U.S. patent application number 16/398412 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-17 for adaptive cutting system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kreg Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott Clark, Nathan Scott Combs, Christian D. Ewoldt, Timothy J. Forbes, Joseph W. Gibson, Frederick J. Good, Edward Charles Hay, Elliot James Hoff, Neil M. Holland, Casey L. Kerkmann, Jacob Martin, Michael P. Marusiak, Mark David McClellan, Stacy A. Peterson, Doyle R. Ramsey, Allen F. Raushel, Shelby Lee Strempke.
Application Number | 20200391310 16/398412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004563390 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200391310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gibson; Joseph W. ; et
al. |
December 17, 2020 |
ADAPTIVE CUTTING SYSTEM
Abstract
An adaptive cutting system is presented that facilitates cutting
workpieces in new and different ways in a fun, easy, fast, accurate
and safe manner. The system includes a benchtop having a grid of
bench dog holes across its surface as well as a pair of table
tracks embedded within its surface. An edge track extends around
the benchtop and a pair of hinge members are connected to the edge
tracks that also connect to a saw track that is movable between a
raised and lowered position. The system also includes narrow rip
stops, wide rip stops, bench dogs and a miter gauge all of which
work in concert with the on-table features to facilitate on-table
measurement and alignment of workpieces for performing cutting
operations.
Inventors: |
Gibson; Joseph W.; (Polk
City, IA) ; Ramsey; Doyle R.; (Des Moines, IA)
; Strempke; Shelby Lee; (Kelley, IA) ; Combs;
Nathan Scott; (Slater, IA) ; Holland; Neil M.;
(Slater, IA) ; Hoff; Elliot James; (Ames, IA)
; Forbes; Timothy J.; (Ankeny, IA) ; Raushel;
Allen F.; (Johnston, IA) ; Martin; Jacob;
(Urbandale, IA) ; Kerkmann; Casey L.; (Bondurant,
IA) ; Peterson; Stacy A.; (Ames, IA) ; Ewoldt;
Christian D.; (Ankeny, IA) ; Marusiak; Michael
P.; (Ankeny, IA) ; McClellan; Mark David;
(Prairie City, IA) ; Good; Frederick J.; (Ogden,
IA) ; Clark; Scott; (Boone, IA) ; Hay; Edward
Charles; (Dubuque, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kreg Enterprises, Inc. |
Huxley |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004563390 |
Appl. No.: |
16/398412 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62664460 |
Apr 30, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23D 47/025 20130101;
B27B 27/02 20130101; Y10T 83/68 20150401 |
International
Class: |
B23D 47/02 20060101
B23D047/02; B27B 27/02 20060101 B27B027/02 |
Claims
1. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the benchtop
having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side, and a
right side; the benchtop having a plurality of bench dog holes; the
plurality of bench dog holes positioned in the benchtop in a
pattern; a first table track; wherein the table track is configured
to receive and guide movement of accessories; the first table track
extending a length between opposing ends; the first table track
positioned in the benchtop; the first table track having measuring
indicia; a saw track; the saw track extending a length between
opposing ends; the saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track
operatively connected to the benchtop; the saw track configured to
receive and guide a saw; wherein the saw track is configured to
move between a raised position, that allows the placement and
removal of workpieces under the saw track, and a lowered position,
that facilitates engagement of workpieces under the saw track;
wherein the cutting edge of the saw track is aligned with the
pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes as well as the first
table track.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern, wherein the cutting edge
of the saw track is aligned to be squared to the square grid
pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one edge track
connected to the benchtop, wherein an edge track extends along at
least one of the front side, the back side, the left side, and the
right side of the benchtop.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first table track is
perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw track.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the measuring indicia of the first
table track is tape that is adjustable to an infinite number of
positions within the first table track to facilitate recalibration
of the measuring indica to the cutting edge of the saw track so as
to facilitate on-table measurement of cut width using the measuring
indicia of the first table track.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the measuring indicia of the first
table track is at least one measuring tape.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the measuring indicia of the first
table track is at least one measuring tape, wherein the at least
one measuring tape is adjustable to an infinite number of positions
within the first table track.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the first table track has a groove
therein that is configured to receive accessories.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first table track has a
groove wherein the groove is a T-slot that is configured to receive
accessories.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a pair of hinge
members operatively connected to the benchtop and the saw track;
wherein the pair of hinge members facilitate hinged raising and
lowering of the saw track.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a second table track;
the second table track extending a length between opposing ends;
the second table track positioned in the benchtop; the second table
track having measuring indicia; wherein the second table track is
perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw track.
13. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the
benchtop having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side,
and a right side; the benchtop having a plurality of bench dog
holes; the plurality of bench dog holes positioned in the benchtop
in a pattern; a saw track; the saw track extending a length between
opposing ends; the saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track
configured to receive and guide a saw; a pair of hinge members
operatively connected to the benchtop and the saw track; wherein
the hinge members are configured to facilitate hinged movement of
the saw track between a raised position, that allows the placement
and removal of workpieces under the saw track, and a lowered
position, that facilitates engagement of workpieces under the saw
track; wherein the cutting edge of the saw track is aligned with
the pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes; and wherein the
pair of hinge members are laterally adjustable to an infinite
number of positions to facilitate recalibration of the saw track to
the plurality of bench dog holes.
14. (canceled)
15. The system of claim 13 wherein the pair of hinge members are
vertically adjustable.
16. The system of claim 13 wherein a left hinge member is connected
to a left edge track that extends along the left side of the
benchtop and a right hinge member is connected to a right edge
track that extends along the right side of the benchtop.
17. The system of claim 13 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern.
18. The system of claim 13 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern, wherein the cutting edge
of the saw track is aligned to be squared to the square grid
pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes.
19. The system of claim 13 further comprising at least one edge
track connected to the benchtop, wherein an edge track extends
along at least one of the front side, the back side, the left side,
and the right side of the benchtop.
20. The system of claim 13 further comprising: a first table track;
the first table track extending a length between opposing ends; the
first table track positioned in the benchtop; the first table track
having measuring indicia.
21. The system of claim 13 wherein the cutting edge of the saw
track is aligned with the pattern of the plurality of bench dog
holes as well as a first table track positioned within the
benchtop.
22. The system of claim 13 further comprising a first table track
positioned within the benchtop, wherein the first table track is
perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw track.
23. The system of claim 13 further comprising a first table track
positioned within the benchtop; wherein the measuring indicia of
the first table track is adjustable to an infinite number of
positions within the first table track to facilitate recalibration
of the measuring indica to the cutting edge of the saw track so as
to facilitate on-table measurement of cut width using the measuring
indicia of the first table track.
24. The system of claim 13 further comprising a first table track
positioned within the benchtop, the first table track having
measuring indicia, wherein the measuring indicia of the first table
track is at least one measuring tape.
25. The system of claim 13 further comprising: a second table
track; the second table track extending a length between opposing
ends; the second table track positioned in the benchtop; the second
table track having measuring indicia; wherein the second table
track is perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw
track.
26. The system of claim 13 further comprising, wherein the
connection of the benchtop, saw track and the pair of hinge members
forms a four bar linkage.
27. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the
benchtop having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side,
and a right side; the benchtop having a plurality of bench dog
holes; the plurality of bench dog holes positioned in the benchtop
in a pattern; a first table track; the first table track extending
a length between opposing ends; the first table track positioned in
the benchtop; the first table track having measuring indicia; a saw
track; the saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the
saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track operatively
connected to the benchtop adjacent each opposing end of the saw
track; the saw track configured to receive and guide a saw; wherein
the saw track is configured to move between a raised position, that
allows the placement and removal of workpieces under the saw track,
and a lowered position, that facilitates engagement of workpieces
under the saw track; wherein the cutting edge of the saw track is
calibrated to the measuring indicia of the first table track
thereby facilitating measuring cut length of a workpiece on the
benchtop itself.
28. The system of claim 27 wherein the cutting edge of the saw
track is aligned with the pattern of the plurality of bench dog
holes as well as the first table track.
29. The system of claim 27 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern.
30. The system of claim 27 wherein the pattern of the plurality of
bench dog holes is a square grid pattern, wherein the cutting edge
of the saw track is laterally adjustable to an infinite number of
positions to facilitate realignment of the saw track to be squared
to the square grid pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes.
31. The system of claim 27 further comprising at least one edge
track connected to the benchtop, wherein an edge track extends
along at least one of the front side, the back side, the left side,
and the right side of the benchtop.
32. The system of claim 27 wherein the first table track is
perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw track.
33. The system of claim 27 wherein the measuring indicia of the
first table track is adjustable to an infinite number of positions
within the first table track to facilitate recalibration of the
measuring indicata to the cutting edge of the saw track so as to
facilitate on-table measurement of cut width using the measuring
indicia of the first table track.
34. The system of claim 27 wherein the measuring indicia of the
first table track is at least one measuring tape.
35. The system of claim 27 wherein the measuring indicia of the
first table track is at least one measuring tape, wherein the at
least one measuring tape is adjustable to an infinite number of
positions within the first table track.
36. The system of claim 35 wherein the first table track has a
groove therein that is configured to receive accessories.
37. The system of claim 36 wherein the first table track has a
second groove; and wherein the measuring indica is positioned
within the second groove.
38. The system of claim 27 further comprising a pair of hinge
members operatively connected to the benchtop and the saw track;
wherein the pair of hinge members facilitate hinged raising and
lowering of the saw track.
39. The system of claim 27 further comprising: a second table
track; the second table track extending a length between opposing
ends; the second table track positioned in the benchtop; the second
table track having measuring indicia; wherein the second table
track is perpendicularly aligned to the cutting edge of the saw
track.
40. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the
benchtop having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side,
and a right side; the benchtop having a plurality of bench dog
holes; the plurality of bench dog holes positioned in the benchtop
in a pattern; a first table track; the first table track extending
a length between opposing ends; the first table track positioned in
the benchtop; the first table track having measuring indicia; a saw
track; the saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the
saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track operatively
connected to the benchtop adjacent each opposing end of the saw
track; the saw track configured to receive and guide a saw; wherein
the cutting edge of the saw track is calibrated to the measuring
indicia of the first table track thereby facilitating measuring cut
length of a workpiece on the benchtop itself; wherein the cutting
edge of the saw track is calibrated to be aligned with the pattern
of the plurality of bench dog holes.
41. The system of claim 23, further comprising a rip stop; wherein
the rip stop is configured to slide laterally within the table
track along side the measuring indica; wherein an end of the rip
stop is configured to pass under the saw track and engage a
workpiece under the table track; and wherein when measuring indica
of table track is calibrated, the rip stop is configured to provide
measurements of placement of the workpiece under the table track
with reference to the measuring indica. (New) An adaptive cutting
system, comprising: a benchtop; the benchtop having a top side, a
front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side; the
benchtop having a plurality of bench dog holes; the plurality of
bench dog holes positioned in the benchtop in a pattern; a first
table track; the first table track extending a length between
opposing ends; the first table track positioned in the benchtop;
the first table track having measuring indicia; a saw track; the
saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the saw track
having a cutting edge; the saw track operatively connected to the
benchtop adjacent each opposing end of the saw track; the saw track
configured to receive and guide a saw; wherein the saw track is
configured to move between a raised position, that allows the
placement and removal of workpieces under the saw track, and a
lowered position, that facilitates engagement of workpieces under
the saw track; wherein the cutting edge of the saw track is aligned
with the pattern of the plurality of bench dog holes as well as the
first table track.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/664,460 which was filed on Apr. 30, 2018, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein fully by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to a cutting system. More
specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to a
system for cutting wood and other materials in various
configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] A number of systems and devices have been developed for
cutting wood and other materials. Common types of cutting systems
include: band saws, circular saws, miter saws and table saws. Each
of these saw configurations have their own unique benefits as well
as their own unique disadvantages and drawbacks.
[0004] Band saws are formed of a rotating saw blade that is formed
in the shape of a band or continuous loop. This blade is relatively
narrow and therefore band saws are tremendously well suited for
cutting intricate shapes or features in both large and small pieces
of material. While effective in many applications, band saws suffer
from many disadvantages.
[0005] Namely, band saws are not well suited for making long
straight cuts due to the narrow configuration of the blade. In
addition, due to the large blade, band saws are generally large in
stature which makes them stationary, and not portable, tools
limited to use within the confines of a workshop. In addition, band
saw blades are generally expensive. Also, band saws generally have
a slow through-put. Another disadvantage of band saws is that the
blade can be easily moved by grains in the wood due to the flexible
nature and narrow width of the blade, which adds inaccuracy to
straight cuts. For these reasons, band saws are not well suited or
desirable for many cutting operations or many users.
[0006] Table saws are generally formed of a rotating blade that
that sticks upward from a table top surface. Table saws are
generally well suited for making straight cuts in pieces of plank
material. While table saws can be used with great precision to make
straight cuts, table saws suffer from many disadvantages.
[0007] Namely, due to the rotating blade sticking up from the table
top surface, table saws have a generally sinister appearance and
therefore many users are scared or intimidated by table saws. While
some of the bad reputation table saws have is partially fiction, it
is true that the exposed blade is very dangerous, especially when
used by the novice user. Another disadvantage of table saws is that
due to the fact that the blade protrudes from a table-top-like
surface, table saws are relatively large, heavy, complicated and
expensive devices. Due to their large size, table saws cannot be
used in many settings or are not convenient for use in many
applications such as on a jobsite as they are not very mobile or
easy to set up on-site. Instead, table saws, like band saws, are
generally reserved for use within the confines of a workshop. Yet
another disadvantage of table saws is that they have a tendency to
kick-back material during cutting.
[0008] A kick back occurs when a piece of material binds between
the rotating blade and a guide surface or when a workpiece begins
to twist or rotate while being cut. This often results in the blade
pushing, kicking or throwing the workpiece back toward the user,
sometimes in a catastrophic manner. Obviously this can be a very
dangerous situation, not to mention a very scary one.
[0009] Another disadvantage of table saws is that they can be very
difficult to use when cutting large sheets of material because the
entire piece of material must be moved, not to mention moved in a
manner that prevents binding and kick-back. If the piece of
material is not precisely moved it can bind on the blade and kick
back. Yet another disadvantage of table saws is that they require a
lot of skill and experience to fully utilize the table saw in a
safe manner. For these reasons, table saws are not well suited or
desirable for many cutting operations or many users.
[0010] Circular saws are generally formed of a handheld motor
connected to a rotating blade. Circular saws are relatively
inexpensive, and unlike table saws, circular saws generally have a
blade cover that at least tries to protect the user from the blade
when not in use. This blade cover provides at least the appearance
of safety which makes many users much more comfortable using a
circular saw as opposed to a table saw. Also, due to their small
size, circular saws are relatively easy to move and operate. In
addition, circular saws are easy to transport and therefore
circular saws are well suited for job-site use and are not
constrained to use only within a workshop.
[0011] While circular saws have many advantages, they also have
many disadvantages. Namely, due to their small size it is hard to
accurately cut small pieces of material with a circular saw. In
addition, it is difficult to make a long and straight cut with
circular saws. Another disadvantage to circular saws is that the
blade guide often gets into the way when a user is attempting to
make a cut, which can cause the cutting operation to be less-safe
and can cause the cutting operation to be less accurate. Another
disadvantage is because the blade rotates upward through the
workpiece circular saws tend to cause a great amount of tear out on
the upper-positioned surface of the workpiece that is cut. For
these and other reasons, despite their advantages, circular saws
suffer from many substantial disadvantages and limitations.
[0012] Miter saws are generally formed of a rotating saw blade that
vertically pivots on a hinge and plunges toward a base and into and
through a workpiece placed on the base. Miter saws are particularly
well suited to make perpendicular cuts in smaller width workpieces
that may be anywhere from extremely long to extremely short. Miter
saws also angularly pivot so as to facilitate a wide range of
angular cuts. Miter saws can be used to make highly precise and
repeatable cuts. Miter saws are relatively inexpensive, and unlike
table saws, miter saws generally have a blade cover that at least
tries to protect the user from the blade. Miter saws are relatively
portable.
[0013] While miter saws have many advantages, they also have many
disadvantages. Namely, miter saws cannot be used for cutting
through wide and/or thick workpieces. In addition, it is difficult
to see exactly where a cut is going to be made on a workpiece prior
to making the cut, which leads to inaccurate cuts as well as delay
in making the cuts. That is, there is no easily perceptible
indication where the cut is going to be made on the workpiece prior
to actually performing the cut. For these and other reasons,
despite their advantages, miter saws suffer from many substantial
disadvantages and limitations.
[0014] As such, the prior art cutting systems suffer from many
substantial disadvantages including being: unsafe, inaccurate,
large, expensive, hard to use, they have limited accuracy, they are
hard to guide, and they form low quality cuts, among many other
disadvantages.
[0015] Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons
stated below, there is a need in the art for an improved adaptive
cutting system that provides functionalities and capabilities never
before present in a system.
[0016] Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a
guided circular saw system and method that improves upon the state
of the art.
[0017] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is safe to use.
[0018] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is efficient to use.
[0019] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is relatively inexpensive.
[0020] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is capable of making long
straight cuts.
[0021] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that can be used to cut both large and
small pieces easily and accurately.
[0022] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is accurate.
[0023] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is efficient.
[0024] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that provides precise
alignment.
[0025] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that can be used with workpieces with a
wide range of thicknesses.
[0026] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is easy to learn how to
use.
[0027] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is relatively small in size and
shape.
[0028] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that provides the benefits of a
circular saw and a table saw in a single device.
[0029] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that holds workpieces in a firm and rigid
manner.
[0030] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is easy to set up.
[0031] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is easy to take down.
[0032] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is formed of a minimum
number of parts.
[0033] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is simple to use.
[0034] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is easier to use than prior
art systems.
[0035] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is unique.
[0036] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that provides new capabilities
to existing tools.
[0037] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that can be used with a replaceable
benchtop.
[0038] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that is high quality.
[0039] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that has a robust design.
[0040] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that has a long useful life.
[0041] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a guided
circular saw system and method that provides accurate and clean
cuts.
[0042] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that helps prevent chip
tear-out.
[0043] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is durable.
[0044] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that saves time.
[0045] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is fun to use.
[0046] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that can be used with workpieces
of practically any material.
[0047] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that is easily portable and can be used
on a job site.
[0048] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that makes it easier to measure
for cuts.
[0049] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that makes measuring more repeatable than
prior art systems.
[0050] Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an
adaptive cutting system and method that reduces or eliminates the
need for a helper when making cuts.
[0051] Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive
cutting system and method that provides support for both sides of
the workpiece after a cut.
