Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a power table saw assembly that comprises a frame configured to retain a motor assembly for driving a rotatable blade, a table top assembly having a top surface with an opening through which a rotating blade can extend provided on the frame, and a base for supporting the frame thereon. A foldable extension table is pivotally connected to an axle fixedly provided in the base, for supporting a workpiece. The extension table is configured to be folded and pivoted about the axle to be stored within the base when the extension table is not in use. In one embodiment, the axle is provided in the rear of the base and generally perpendicular to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece from the table top downstream of the blade. In another embodiment, the axle is provides on one side of the base and generally parallel to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece that extends beyond the table top to one side of the blade.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a table saw including a table top having a generally rectangular top surface with front, rear and opposing side surfaces and having a slot through which a saw blade can extend, a tubular sub-frame for supporting the table saw, the sub-frame having an outer periphery generally coextensive with the outer periphery of the table top, front and rear vertical metal panels having upper and lower transverse mounting portions interconnecting the sub-frame and the table top and left and right vertical side panels made of a composite material mounted on the sub-frame and extending generally between the front and rear metal panels.

Abstract: A below-table blade enclosure for a table saw protects the health and safety of the person operating the saw, by enclosing the saw blade, and thereby protecting the operator from exposure to hazardous and potentially carcinogenic saw dust. The blade enclosure contains and collects the saw dust, which is removed from the blade enclosure by an external dust collecting system, for example via a vacuum hose.

Abstract: An improved health and safety system for a table saw includes one or more of: a blade guard that protects the operator from the saw blade, and contains and collects sawdust; a proximity detector and emergency saw motor braking means for use in connection with such blade guard; an anti-kickback device for use in connection with such blade guard, a rip fence adapter for use in connection with such a blade guard, and hoses and fittings to connect the dust containment and collection system of said blade guard to a shop dust collection blower or vacuum system. The system protects the saw operator from potential traumatic injury to a hand, and from ingesting potentially carcinogenic sawdust.

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 and a braking component configured to engage a moving part of the power tool upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The brake cartridge may further include a switch configured so that proper installation of the cartridge in the power tool triggers the switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system for forming miter joints including a miter saw and an angle gauge. The miter saw includes a platform with a kerf slot and a pair of arcuate slots. Each arcuate slot includes an associated rail located on the underside of the platform. A fence is coupled to each of the rails such that the fence may be pivoted with respect to the platform. The angle measurement tool is a one-handed tool including spring loaded paddles that measure the angle between intersecting surfaces. The angle measurement tool connects to the miter saw to permit the transfer of the measured angle to the fences.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: Table saws with elevation mechanisms are disclosed. One embodiment includes a table saw with a blade, an elevation carriage, a trunnion structure, and a shaft positioned beyond the perimeter of the blade. Another embodiment includes a second shaft interconnecting the elevation carriage and trunnion structure, where the second shaft is positioned beyond the perimeter of the blade.

Abstract: Table saws having a mounting system configured to hold a riving knife or splitter adjacent a blade. The mounting system includes a clamping structure having a handle adapted to pivot between a first position where the clamping structure is open and a second position where the clamping structure is closed, and where the handle can be pivoted from the first position to the second position by hand without using tools. The clamping structure may include a spring to help open the clamp.

Abstract: A combination table-miter saw including a base, an arm rotatably coupled to the base and moveable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, and a platform coupled to the arm and moveable relative to the arm between a first position and a second position. The combination table-miter saw also includes a safety device configured to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a table saw when the arm is in the first position and to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a miter saw when the platform is in the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for providing for the powered cutting of a workpiece, typically in the form of a planar or sheet material. The apparatus includes a rotatable blade to cut the workpiece and the blade is mountable such as in a first mode of use to be capable of being held in a fixed position in which the workpiece is moved past the blade, and a second mode of use in which the blade is moved with respect to the workpiece to cut the same. The workpiece is mounted on a base and the blade is mounted with respect to the base via one or more slide members (68, 76).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, wherein the system comprises a riving knife mechanism releasably mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade, and being configured to be adjustable between retracted and extended positions relative to the blade, a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism and a kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism when the riving knife mechanism is at least in its extended position, the kickback prevention mechanism being configured to engage a work piece as it is being cut by the blade and apply resistance to prevent the work piece from being expelled in the reverse direction.

