mounting the tool base to the table; and a tool device mounted on the tool base including a tool shaft and transmission means operatively connecting the tool shaft to the power operated shaft whereby rotation of the power operated shaft is transmitted to the tool shaft for operation of the tool device.

Abstract: Safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The safety systems include a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a working portion of a machine, where the detection system is adapted to capacitively impart an electric charge on the working portion and to detect when that charge drops; and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of contact between the person and the working portion by the detection system. Machines equipped with safety systems are also disclosed, such as saws, jointers, etc.

Abstract: A saw table assembly for cutting a workpiece with a saw. A pair of rails for supporting a working surface and a track. The suitable work surface includes a first group and a second group of table sections with extension rails disposed within the table sections. A coupling assembly, disposed at the center of the rails, for supporting the saw track. The saw track can slide longitudinally and pivot back and forth about the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly including a cam which has three different operating positions.

Abstract: The miter saw includes a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably connected to the base assembly, the table having a table plane, a fence connected to the base assembly and having a fence plane, a saw assembly including a motor and a blade driven by the motor, the blade having a radius and a blade center, and a pivot arm pivotally attached to the table and pivotally supporting the saw assembly about a first axis substantially parallel to the table plane, allowing a user to plunge the blade below the table plane, wherein the distance between the first axis and the table plane is about 0.472 times the radius. Also, the distance between the first axis and the fence plane is about 1.45 times the radius, and the distance between the first axis and the blade center is about 1.882 times the radius. In addition, the distance between the blade center and the table plane is about 0.57 times the radius when the blade is plunged below the table plane.

Abstract: A compound miter saw having a bevel adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of inclination of a cutting disk relative to a top surface of a turntable. The bevel adjustment mechanism includes a first knuckle for adjusting the angle of inclination of the cutting disk about a tilt axis and a second knuckle for adjusting the upward and downward movement of the cutting disk. The first knuckle includes a fixed portion mounted adjacent the outer periphery of the turntable and a rotating portion cooperating with the fixed portion. A scale and indicator are provided on the fixed and rotating portions to measure the angle of inclination of the saw assembly relative to the tilt axis. A locking mechanism secures the rotating portion to the fixed portion to secure the saw in a cutting position.

Abstract: A compound miter saw includes a unique table assembly which incorporates an orientation system for a group of wear plates and a three position lock system. The wear plates between the table assembly and the base of the miter saw have a different configuration at each end which requires them to be assembled into the table saw with any burred edge being positioned away from the table assembly. The lock system incorporated into the table assembly is movable between three positions. The first position locks the table to the miter saw. The second position permits rotation of the table with a spring loaded detent system releasably locking the table at various miter angles. The third position permits rotation of the table with the spring loaded detent system being disengaged providing free movement of the table.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments the invention includes a transverse board conveyor, a board extrusion portion, a marking station, a sawing portion, and a plurality of board feeding portions, all of which are controlled by a process controller. In such preferred embodiments, a bunk feeder and magazines feed boards serially onto the transverse board conveyor and are conveyed in a direction transverse to the length of the boards. The boards are individually deposited into an elongate receiver of a board extrusion portion to be conveyed longitudinally. A carriage in the receiver transports the boards past an end detection station, past a marking station, and to a sawing station. The marking station prints desired indicia at selected positions on the board such as by an ink jet printer without physical contact of the printing mechanism with the board and while the board is moving.

Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.

Abstract: A table saw having a brake mechanism configured to engage and stop a blade is disclosed. The table saw includes a brake positioning system configured to adjust the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the blade is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A table saw includes a worktable turnable relative to a mounting frame, a support seat journalled on bearing members of the mounting frame and slidable relative thereto along a sliding path, and a saw blade rotated with a blade shaft driven by a motor. A spindle is rotatably mounted to the support seat and is coupled to the blade shaft so as to move the blade shaft when rotated, thereby adjusting height of the saw blade relative to the worktable. An inclination adjusting member is disposed to actuate the support seat to move along the sliding path so as to change an angular position of the saw blade relative to the worktable.

Abstract: A miter cutting arrangement for a cutting machine is provided to accommodate cutting work at an angle or a bevel for precisely cutting on a work piece. It includes a platform support arm longitudinally mounting to a cutting head support bracket, a platform pivot arm transversely extended from the platform support arm, a head platform pivotally connected with the platform pivot arm to support a motor, a miter supporting unit, and a locker device for selectively locking the cutting head at the normal position and the slanted position. The miter supporting unit includes a miter support provided at an outer side of the head platform and a miter stopper provided at an outer end of the platform pivot arm to block the miter support when the head platform is rotated at the slanted position.

Abstract: A saw machine includes a seat disposed in a housing, two frames rotatably secured to the seat with pivot pins and each having a sector gear and a saw blade, and a driving device for driving the saw blades. A shaft is rotatably secured to the seat and has a worm engaged with the sector gear of one of the frames, to rotate and adjust the frame relative to the seat. A conduit is rotatably engaged on the shaft and has a worm engaged with the sector gear of the other frame, to adjust the other frame relative to the seat. A support device includes a block having an orifice to rotatably receive the shaft and to stably support and retain the shaft to the seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting subassembly for cutting off front and/or rear edge overhangs of panel-like workpieces. The cutting subassembly includes a saw unit which comprises a motor-driven saw blade which is mounted for displacement between a position above, and a position beneath, the workpiece. A contact element is associated with the saw blade and has at least one contact surface which may be engaged against the front or rear transverse side of the workpiece. The cutting plane of the saw blade may be oriented in alignment with the contact surface. The saw blade may be mounted such that it can be pivoted between a first operating position, in which it is oriented in alignment with the contact surface, and a second operating position, in which it is oriented obliquely in relation to the contact surface.