[0052] These and other objects, features, or advantages of the
disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures and
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0053] An adaptive cutting system is presented that facilitates
cutting workpieces in new and different ways in a fun, easy, fast,
accurate and safe manner. The system includes a benchtop having a
grid of bench dog holes across its surface as well as a pair of
table tracks embedded within its surface. An edge track extends
around the benchtop and a pair of hinge members are connected to
the edge tracks that also connect to a saw track that is movable
between a raised and lowered position. The system also includes
narrow rip stops, wide rip stops, bench dogs and a miter gauge all
of which work in concert with the on-table features to facilitate
on-table measurement and alignment of workpieces for performing
cutting operations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adaptive cutting system,
the view showing a benchtop having a grid pattern of bench dog
holes across the upper surface of the benchtop, the view showing
edge tracks extending around the exterior peripheral edge of the
benchtop, the view showing a pair of table tracks extending across
the benchtop in parallel spaced relation to one another, the view
showing the benchtop in an upright position supported upon two
pairs of legs and cross braces, the view showing a hinge member
connected to an edge track, the view showing a stand and wheels
connected to the one end of the benchtop;
[0055] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the stand in a lowered
position as opposed to a raised position;
[0057] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 3;
[0058] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an end of the adaptive
cutting system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing grooves in the
edge tracks, the view showing an alignment receiver in the
benchtop;
[0059] FIG. 6 is another elevation view of an end of the adaptive
cutting system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the opposite end
as is shown in FIG. 5;
[0060] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing one pair of legs in a
folded position and the stand in a raised position with the wheels
supporting an end of the benchtop;
[0061] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing both pairs of legs in a
folded position and the stand in a raised position with the wheels
supporting an end of the benchtop;
[0062] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting
system shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the bottom side of the
configuration shown in FIG. 8, the view showing the two pairs of
legs in a folded positon and latched in place, the view showing
mounting plates of hinge members connected to the edge tracks at
the ends of the benchtop;
[0063] FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of the configuration
shown in FIG. 9, the view showing the mounting plates removed;
[0064] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the configuration shown
in FIG. 9;
[0065] FIG. 12 is an end elevation view of the configuration shown
in FIG. 9;
[0066] FIG. 13 is an end elevation view of the configuration shown
in FIG. 9, the view showing the opposite end of that shown in FIG.
12;
[0067] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the configuration
shown in FIG. 9;
[0068] FIG. 15 is another bottom perspective view of the
configuration shown in FIG. 9;
[0069] FIG. 16A is a side elevation view of a standard bench dog,
the view showing the bench dog having a lower section that is
cylindrical in shape that is connected to an upper section that is
also cylindrical in shape, the upper section having a larger
diameter than the lower section, the view showing the lower section
and the upper section having a shared central axis, the view
showing the step between the lower section and the upper section
extending outward from the central axis in a perpendicular manner
or said another way there is a flat shoulder at the intersection
between the lower section and the upper section; the view showing
the lower edge of the lower corner having a chamfered edge to
facilitate insertion into a bench dog of the benchtop;
[0070] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the bench dog shown in
FIG. 16A;
[0071] FIG. 16C is an elevation view of a narrow or short bench dog
similar to that shown in FIG. 16A, the view showing that the upper
section is vertically narrower than the bench dog shown in FIG.
16A;
[0072] FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the narrow or short bench
dog shown in FIG. 16C;
[0073] FIG. 17 is a perspective close-up view of a portion of the
benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the benchtop having a
grid pattern of bench dogs therein, the view showing a pair of
table tracks inserted within the benchtop, the view showing the
table tracks having a centrally positioned upwardly facing groove
with a downward facing groove on each side of the centrally
positioned groove, the view showing measuring grooves positioned on
each outward side of the table track that face upward, the view
showing lock members exploded off of the ends of the table
tracks;
[0074] FIG. 18 is a close-up perspective view of an end of the
table track shown in FIG. 17;
[0075] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the table track shown
in FIG. 17, the view showing the lock member connected to the end
of the table track and positioned within the benchtop;
[0076] FIG. 20 is a top elevation view of a portion of the benchtop
shown in FIG. 17, the view showing the lock member connected to the
end of the table track and positioned within the benchtop;
[0077] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of a portion of the
benchtop shown in FIG. 17, the view showing measuring members
positioned within the measuring grooves of the table tracks;
[0078] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lock member shown in FIG.
17;
[0079] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a hinge member and saw
track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showing a mounting plate with an
end plate connected to the mounting plate, the view showing a saw
track connected to the upper end of the end plate by a first hinge,
center member and second hinge, the view showing a chip strip
extending outward from a cutting side of the saw track that forms
the cutting edge, the view showing the chip strip having a hard
upper layer and a softer lower layer that has a high coefficient of
friction;
[0080] FIG. 24 is another side elevation view of the hinge member
and saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing the other side of
the hinge member and saw track as is shown in FIG. 23;
[0081] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the hinge member and
saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23;
[0082] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the hinge member and
saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing the recesses of
the cord manager connected to an end of the saw track; the view
showing the second hinge connected to the bottom surface of the saw
track and the center member connecting the second hinge to the end
plate;
[0083] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the hinge member and
saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23,
[0084] FIG. 28 is a close up bottom perspective view of one end of
the hinge member and saw track that is configured to connect to an
edge track of the benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing
the end of the saw track that has the cord manager connected to the
saw track as is shown in FIG. 26;
[0085] FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of the hinge member and
saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track of the
benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing the hinge member
and saw track connected to the edge track of a benchtop, the view
showing the hinge members in a raised and over center position so
as to allow workpieces to be inserted under and removed from below
the saw track;
[0086] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the view shown in FIG.
29;
[0087] FIG. 31 is a close up perspective view of a hinge member
connect to an edge track of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view
showing a mounting plate with an end plate connected to the
mounting plate, the view showing the saw track removed from the
upper end of the end plate; the view showing the center member and
second hinge in a raised position, the view showing the end plate
in a fully raised position with respect to the mounting plate;
[0088] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting
plate shown in FIG. 31, the view showing the mounting plate removed
from the edge track of the benchtop, the view showing three
fasteners that attach the mounting plate to the groove of the edge
track exploded from the mounting plate, the view showing second
protrusion formed of a single solid feature machined onto the
exterior surface of the first protrusion;
[0089] FIG. 33 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge member
that is configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as
is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing the mounting plate exploded
from the edge track, the view showing the end plate exploded from
the mounting plate, the view showing the two exterior-positioned
fasteners positioned within the groove of the edge track, the view
showing the centrally-positioned fastener positioned within the
mounting plate, the view showing the alignment feature of the
mounting plate aligned with the alignment receiver of the
benchtop;
[0090] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the saw track upside down
and placed on the benchtop, the view showing the second hinge
connected to the bottom surface of the saw track and the end plate
connected to the second hinge by a center member, the view showing
the mounting plate attached to the edge track of the benchtop;
[0091] FIG. 35 is a perspective exploded view of the benchtop
having an edge track positioned around the benchtop, the view
showing a mounting plate connected to the edge track, the view
showing the end plate exploded off of the mounting plate, the view
showing the saw track positioned on the upper surface of the
benchtop and unconnected to the end plate;
[0092] FIG. 36 is a close up perspective view of a hinge member
connect to an edge track of the benchtop shown in FIG. 31, the view
showing a mounting plate with an end plate connected to the
mounting plate, the view showing the saw track connected to the
upper end of the end plate; the view showing the center member and
second hinge in a raised position, the view showing the end plate
in a fully raised position with respect to the mounting plate;
[0093] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the benchtop of FIG. 1
having a grid pattern of bench dogs in the upper surface of the
benchtop, the view showing mounting plates connected to each end of
the benchtop, the view showing bench dogs placed within calibration
features in the forward side of the benchtop with one bench dog
adjacent each forward corner of the benchtop;
[0094] FIG. 38 another perspective view of the benchtop shown in
FIG. 37 with bench dogs placed in the calibration holes, the view
showing the saw track attached to the benchtop by end plates
attached to mounting plates, the view showing the saw track in a
calibration position wherein the cutting edge is placed against the
bench dogs placed in the calibration features;
[0095] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG.
1, the view showing mounting plates connected to edge tracks of the
benchtop, the view showing end plates connected to the mounting
plates, the view showing the saw track connected to the mounting
plates, the view showing the end plates in a fully raised position,
the view showing the saw track in a fully raised position upon
center members and second hinges of the end plates;
[0096] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG.
1, the view showing mounting plates connected to edge tracks of the
benchtop, the view showing end plates connected to the mounting
plates, the view showing the saw track connected to the mounting
plates, the view showing the end plates in a lowered raised
position, the view showing the saw track in a lowered raised
position upon center members and second hinges of the end plates,
the view showing a plunge cut saw positioned on the saw track;
[0097] FIG. 41 another perspective view of the benchtop shown in
FIG. 1, the view showing a configuration similar to that shown in
FIG. 40, the view additionally showing a workpiece placed under the
saw track and the saw track placed on top of the upper surface of
the workpiece, the view showing the workpiece positioned against
three bench dogs, one under the saw track near the cutting edge and
two positioned rearward of the saw track, the bench dogs positioned
on a side of the workpiece opposite the cutting direction, the view
showing an example of how a perpendicular cut is performed using
the system, the view showing the portion of the workpiece rearward
of the saw track fitting on the upper surface of the benchtop;
[0098] FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the arrangement shown
in FIG. 41;
[0099] FIG. 43 a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1,
the view showing a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 41
with the difference being the workpiece is much larger than the
workpiece shown in FIG. 41 with a portion of the workpiece
extending past the rearward edge of the benchtop, this arrangement
shows that the workpiece will be maintained in position after the
cut is performed;
[0100] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG.
1, the view showing a configuration similar to that shown in FIG.
43 with the difference being the workpiece is placed at a
45.degree. angle to the cutting edge as opposed to a perpendicular
alignment, the view showing a narrow bench dog placed under the saw
track near the cutting edge with two bench dogs placed rearward and
at a 45.degree. angle from the forward most under-track bench dog,
the view showing an example of how the system is used to easily
perform a 45.degree. cut;
[0101] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a narrow rip stop, the view
showing the wide stop end of the narrow rip stop;
[0102] FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the narrow rip stop
shown in FIG. 45, the view showing the narrow stop end of the
narrow rip stop;
[0103] FIG. 47 is a bottom elevation view of the narrow rip stop
shown in FIG. 45, the view showing the connection feature and
structural features in the bottom side of the narrow rip stop, the
view also showing the fastener and head that connect the narrow rip
stop to the center-positioned groove of the table tracks;
[0104] FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of the narrow rip stop
shown in FIG. 45;
[0105] FIG. 49 is a top elevation view of the narrow rip stop shown
in FIG. 45;
[0106] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops
as shown in FIG. 45, the narrow rip stops connected by a connection
member that extends across and between the narrow stop ends of the
narrow rip stops;
[0107] FIG. 51 is a bottom elevation view of the narrow rip stops
connected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;
[0108] FIG. 52 is a another perspective view of the narrow rip
stops connected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;
[0109] FIG. 53 is a front elevation view of the narrow rip stops
connected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;
[0110] FIG. 54 is a top elevation view of the narrow rip stops
connected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;
[0111] FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view of the narrow rip
stops connected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;
[0112] FIG. 56 is a close-up perspective view of the narrow rip
stop shown in FIG. 45, the view showing the narrow rip stop
connected to the center groove of a table track, the view showing
the narrow stop end of the narrow rip stop facing forward toward
the saw track;
[0113] FIG. 57 is another close-up perspective view of the narrow
rip stop as shown in FIG. 56, the view showing the narrow rip stop
connected to the center groove of a table track, the view showing
the narrow stop end of the narrow rip stop facing forward toward
the saw track;
[0114] FIG. 58 is a close-up perspective view of the narrow rip
stop shown in FIG. 45, the view showing the narrow rip stop
connected to the center groove of a table track, the view showing
the wide stop end of the narrow rip stop facing forward toward the
saw track;
[0115] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops
that are joined together by a connection member as is shown in FIG.
50, the pair of narrow rip stops are placed on a benchtop and
connected to a pair of table tracks, the view shows the saw track
in a raised position and the end plates attached to mounting plates
which are attached to edge tracks of the benchtop in a lowered
position;
[0116] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system
shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the legs in an extended position,
the view showing a large sheet workpiece placed on the upper
surface of the benchtop with the free end of the workpiece
supported by a stand;
[0117] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system
that is similar to that shown in FIG. 60, the view showing a pair
of narrow rip stops connected to the table tracks with the narrow
stop end engaged with the rear edge of the workpiece, the view
showing the saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge
members, the view showing a saw placed on the saw track, the view
showing the free end of the workpiece supported by a stand;
[0118] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system
that is similar to that shown in FIG. 61, the view showing a pair
of narrow rip stops connected to the table tracks with the wide
stop end engaged with the rear edge of the workpiece, the view
showing the saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge
members, the view showing a saw placed on the saw track, the view
showing the free end of the workpiece supported by a stand;
[0119] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system
that is similar to that shown in FIG. 62, the view showing a single
narrow rip stop connected a the table tracks with the wide stop end
engaged with the rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the
saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the
view showing a saw placed on the saw track, the view showing the
free end of the workpiece unsupported and hanging forward off of
the front edge of the benchtop, the view showing a pair of bench
dogs engaged with an edge of the workpiece on the side opposite of
the cutting direction and rearward of the saw track, the view
showing a single narrow rip stop positioned under the saw track and
engaged with the edge of the workpiece in a direction opposite the
cutting direction;
[0120] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system
that is similar to that shown in FIG. 63, the view showing a single
narrow rip stop connected a the table tracks with the wide stop end
engaged with the rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the
saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the
view showing a saw placed on the saw track, the view showing the
free end of the workpiece unsupported and hanging forward off of
the front edge of the benchtop, the view showing a single bench dog
engaged with an edge of the workpiece on the side opposite of the
cutting direction and rearward of the saw track, the view showing a
single narrow rip stop positioned under the saw track and engaged
with the edge of the workpiece in a direction opposite the cutting
direction;
[0121] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops
that are joined together by a connection member as is shown in FIG.
50, the pair of narrow rip stops are placed on a benchtop and
connected to a pair of table tracks, the view showing the narrow
stop end of the narrow rip stops and connection member placed under
the saw track, the view showing a very small workpiece placed in
engagement with the forward side of the connection member between
the narrow rip stops, the view showing a narrow bench dog placed
under the saw track that is to be engaged with an edge of the
workpiece that is opposite the cutting direction, the view showing
a saw track in hidden lines attached to the benchtop by a pair of
hinge members, the view showing a saw attached to the saw
track;
[0122] FIG. 66 is a perspective exploded view of a wide rip stop,
the view showing an arm that is formed of an elongated bar having
measuring indicia in its upper surface, the view showing a head to
be connected to the rearward end of the arm, the view showing a
lock member having a handle and a cam surface that is to be
connected to the edge track of a benchtop positioned at the forward
end of the arm that is configured to lock the arm in place;
[0123] FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of the wide rip stop and
lock member shown in FIG. 66, the view showing the wide rip stop
inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the
lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned
below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the
lock member engaged with the lower surface of the arm of the wide
rip stop;
[0124] FIG. 68 is a rear elevation view of the wide rip stop and
lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop
inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the
lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned
below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the
lock member engaged with the lower surface of the arm of the wide
rip stop;
[0125] FIG. 69 is a top elevation view of the wide rip stop and
lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop
inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the
lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned
below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the
lock member engaged with the lower surface of the arm of the wide
rip stop;
[0126] FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of the wide rip stop and
lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop
inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the
lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned
below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the
lock member engaged with the lower surface of the arm of the wide
rip stop;
[0127] FIG. 71 is another rear perspective view of the wide rip
stop and lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide
rip stop inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view
showing the lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop
positioned below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam
surface of the lock member engaged with the lower surface of the
arm of the wide rip stop;
[0128] FIG. 72 is a top elevation view of the wide rip stop and
lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop
inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the
lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned
below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the
lock member engaged with the lower surface of the arm of the wide
rip stop;
[0129] FIG. 73 is another rear perspective view of the wide rip
stop and lock member shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide
rip stop inserted within a table track of the benchtop, the view
showing the lock member connected to the edge track of the benchtop
positioned below the wide rip stop, the view showing the cam
surface of the lock member engaged with the lower surface of the
arm of the wide rip stop;
[0130] FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the wide rip stop as is
shown in FIG. 66, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted
within a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the stop
surface of the head of the wide rip stop engaged with the rearward
edge of the workpiece well rearward of the rearward edge of the
benchtop, the view showing a pair of bench dogs engage with an edge
of the workpiece opposite of the cutting direction positioned
rearward of the saw track, the view showing a single narrow bench
dog engaged with an edge of the workpiece opposite of the cutting
direction positioned under of the saw track, the view showing a saw
track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the
view showing a saw connected to the saw track;
[0131] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a pair of wide rip stops as
is shown in FIG. 66, the view showing the wide rip stops inserted
within table tracks of the benchtop, the view showing the stop
surfaces of the heads of the wide rip stops engaged with the
rearward edge of the workpiece well rearward of the rearward edge
of the benchtop, the view showing a single narrow bench dog engaged
with an edge of the workpiece opposite of the cutting direction
positioned under of the saw track, the view showing a saw track
connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view
showing a saw connected to the saw track, the view showing the free
end of the workpiece supported by a stand;
[0132] FIG. 76 is a top elevation view of a miter gauge that
connects to the benchtop shown in FIG. 1 through a pair of bench
dogs that connect to a pair of ears in the miter gauge;
[0133] FIG. 77 is a bottom elevation view of the miter gauge shown
in FIG. 76;
[0134] FIG. 78 is a side elevation view of the miter gauge shown in
FIG. 76;
[0135] FIG. 79 is perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG.