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 preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, the table top having an opening through which the saw blade can extend, the blade being configured to cut a work piece as the work piece is moved forwardly from a forward position to a rearward position, wherein the system comprises a riving knife mechanism releasably mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade, and being configured to be adjustable between retracted and extended positions relative to the blade, a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism when the riving knife mechanism is at least in its extended position, the blade guard mechanism generally covering the blade and being adjustable to enable a work piece to be moved into cutting position by the blade and a kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a cutting device and a base section. The cutting device includes a motor, a housing, a circular saw blade, and a base plate. The circular saw blade is driven by the motor to cut a workpiece. The housing rotatably supports the circular saw blade and accommodates the motor. The base plate is connected with the housing and is formed with an opening into which the circular saw blade is inserted. The base plate includes a main base plate connected with the housing and a sub base plate detachably mounted on the main base plate. The base section supports the workpiece. The cutting device is detachably mounted on the base section and is pivotably supported by the base section to be moved toward and away from the base section to cut the workpiece.

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: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.

Abstract: A splitter for installation behind a rotating blade of a table saw to prevent contact between the kerf of a work piece and the upwardly moving rear portion of the saw blade. The splitter is indexed from the side of an actual kerf rather than from a side of the saw blade. In this manner, variations in kerf width resulting from variations in blade width and vibration of the saw blade are accommodated. Splitters having work piece contacting surfaces with incremental amounts of offset relative to the side of the kerf may be selected to provide a desired degree of interference and resulting force between the splitter and the work piece.

Abstract: A work table includes a table plate having a slot for attaching a tool device, and a coupler for coupling to a vacuum device, a shield engaged onto the tool device for shielding the tool device and for gathering the dust, a hose coupling device coupled between the shield and the coupler, and a supporting device for adjustably supporting the hose coupling device to the work table at any required position. The hose coupling device may include two flexible hose members coupled to the shield and the coupler, and a rigid hose member coupled between the flexible hose members, and a rod extended from the rigid hose member for adjustably securing to the table with one or more brackets.

Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.

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: Power tool includes a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. Detection system includes an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade. A circuit generates an in phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculates an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase and the quadrature components. The circuit compares the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alignment system for a table saw are disclosed, wherein the table saw has a rotatable blade that extends through its table top, the table top having spaced indicia oriented in a direction parallel to the plane of the blade, comprising an elongated fence having first and second end portions, at least the first end portion having a mechanism for securing the fence on the table saw, an elongated portion attached to the first end portion and extending over the table top, the fence being normally oriented so that the elongated portion is parallel to the plane of the blade and being laterally adjustable relative to the blade, at least two light emitting units mounted on the fence at spaced locations along the length of the fence, each unit configured to direct light on a first side of the fence toward the indicia and enable an observer to determine if the fence is oriented parallel to the indicia.

Abstract: A chop saw, grinding wheel, or like apparatus is disclosed herein also incorporated to an easily portable dust collection system. In a preferred embodiment, a worktable is provided with a center slot for receiving a circular saw blade. A negative pressure and resulting air flow is provided at the center slot to capture particulate matter as a byproduct of cutting the workpiece. Side slots are also disclosed to assist in particulate collection. A unique filter chamber having a cylindrical filter is additionally provided to remove dust from air and discharge the filtered air at a lateral side of the apparatus. A filter cleaning knob is additionally disclosed to assist in cleaning the filter. Of the beneficial aspects of the chop saw with dust collection system is its portability being one integral unit and the dust filter being easily cleaned and maintained.

Abstract: A worktable used in a table saw is disclosed to include a main worktable plate made of iron and having a first opening, and a relatively smaller reinforcing plate made of iron and bonded to the bottom side of the main worktable plate to hold the cutting mechanism of the table saw at the bottom side and having a second opening in vertical alignment with the first opening for the passing of the saw blade of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: Improved methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood.

Abstract: A table saw has a movable cutting tool for cutting a workpiece in a cutting region. The table saw includes a detection system to detect one or more conditions between a person and the cutting tool and a retraction system associated with the detection system. The retraction system retracts the cutting tool away from the cutting region independently of the motor and disengages the cutting tool from driving rotation with the motor upon detection of the one or more conditions by the detection system.