Abstract: Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and actuators used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. An actuator may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action.

Abstract: A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone.

Abstract: A table saw has a height and inclination adjustable saw blade which is mounted on and rotatable with a blade shaft that is driven by a motor. A support seat is movable relative to a mounting frame, and supports the blade shaft. A shaving collecting member is disposed in the vicinity of the saw blade to collect wood shavings. A casing is secured to the support seat, and is communicated with the shaving collecting member. An impeller is disposed rotatably in the casing, and is mounted on a driven shaft that is coupled to the blade shaft so as to permit rotation of the impeller when the motor is in operation, thereby drawing wood shavings from the shaving collecting member to the casing and out of a discharge port in the casing.

Abstract: A woodworking machine is disclosed. The machine includes a cutting tool and a motor adapted to drive the cutting tool. The machine further includes a detection system to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, such as a person coming into contact with the cutting tool. A reaction system is provided to disable the cutting tool, such as by covering, blocking, destroying, wrapping, etc., upon detection by the detection system of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a tool adjustment unit having a joint pivotable about an axis, a guide rail spaced from and coupled to the joint so as to pivot about the axis, a saw housing mounted on the guide rail and a linear motion bearing assembly, which is positioned between the guide rail and the saw housing. The guide rail and the linear motion bearing are so shaped and dimensioned that the saw housing and the guide rail rotationally engage one another in a substantially play free manner to displace a saw blade between a plurality of angled positions.

Abstract: A cut alignment device for a rotary saw having a motor which spins a cutting unit which includes a rotary shaft driven by the motor, a circular blade having a central aperture through which the shaft fits, and a blade mounting device for holding the blade on the shaft. The cut alignment device includes a battery power source carried by the cutting unit; and a beam light source, operatively connected to this power source, and carried by the cutting unit. The light source projects a light beam at a shallow angle from the cutting unit directed to intersect the plane of the rotary cutting tool or saw blade, to assist the operator in cutting accurately.

Abstract: A hinged saw table having a sliding carrier for mounting and sliding a portable table saw. The hinged saw table is mounted adjacent to a forming machine that forms stock that is cut with the portable table saw. Elongate stock exits from an exit aperture in the forming machine, and is directed over the table of the portable table saw mounted upon the movable carrier. The portable table saw may be positioned at the correct point for cutting the stock at a desired length. Square or mitered cuts may be made. For storage purposes, the sliding carrier and table saw may be rotated upward approximately 180 degrees over the top of the forming machine where the carrier and saw rest upside down on a stand. The forming machine may be, for example, a seamless gutter rollformer machine that forms sections of rain gutters for houses or other buildings.

Abstract: An improved adjustable workpiece supporting fence assembly for a compound miter saw, or other work performing device, includes a first fixed fence portion fixedly interconnected with the base of the device on one side of the saw blade and a first movable fence is movably interconnected to the first fixed fence portion. A second fixed fence portion is fixedly interconnected with the base of the device on the other side of the saw blade and a second movable fence is movably interconnected to the second fixed fence.

Abstract: A miter saw having a base and an arm that pivots toward the base is disclosed. A blade is supported by the arm, and is designed to cut workpieces resting on the base when the arm and blade pivot downward. The saw includes a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the blade, such as when a person accidentally touches the spinning blade, and the saw includes a reaction system to stop the downward movement of the blade and arm when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone.

Abstract: A circular cutter includes a bracket-mounting part integrally formed with a base plate as a single piece. The bracket-mounting part defines a first abutting face. A bracket is pivoted to the bracket-mounting part through a pivot shaft. The bracket defines a second abutting face, and is formed with an arcuate slot. A cutter-holding arm is pivoted to the bracket. A friction-providing plate is interposed between the first and second abutting faces. A screw rod extends through the arcuate slot and the friction-providing plate to threadedly engage an inner thread in the bracket-mounting part.

Abstract: A miter cutting arrangement for a cutting machine is provided to accommodate cutting work at an angle or a bevel for precisely cutting on a work piece. It includes a platform support arm longitudinally mounting to a cutting head support bracket, a platform pivot arm transversely extended from the platform support arm, a head platform pivotally connected with the platform pivot arm to support a motor, a miter supporting unit, and a locker device for selectively locking the cutting head at the normal position and the slanted position. The miter supporting unit includes a miter support provided at an outer side of the head platform and a miter stopper provided at an outer end of the platform pivot arm to block the miter support when the head platform is rotated at the slanted position.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a table on which a workpiece is placed, a saw assembly supporting a saw blade and having a motor for rotatably driving the saw blade, a housing pivotally supporting the saw assembly related to the table in such a manner that the saw assembly is at least laterally pivotable, and a bevel stop mechanism for selectively determining the lateral position of the saw assembly at any of a plurality of pivoted positions, the bevel stop mechanism comprising a movable rod and first, second and third fixed stop members. The table may be rotatably attached to a base.