76;
[0136] FIG. 80 is another perspective view of the miter gauge shown
in FIG. 76;
[0137] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a miter gauge that connects
to the benchtop shown in FIG. 1 by connecting to a table track
positioned within the benchtop;
[0138] FIG. 82 is an exploded perspective view of the miter gauge
shown in FIG. 81
[0139] FIG. 83 is another perspective view of the miter gauge shown
in FIG. 76;
[0140] FIG. 84 is an exploded perspective view of the miter gauge
shown in FIG. 76;
[0141] FIG. 85 is a top perspective view of the miter gauge shown
in FIG. 76 used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1,
the view showing the miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair
of bench dogs, the view showing the miter gage placed at an angle
to the front edge of the benchtop and cutting edge of the saw
track, the view showing a workpiece connected in flush alignment to
the front stop surface of the stop arm of the miter gauge, the view
showing the front end of the stop arm of the miter gauge extending
under the saw track a distance, the view showing the saw track
connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view
showing a saw connected to the saw track, the view showing the saw
track in hidden lines;
[0142] FIG. 86 is a top elevation view of the miter gauge shown in
FIG. 76 used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the
view showing the miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair of
bench dogs, the view showing the miter gage placed at a
perpendicular angle to the front edge of the benchtop and cutting
edge of the saw track, the view showing a workpiece connected in
flush alignment to the front stop surface of the stop arm of the
miter gauge, the view showing the front end of the stop arm of the
miter gauge extending under the saw track a distance, the view
showing the saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge
members, the view showing a saw connected to the saw track;
[0143] FIG. 87 is a top perspective view of the miter gauge shown
in FIG. 81 used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1,
the view showing the miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair
connections to the center-positioned groove of a table track, the
view showing the miter gage placed at an angle to the front edge of
the benchtop and cutting edge of the saw track, the view showing a
workpiece connected in flush alignment to the front stop surface of
the stop arm of the miter gauge, the view showing the front end of
the stop arm of the miter gauge extending toward but not under the
saw track, the view showing the saw track connected to the benchtop
by a pair of hinge members, the view showing a saw connected to the
saw track, the view showing the saw track in hidden lines;
[0144] FIG. 88 is a close-up top perspective view of the miter
gauge shown in FIG. 81 used in association with the benchtop shown
in FIG. 1, the view showing the miter gauge attached to the
benchtop by a pair connections to the center-positioned groove of a
table track, the view showing the miter gage placed at a 45.degree.
angle to the front edge of the benchtop and cutting edge of the saw
track, the view showing a calibration being performed wherein the
front stop surface of the stop arm of the miter gauge is placed in
flat and flush engagement with two bench dogs positioned at a
45.degree. angle to the front edge of the benchtop and the cutting
edge of the saw track, the view showing the front end of the stop
arm of the miter gauge extending toward but not under the saw
track, the view showing the pointer pointing to the precise reading
on the measuring indicia of the miter gauge;
[0145] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a pair of brackets that are
configured to connect a support board to the benchtop shown in FIG.
1 by way of connection to an edge track connected to the
benchtop;
[0146] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the pair of brackets shown
in FIG. 89 connected to an edge track of the benchtop;
[0147] FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the pair of brackets shown
in FIG. 89 connected to an edge track of the benchtop, the view
showing a pair of support boards connected to the brackets and an
extended benchtop surface connected to the pair of support boards,
the view showing the free end of the support boards supported by
saw horses;
[0148] FIG. 92 is a perspective top view of the benchtop shown in
FIG. 1, the view showing a face frame being formed using a
plurality of workpieces with pocket holes therein to form pocket
hole joints at their intersections, the view showing a pair of
stops connected to the benchtop that support and align a corner of
the face frame, the view showing a bench clamp connected to
benchtop and clamping an intersection of workpieces on a corner
opposite from the corner supported by the stops, this view is a use
case example of how the system may be used in applications other
than cutting by simply removing the saw track;
[0149] FIG. 93 is a close up perspective view of an end of a table
track, the view showing the table tracks having a centrally
positioned upwardly facing groove with a downward facing groove on
each side of the centrally positioned groove, the view showing
measuring grooves positioned on each outward side of the table
track that face upward, the view showing measuring members
positioned within each of the measuring grooves wherein the
measuring members are measuring tapes that are adjustable within
the measuring groves, the view showing one measuring member for use
when a narrow rip stop is used in an under-the-saw track
configuration and other measuring member for measuring when the
rearward edge of the workpiece is not under the saw track, the view
also showing a mark for use when using a wide rip stop;
[0150] FIG. 94 is a close-up perspective view of the table track as
is shown in FIG. 93, the view showing a narrow rip stop attached to
the table track, the view showing the narrow stop end facing
forward toward the saw track for a narrow cut;
[0151] FIG. 95 is a close-up perspective view of the table track as
is shown in FIG. 93, the view showing a narrow rip stop attached to
the table track, the view showing the wide stop end facing forward
toward the saw track for a wider cut than what is shown in FIG.
94;
[0152] FIG. 96 is a top elevation view of the table track as is
shown in FIG. 93, the view showing a wide rip stop connected to the
center-positioned groove of the table top, the view showing the
lock member positioned below the arm of the wide rip stop, the view
showing the mark in a measuring member where the measurement is to
be taken on the arm of the wide rip stop to be calibrated to the
cutting edge of the saw track;
[0153] FIG. 97 is a side elevation view of one side of a benchtop,
the view showing the benchtop having a hinge member having a
mounting plate connected to an edge track of the benchtop, the view
showing an end plate connected to the mounting plate, the view
showing a saw track connected to the end plate, the view showing a
biasing member positioned between the mounting plate and the end
plate and configured to apply a bias force forcing the end plate
forward relative to the mounting plate;
[0154] FIG. 98 is a side elevation view of the opposite side of the
benchtop as shown in FIG. 97, the view showing the opposite hinge
member having a biasing member positioned between the mounting
plate and the end plate and configured to apply a bias force
forcing the end plate forward relative to the mounting plate;
[0155] FIG. 99 is a perspective view of FIG. 97;
[0156] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a pair of brackets
configured to be connected to the edge track of a benchtop, the
view showing the brackets having an adjustment member that is
configured to adjust the height of a support board received within
the brackets, the view showing the left-positioned bracket having a
lowered adjustment member and the right-positioned bracket having a
raised adjustment member;
[0157] FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG.
100 about to be installed in the groove of an edge track of the
benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the bracket at an angled
position with the lower end of the bracket rotated upward as the
lock feature at the upper end of the bracket is angled toward the
groove in the edge track;
[0158] FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG.
101 the view showing the bracket at an angled position with the
lower end of the bracket rotated upward as the lock feature at the
upper end of the bracket is angled toward the groove in the edge
track, the view showing the lock feature inserted within the groove
of the edge track;
[0159] FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG.
102 the view showing the bracket lowered into a locked position
with the lower end of the bracket rotated downward as the lock
feature at the upper end of the bracket is inserted within the
groove in the edge track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0160] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure(s). The following detailed description is, therefore,
not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the
disclosure(s) is defined only by the appended claims, along with
the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
[0161] As used herein, the terminology such as vertical,
horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides, left, right, and
the like are referenced according to the views, pieces, parts,
components and figures presented. It should be understood, however,
that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are
not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of
an object or a combination of objects may change without departing
from the scope of the disclosure.
[0162] System:
[0163] With reference to the figures, an adaptive cutting system 10
(system 10) is presented. System 10 is formed of any suitable size,
shape and design and is configured to facilitate the safe cutting
of large and small workpieces in a quick, easy, safe, accurate and
fun manner. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the adaptive
cutting system 10 has a top side 12, a bottom side 14, a front side
16, a back side 18, a left side 20 and a right side 22. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, the adaptive cutting system 10
includes the following component pieces, among others: a benchtop
24, a saw track 26, a pair of hinge members 28, a plurality of
bench dogs 32, stop members including narrow rip stops 34, wide rip
stops 36 and a miter gauge 38, a saw 40 and one or more workpieces
42, among other components.
[0164] Benchtop:
[0165] Adaptive cutting system 10 includes a benchtop 24. Benchtop
24 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is
configured to provide a flat upper surface that is configured to
support workpiece 42 during a cutting operation as well as provide
alignment and measurement for the cutting operation. With reference
to FIGS. 1-15, in the arrangement shown, as one example, benchtop
24, when viewed from above or below is formed of a generally square
or rectangular member, however any other shape is hereby
contemplated for use.
[0166] Legs:
[0167] In one arrangement, benchtop 24 is supported by a plurality
of legs 44. Legs 44 are formed of any suitable size, shape and
design and are configured to support benchtop 24 at a desired
height. In one arrangement, as is shown, four legs 44 support
benchtop 24, with one leg 44 positioned adjacent each corner,
however any number of legs 44 are hereby contemplated for use.
These legs 44 are connected in pairs by cross braces 46, with one
pair of legs 44 positioned along each side of the benchtop 24. Each
pair of legs 44 are connected to benchtop 44 by a pair of hinged
supports 48 that allow each pair of legs 44 to move between a
folded position, wherein the pairs of legs 44 extend in a generally
parallel manner to the plane of benchtop 24 along its bottom side
which facilitates easy storage, and an extended position, wherein
the pairs of legs 44 extend in a generally perpendicular manner to
the plane of benchtop 24 which facilitates standing upright.
[0168] In an alternative arrangement, benchtop 24 is connected to a
plurality of non-folding legs 44, or a non-folding base, such as is
the arrangement of most conventional tables. In an alternative
arrangement, benchtop 24 rests upon another supporting member or
members such as a pair of saw horses, a frame member or any other
supporting device or structure.
[0169] Feet:
[0170] In some applications it is important that benchtop 24 be
flat, level and stable. To ensure a level and stable work surface,
the lower ends of legs 44 include feet 50 that are adjustable.
These adjustable feet 50 allow the length of legs 44 to be adjusted
so as to accommodate for variations in the workshop floor so as to
ensure a flat, level and stable work surface. In one arrangement,
adjustable feet 50 are threaded into the lower end of legs 44 so
that adjustment may be easily made by simply rotating the feet
50.
[0171] Handles:
[0172] In one arrangement, in the example shown, one side of
benchtop 24, the left side of benchtop 24, includes one or more
handles 52. In the arrangement shown, a handle 52 is connected to
the forward-positioned leg 44 positioned a distance below benchtop
24 that is collapsible. That is, this handle 52 folds between an
extended position, wherein it extends outward from leg 44 in a
horizontal manner when leg 44 is itself in an extended position so
that that the handle 52 may be easily grasped, and a collapsed
position, wherein the handle 52 folds parallel to leg 44 so as to
be out of the way. In the arrangement shown, a handle 52 is also
connected to the rearward-positioned leg 44 positioned a distance
below benchtop 24 that is rigidly affixed. That is, this handle 52
remains in an extended position, wherein it extends outward from
leg 44, and away from benchtop 24 in a generally horizontal manner
when the legs are in an extended position, so that the handle 52
may be easily grasped. The combination of these two handles 52
provides two convenient grips for a user to move the benchtop 24.
The collapsible handle 52 allows this handle to fold away so that
it is not in the way during a cutting operation. In an alternative
arrangement, both handles 52 may be collapsible or both handles may
be rigidly affixed, or any other combination of rigid or
collapsible handles 52 is hereby contemplated for use as is any
number of handles 52 as well as any placement or orientation of
handles 52.
[0173] In one arrangement, benchtop 24 is formed of a manufactured
wood product such as a particle board, melamine, hardboard,
medium-density fiberboard, plywood, or any other wood product, or
sheet product or planks of wood or the like, or any combination
thereof. Alternatively, benchtop 24 may be formed of any other
material such as plastic, composite or any other non-wood material
or any combination thereof. Manufactured wood products, such as
particle board or medium density fiberboard or the like, have the
benefits of being relatively inexpensive, being durable and
providing a flat surface for measuring and cutting. One
disadvantage of using a wood product for benchtop 24 is that the
wood will actually swell and shrink as the temperature and humidity
changes, which may cause alignment and measurement issues. That is
the dimensions of benchtop 24 are dynamic and dynamic enough to
affect the accuracy of measurements based on features or components
that are placed on, connected to or part of benchtop 24. It is for
these reasons that measurement and alignment on the benchtop 24 a
of this nature cannot be performed. While the benchtop 24 may vary
somewhat in dimension, these dimensional changes can be addressed
or accounted for through proper calibration, adjustment and other
practices as is described herein.
[0174] Edge Track:
[0175] In the arrangement shown, as one example, benchtop 24
includes an edge track 54 that extends across all or a portion of
some or all of the edges of benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown,
as one example, an edge track 54 extends across the entire length
of the front edge, left edge, back edge and right edge of benchtop
24. In the arrangement shown, as one example adjacent edge tracks
54 connect to one another at corners 56. Edge tracks 54 are formed
of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to
connect to the edges of benchtop 24 and provide a convenient place
to mount tools and accessories to benchtop 24. In one arrangement,
as one example, edge tracks 54, when viewed from their end are
generally rectangular members, with generally flat and square upper
and lower edges and generally flat inward and outward facing
surfaces. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the outward
facing surface of edge tracks 54 have a groove 58 that also faces
outward and away from the benchtop 24 along the end-to-end length
of the edge track 54. In one arrangement, as is shown, the groove
58 in edge track 54 is a T-slot, however any other shape is hereby
contemplated for use as groove 58 as is any number of grooves 58
and any placement of grooves 58 which may include a groove 58 in
the upper surface and/or lower surface of edge track 54. In the
arrangement wherein groove 58 in edge track 54 is a T-slot that
extends the entire end-to-end length of edge track 54, this
T-shaped groove allows the insertion of an anchor of a tool or
accessory into the groove 58 and sliding the position of the tool
or accessory along the length of the groove 58 while preventing
unintentional disengagement of the tool or accessory from the
groove 58, as is further described herein.
[0176] Corners:
[0177] In the arrangement shown, as one example, adjacent edge
tracks 54 connect to one another at corners 56. Corners 56 are
formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to
wrap around the corners of benchtop 24 and connect to the corner of
benchtop 24 and connect adjacent edge tracks 54 to one another on
either side of the corner of benchtop 24. In one arrangement, as is
shown, to facilitate insertion of an anchor of a tool or accessory
into the groove 58, corners 56 have a similar groove to that of
edge tracks 54 that aligns with the groove 58 of edge tracks 54
when edge tracks 54 are attached to corners 56. In this way, the
attachment of edge tracks 54 to corners 56, and the alignment of
their respective grooves 58 do not inhibit the insertion of anchors
of tools or accessories into the groove 58 of edge tracks 54. Said
another way, corners 56 connect adjacent edge tracks 54 while still
allowing access to grooves 58 of edge tracks 54.
[0178] In one arrangement, edge tracks 54 are formed of an aluminum
metal or metal alloy. This arrangement has been tested with success
as aluminum or an aluminum metal alloy is light weight and strong.
However, in the event that a saw engages an aluminum or aluminum
alloy edge track 54, the saw should cut right through the aluminum
and not damage the saw or the operator. Alternatively, any other
material is hereby contemplated for use as edge tracks 54 such as a
ferrous metal, such as steel or iron, or a plastic, a composite or
any other non-metallic material or the like or a combination
thereof.
[0179] One benefit of having edge tracks 54 extend all the way
around the benchtop 24, and connecting the edge tracks 54 to one
another using corners 56 is that this arrangement forms a complete
and connected square frame member around the benchtop 24. This
square frame member provides increased strength and rigidity to
benchtop 24. In this way, edge tracks 54 help to prevent
deformation of the benchtop 24 which provides better cutting
results, a sturdier device, greater strength and improved safety
while also providing a convenient place for attaching a tool or
accessory to benchtop 24 at any position around the periphery of
benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper
surface of edge tracks 54 are positioned a distance below the upper
surface of benchtop 24 so as to not interfere with the sliding of
workpieces 42 across the upper surface of benchtop 24. In the
arrangement shown, benchtop 24 is easily removed and replaced
within the frame formed by edge tracks 54 and corners 56.
[0180] Bench Dog Holes:
[0181] In the arrangement shown, as one example, benchtop 24
includes a plurality of bench dog holes 60. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, bench dog holes 60 are formed of cylindrical
holes that extend through the benchtop 24 from the top surface to
the bottom surface and are vertically aligned to extend
perpendicularly to the top surface of benchtop 24. While round
bench dog holes 60 are shown for use, any other shape of bench dog
holes 60 are hereby contemplated for use such as square,
rectangular, triangular, octagonal, oval or any other shape or
combination thereof. One benefit of round bench dog holes 60 is
that they are non-directional. One benefit of non-round bench dog
holes is that they may provide direction or alignment to a bench
dog 32 which may provide direction and alignment to a workpiece 42.
In contrast, two bench dogs 32 in round bench dog holes 60 are
needed to provide alignment and direction to a workpiece 42. In one
arrangement, some or all of bench dog holes 60 do not extend all
the way through the benchtop 24 and instead they extend only a
portion of the way into benchtop 24. In this way, these bench dog
holes 60 form recesses in the benchtop 24, but not through-holes.
Any other configuration of bench dog holes 60 is hereby
contemplated for use.
[0182] In the arrangement shown, as one example, bench dog holes 60
extend across benchtop in a pattern. In one arrangement, this
pattern of bench dog holes 60 is a squared pattern or grid pattern
where the plurality of bench dog holes 60 extend in aligned rows
and aligned columns across the benchtop 24 with each bench dog hole
60 being aligned with one another and/or equally spaced from its
vertically and horizontally adjacent bench dog holes 60. This
squared pattern of bench dog holes 60 is also aligned or squared to
the edges of the benchtop 24, such as the edge that runs along the
front side of the benchtop 24, the edge that runs along the back
side of the benchtop 24, the edge that runs along the left side of
the benchtop 24 and/or the edge that runs along the right side of
the benchtop 24. That is the outward positioned rows or columns
extend in a parallel spaced manner to the edges of benchtop 24. As
such, adjacent bench dog holes 60 are aligned in rows that extend
in approximate perpendicular alignment or approximate parallel
alignment with the edges of benchtop 24. Or, said another way, when
a square grid pattern of bench dog holes 60 is used in association
with a square or rectangular benchtop 24, the sides or edges of the
benchtop extend either in parallel spaced alignment or
perpendicular alignment to the rows and columns formed by the grid
of bench dog holes 60.
[0183] As the grid of bench dog holes 60 extend in a square
pattern, various other angles can be formed by connecting various
bench dog holes 60. As one example, a 45 degree angle (and
conversely a 135 degree angle) may be formed with respect to an
edge by connecting diagonally positioned bench dog holes 60. The
grid of equally spaced and precisely aligned bench dog holes 60
positioned across benchtop 24 allows for precise alignment of
workpieces 42 on the benchtop 24 by placing a bench dog 32 in two
bench dog holes 60 and aligning an edge of a workpiece 42 against
the two bench dogs 32, thereby aligning the workpiece 42 to the
benchtop 24.
[0184] To be clear, bench dog holes 60 may be placed in any other
pattern other than square or rectangular. These other patterns
facilitate the positioning of workpieces 42 at various angles and
positions. Other patterns may include a circular pattern, a diamond
pattern, a spiral pattern, or any other form of a pattern.