Abstract: A cutting including a saw blade protruding from an upper surface of the table can include a splitter positioned on the front side with respect to a cutting direction of the saw blade and in alignment with the saw blade. A guard device is provided for covering the saw blade. A kickback preventing claw member prevents the workpiece from being forced upward by the saw blade after the workpiece has been cut by the saw blade. A mount frame is detachably mounted to an upper portion of the splitter. The guard device and the kickback preventing claw member are supported on the mount frame, so that the guard device and the kickback preventing claw can be removed separately or together from the splitter.

Abstract: Miter saws are 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 new table saw control system is provided. The system shortens the time required to learn how to operate a table saw, eliminates the necessity of making conversions from one measurement system or unit to another, reduces the likelihood of error occurring during the use of a table saw, and makes a table saw safer to use. The system includes a touch control screen mounted on the fence and moving simultaneously with the fence; and, a plurality of inter-related operational menus operatively associated with the computer and displayed sequentially on the screen and including button images activated by touch to generate signals to the computer to move from one of the menus to another of the menus and to control movement of the carriage and the fence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miter saw which includes a turntable, an elongate coupling mechanism pivotally mounted with respect to the turntable about a bevel axis to adjust to a bevel angle and a saw unit pivotally connected to the elongate coupling mechanism for movement between a non-cutting position and a cutting position. An angle enlarging mechanism is disposed between the turntable and the elongate coupling mechanism which is used for conveniently reading the bevel angle.

Abstract: A slide circular saw comprises a base, a saw blade rotatably driven by a motor, and a main body including the saw blade. The slide circular saw is configured to be capable of automatically changing a cutting depth between in a vertical cut and a bevel cut operations. A chamfered part where a lower limit position setting bolt abuts in a vertical cut operation and a peripheral surface part where the lower limit position abuts in a bevel cut operation are provided at a rod of the slide circular saw. The peripheral surface part has a lower limit position of the saw blade being higher than that of the chamfered part. Position of the rod can be switched between a first position where the chamfered part abuts the lower limit position setting bolt when the main body is in a vertical cut position and a second position where the peripheral surface part abuts the lower limit position setting bolt when the main body is in a bevel cut position.

Abstract: A cutting workstation which includes a miter gauge. The miter gauge consists of a clamping means whereby the gauge may be fixed to any location upon the length of cutting station work surface. The miter gauge arm is hinged to clamping means by a plate which may be rotated and then fixed at any angle. The arm is extendable and at its distal end exhibits a T shaped plate and fence which itself may be rotated to any angle. The ability to fix the miter gauge at any position along the cutting station work surface along with two means of adjusting angles allows the fence to guide the work piece at virtually any angle.

Abstract: Table saws and table saws designed to incorporate safety systems are disclosed. The table saws may include vertical slide elevation mechanisms positioned toward the rear of the saw and constructed so that an arbor block and blade can retract when a safety system detects an unsafe condition. Other table saw parts and components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.

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: Brake pawls for use in safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The brake pawls include an energy-absorbing region. The energy absorbing regions may include a deformable or collapsible region made from apertures in the brake pawl or from collapsible members or from materials of differing hardnesses, strengths, or structures.

Abstract: A dust collector has a shroud mounted to the connecting rods of the pivoting assembly of a contractor's table saw. The shroud is configured to surround the lower portion of the saw blade when the blade is fully raised, and most of the blade's diameter when it is fully lowered. The shroud is equipped with a nozzle for connection of a dust collection hose. The shroud extends upwardly between the connecting rods of the pivoting assembly and between the front and rear trunnions. The longitudinal outside surfaces of the shroud are provided with shoulders that abut the connecting rods. Retainers engage the connecting rods to support the shroud against the shoulders. Thus, the dust collector is suspended below and removably connected to the pivoting assembly of the table saw. One corner of the shroud includes an opening to accommodate the arbor bracket and its vertical movement.