[0185] Calibration Features:
[0186] In one arrangement, benchtop 24 includes one or more
calibration features 62. Calibration features 62 are formed of any
suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate
alignment and calibration of the saw track 26 to the benchtop 24,
or more specifically to the grid of bench dog holes 60 in the
benchtop 24. In one arrangement, as is shown, calibration features
62 sized and shaped just like the other bench dog holes 60 in
benchtop 24. In one arrangement, as is shown, two calibration
features 62 are presented, one calibration feature 62 is positioned
adjacent each end of the front side of the benchtop 24 which is
located between the saw track 26 and the edge on the front side of
the benchtop 24, however any other number of calibration features
62 are hereby contemplated for use such as one, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more, as is any other position. In
one arrangement, as is shown, these calibration features 62 while
aligned with the grid of bench dog holes 60, the calibration
features 62 are separate from the grid of bench dog holes 60. In an
alternative arrangement, calibration features 62 are simply one or
more of the grid of bench dog holes 60. In one arrangement,
calibration features 62 are formed of the same, size, shape and
design as the bench dog holes 60, whereas in an alternative
arrangement, calibration features 64 are formed of a different
size, shape and/or design as the bench dog holes 60.
[0187] To calibrate a saw track 26 to the benchtop 24, the saw
track 26 is connected to the benchtop 24, but not tightened down.
Two bench dogs 32 are placed in the calibration features 62. Next,
the saw track 26 is moved until a cutting edge 64 of the saw track
26 engages the edges of the two bench dogs 32 positioned within the
calibrating features 62. Once in this position, the saw track 26 is
tightened in place thereby locking the saw track 26 in alignment
with the grid of bench dog holes 60. More specifically, the cutting
edge 64 of the saw track 26 is in approximate parallel spaced
alignment to the front side and back side of the squares that form
the grid of bench dog holes 60, and is in approximate perpendicular
alignment to the left side and right side of the squares that form
the grid of bench dog holes 60. In this way, saw track 26 can
quickly and easily be calibrated specifically to the benchtop 24.
This allows removal and replacement of the saw track 26 in the
precise alignment it was in before removal. In addition,
recalibration is quick and easy. As such enhanced accuracy and
alignment is provided.
[0188] By machining calibration features 62 at the same time as the
bench dog holes 60 are machined in the benchtop 24, and by forming
the calibration features 62 out of the same size, shape and design
as the bench dog holes 60 this means that the calibration features
62 will behave in like-kind or similar-fashion to the similar bench
dog holes 60. That is, as the benchtop 24 swells and shrinks,
expands and contracts, the calibration features 62 should move
accordingly with the grid of bench dog holes 60 and thereby
maintain their relative accuracy to the grid pattern of bench dog
holes 26.
[0189] Table Tracks:
[0190] Benchtop 24 includes one or more table tracks 66. Table
tracks 66 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is
configured to facilitate on table measurement as well as provide a
convenient on table connection of tools and accessories for use
during the cutting operations. With reference to FIGS. 17-22, in
the arrangement shown, as one example, table tracks 66 extend a
length from a forward end 68 to a rearward end 70 in a generally
flat and straight manner. When viewed from an end, table track 66
has a generally square or rectangular shape with a generally flat
upper surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and generally flat
sides, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use.
[0191] In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from
an end, table track 66 includes an groove 72 that is generally
centrally positioned that connects to the upper surface of table
track 66 and a pair of grooves 74 that are positioned on either
side of the centrally positioned groove 72 that connect to the
lower surface of table track 66. In one arrangement, groove 72 and
grooves 74 are formed of a T-slot, meaning that the width of the
access slot into the groove 72 through the top surface of the table
track 66 in the case of groove 72 and the width of the access slot
into the grooves 74 through the lower surface of table track 66 in
the case of grooves 74 are narrower than the width of these grooves
72, 74 within table track 66. In this way, grooves 72, 74 are
configured to receive the head of a bolt, or screw or other anchor
mechanism of an accessory or tool within the wide portion of the
groove 72, 74 while allowing lateral positioning of the head of a
bolt, or screw or other anchor mechanism of an accessory or tool
within along the length of the table track 66 while preventing
vertical pull out. In one arrangement, as is shown, grooves 74 in
the lower surface of table track 66 are used to mount table track
66 to benchtop 24 through the use of fasteners such as screws,
bolts, or the like wherein the head of the fastener is inserted
within the groove 74 and the shaft of the fastener extends through
the benchtop 24. Any other number of grooves are hereby
contemplated for use in table track 66.
[0192] In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper surface
of table track 66 includes a pair of measuring grooves 76, wherein
one measuring groove 76 is positioned on either side of the
centrally positioned groove 72 in the upper surface of table track
66. In the arrangement shown, as one example, these measuring
grooves 76 occupy the space above grooves 74. Measuring grooves 76
are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are
configured to receive a measuring member 78 having measuring
indicia thereon, such as a measuring tape or ruler or other
measuring device therein. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
measuring grooves 76 are shallow rectangular grooves that are sized
and shaped to receive a thin elongated measuring tape therein. In
the arrangement shown, the outward sides of the measuring grooves
76 have arms that extend upward a distance before extending inward
a distance. These arms form a channel and a lip that help to hold
the measuring member 78 within the measuring grooves 76 in a secure
manner while allowing the measuring member 78 to be laterally
adjusted within and/or along the length of measuring groove 76. The
purpose of having two measuring grooves 76 is to have one measuring
groove 76 configured to measure narrow cuts, wherein the workpiece
42 fits on benchtop 24, and the other measuring groove 76
configured to measure wide cuts, wherein the workpiece 42 extends
past the surface of the benchtop 24.
[0193] In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of table
tracks 66 are positioned within a groove of benchtop 24 such that
the upper surface of the table track is flush with, or slightly
recessed to, the upper surface of benchtop 24. This positioning
prevents the presence of table tracks 66 from interfering with
sliding workpieces 42 on the upper surface of the benchtop 24. In
the arrangement shown, table tracks 66 fit within these grooves
within close and tight tolerances.
[0194] In the arrangement shown, as one example, each table track
66 is positioned a distance inward from the outward sides of the
benchtop 24 and extends in approximate perpendicular relation to
the front and back sides of benchtop 24, and extends in approximate
parallel spaced relation to the sides of benchtop 24. As the table
tracks 66 are in either parallel or perpendicular alignment to the
edges of benchtop 24, table tracks 66 are inherently aligned with
the grid of bench dog holes 60, or, said another way, the table
tracks 66 are squared to the grid of bench dog holes 60. In the
arrangement shown, table tracks 66 are equally positioned between
two rows of bench dog holes 60 that extend between the front side
and back side of the benchtop 24, however any other placement is
hereby contemplated for use. In this way, table tracks 66 fit
within the grid of bench dog holes 60 and do not interfere with or
interrupt the grid of bench dog holes 60. In one arrangement, a
centrally positioned table track 66 is hereby contemplated for
use.
[0195] In one arrangement, the grooves that receive table tracks 66
are machined into the benchtop 24 at the same time as the other
features of benchtop 24 are machined, such as the bench dog holes
60. As such, by simultaneous or contemporaneous machining of all
features of benchtop 24 insures maximum accuracy between features,
such as between bench dog holes 60 and table tracks 66. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, the grooves that are machined
into benchtop 24 when viewed from an end are generally square or
rectangular shaped grooves that are sized and shaped to receive the
profile of table tracks 66 with close and tight tolerances, and in
some cases with tight frictional tolerances so that the grooves
provide precise alignment to the table tracks 66 when they are
positioned within these grooves. In the arrangement shown, as one
example, these grooves only extend a distance into the material of
benchtop 24 and as such the presence of these grooves do not
interrupt the structural integrity of the benchtop 24. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom surface of the
grooves that receive table tracks 66 is approximately aligned with
the upper surface of edge tracks 54 or is positioned just above the
upper surface of edge tracks 54. This alignment provides full
access to the end of table tracks 66 so as to allow insertion of
tools or accessories into the grooves 72, 74, 76 of table tracks
66.
[0196] In the arrangement shown, where two table tracks 66 are
shown in use, each table track 66 is positioned between the outward
side of the benchtop 24 and the center of benchtop 24, however any
other number of table tracks 66 are hereby contemplated for use,
such as one, three, four, five, six or more.
[0197] In the arrangement shown, the rearward end of table tracks
66 intersect with the back edge of benchtop 24. In this way, access
is provided to the groove 72 and grooves 74 and measuring grooves
76. That is, the head of a bolt, or screw or other anchor mechanism
of an accessory or tool and/or the accessory or tool itself may be
inserted within any of the grooves 72, 74, 76 from the back side of
benchtop 24 and moved along any portion of the groove 72, 74,
76.
[0198] In the arrangement shown, as one example, the forward end of
the grooves that receive table tracks 66 therein include reliefs 80
that are configured to receive lock member 82 therein. Lock members
82 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is
configured to connect to table tracks 66 and allow adjustment of
measuring members 78 with respect to table tracks 66 while also
locking measuring members 78 in place once measuring members 78 are
properly adjusted or calibrated. Said another way, lock members 82
hold measuring members 78 in place while also allowing for the
selective adjustment of measuring members 78 with respect to table
tracks 66.
[0199] In one arrangement, as is shown, lock members 82 are formed
of a main body 84 that is formed of a single unitary member,
however a multiple piece part is hereby contemplated for use, as is
multiple independent pieces. Main body 84 of lock members 82
largely emulates the size and shape of table track 66, and merely
extends the length of table tracks 66 a distance at the forward end
of table tracks 66. In the arrangement shown, as one example, main
body 84 includes a pair of protrusions 86 that are sized and shaped
to fit within grooves 74 and/or groove 72 with close and tight
tolerances such that insertion of protrusions 86 into grooves 74,
72 locks lock member 82 to table track 66. Like table tracks 66,
the upper surface of lock members 82 include arms 88 that form
grooves 90 that are configured to receive the forward end of
measuring members 78 therein. In one arrangement, as is shown,
these arms 88 and grooves 90 largely mirror the arms and grooves of
measuring grooves 76 of table track 66.
[0200] In one arrangement, lock members 82 include a bias member 92
that is configured to engage and hold measuring member 78 in place
while facilitating adjustment of measuring member 78 with respect
to table track 66. In one arrangement, biasing member 92 is an arm
positioned approximately in the middle of the groove of lock member
82 between opposing pairs of arms 88 and grooves 90 which is
connected at its rearward end and extends upward slightly as it
extends forward. In this arrangement, as the bias member 92 extends
forward it rises upward out of the plane that forms the bottom of
the groove between opposing pairs of arms 88 and grooves 90. In
this way, the vertical rise of bias member 92 engages the measuring
member 76 thereby frictionally locking the measuring member 76 in
place by forcing the measuring member 76 in frictionally held
engagement between bias member 92 and the grooves 90 and arms 88 of
lock member 82. By pressing downward on the forward end of bias
member 92 this causes the bias member 92 to rotate upon the hinge
at the rearward end of bias member 92 that connects bias member 92
to the main body 84 of lock member 82.
[0201] To adjust the position of the measuring member 76 with
respect to the table track 66, in one arrangement, sufficient force
is applied the measuring member 76 that overcomes the friction
between bias member 92 and measuring member 78 thereby causing
relative movement (e.g. sliding the measuring member 78 within
measuring groove 76 despite the engagement of bias member 92 on the
bottom side of measuring member 78). In another arrangement, a
force is applied downward upon bias member 92, through measuring
member 76 causing the bias member 92 to retract and freeing the
engagement between bias member 92 and the grooves 90 and arms 88 of
lock member 82 thereby allowing free movement of measuring member
76. Once measuring member 76 is in its desired position, the bias
member 92 is allowed to again push up on measuring member 76
thereby locking the measuring member 76 in place again.
[0202] In an alternative arrangement, table tracks 66 include
measuring indicia affixed onto and/or into table track 66. In this
arrangement, this measuring indicia is not adjustable and as such
the table track 66 is adjustable relative to the cutting edge 98
and relative to the benchtop 24. In one arrangement, in this
arrangement wherein the table tracks 66 include affixed measuring
indicia thereon, the table tracks 66 slide within a groove in the
benchtop 24 and is tightened in place once properly adjusted.
[0203] In one arrangement lock members 82 are connected to the
forward end of table tracks 66 and are positioned below the saw
track 26 that is connected to benchtop 24. Lock members 82 may be
screwed, bolted, friction fitted, welded, glued, adhered, pinned,
riveted, or connected to the forward end of table tracks by any
other manner, method or means.
[0204] Saw Track:
[0205] In one arrangement system 10 includes a saw track 26. Saw
track 26 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is
configured to receive and guide a saw 40 to perform a cutting
operation in association with benchtop 24. With reference to FIGS.
23-30, in the arrangement shown, as one example, saw track 26
extends a length between an opposing first end 94 and second end 96
and extends a width between a cutting edge 98 or front edge and a
non-cutting edge 100 or back edge. In the arrangement shown, as one
example, saw track 26 is formed of an extruded member, meaning that
the features of saw track 26 extend in a consistent or relatively
consistent manner from first end 94 to second end 96.
[0206] First Protrusion:
[0207] In the arrangement shown, as one example, saw track 26 has a
generally flat upper surface that extends in approximate parallel
spaced relation to a generally flat bottom surface. In one
arrangement, to help provide guidance to saw 40 as it slides along
the length of saw track 26, saw track 26 includes a first
protrusion 102 extends upward from the upper surface a distance. In
the arrangement shown, as one example, first protrusion 102 is
positioned between the cutting edge 98 and the non-cutting edge 100
of saw track, at or near the middle of saw track 26. When viewed
from an end, first protrusion 102 is a generally square or
rectangular shaped protrusion that extends upward from the upper
surface of saw track 26. In the arrangement shown, first protrusion
102 forms a downward facing groove, or in the arrangement shown, a
T-slot that may be used to receive fasteners for connecting tools
and accessories to the saw track 26, such as hinge members 28.
Protrusion 102 is configured to be received by a recess in a base
104 connected to saw 40 such that when saw 40 slides along saw
track 26, the first protrusion 102 is received within the recess in
the base 104 of saw 40 thereby providing precise alignment and
guidance to saw 40 as saw 40 slides along the length of saw track
26.
[0208] Second Protrusion:
[0209] In the arrangement shown, as one example, saw track 26
includes a second protrusion 106 that, like first protrusion 102,
extends upward from the upper surface of saw track 26 a distance.
In the arrangement shown, as one example, second protrusion 106 is
positioned along the non-cutting edge 100 of saw track 26 and when
viewed from an end is a generally square or rectangular protrusion
that extends upward from the upper surface of saw track 26. In the
arrangement shown, second protrusion 106 forms an upward facing
groove, or in the arrangement shown, a T-slot, that may be used to
receive fasteners for connecting tools and accessories to the saw
track 26. In one arrangement, second protrusion 106 is also
configured to be received by a recess in a base 104 connected to
saw 40 such that when saw 40 slides along saw track 26, the second
protrusion 106 is received within the recess in the base 104 of saw
40 thereby providing precise alignment and guidance to saw 40 as
saw 40 slides along the length of saw track 26. In an alternative
arrangement, second protrusion 106 is not used for alignment
purposes and instead serves to strengthen saw track 26 and/or to
facilitate attachment of components to saw track 26.
[0210] While two protrusions are shown extending upward from the
upper surface of saw track 26, any number of protrusions are hereby
contemplated for use, such as none, one, three, four, five, six or
more. In the arrangement where no protrusions are present in saw
track 26, other features may be present such as one or more grooves
in saw track 26 that receive protrusions in the base 104 of saw 40
thereby providing guidance and alignment for saw 40.
[0211] Chip Strip:
[0212] The cutting edge 98 of saw track 26 includes a chip strip
108. Chip strip 108 is formed of any suitable size, shape and
design and is configured to be a consumable edge that is cut to
precisely fit the blade of saw 40 to saw track 26 during a cutting
operation. That is, in one arrangement, to provide durability and
rigidity, saw track 26 is formed of a metallic material such as
aluminum or an aluminum alloy or another metallic material. In
contrast, chip strip 108 is formed of a plastic or composite or
non-metallic material. Chip strip 108 extends past the outward edge
of saw track 26 a distance. Upon the first cut using saw 40, the
chip strip 108 is precisely cut to fit the blade of saw 40 with
tight and close tolerances. This close fitting arrangement between
the blade of saw 40 and the chip strip 108 of saw track 26
facilitates cutting clean and precise cuts in workpiece 42 and
helps to prevent tear out and chipping of the workpiece 42 during
cutting.
[0213] In one arrangement, when viewed from an end, chip strip 108
is a generally rectangular member that is adhered to the lower
surface of saw track 26 adjacent its cutting edge 98. In one
arrangement, as is shown, chip strip 108 extends all or a portion
of the length of saw track 26 from end 94 to end 96. In one
arrangement, as is shown, chip strip 108 is formed of two layers of
non-metallic material. The upper layer is formed of a strong and
rigid and hard non-metallic material. This hard material provides
strength and rigidity to the chip strip 108. However, harder
materials tend to have a lower coefficient of friction, which means
that harder materials tend to slide over other objects easier than
softer materials. As such, a lower layer of softer material or
more-compressible material is placed below the upper layer. This
lower layer is softer than the upper layer and as such it does not
have the strength and rigidity of the upper layer. However, the
softer material of the lower layer has a much higher coefficient of
friction than the harder upper layer. As such, the addition of the
softer lower layer of material of chip strip 108 helps to impart a
higher level of friction upon workpiece 42 when saw track 26 is
lowered onto workpiece 42. As such, the addition of the softer
lower layer of material of chip strip 108 helps to hold a workpiece
42 in place during a cutting operation and helps to prevent a
workpiece 42 from moving or shifting during a cutting operation,
thereby improving the quality and accuracy of the cuts as well as
helping to improve safety during cutting as a moving workpiece 42
is extremely dangerous. Another benefit of having the lower layer
of softer material is that it helps impart friction on the
workpiece 42 at the point of cutting. That is, the workpiece 42 is
held where the cut occurs. This helps to hold small and narrow
workpieces 42. In the arrangement shown, the softer lower layer of
material of chip strip 108 is much thinner than the harder and
more-rigid upper layer of chip strip 108. As such, the hard upper
layer of chip strip 108 holds the rigidity and dimensional accuracy
of chip strip 108 out to the forward most edge, or cutting edge 98,
while the lower layer imparts grip on to workpiece 42. As such the
combination of the two layers of material provide the desired
mechanical properties that could not be accomplished by either
material alone.
[0214] Upon the first pass of the saw 40 the chip strip 108 is cut
to fit the saw 40. In the arrangement shown, as one example, to
provide precise alignment, the inward edge of chip strip 108 is
placed in engagement with a forward edge of a step-feature in the
lower surface of saw track 26 while the upper surface of chip strip
108 is adhered to the bottom surface of saw track 26.