Abstract: A portable rolling carpentry workshop includes a table saw mounted on a sliding means to allow the blade of the saw to be shifted to the left or to the right of the longitudinal centerline of the workshop so that more supporting surface is available on either side of the blade to allow cutting large workpieces on a relatively narrow tabletop surface. The workshop of the invention is sized to allow easy maneuvering through the narrow hallways of apartment buildings but affords the functionality of larger worktables due to this unique ability to slide the table saw. Also provided is an extendable miter saw table located above the main tabletop surface and allowing passing of the longer workpieces underneath thereof when ripping with table saw. Therefore the use of both the table saw and the miter saw can be accomplished at the same time without the need to rearrange the configuration of the power tools on the workshop.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly connected to at least one of the base assembly and the table assembly, the saw assembly having a blade extending through the table assembly, a height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the blade, the height adjustment assembly comprising a height adjustment wheel, and bevel adjustment assembly for adjusting the bevel angle of the blade, the bevel adjustment assembly comprising a bevel adjustment wheel. The height and bevel adjustment wheels are disposed at the front of the base assembly. The position of the height and bevel adjustment wheels relative to the front of the base assembly does not change regardless of the blade height and bevel angle.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly having a blade extending through the table assembly, and a riving knife assembly connected to the saw assembly. The riving knife assembly has a removable riving knife, and a riving knife locking mechanism for locking the riving knife in the riving knife assembly. A handle is mounted to the base assembly or the table assembly, and is connected to the riving knife locking mechanism for releasing the riving knife without using additional tools.

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 table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a base frame, a pair of holder assemblies, an overhead frame, a cutter assembly and a controller. The pair of holder assemblies are operably connected to the base frame with one holder assembly holding the first workpiece and the other holding the second workpiece. The pair of holder assemblies independently move relative to one another along a transverse axis. The overhead frame is connected to the base frame. The cutter assembly is connected to the overhead frame and moves along a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The cutter assembly includes a rotary cutter mechanism with a rotating cutting tool. The controller controls and moves of the pair of holders and the cutter assembly so that the rotating cutting tool cuts the first workpiece in a first desired configuration then moves to the second workpiece to cut the second workpiece in a second desired configuration.

Abstract: A kickback-inhibiting device serves to inhibit a workpiece from being lifted up by a rotating cutting blade of a cutting device. The kickback-inhibiting devices include kickback-inhibiting members and a holding device. Each of the kickback-inhibiting members is movable between an operative position and an inoperative position. In the operative position, each kickback-inhibiting member is operable to engage the workpiece from an upper side in order to inhibit the workpiece from being lifted up. In the inoperative position, each kickback-inhibiting member is positioned upwardly away from the workpiece so as not to interact with the workpiece. The holding device serves to hold the kickback-inhibiting members in the inoperative positions.

Abstract: A saw comprises a surface having an opening defined therein, a plate structure configured to be attached to the saw below the surface, and an arm pivotally attached to the plate structure about a first shaft. A blade is configured to be engaged with the arm at a location spaced from the first shaft. A portion of the blade extends through the opening when the saw is in a normal operating position. The saw comprises a firing mechanism comprising a barrel end portion having a bore defined therein and an extendable piston at least partially positioned within the bore. The barrel end portion is attached to the plate structure. The extendable piston engages the arm during its extension and causes the arm to pivot about the first shaft when the firing mechanism is activated by an activation signal. The pivoting of the arm causes the blade to be moved downwardly below the surface.

Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws including the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws include at least one securement mechanism adapted to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate includes an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.

Abstract: A table saw including a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly connected to at least one of the base assembly and the table assembly, a riving knife assembly connected to the saw assembly, the riving knife assembly comprising a holder, a plate attached to the holder, a riving knife disposed between the holder and the plate, and a retainer disposed within the holder and contacting the riving knife. The retainer may be biased towards the riving knife.

Abstract: A sawing machine having an angle indicator has a worktable, a pivot shaft, a saw blade holder fastened to the pivot shaft as the pivoting center thereof and having a motor, and a saw blade connected to the saw blade holder, rotatable by the motor and passing through the worktable. The angle indicator has an angle indicating member having an index zone and a following member. The following member is fixed on the pivot shaft and connected to the angle indicating member. Thereby the saw blade is moved with the saw blade holder, and the following member is pivoted with the saw blade holder by the pivot shaft to result in movement of the index zone when the saw blade holder pivots, so that the displacement of the index zone corresponds to the movement of the saw blade.

Abstract: A woodworking machine having one or more dangerous portions is disclosed. The machine also includes a safety system configured to detect accidental contact between a person and at least one of the dangerous portions by electrically coupling a signal to the person's body, and detecting if the signal becomes coupled to the dangerous portion.