[0215] grip strip: in one arrangement, to further help hold a
workpiece 42 in place, the lower surface of saw track 26 includes
one or more grip strips 110. Grip strips 110 are formed of any
suitable size, shape and design and are configured to engage and
hold a workpiece 42 in place when saw track 26 is lowered onto the
workpiece 42. In one arrangement, as is shown, grip strips 110 are
formed of a compressible material having a high coefficient of
friction such as a rubber, a foam, a rubberized foam or any other
non-metallic material that has a high coefficient of friction.
These grip strips 110 are generally rectangular in shape and are
adhered to the lower surface of saw track 26 and extend all or a
portion of the length of saw track 26 from end 94 to end 96. The
presence of grip strips 110 on the lower surface of saw track 26
helps to impart friction on the workpiece 42 which helps to hold
workpiece 42 in place during a cutting operation. Grip strips 110
may be adhered directly to a flat portion of the lower surface of
saw track 26. Alternatively, grip strips 110 may be adhered to a
recess or groove in saw track 26 that is configured to receive grip
strips 110.
[0216] Glide Strip:
[0217] In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper surface
of saw track 26 includes one or more glide strips 112. Glide strips
112 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are
configured to facilitate smooth gliding of the base 104 of saw 40
over the upper surface of saw track 26. In one arrangement, as is
shown, glide strips 112 are formed of a material having a low
coefficient of friction. Or, said another way, glide strips 112 are
formed of a material that facilitates smooth and easy sliding of
the base 104 of saw 40 along the length of saw track 26. These
glide strips 112 are generally rectangular in shape and are adhered
to the upper surface of saw track 26 and extend all or a portion of
the length of saw track 26 from end 94 to end 96. The presence of
glide strips 112 on the upper surface of saw track 26 helps to
reduce friction between the base 104 of saw 40 and the upper
surface of saw track 26. As such, the presence of one or more glide
strips 112 helps to make it easier to make a cut using saw 40 and
saw track 26 by reducing the friction between saw 40 and saw track
26. Glide strips 112 may be adhered directly to a flat portion of
the upper surface of saw track 26. Alternatively, glide strips 112
may be adhered to a recess or groove in saw track 26 that is
configured to receive glide strip 112.
[0218] Cord Manager:
[0219] In one arrangement, as is shown, saw track 26 includes a
cord manager 114. Cord manager 114 is formed of any suitable size,
shape and design and is configured to be a safety feature that
helps to hold and guide a power cord and/or a dust-collection
vacuum tube connected to saw 40 during a cutting operation so that
the power cord and/or vacuum tube does not interfere with the
cutting operation or the user or cause a safety hazard. In one
arrangement, as is shown, cord manager 114 is configured to fit
over the first end 94 of saw track 26 and in doing so, cord manager
114 includes locking members that fit within the slots of first
protrusion 102 and/or second protrusion 106 and/or any other
feature or component of saw track 26. In the arrangement shown,
cord manager 114 includes a knob 116 that is configured to
facilitate tightening and loosening of cord manager 114 to the slot
of the second protrusion 106 of saw track 26 for purposes of
installation and removal. In the arrangement shown, cord manager
114 includes a fin 118 positioned at the front side of the cord
manager 114 and a fin 118 positioned at the rear side of the cord
manager 114 that extend upward from the main body of cord manager
114 a distance thereby creating a trough or valley between the
opposing fins 118 that is configured to receive and hold the power
cord and/or vacuum tube therein. In the arrangement shown, when
viewed from above, the outward end of cord manager 114 forms one or
more recesses 120 between the outward sides of cord manager 114.
These recesses 120 are configured to receive and hold a power cord
and prevent the power cord from sliding around to the front side or
back side of the saw track 26 during use. In this way, cord manager
114 helps to facilitate guidance of the power cord of saw 40 down
the length of the saw track 26 during a cutting operation. The
recesses 120 in cord manager 114 also facilitates the guidance of a
vacuum hose in applications wherein a vacuum hose is attached to
saw 40.
[0220] Saw track 26 is configured to move between a raised
position, wherein workpieces 42 may be removed and replaced under
saw track 26, and a lowered position, wherein the lower surface of
saw track 26 engages workpiece 42 and clamps the workpiece 42 in
place between saw track 26 and benchtop 24. In one arrangement, saw
track 26 is vertically movable by hinge members 30.
[0221] Hinge Members:
[0222] With reference to FIGS. 23-44 and 97-99, in one arrangement
system 10 includes a pair of hinge members 28. Hinge members 28 are
formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to
facilitate movement of saw track 26 between a raised position,
wherein workpieces 42 may be removed and replaced under saw track
26, and a lowered position, wherein the lower surface of saw track
26 engages workpiece 42 and clamps the workpiece 42 in place
between saw track 26 and benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, two
hinge members 28 are used in association with benchtop 24 and saw
track 26, with one hinge member 28 connected adjacent each end 94,
96 of saw track 26 and connected to opposing edge tracks 54
connected to the left side and right side of the benchtop 24.
[0223] Mounting Plate:
[0224] In the arrangement shown, as one example, hinge members 28
include a mounting plate 122. Mounting plate 122 is formed of any
suitable size, shape and design and is configured to attach hinge
member 28 to an edge track 54. In the arrangement shown, as one
example, mounting plate 122, when viewed from the left side or
right side, is generally square or rectangular in shape, and
includes rounded corners. When viewed from the front or back,
mounting plate 122 is a generally planar shaped member. The inward
facing side 124 of mounting plate 122 includes a protrusion 126
that is configured to engage and fit within the groove 58 in the
exterior facing surface of edge track 58 to which it connects. This
engagement between groove 58 of edge track 54 and the protrusion
126 of mounting plate 122 helps to provide alignment and adds
strength to the connection between mounting plate 122 and edge
track 54. That is, when mounting plate 122 is installed onto
benchtop 24, protrusion 126 is fully inserted within the groove 58
of edge track 54 and the inward facing surface 124 of mounting
plate 122 is in flat and flush planar engagement with the exterior
surface of edge track 54. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
protrusion 126 is a generally square or rectangular shaped member
that extends outward from the inward facing surface 124 in a
generally perpendicular manner to the plane formed by inward facing
surface 124. Also, in the arrangement shown, as one example,
protrusion 126 extends all or most of the front-to-back length of
mounting plate 122 thereby providing maximum alignment and
stability to the connection between mounting plate 122 and edge
track 54.
[0225] To further facilitate connection between mounting plate 122
and edge track 58, one or more fasteners 128 are inserted into the
groove 58 of edge track 54 that extend outward from edge track 54
and through openings in mounting plate 122. In the arrangement
shown, these fasteners are aligned with the protrusion 126 and/or
extend through the protrusion 126 and are tightened into place
using nuts 130 and/or handles positioned on the outward facing side
132 of mounting plate 122. In the arrangement shown, as one
example, one opening and associated fastener 128 and nut 130 is
positioned at the approximate center of mounting plate 122 as well
as each outward end of mounting plate 122.
[0226] To provide lateral alignment of the mounting plate 122 on
the edge track 54, and to facilitate positioning and re-positioning
the saw track 26 in the same place time and time again, the inward
facing side 124 of mounting plate 122 includes an alignment feature
134 that is configured to be received within an alignment receiver
136 positioned in benchtop 24. Alignment feature 134 is formed of
any suitable size, shape and design and in the arrangement shown,
is an inwardly extending protrusion positioned at the top inward
edge of mounting plate 122. When viewed from above, alignment
feature 134 is generally centrally positioned within the forward to
back length of mounting plate 122 and includes straight sides and a
rounded end, however any other arrangement or position is hereby
contemplated for use.
[0227] In this arrangement, alignment receiver 136 is a similarly
shaped recess or feature cut into the material of benchtop 24. That
is, alignment receiver 136 has straight sides and a rounded end
that is sized and shaped to receive alignment feature 134. However,
as is described herein, the dimensions of benchtop 24 tend to vary
slightly with changes in temperature and humidity. To provide
maximum accuracy, and to assure to the extent possible that saw
track 26 precisely aligns with the grid of bench dog holes 60 and
table tracks 66, alignment receiver 136 is machined into benchtop
24 at the same time that the bench dog holes 60 and grooves that
receive table tracks 66 are machined into the benchtop 24.
Machining all of the features into benchtop 24 at the same insures
dimensional accuracy between the features in the benchtop 24 at the
time they are machined. This is because contemporaneous machining
of the features ensures that the benchtop 24 did not expand or
shrink between the time that different features are placed in
benchtop 24.
[0228] Despite being machined at the same time, in some cases it is
desirable to have some adjustability for the position of hinge
members 28 and saw track 26. As such, in one arrangement, as is
shown, alignment receiver 136 is slightly wider than alignment
feature 134. As such, when alignment feature 134 is positioned
within alignment receiver 136, hinge member 28 may be slightly
laterally adjusted (forward to back) to ensure proper alignment of
the saw track 26 with the grid of bench dog holes 60 and table
tracks 66. To determine this proper precise alignment and
positioning of alignment feature 134 within alignment receiver 136,
the saw track 26 is installed, bench dogs 32 are placed within the
calibration holes 62 and the hinge members 28 are slid forward
until the cutting edge 64 of the saw track 26 is engaged with the
calibration holes 62. Once in this position, the precise alignment
of the saw track 26 (and the alignment member 136 within the
alignment receiver 136) is determined and the hinge member 28 is
tightened in place using nuts 130 and fasteners 128.
[0229] Due to the connection between protrusion 126 and groove 58
of edge track 54, the vertical position of mounting plate 122 is
fixed. To provide vertical adjustment of saw track 26, an end plate
138 is connected to mounting plate 122 that vertically moves with
respect to mounting plate 122. To facilitate this connection
between mounting plate 122 and end plate 138, the outward facing
side 132 of mounting plate 122 includes a first protrusion 140 and
a second protrusion 142. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
first protrusion 140, when viewed from the left side or right side,
is a generally square or rectangular feature that extends outward
from the outward facing side 132 of mounting plate 122, however any
other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, second protrusion 142, when viewed from the
left side or right side, is a generally elongated feature with
straight sidewalls and rounded ends that extends outward from the
outward facing side 132 of first protrusion 142, however any other
shape is hereby contemplated for use. First protrusion 140 is
generally centrally positioned between the ends of mounting plate
122 and extends vertically across the mounting plate 122. Second
protrusion 142 is generally centrally positioned within first
protrusion 140 and terminates before the upper and lower ends of
first protrusion 140. First protrusion 140 and second protrusion
142 are configured to receive and guide end plate 138 while
facilitating vertical adjustment of saw track 16.
[0230] End Plate:
[0231] In the arrangement shown, as one example, hinge members 28
include an end plate 138 that connects to mounting plate 122 and
facilitates sliding vertical movement of saw track 26. It is
desirable to have saw track 26 be in flat and flush alignment
between hinge members 28 when saw track 26 is in engagement with
the upper surface of workpiece 42. To facilitate this alignment,
end plates 138 vertically slide on mounting plates 122.
[0232] End Plate 138 is formed of any suitable size, shape and
design and is configured to attach to mounting plate 122. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, end plate 138 includes a
generally flat and planar main body 144. Main body 144 includes a
pair of arms 146, one positioned on each side of main body 144 that
extend toward benchtop 24 and extend a vertical length of main body
144. The space between opposing arms 146 is sized and shaped to
receive first protrusion 140 there between with close and tight
tolerances while also allowing for sliding vertical movement. In
the arrangement shown, arms 146 initially extend toward benchtop 24
before bending around to extend away from benchtop 24. This bending
of arms 146 provides structural strength and rigidity to end plate
138 much like corrugation does to a sheet of material. Main body
144 of end plate 138 also includes a slot 148. Slot 148 is sized
and shaped to receive second protrusion 142 therein with close and
tight tolerances. Slot 148 is vertically longer than second
protrusion 142 so as to facilitate vertical adjustment. In the
arrangement shown, just like second protrusion 142, slot 148
includes straight sidewalls and curved ends. In a fully raised
position, the lower edge of second protrusion 142 engages the lower
edge of slot 148. In a fully lowered position, the upper edge of
second protrusion 142 engages the upper edge of slot 148.
[0233] When mounting plate 122 is installed on edge track 54, end
plate 138 is installed on mounting plate 122 by placing the
interior facing surface of main body 144 on the outward facing
surface 132 of mounting plate 122 such that the first protrusion
140 is received in the recess formed between arms 146 and the
second protrusion 142 is received within slot 148. In this
position, the fastener 128 that extends through second protrusion
142 also extends through slot 148 and is connected to a handle 150.
In this position, end plate 138 is vertically adjustable until the
upper end of second protrusion 142 engages the upper end of slot
148, which defines the lowest available position, and until the
lower end of the second protrusion 142 engages the lower end of the
slot 148, which defines the upper most available position. Once end
plate 138 is at its desired vertical position, handle 150 is
tightened and the end plate 138 is locked in place with respect to
mounting plate 122. In the arrangement shown, handle 150 is a knob
that threads over the threaded shaft of fastener 128.
[0234] The upper end of main body 144 extends upward a distance
from the upper end of arms 146 and slot 148 and connects to a first
hinge 152. In the arrangement shown, first hinge 152 is what is
known as a barrel hinge, however any form of a hinge is hereby
contemplated for use. First hinge 152 connects a center member 154
to the main body 144 of end plate 138. The upper end of center
member 154 connects to a second hinge 156. In the arrangement
shown, like first hinge 152, second hinge 156 is what is known as a
barrel hinge, however any form of a hinge is hereby contemplated
for use. Second hinge 156 connects an upper member 158 to the
center member 154 and main body 144. In the arrangement shown,
center member 154 and upper member 158 are generally flat and
planar members that connect to hinges 152, 156. Upper member 158
includes a plurality of openings that receive fasteners or other
features that facilitate connection of upper member 158 to the
lower surface of saw track 26.
[0235] Once hinge members 28 are fully assembled, that is, mounting
plates 122 are installed on edge tracks 54, and end plates 138 are
installed on mounting plates 122, and upper members 158 of end
plates 138 are installed on the lower surface of saw track 26, the
saw track 26 is easily and quickly moved between a raised position,
which allows workpieces 42 to be inserted under the saw track 26,
precisely positioned for a cutting operation, and removed from
under the saw track 26, to a lowered position, wherein the lower
surface of saw track 26 engages the upper surface of the workpiece
42 thereby clamping the workpiece 42 in place. Due to the close
engagement of the chip strip 108 and the blade of the saw 40, when
the saw track 26 lays upon the workpiece 42, the precise position
of the cut is revealed at the intersection of the workpiece 42 and
the cutting edge 98 of chip strip 108. This makes visually
confirming the cut is in the desired position very easy. This also
make using the system 10 very intuitive. This also makes it very
easy to be extremely precise with cutting. The combined result of
these features is a very safe cutting system that is extremely
accurate and easy to use that reduces waste and errant cuts. In
addition, the simple and easy raising and lowering of the saw track
26 makes positioning and repositioning workpieces 42 for cutting
operations fast and easy. In one arrangement, to speed positioning
of workpieces 42 for cutting operations stop members, such as
narrow rip stops 34, wide rip stops 36 and a miter gauge 38 are
used.
[0236] In one arrangement, the combination of a hinge member 28
connected adjacent the opposing ends of saw track 26 forms what is
known as a four bar linkage. A four-bar linkage, also called a
four-bar, is the simplest movable closed chain linkage. It consists
of four bodies, called bars or links, connected in a loop by four
joints. Generally, the joints are configured so the links move in
parallel planes, and the assembly is called a planar four-bar
linkage. This arrangement, wherein a four bar linkage is formed by
the combination of hinge members 28, saw track 26 and benchtop 24
ensures that the saw track remains parallel to the plane of the top
surface of benchtop 24 when in a raised position, in a lowered
position, and throughout the range of movement. This contributes to
more accurate cutting and measurement.
[0237] Alternative Arrangement: With reference to FIGS. 97, 98 and
99 an alternative arrangement is presented wherein second
protrusion 142 in mounting plate 122 is formed of a pair of
fasteners that are connected to mounting plate 122 that define the
upper and lower edges of second protrusion 142. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, these fasteners that form second protrusion
145 of mounting plate 122 have a rounded head that extends outward
from mounting plate 122 a distance and include a threaded shaft
that threads into or otherwise connects to mounting plate 122. As
such, when end plate 138 is in its fully lowered position, the
upper edge of slot 148 engages the upper surface of the upper
positioned fastener that forms second protrusion 142. As such, when
end plate 138 is in its raised position, the lower edge of slot 148
engages the lower surface of the lower positioned fastener that
forms second protrusion 142. In this way, the attachment of a pair
of fasteners to mounting plate 122 to form second protrusion 142
define the upper and lower boundaries of movement for end plate
138. In addition the attachment of a pair of fasteners to the
exterior surface of mounting plate 122 eliminates a substantial
amount of machining and material waste as compared to machining
second protrusion 142 into mounting plate 122. Otherwise, the use
of two fasteners to form second protrusion 142 operates in the same
manner as having a single machined feature.
[0238] Also shown in FIGS. 97, 98 and 99 a biasing member 322 is
presented. Biasing member 322 is formed of any suitable size, shape
and design and is configured to apply a bias-force upon end plate
138 so as to ensure optimum accuracy and repeatability by ensuring
that end plate 138 seeks the same position. That is, biasing member
322 applies a bias force upon end plate 138 thereby taking up slack
or gaps or dimensional variance between these components. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, biasing member 322 is attached
to the rearward position fastener 128 between the exterior side of
mounting plate 122 the interior side of nut 130 and is tightened in
place there between. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
biasing member 322 includes a pair of flexible forward extending
arms 324, one at its upper side and one at its lower side, that
extend forward at an angle and engage the rearward side of end
plate 138. The forward end of these arms 324 engage the rearward
side of end plate 138 and apply a force forcing end plate 138
forward such that rearward side of slot 148 engages the rearward
side of second protrusion 142. This bias force takes up the slack,
give or dimensional variance between mounting pate 122 and end
plate 138 thereby improving accuracy and repeatability. The
alternative arrangement is also hereby contemplated wherein the
biasing member 322 is attached to the forward positioned fastener
128.
[0239] Narrow Rip Stops:
[0240] With reference to FIGS. 45-65, in one arrangement system 10
includes one or more narrow rip stops 34. Narrow rip stops 34 are
formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to
facilitate quick and easy and accurate placement and measurement of
workpiece 42 on benchtop 24 for a cutting operation. In the
arrangement shown, two narrow rip stops 34 are configured to be
used in association with benchtop 24 and saw track 26, with one
narrow rip stop 34 connected to each table track 66 either
individually and in a standalone manner or joined with one another
in a connected manner, as is further described herein.
[0241] In the arrangement shown, as one example, narrow rip stops
34 have a main body 160 that extends a length between a narrow stop
end 162 and a wide stop end 164 and extend a width between opposing
sides 166. In the arrangement shown, as one example, narrow stop
end 162 and wide stop end 164 form an approximate flat and square
surface that extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one
another. Similarly, in the arrangement shown, as one example,
opposing sides 166 form an approximate flat and square surface that
extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. The
planes formed by narrow stop end 162 and wide stop end 164 extend
in approximate perpendicular alignment to the planes formed by
opposing sides 166. In this way, when viewed from above or below,
main body 160 of narrow rip stop 34 forms a generally square or
rectangular member, although in the arrangement shown, main body
160 is much longer than it is wide.
[0242] The lower surface 168 of narrow rip stop 34 forms a
generally flat plane that is configured to engage and sit in a
generally flat manner on the upper surface of benchtop 24, although
in the arrangement shown, the plane formed by the lower surface 168
is formed by a skeletonized framework of frame members as to reduce
material costs and weight of the narrow rip stop 34 while providing
strength and rigidity. The flat lower surface 168 of narrow rip
stop 134 also includes a connection feature 170. Connection feature
170 is formed of any suitable, size, shape and design and is
configured to be received within the centrally positioned groove 72
in the upper surface of table track 66. In this way, the engagement
of connection feature 170 with groove 72 precisely aligns the
narrow rip stop 34 with the table track 66, which precisely aligns
the narrow rip stop 34 with the saw track 26, the grid of bench dog
holes 60, the edge tracks 54 and the other features of the benchtop
24. In the arrangement shown, connection feature 170 is an
elongated protrusion that extends downward from the lower surface
168 of narrow rip stop 34 a distance. In the arrangement shown, as
one example, the elongated protrusion of connection feature 170
extends all or the majority of the length of the lower surface 168
of narrow rip stop 34 from narrow stop end 162 to wide stop end
164. The width of connection feature 170 is sized to fit within the
groove 72 of table track 66 with close and tight tolerances thereby
providing accurate alignment of the narrow rip stop 34 to the table
track 54. Similarly, the extended length of connection feature 170
provides precise alignment of the narrow rip stop 34 to the table
track 54.
[0243] In one arrangement, narrow rip stop 34 includes a fastener
172 that engages and locks to the groove 72 of table track 66
thereby locking the position of narrow rip stop 34 relative to the
table track 66 and the benchtop 24. In one arrangement, this
fastener 172 includes a head 173 that fits within the T-slot of the
groove 72 of table track 66 and extends upward therefrom through
the main body 160 of narrow rip stop 34 adjacent the wide stop end
164. The upper end of fastener 172 connects to a knob 174 that is
used to tighten the narrow rip stop 34 to the table track 66 once
the narrow rip stop 34 is in its desired position.
[0244] Narrow rip stop 34 is reversible. That is, as is shown in
FIG. 61, the narrow stop end 162 may extend toward the saw track 26
when cutting of a narrower workpiece 42. In contrast, as is shown
in FIG. 62, the wide stop end 164 may extend toward the saw track
26 when cutting a wider workpiece 42. The narrow stop end 162 is
has a narrower vertical height than the wide stop end 164. This
narrower vertical height of narrow stop end 162 is narrower than
the thickness of most workpieces 42. This narrow vertical height of
narrow stop end 162 allows the narrow stop end 162 to extend under
the saw track 26 during a cutting operation to engage and stop an
rearward edge of a narrow workpiece 42. By the narrow stop end 162
being vertically narrower than the workpiece 42 that is being cut,
this ensures that the saw track 26 engages the upper surface of the
workpiece 42 and not the narrow rip stop 34, thereby ensuring that
the saw track grips and holds onto the workpiece 42 ensuring the
workpiece 42 does not move during a cutting operation. In some
arrangements, 1/4 inch sheet material is the narrowest commonly cut
sheet material and in this arrangement the narrow stop end 164 is
equal to or slightly less than this material thickness. In some
arrangements, 3/8 inch sheet material is the narrowest commonly cut
sheet material and in this arrangement the narrow stop end 164 is
equal to or slightly less than this material thickness. In some
arrangements, 1/2 inch sheet material is the narrowest commonly cut
sheet material and in this arrangement the narrow stop end 164 is
equal to or slightly less than this material thickness. Any other
thickness for narrow stop end 164 is hereby contemplated for use to
cut corresponding thicknesses of workpiece 42. The narrow stop end
162 extends forward a distance from the wide stop end 164 and knob
174 so as to facilitate cutting extremely narrow slices of
workpiece 42.
[0245] The wide stop end 164 has a taller vertical height than the
narrow stop end 162. In addition, the wide stop end 164 includes
the knob 174 that extends upward therefrom as well. Because the
wide stop end 164 does not extend under the saw track 26, the
height of the wide stop end 164 is not restricted. However, by
spinning narrow rip top 43 around such that the wide stop end 164
is toward the saw track 26, this allows wider workpieces 42 to be
cut on the benchtop 24 using narrow rip stop 34.
[0246] In one arrangement, when using narrow rip stop end 162
workpieces 42 between 0'' to 10'' can be cut, whereas, when using
wide rip stop end 164 workpieces 42 between 6'' and 25'' can be
cut.
[0247] To facilitate on-table measurement, table track 66 includes
two measuring members 78, which in the arrangement shown, as one
example, are two measuring tapes, one received in each measuring
groove 76 positioned on each side of the centrally positioned
groove 72 that receives fastener 172 and head 173 of narrow rip
stop 34. One of these measuring members 78 is configured and
calibrated to measure the thickness of workpiece 42 when narrow rip
stop 34 is used in an under the saw track 26 narrow workpiece
configuration (where the narrow stop end 162 faces the saw track
26). Whereas the other of these measuring members 78 is configured
and calibrated to measure the thickness of workpiece 42 when narrow
rip stop 34 is not used in an under the saw track 26 narrow
workpiece configuration (where the wide stop end 164 faces the saw
track 26).
[0248] In the arrangement shown, as one example, narrow rip stop 34
includes an identifier 326 that indicates where the measurement
reading should be taken. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
identifier 326 is an arrow pointing toward one side of the wide
stop end 164 that indicates where the measurement reading should be
made on measuring members 78. That is, the measurement reading
should be made at the overlapping intersection of the wide rip stop
end 164 and the below-positioned measuring member 78. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, identifier 326 is on the left
side of knob 174, however any other position is hereby contemplated
for use. As the identifier 326 is on one side of knob 174 as the
narrow rip stop 324 is rotated from a narrow workpiece
configuration to a wide workpiece configuration the identifier 326
changes sides and therefore changes measuring members 78. As the
identifier 326 changes sides the different measuring members 78
have different readings so as to accommodate for the distance
between the forward most point of narrow rip stop 34 (which is
either narrow stop end 162 or wide stop end 164) and the cutting
edge 98 of saw track 26. In this way, a precise measurement can be
made on the tabletop itself, even when cutting a workpiece 42 that
is completely under saw track 26. That is, in a narrow cut
arrangement, the measurement reading is taken behind the narrow rip
stop 34, whereas in a wide cut arrangement, the measurement reading
is taken in front of the narrow rip stop 34. In both cases, the
measurement reading is taken directly on the tabletop or benchtop
24 itself.
[0249] It is noted that identifier 326 may be on either side of
narrow rip stops 34, or said another, way, the system 10 is
agnostic as to which side of table track is for wide cuts and which
side is for narrow cuts. In an alternative arrangement, instead of
two tapes being used as measuring members 78 in two separate
measuring grooves 76, it is hereby contemplated for use that only a
single tape is used as measuring member 78 in a single measuring
groove 76. In this arrangement, the single measuring member 78 has
markings for both narrow cuts as well as wide cuts, as well as mark
204 for wide rip stops 36. In this arrangement, identifier 326 of
narrow rip stops 34 accommodate this arrangement and point to the
right position on this single measuring member 78 when used in a
narrow cut arrangement as well as when used in a wide cut
arrangement. This arrangement, using only a single measuring member
78 in a single measuring groove 76 provides the benefit that only a
single measuring member 78 needs to be calibrated to the benchtop
24 and/or cutting edge 64.
[0250] In one arrangement, wherein two table tracks 66 are embedded
within benchtop 24, two narrow rip stops 34 may be used
independently of each other. That is, the two narrow rip stops 34
may be measured and set in place independently of one another and
locked in place by tightening knob 174 which pulls connection
feature 170 into groove 72 of table track 66 thereby securing the
narrow rip stop 34 in place. Once tightened in place, the forward
facing end of narrow rip stop 34 is used to engage an edge of a
workpiece 42 thereby stopping the rearward movement of the
workpiece 42 at the precise position that is read at the identifier
362 so that a cutting operation can be performed on the workpiece
42.
[0251] In an alternative arrangement, two narrow rip stops 34 may
be connected together and used in unison by extending a connection
member 176 across two narrow rip stops 34. Connecting connection
member 176 across two narrow rip stops 34 provides an extended stop
surface to engage narrow workpieces 42 and to provide increased
alignment. Connection member 176 is formed of any suitable size,
shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, connection
member 176, when viewed from above or below, is a generally
elongated rectangular member with straight sides 178 that extend in
approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, connection member 176 connects
to the inward facing sides of the narrow ends of opposed narrow rip
stops 34 such that the forward facing side 178 of connection member
176 is flat and in flush planar alignment to the narrow stop end
162.
[0252] In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection member
176 has approximately the same height as the narrow stop end 162 of
narrow rip stop 34. By having the same height as narrow stop end
162, this allows connection member 176, like narrow stop end 162,
to extend under the saw track 26 to cut narrow workpieces 42. In
the arrangement shown, when assembled, the plane formed by one side
178 of the connection member 176 is in flat and flush engagement
with the plane formed by the narrow stop end 162. In this way, the
combination of the narrow stop ends 162 of the narrow rip stops 34
coupled with the side 178 of the connection member 176 provides an
elongated stop surface for precisely engaging and guiding a
workpiece 42. In the arrangement shown, the lower surface of
connection member 176 forms a flat plane that is configured to
slide over the top surface of benchtop 24, although in the
arrangement shown, the plane formed by the lower surface is formed
by a skeletonized framework of frame members to as to reduce
material costs and weight of the connection member 176.
[0253] Connection member 176 connects to narrow rip stops 34 by any
manner, method or means. In one arrangement, as is shown, as one
example, a dovetail joint arrangement is used, however any other
manner of connecting two components together is hereby contemplated
for use such as screws, bolts or other fasteners, snap fitting
features, or any other locking or friction-fitting or engagement
arrangement or the like or any combination thereof. In the
arrangement shown, wherein a dovetail joint is used, recesses 180
(also known as tail cut sections of a dovetail joint) are
positioned in each side of the narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip
stop 34 that are configured to receive a protrusion 182 in the ends
182 of connection member 176.
[0254] This arrangement, wherein a dovetail joint is used to
connect connection member 176 to narrow rip stops 34 provides the
benefits of fast and easy attachment of the connection member 176
to the narrow rip stops 34, as well as quick and easy removal of
the connection member 176 from the narrow rip stops 34. In
addition, by placing a recess 180 in each side of the narrow rip
stop 34 this allows attachment of the connection member 176 to
either side of the narrow rip stop 34 and it also facilitates the
connection of two connection members 176 to a single narrow rip
stop 34 (in the arrangement wherein benchtop 24 includes three
table tracks 66, or the like arrangement). Another benefit of using
a dovetail joint arrangement is that there are no additional parts
to use or misplace, such as is the case with the use of screws,
bolts or other fasteners.
[0255] In one arrangement, wherein dovetail joints are used to
connect the connection member 176 to narrow rip stops 34, the
recesses 180 and the protrusions 182 narrow as they extend
downward. When this arrangement is used, the farther the connection
member 176 is inserted into the narrow rip stops 34 the tighter the
connection. In addition, in one arrangement, this narrowing of the
dovetail features as they extend downward prevents the connection
member 176 from passing through the recesses 180 in the narrow rip
stops 34. This allows a user to pick up the narrow rip stop 34 and
the connection member 176 will move with the narrow rip stop 34.
Another benefit of using a dovetail joint arrangement is that it is
strong and provides precise alignment of the connection member 176
with the narrow rip stop 34.
[0256] It is desirable to use three points of contact to secure a
workpiece 42 during cutting. This most often takes the form of
engaging the workpiece 42 with two bench dogs 60, one bench dog
positioned under the saw track 26 and one bench dog 60 positioned
rearward of the saw track 36, and a stop member, such as narrow rip
stop 34. However, two bench dogs 60 cannot be used in the example
of cutting a narrow workpiece 42. This arrangement, with the use of
connection member 176 extending across two narrow rip stops 34, is
useful and provides stable support for a narrow workpiece 42 and
takes the place of engaging the workpiece 42 with two bench dogs 60
as there is an elongated area or plane of engagement between the
rearward edge of the workpiece 42 and the forward facing edge of
the narrow rip stops 34 and connection member 176. This arrangement
of using connecting member 176 also is helpful for cutting small
workpieces 42 that are small laterally and width-wise (such as is
shown in FIG. 65) as the connection member 176 supports an entire
side of the narrow workpiece 42.
[0257] By placing a bench dog 32, 33 under the saw track, as close
to the cutting edge 98 as possible, this provides a stop surface
for workpiece 42 to push against. The farther this stop surface is
away from the cutting edge 98 the greater the potential for the
workpiece 42 to rotate during cutting. Said another way, the closer
the stop surface is to the cutting edge 98 the less moment there is
and the less potential there is for the workpiece 42 to rotate and
therefore the more accurate the cut is.
[0258] Wide Rip Stops:
[0259] With reference to FIGS. 66-75, in one arrangement, system 10
includes one or more wide rip stops 36. Wide rip stops 36 are
formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to
facilitate quick and easy and accurate placement and measurement of
workpiece 42 that is longer than the forward to back length of
benchtop 24 for a cutting operation. In the arrangement shown, two
wide rip stops 36 are configured to be used in association with
benchtop 24 and saw track 26, with one wide rip stop 36 connected
to each table track 66 as is further described herein.
[0260] In the arrangement shown, as one example, wide rip stops 36
include an arm 186 and a head 188. Arm 186 is formed of any
suitable size shape and design and is configured to facilitate
extension of head 188 beyond the rearward edge of benchtop 24. In
the arrangement shown, as one example, arm 186 is an elongated
member that extends from a forward end 190 to a rearward end 192.
Arm 186 is sized and shaped to fit within groove 72 of table track
66 with close and tight tolerances while allowing arm 186 to slide
in and slide out of groove 72 of table track 66. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, arm 186 is a generally rectangular shaped
elongated bar formed of a solid metallic material such as aluminum,
however any other size, shape and configuration is hereby
contemplated for use. Head 188 is connected adjacent the rearward
end 192 of arm 186. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the
cross-sectional shape of arm 186 is rectangular and matches the
cross-sectional shape of groove 72. In one arrangement, as is
shown, the upper surface of arm 186 includes measuring indicia 194
thereon, such as measurement markings, a measuring tape or any
other indicia, that is used to measure the width of a cut using
wide rip stop 36. In one arrangement, measuring indicia 194 is a
tape, tape measure, sticker or other marking that is attached or
adhered to the upper surface of arm 186, alternatively measuring
indicia 194 is printed directly onto the upper surface of arm 186,
alternatively measuring indicia 194 is etched directly into the
upper surface of arm 186. Any other arrangement or configuration is
hereby contemplated for use as measuring indicia 194. However
directly printing or directly etching the measuring indicia 194
into the upper surface of arm 186 has been found to provide optimum
accuracy.
[0261] Head 188 is connected to the rearward end 192 of arm 186.
Head 188 is formed of any suitable size shape and design and is
configured to engage a rearward edge of a workpiece 42 so that the
width of the cut may be measured by measuring indicia 194 of arm
186. In the arrangement shown, as one example, head 188 includes a
stop surface 196 positioned at its forward side. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, stop surface 196 is a generally flat surface
that extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length
of arm 186, which when in place within table track 66 extends in
approximate parallel spaced alignment to cutting edge 64 of saw
track 26. This stop surface 196 extends upward from the upper
surface of arm 186 so as to engage an edge of workpiece 42.
[0262] Head 188 is connected to arm 186 by any manner, method or
means. In the arrangement shown, as one example, head 188 includes
two openings 198 that are configured to receive fasteners 200
therein that are configured to engage openings 202 in arm 186
thereby connecting head 188 to arm 186 in a precise manner so as to
ensure accurate measurement. Fasteners 200 may be formed of any
fastening device such as screws, bolts, snap features, lock members
or any other device. Head 188 and arm 186 may be connected by any
other rigid and durable connection method or means.
[0263] Arm 186 is configured to be inserted within groove 72 of
table track 66. In one arrangement, arm 186 extends forward from
the stop surface 196 of head 188 approximately the length of table
track 66, so as to provide maximum extension of wide rip stop 36
beyond the upper surface of benchtop 24. That is, in one
arrangement, when wide rip stop 36 is in a fully retracted state,
arm 186 is fully inserted within groove 72 of table track 66, the
forward end 190 of arm 186 is near or adjacent the forward end 68
of table track 66. In contrast, when wide rip stop 36 is in a fully
extended state, the majority of arm 186 extends past the rearward
end 70 of table track 66 with only a small portion of overlap
between the forward end 190 of arm 186 and groove 72 of table track
66. By having arm 186 have approximately the same length as table
track 66, this allows the maximum range of motion and extension and
allows workpieces 42 to be measured approximately twice as wide as
the forward to back length of table track 66, which is
substantially wider than the forward to back width of benchtop 24.
In this way, the use of wide rip stops 36 allows for measurement of
wide workpieces 42 using a much smaller benchtop 24. As such, the
space requirements for the benchtop 24 are much smaller than the
measuring capabilities and cutting capabilities of the benchtop 24.
In one arrangement, when using wide rip stops 36 workpieces 42 up
to 48'' can measured and cut accurately.
[0264] The cut width of workpieces 42 is measured using wide rip
stops 36 by first calibrating the measuring members 78 of table
tracks 66 to the benchtop 24 in the manners described herein. One
of the measuring members 78 includes a wide rip stop mark 204. The
width of the cut of workpiece 42 is measured from this mark 204.
That is, once the measuring member 78 of table tracks 66 are
properly calibrated to benchtop 24 and cutting edge 64, a user
measures the width of the cut using wide rip stops 36 by setting
the desired cut width by the reading of the measuring indicia 194
in the upper surface of the arm 186 adjacent to the mark 204. The
further wide rip stop 36 is inserted within table track 66 the
narrower the cut width, the further wide rip stop 36 is extended
out of table track 66 the wider the cut width.
[0265] A lock member 206 is used in association with wide rip stop
36 to secure the position of the wide rip stop 36 once wide rip
stop 36 is set at its desired position. Lock member 206 is formed
of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to lock
the position of wide rip stop 36 in place such that it does not
move once the proper measurement is set. In the arrangement shown,
as one example, lock member 206 includes a handle 208 having a cam
surface 210 on an opposite side of an axis of rotation 212 from
handle 208. A fastener 214 extends through the handle 208 at the
axis of rotation 212 and establishes the point at which lock member
206 rotates. Fastener 214 extends through handle 208 and connects
to a block 216. Block 216 is configured to fit within and slide
along the groove 58 in the side of edge track 54.
[0266] Lock member 206 is used by sliding the block 216 of lock
member 206 into the groove 58 of edge track 54 until the lock
member 206 is positioned below the arm 186 of wide rip stop 36.
Once lock member 206 is in this positon below arm 186 of wide rip
stop 36 fastener 214 is tightened in place within groove 58 of edge
track 54 thereby locking the position of wide rip stop 36. Next,
the wide rip stop 36 is set to its desired position by pulling the
head 188 outward from the table track 66 such that the arm 186
slides within the groove 72 of table track 66. The head 188 is
moved rearward until the measuring indicia 194 in the upper surface
of the arm 186 at the precise point of mark 204 reads the desired
width of cut. Once in this position, the handle 208 is rotated
downward upon the fastener 214 and axis of rotation 212. This
causes the cam surface 210 to engage the bottom surface of the arm
186. As the handle 208 is rotated downward, the cam surface 210
increasingly pushes upward on the arm 186 which causes increased
engagement between arm 186 and groove 72, thereby locking the arm
186 in place at the desired measurement. Once in this position, the
position of wide rip stop 36 is firmly locked in place and as such
it will not move when engaged by the edge of a workpiece 42 during
cutting thereby allowing for multiple and repeated accurate cuts on
multiple workpieces 42. In the arrangement shown, as one example,
the cam surface 210 is at its fullest engagement when handle 208 is
in a vertical, downward, orientation, however any other arrangement
is hereby contemplated for use. One benefit of this arrangement is
that the handle 208 may be rotated in either direction, clockwise
or counterclockwise, to engage and disengage the lock member
206.
[0267] One wide rip stop 36 may be used with each table track 66.
That is, in the arrangement shown, as one example, for narrow
workpieces 42 a single wide rip stop 36 may be used. For wider
workpieces 42 two wide rip stops 36 may be used. Any number of
table tracks 66 and wide rip stops 36 are hereby contemplated for
use.
[0268] Miter Gauge:
[0269] In one arrangement system 10 includes a miter gauge 38.
Miter gauge 38 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and
are configured to facilitate quick and easy and accurate angular
cuts of workpiece 42 in association with benchtop 24. In the
arrangement shown, two configurations of a miter gauge 38 are
presented. With reference to FIGS. 76, 77, 78. 79, 80, 83 and 84 a
miter gauge 38 is presented that is configured to connect to
benchtop 24 through connection to bench dog holes 60. While this
arrangement is effective, in the event that benchtop 24 swells or
shrinks or otherwise dimensionally changes, these dimensional
changes can affect the accuracy of a miter gauge 38 connected to
bench dog holes 60 in the benchtop 24. As such, with reference to
FIGS. 81, 82 and 88 a miter gauge 38 is presented that connects to
table tracks 66, which may be a more-accurate manner of connecting
miter gauge 38 to benchtop 24 as compared to the use of bench dog
holes 60.
[0270] Connected To Bench Dog Holes:
[0271] With reference to FIGS. 76, 77, 78. 79, 80, 83 and 84, a
miter gauge 38 is presented that is configured to connect to
benchtop 24 through connection to bench dog holes 60. In this
arrangement, the miter gauge 38 includes the component parts of a
base 218 and a guide 220. Base 218 is formed of any suitable size,
shape and design and is configured to be attached to benchtop 24.
Guide 220 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is
configured to rotate upon base 218 to the desired angle of a cut of
workpiece 42.
[0272] In the arrangement shown, as one example, base 218 has a
generally planar main body 222 that is configured to be attached to
benchtop 24 by way of the insertion of bench dogs 32 through the
main body 222 and into the benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown,
as one example, main body 222 includes a pair of ears 224 that
include openings 226 that are spaced apart so as to match the
spacing of bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24 and are sized and
shaped to receive bench dogs 32 there through with close and tight
tolerances. In this arrangement, base 218 is attached to benchtop
24 by aligning the openings 226 of ears 224 of base 218 with two
bench dog openings 60 in benchtop 24 and inserting bench dogs 32
there through. In this way not only is the base 218 attached to the
benchtop 24, but the base 218 is aligned with the grid of bench dog
holes 60 and as the base 222 is aligned with the grid of bench dog
holes 60, the base 218 is aligned with the saw track 26, edge
tracks 54, table tracks 66 and the other aligned features of system
10.
[0273] Base 218 includes an opening 228 that receives a fastener
230 that extends through a similar opening 228 in guide 220 and is
configured to connect guide 220 to base 218 as well as act as an
axis of rotation thereby facilitating rotation of guide 22 with
respect to base 218 thereby setting the angle of cut of workpiece
42. Base 218 includes a slot 232 and associated measuring indicia
234. In the arrangement shown, slot 232 is a curved slot the
extends in curved fashion along a rearward edge of main body 222
and is configured to receive a lock member 236 therein that is
configured to lock the position of guide 220 with respect to base
218 when guide 220 is placed at the desired angular positioning for
a cut. Measuring indicia 234 is configured to identify the angle at
which guide 220 is positioned with respect to base 218. In the
arrangement shown, lock member 236 includes a fastener 238 that
extends through both an opening 239 in guide 220 as well as the
slot 232 of base 218 and connects to a knob 240 that is used to
tighten the guide 220 to the base 218.
[0274] Guide 220 includes a main body 242 having an arm 244. An
indicator 246 is connected to arm 244 and is configured to indicate
the angle at which guide 220 is positioned with respect to base
218. In the arrangement shown, indicator 246 is an adjustable
member with a pointer 248 that is configured to point at the
measuring indicia 234 of base 218 that indicates the angle of guide
220 with respect to base 218. In the arrangement shown, indicator
246 includes a slot 250 that is configured a fastener 252 that
extends through the indicator 246 and anchors in the arm 244 of
guide 220 so as to allow slight adjustment of the indicator 246 so
as to facilitate calibration of the indicator 246 to the precise
alignment of the benchtop 24.
[0275] Guide 220 includes a stop arm 254 on a side opposite arm 244
and indicator 246. In the arrangement shown, as one example, stop
arm 254 is an elongated member that extends a length between
opposing ends 256 and forms an elongated stop surface 258 that
extends on a side opposite arm 244 and indicator 246. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, stop surface 258 forms a flat
and straight surface that extends in a continuous and perpendicular
manner to the surfaces formed by ends 256 of stop arm 254. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from above or below,
stop arm 254 has a generally rectangular shape, however any other
shape is hereby contemplated for use.
[0276] In the arrangement shown, as one example, an upper groove
260 and lower groove 262 extend along all or a portion of the stop
arm 254 adjacent the stop surface 258. The upper groove 260 is
positioned in the upper surface of stop arm 254 and the lower
groove 262 is positioned in the lower surface of stop arm 254. A
stop member 264 is connected to stop arm 254 by engagement with
upper groove 260 and lower groove 262.
[0277] That is, in the arrangement shown, stop member 264 includes
a main body 266 having a channel 268 that extends between opposing
ends 270 of stop member 264. In one arrangement, as is shown,
channel 268 extends in approximate perpendicular alignment between
opposing ends 270, and ends 270 form planes that extend in
approximate parallel spaced planar alignment with one another. In
the arrangement shown, channel 268 is sized and shaped to receive
and slide over the end of stop arm 254 that forms stop surface 258.
When stop member 264 is in place on stop arm 254, flanges 272 at
the upper and lower sides of channel 268 are engaged with and
received within the upper groove 260 and lower groove 262. In this
position, stop member 264 may slide along the length of upper
groove 260 and lower groove 262.
[0278] Stop member 264 includes an opening 274 that is configured
to receive a fastener 276, such as a screw, bolt or other fastening
member. Opening 274 and fastener 276 cooperate to selectively lock
stop member 264 in place along stop arm 254 when stop member 264 is
in its desired position. That is, when fastener 276 is tightened it
presses against stop arm 254 thereby locking the stop member 264 in
place. By doing so, multiple workpieces 42 may be cut at the same
length at the same angle.
[0279] Connected To Bench Table Tracks:
[0280] With reference to FIGS. 81 and 82, a similar miter gauge 38
is presented to that shown in FIGS. 76, 77, 78. 79, 80, 83 and 84.
The miter gauge 38 shown in FIGS. 81 and 82 is configured to
connect to benchtop 24 through connection to the groove 72 in a
table track 66 (instead of connecting to dog holes 60). In this
arrangement, the miter gauge 38 includes the same or a similar
arrangement of parts as that presented above, with the difference
being that base 218 includes a pair of openings 278 that are
configured to receive a fastener 238 there through that connects
the base 218 to a table track 66. As such, unless specifically
stated otherwise, the teachings of the bench dog miter gage 38
apply to and are incorporated into the table track miter gage
38.
[0281] In the arrangement shown, as one example, fasteners 238
include a head 280 that is sized and shaped to fit within the
groove 72 of table track 66 and slide along the groove 72 in table
track 66. Once the miter gauge 38 is in its desired position, knobs
240 connected to both fasteners 238 that extend through both
openings 278. As knob 240 is tightened upon fastener 238, base 218
is tightened against table track 266 thereby locking miter gauge 38
in place on benchtop 24. By using table track 66 to affix miter
gauge 38 to benchtop 24 this provides a more accurate connection
than using bench dog holes 60. Another advantage of attaching the
miter gauge 38 to table tracks 66 is that the miter gauge 38 has
infinite adjustability when attached to a table track 66 as the
miter gauge 38 may be slid to any positon along the length of table
track 66.
[0282] In one arrangement, regardless of the manner of connection
of the miter gauge 38 to benchtop 24, the forward end of stop arm
254 has a narrow height, similar to the height of the narrow stop
end 162 of narrow rip stop 34, so that the forward end of stop arm
254 may be inserted under the saw track 26 without interfering with
engagement between the saw track 26 and the workpiece 42 for most
common thicknesses of workpieces 42. This use case is shown in FIG.
85 as one example. The thin vertical height of the forward end of
stop arm 254 allows for the stop arm 254 to provide support and
guidance to the workpiece 42 up to close to the cutting edge 64 of
saw Track 26. This allows precise alignment and guidance as well as
facilitates cutting of narrow workpieces 42 at an angle using the
system 10. This provides a great benefit as it is desirable to
provide support to workpiece 42 as close to the cutting edge 64 as
possible. This is especially true for angled cuts. This enhances
the accuracy of angled cuts and helps to prevent and/or limit
movement of workpiece 42 during cutting. In the arrangement shown,
as one example, the upper groove 260 and lower groove 262 of stop
arm 254 do not extend down to the forward end of stop arm 254 so as
to allow the forward end of stop arm 254 to extend under the saw
track 26 without engagement or interference by the presence of stop
member 264.
[0283] Bench Dogs:
[0284] Bench dogs 32 are used in association with benchtop 24 and
are configured to provide stop surfaces for workpieces 42 while
also providing alignment to workpieces 42 by way of being aligned
with the grid of bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24 which are
aligned to the saw track 26, edge tracks 54, table tracks 66 and
other features of benchtop 24. Bench dogs 32 are formed of any
suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, with
reference to FIG. 16, bench dogs 32 include a cylindrical shaft 282
that is sized and shaped to fit within bench dog holes 60 in
benchtop 24 within close and tight tolerances and a wider
cylindrical head 284. In view of these tight tolerances, between
the shaft 282 and the diameter of bench dog holes 60, in one
arrangement, as is shown, bench dogs 32 include a chamfered lower
edge that helps to facilitate the insertion of the bench dog 32
into a bench dog hole 60. The head 284 of bench dog 32 is wider
than the shaft 282 and therefore the intersection of the head 284
and shaft 282 form a perpendicular shoulder that engages the upper
surface of the benchtop 24 in flat and flush engagement upon
insertion of the bench dog 32 into a bench dog hole 60.
[0285] In the arrangement shown, there are two forms of a bench dog
32, a standard bench dog 32 (or simply "bench dog 32") and a short
bench dog 33. Standard bench dogs 32 are configured to be used in
open space on the benchtop 24 and therefor the height of head 284
is not restricted. As such, in one arrangement, the head 284 may be
any height, and it may be as tall as the shaft 282.
[0286] In contrast, short bench dogs 33 are configured to be used
under saw track 26 so as to provide a stop surface for workpiece 42
as close to cutting edge 98 as possible while not interfering with
the lowering of saw track 26. This placement provides optimum
accuracy and a minimum moment on workpiece 42 during cutting. As
short bench dogs 33 are configured to be placed under saw track 26,
the head 284 of short bench dogs 33 are configured to be equal to
or shorter than the thickness of most workpieces 42. This shorter
or narrower vertical height of head 284 of short bench dog 32
allows the short bench dog 32 to be placed under the saw track 26
during a cutting operation to engage a side of a short or thin or
narrow workpiece 42 without interfering with the saw track 26
engaging and holding the workpiece 42. By the head 284 of short
bench dog 32 being vertically equal to or shorter or narrower than
the workpiece 42 that is being cut, this ensures that the saw track
26 engages the upper surface of the workpiece 42, thereby ensuring
that the saw track grips and holds onto the workpiece 42 ensuring
the workpiece 42 does not move during a cutting operation. In some
arrangements, 1/4 inch sheet material is the thinnest or narrowest
commonly cut sheet material and in this arrangement the head 284 of
short bench dog 32 is equal to or slightly less than this material
thickness. In some arrangements, 3/8 inch sheet material is the
thinnest or narrowest commonly cut sheet material and in this
arrangement the head 284 of short bench dog 32 is equal to or
slightly less than this material thickness. In some arrangements,
1/2 inch sheet material is the thinnest or narrowest commonly cut
sheet material and in this arrangement the head 284 of short bench
dog 32 is equal to or slightly less than this material thickness.
Any other thickness for narrow stop end 164 is hereby contemplated
for use. In one arrangement, the head 284 of short bench dog 33 is
half or less than half the height of the head 284 of standard bench
dog 32. In one arrangement, head 284 of short bench dog 32 is of
approximately equal height to the height of other components of the
system 10 that are configured to be used under saw track 26
including narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip stop 34 and the narrow
end 256 of stop arm 254 of miter gage 38.
[0287] Under Saw Track Measurement and Alignment:
[0288] One of the substantial benefits of the system 10 presented
herein is its ability to accurately measure and cut workpieces 42
on the benchtop 24 or tabletop itself. This includes measuring and
cutting thin or narrow workpieces 42. To accomplish this, alignment
and measurement of workpieces 42 is facilitated as close to the
cutting edge 98 as possible. To accomplish this, in some
applications, the measurement member or alignment member is
positioned beneath the saw track 26 and near the cutting edge 98 of
saw 40. More specifically, the system 10 allows a workpiece 42 to
be stopped close to the cutting edge 98 by placing a short bench
dog 33 under the saw track 26, which is shown in FIG. 65. As is
shown in FIG. 65, the system 10 also allows a workpiece 42 to be
precisely measured and cut, under the saw track 26, by having the
narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip stop 34 extend under the saw
track 26, either individually and in association with connection
member 176 that also extends under the saw track 26 and connects a
pair of narrow rip stops 34. The system 10 also allows for the
forward end of stop arm 254 of miter gauge 38 to extend under saw
track 26 and guide workpiece 42 to ensure optimum accuracy during
an angle cut, which is shown in FIG. 85. As such, the combination
of the these components and their heights that are coupled to the
narrowest workpiece 42 or narrowest standard workpiece 42 (such as
1/4 inch, 1/3 inch, 3.8 inch, 1/2 inch or the like) facilitates
optimum accuracy and the broadest range of capabilities.
[0289] Use Case: Installation and Calibration of Saw Track to
Benchtop, and Calibration of Measuring Members of Table Tracks to
Benchtop:
[0290] With reference to FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 40 one manner or
method of calibrating the saw track 26 to the features of benchtop
24 (such as table tracks 66, edge tracks 54 and the grid of bench
dog holes 60) is presented.
[0291] The saw 40 is calibrated to the saw track 26 by making an
initial pass of the blade of saw 40 along the length of saw track
26. This initial pass is done off of and away from the benchtop 24.
This cuts a portion of the chip strip 108 to fit precisely with the
blade of saw 40. Having the blade of saw 40 fit precisely to the
outward end of chip strip 108 means that the outward end of chip
strip 108 supports the material of workpiece 42 as close as
possible to the blade of saw 40. This has the result of reducing
chipping or what is known as "tear out" during cutting which
provides accurate and desirable cuts in workpiece 42
[0292] With reference to FIG. 37, bench dogs 32 are placing in
calibration holes 62, which in the arrangement shown, includes one
calibration hole 62 in each of the outward forward corners of
benchtop 24. Mounting plates 122 of hinge members 28 are installed
onto the left and right edge tracks 54 by inserting fasteners 128
into groove 58 of edge tracks 54 and inserting the alignment
feature 134 into the alignment receiver 136 of benchtop 24 and
tightening the mounting plate 122 using nuts 130.
[0293] With reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, once the mounting plate
122 is installed on benchtop 24, end plates 138, with the attached
saw track 26 are installed on mounting plates 122. This is
accomplished by aligning the slot 148 of main body 144 of end
plates 138 with the second protrusion 142 of mounting plates 122.
Once the second protrusion 142 of mounting plate 122 is positioned
within the slot 148 of end plate 138 the knob 150 is tightened upon
the fastener 128 that extends through slot 148.
[0294] The height of the end plates 138 are adjusted such that the
bottom surface of the saw track 26 engages the top surface of the
benchtop 24 when the hinge members 28 are in a lowered position.
This is accomplished by vertically sliding the end plates 138 upon
mounting plates 122 and locking the end plates 138 in vertical
position by tightening knob 150 once end plates 138 are in their
desired vertical position.
[0295] Next, with the saw track 26 in a lowered position, the saw
track 26 is slid forward until the calibrated cutting edge 98 of
the chip strip 108 of saw track 26 engages the edges of the bench
dogs 32 in calibration holes 62. This movement causes the alignment
feature 134 to move forward within the alignment receiver 136. When
bias member 322 is present, this is partially accomplished by the
bias force applied by biasing member 322. Once in this position,
with cutting edge 98 in engagement with the bench dogs 32 in
calibration holes 62, the nuts 130 passing through the mounting
plates 122 are tightened thereby locking the lateral or
forward-to-back position of the mounting plates 122, the end plates
138 and the saw track 26 with respect to benchtop 24 by tightening
the lateral position of these components to edge tracks 54.
[0296] With reference to FIG. 40, once the position of the saw
track 26 is calibrated, a test cut is made by passing the saw 40
along the saw track 26 thereby cutting a first groove in the top
surface of the sacrificial benchtop 24. The rearward edge of this
cut in the benchtop 24 is then used to calibrate the measuring
members 78 of table tracks 66. Alternatively, the cutting edge 64
itself can be used to calibrate the measuring members 78 of table
tracks 66. More specifically, a measurement is made from the
rearward edge of the cut in the tabletop 24 rearward, and the
measuring members 78 are adjusted to cause the measurements on the
measuring members 78 to correspond to the distance from the
rearward edge of the cut in the benchtop 24. This may be
accomplished by using a tape measure in the groove of the cut in
the benchtop 24 and then adjusting the measuring members 78, by
sliding them within the measuring grooves 76 until the readings on
the tape measure align with the measurements in the measuring
members 78. Movement of the measuring members 78 may be
accomplished by depressing the bias member 92 of lock member 82 of
table track 66 and sliding the measuring member 78 to the desired
location. Once the user has moved the measuring members 78 to the
proper calibrated position, the user releases the bias member 92 of
lock members 82 of table tracks 66 which then presses up on the
measuring member 78 thereby locking the measuring members 78 in
their precisely calibrated position. In this way, the measurements
of the measuring members 78 of table tracks 66 are calibrated to
the benchtop 24 and the cutting edge 98 of saw track 26.
Simultaneously, the measurements of the narrow rip stops 34 and
wide rip stops 36 are calibrated as they depend upon the
calibration of the table tracks 66.
[0297] Use Case: Standard Cutting of Sheet Material:
[0298] With reference to FIGS. 41, 42 and 43, a standard
perpendicular cutting operation is shown being performed using a
workpiece 42. In this arrangement, three bench dogs 32 are used to
support an edge of the workpiece 42 positioned on an opposite side
of the workpiece 42 from the cutting direction (the direction the
saw 40 comes from). In this arrangement, the bench dogs 32 are
spaced along the length of the edge of the workpiece 42 in a
wide-stance. That is, one bench dog 32 is positioned near the
rearward edge of the workpiece 42. One bench dog 32 is positioned
near the middle of the workpiece 42. And one bench dog 33 (not
visible as it is hidden by the saw track 26, but is shown in dotted
lines) is positioned near the cutting edge 98. In this way, optimum
support is provided to the workpiece 42 during cutting, including
support positioned adjacent the cutting edge 98. These bench dogs
32 are placed in bench dog holes in the same forward, to back
row.
[0299] To perform this cutting operation, first the saw track 26 is
moved to a raised position by rotating the saw track 26 upon first
hinge 152 and second hinge 156 to a raised position. If additional
space is required, the handles 150 of end plates 138 of hinge
members 28 are loosened and the end plates 138 are slid upon the
mounting plates 122 until the lower end of the slot 148 of end
plate 138 engages the lower end of the second protrusion 142 of
mounting plate 122. In this position the end plates 138 and saw
track 26 are in a fully raised position and workpiece 42 can be
easily inserted under saw track 26 as well as removed from under
saw track 26.
[0300] Next, the bench dogs 32 are installed in the three aligned
bench dog holes 60, with standard bench dogs 32 being installed
rearward of the saw track 26, and a narrow bench dog 32 installed
in the bench dog hole 60 under the saw track 26.
[0301] Next, with the bench dogs 32 installed, the workpiece 42 is
slid under the saw track 26 between the hinge members 28 when the
saw track 26 is in a raised position. The edge of the workpiece 42
is aligned and engaged with the three bench dogs 32 in a flat and
flush arrangement. The workpiece 42 is slid also slid front to back
until the placement of the cutting edge 98 is precisely at the
desired position of the cut.
[0302] Next, once the workpiece 42 is precisely positioned, the
vertical position of the saw track 26 is adjusted for the thickness
of workpiece 42. This is accomplished by first moving the saw track
26 to a lowered position by rotating the saw track 26 from a raised
position to a lowered position upon first hinge 152 and second
hinge 156. Next, the handles 150 of the end plates 138 are loosened
and the saw track 26 is lower until the lower surface of the saw
track 26 engages the upper surface of the workpiece 42. Once in
this position, where the saw track 26 extends in a generally
horizontal manner between opposing hinge members 28 the handles 150
are tightened thereby locking the vertical height of the hinge
members 28. This sets the height of the saw track 26 precisely for
the thickness of workpiece 42.
[0303] With the bottom surface of saw track 26 in flat and flush
engagement with the upper surface of the workpiece 42 the user can
visually verify that the cut will be placed in the precise desired
position. This is because the cut will be performed precisely at
the intersection of the cutting edge 98 and workpiece 42. This
provides an immense benefit as the user can visually see, double
check and verify that the cut is in the precise position.
[0304] Next, with the bottom surface of saw track 26 in flat and
flush engagement with the upper surface of the workpiece 42, the
saw 40 is connected to the saw track 26 by aligning the base 104 of
saw 40 with the features in the upper surface of saw track 26. Once
properly aligned the saw 40 is passed along the length of the saw
track 26 such that the blade of the saw 40 cuts along the cutting
edge 98 and cuts the workpiece 42 at the intersection of the blade
of saw 40 and the cutting edge 98 of saw track 26. As the saw 40
pushes down upon the saw track 26 during a cutting operation, the
saw track 26 presses down upon workpiece 42 thereby clamping the
workpiece 42 in place between the saw track 26 and the benchtop 24.
The use of the grip layer of the chip strip 108 as well as the grip
strips 110, with their high coefficient of friction, help to hold
the workpiece 42 in place during cutting operation and as the saw
40 presses down upon workpiece 42 this pressure reinforces the grip
of these grip layers which is self-reinforcing and thereby helps to
prevent any relative movement during cutting.
[0305] Once the cut is made, the saw 40 is removed from saw track
26 and the saw track 26 is quickly and easily raised by lifting up
on the saw track 26 which causes the saw track 26 to rotate upon
first hinge 152 and second hinge 156 thereby moving the hinges 152,
156 from a lowered position to a raised position. Once in a raised
position, the saw track 26 is in an over-center condition and
remains in a raised position until the saw track 26 is
intentionally lowered again by the user. While in the raised
position, the cut workpiece 42 may be removed and a new workpiece
42 may be inserted. In this way, hinge members 28 and saw track 26
may be used to quickly cut multiple workpieces 42.
[0306] Use Case: Cutting Sheet Material at a 45.degree. Angle:
[0307] With reference to FIG. 44 a 45.degree. angle cutting
operation is shown being performed using a workpiece 42. This
example is similar to the perpendicular cut example provided above
and as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of
the prior use case example apply to and are incorporated into this
use case example.
[0308] In this arrangement, three bench dogs 32 are used to support
an edge of the workpiece 42 positioned on an opposite side of the
workpiece 42 from the cutting direction (the direction the saw 40
comes from). In this arrangement, the bench dogs 32 are spaced
along the length of the edge of the workpiece 42 in a wide-stance.
That is, one bench dog 32 is positioned near the rearward edge of
the workpiece 42. One bench dog 32 is positioned near the middle of
the workpiece 42. And one bench dog 33 (not visible as it is hidden
by the saw track 26, but is shown in dotted lines) is positioned
near the cutting edge 98. In this way, optimum support is provided
to the workpiece 42 during cutting. These bench dogs 32 are placed
in bench dog holes 60 one row over and one row back from the
adjacent bench dog 32. In this way, when the workpiece 42 is
positioned in engagement with the bench dogs 32, the workpiece 42
is positioned at a 45.degree. angle to the cutting edge 98.
[0309] Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Cutting Narrow Sheet
Material:
[0310] With reference to FIGS. 60 and 61, a workpiece 42, which is
a large sheet of material, is shown being cut using system 10. This
example is similar to the perpendicular and 45.degree. angle cut
examples provided above and as such, unless specifically stated
otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples apply to
and are incorporated into this use case example.
[0311] In this arrangement, to eliminate the need for an additional
helper to perform the cuts, the outward end of workpiece 42 is
supported by a stand 286. Stand 286 is any device which supports
workpiece 42 during a cutting operation. One of the benefits of
using stand 286 is that the portion that is cut off workpiece 42
does not fall, instead the cut edge remains supported on benchtop
24. This improves safety and the accuracy and quality of the cut.
In the arrangement shown, a narrow rip stop 34 is attached to each
table track 66. Due to the cut width of the workpiece 42, the
narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip stop 34 faces the cutting edge 98
and workpiece 42, but in the example shown in FIG. 61 the narrow
rip stop 34 does not extend under saw track 26, but they could if
the narrow rip stops 34 were slid forward upon table tracks 66.
[0312] To perform this cutting operation, the narrow rip stops 34
are attached to the groove 72 in table tracks 66 by pointing the
narrow stop end 162 toward the saw track 26 and inserting the
connection feature 170 within the groove 72 of table track 66 while
inserting the head 173 of narrow rip stops 34 into the rearward end
70 of table track 66. Once aligned in this manner, the narrow rip
stops 34 are slid forward within groove 72 of table tracks 66 until
they reach their desired position. In one arrangement, the
measurement reading of the measuring member 78 of table track 66
may be made on the rearward side of the narrow rip stop 34, taking
account for the length of the narrow rip stop 34. In another
arrangement, the measurement reading of the measuring member 78 of
table track 66 may be made on the forward side of the narrow rip
stop 34, which does not account for the length of the narrow rip
stop 34. Each narrow rip stop 34 may be measured independently upon
their own table track 66. Or, alternatively if a connection member
176 is used only a single measurement may be needed as the
connection member 176 may maintain the relative alignment of the
connected narrow rip stops 34, however it is better to precisely
measure each of the narrow rip stops 34.
[0313] Once the narrow rip stops 34 are in the desired positon, the
knob 174 is tightened thereby locking the narrow rip stop 34 to the
table track 66. Once in this locked position, the workpiece 42 is
slid under the saw track 26 until the rearward edge of the
workpiece 42 is engaged with the forward edges of the narrow rip
stops 34. In addition, the edge of the workpiece 42 opposite the
cutting direction is placed in engagement with a bench dog 33
positioned under the saw track 26. Once in this secured position,
which is secured by three points of contact (the under the saw
track bench dog 33 and the two narrow rip stops 34), the saw track
26 is lowered on hinge members 28 thereby clamping the workpiece 42
in place and the saw 40 is slid along the saw track 26 thereby
cutting the workpiece 42 at the desired length. Note, additional
bench dogs 32 may be used rearward of saw track 26.
[0314] Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised
by the hinge members 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This
process may be repeated for any number of workpieces 42.
[0315] In the arrangement shown, the connection member 176 could be
used without affecting the manner of operating.
[0316] Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Material:
[0317] With reference to FIG. 62, a similar arrangement is shown to
that shown in FIG. 61, however in this arrangement, the cut-width
of the workpiece 42 is greater and requires the wide stop end 164
of narrow rip stops 34 to face the workpiece 42 and saw track 26,
otherwise the cutting operation is similar if not identical to that
descried with respect to FIG. 61 as such, unless specifically
stated otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples
apply to and are incorporated into this use case example. That is,
the wide rip stop end 164 engages the edge of the workpiece 42.
[0318] With reference to FIG. 63, a similar arrangement is shown to
that shown in FIG. 62, as such, unless specifically stated
otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples apply to
and are incorporated into this use case example. In this
arrangement, the workpiece 42 is laterally narrower than that shown
in FIG. 62. Due to the laterally narrow width, the workpiece 42
only engages a single narrow rip stop 34. As it is desirable to
have the workpiece 42 engage at least three points of contact, two
bench dogs 32 are shown, engaging the edge opposite the cutting
direction. In addition, a bench dog 33 is shown in use under the
saw track 26. In this way, the proper amount of stabilization is
provided to the workpiece 42. The greater width of this workpiece
requires the wide stop end 164 of narrow rip stops 34 to face the
workpiece 42 and saw track 26, otherwise the cutting operation is
similar if not identical to that descried with respect to FIG.
62.
[0319] With reference to FIG. 64, a similar arrangement is shown to
that shown in FIG. 63, however in this arrangement, the cut width
(the distance between the rearward positioned stop surface and the
cutting edge 98) of workpiece 42 is narrower. Due to the laterally
narrow width, the workpiece 42 only engages a single narrow rip
stop 34. Due to the narrow cut width, the workpiece 42 only engages
a single bench dog 32 rearward of the saw track 26 otherwise the
cutting operation is similar if not identical to that descried with
respect to FIG. 63.
[0320] Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Under Saw Track Cutting:
[0321] With reference to FIG. 65, a small workpiece 42 is shown
being cut using system 10. This example is similar to the prior
examples, as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, the
teachings of the prior use case examples apply to and are
incorporated into this use case example. In the arrangement shown,
two narrow rip stops 34 are connected together using connection
member 176 and each of which are attached to a table track 66. Due
to the cut width of the workpiece 42, the narrow stop end 162 of
narrow rip stop 34 faces the cutting edge 98 and workpiece 42 and
the narrow stop end 162 and connection member 176 of narrow rip
stops 34 extends under the saw track 26.
[0322] To perform this cutting operation, the connection member 176
is connected to the adjacent narrow rip stops 34 by inserting the
protrusions 182 of the connection member 176 into the recesses 180
of the narrow rip stops 34. Next, the narrow rip stops 34 are
attached to the groove 72 in table tracks 66 by pointing the narrow
stop end 162 toward the saw track 26 and inserting the connection
feature 170 within the groove 72 of table track 66 while inserting
the head 173 of narrow rip stops 34 into the rearward end 70 of
table track 66. Once aligned in this manner, the narrow rip stops
34 are slid forward within groove 72 of table tracks 66 until they
reach their desired position, which is under the saw track 26. The
proper position of the narrow rip stops 34 is set by making a
measurement reading of the measuring member 78 of table track 66 on
the rearward side of the narrow rip stop 34, which, in one
arrangement, is at identifier 326, which takes account for the
length of the narrow rip stop 34. Despite being connected by
connection member 176, each narrow rip stop 34 should be measured
independently upon their own table track 66 to ensure optimum
accuracy.
[0323] Once the narrow rip stops 34 are in the desired positon, the
knob 174 is tightened thereby locking the narrow rip stop 34 to the
table track 66. Once in this locked position, the workpiece 42 is
slid under the saw track 26 until the rearward edge of the
workpiece 42 is engaged with the forward edges of the narrow rip
stops 34 and/or connection member 176. In addition, where possible,
the edge of the workpiece 42 opposite the cutting direction is
placed in engagement with a bench dog 33 positioned under the saw
track 26. Once in this secured position, which is secured by a
point (the bench dog 33 under the saw track 26) and a plane (the
forward surface of the connection member 176 and narrow rip stops
34), the saw track 26 is lowered on hinge members 28 thereby
clamping the small workpiece 42 in place and the saw 40 is slid
along the saw track 26 thereby cutting the workpiece 42 at the
desired length.
[0324] Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised
by the hinge members 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This
process may be repeated for any number of workpieces 42.
[0325] Use Case: Wide Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Materials:
[0326] With reference to FIG. 74, a workpiece 42 with a cut width
(the distance between the rearward positioned stop surface and the
cutting edge 98) greater than the distance between the cutting edge
98 and the rearward edge of benchtop 24 is shown. This example is
similar to the prior examples, as such, unless specifically stated
otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples apply to
and are incorporated into this use case example. To facilitate the
use of benchtop 24 to make these wide cuts, a wide rip stop 36 is
used, which extends rearward a distance from the rearward edge of
benchtop 24 thereby extending the length that a workpiece 42 may be
measured.
[0327] To perform this cutting operation, the forward end 190 of
arm 186 of wide rip stop 36 is inserted within the groove 72 in
table track 66 and is slid forward. The cut width is measured by
aligning the desired reading on the upper surface of the arm 186 of
wide rip stop 36 with the mark 204 of the measuring member 78 of
table track 66. Once in this position, the handle 208 of lock
member 206 is rotated downward thereby causing the cam surface 210
to force upward upon the lower surface of the arm 186 thereby
locking the arm 186 in place within table track 166.
[0328] Once the wide rip stop 36 is in the desired positon, the
workpiece 42 is slid under the saw track 26 until the rearward edge
of the workpiece 42 is engaged with the forward facing stop surface
196 of the head 188 of the wide rip stop 36. In addition, where
possible, as is shown, the edge of the workpiece 42 opposite the
cutting direction is placed in engagement with one or more bench
dogs 32, 33 positioned in perpendicular alignment to the cutting
edge 98. Once in this secured position, which is secured by
engagement with the bench dogs 32 and the wide rip stop 36, the saw
track 26 is lowered on hinge members 28 thereby clamping the
workpiece 42 in place and the saw 40 is slid along the saw track 26
thereby cutting the workpiece 42 at the desired length.
[0329] Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised
by the hinge members 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This
process may be repeated for any number of workpieces 42.
[0330] Use Case: Wide Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Materials With
Support:
[0331] This example is similar to the prior examples, as such,
unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of the prior
use case examples apply to and are incorporated into this use case
example. With reference to FIG. 75, a similar arrangement is
presented to that shown in FIG. 74, however in this arrangement,
the lateral width of the workpiece allows for the use of two wide
rip stops 36 and the use of a stand 286 to support the large
workpiece 42. All other aspects remain the same or similar to that
presented with respect to FIG. 75.
[0332] Use Case: Miter Gauge Cutting At An Angle:
[0333] This example is similar to the prior examples, as such,
unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of the prior
use case examples apply to and are incorporated into this use case
example. With reference to FIG. 85, miter gauge 38 is shown in use
with benchtop 24 to facilitate cutting workpiece 42 at an angle. In
this arrangement, miter gauge 38 is attached to benchtop 24 by
aligning the ears 224 of base 218 with two bench dog holes 60 in
benchtop 24 and inserting bench dogs 32 therein. Once the miter
gauge 38 is attached to the benchtop 24, the angle of the cut is
set by rotating the guide 220 upon base 218 until the desired angle
is achieved, as is indicated by indicator 246 and measuring indicia
234, at which point the lock member 236 is tightened and the angle
of the guide 220 is locked in place. Once the angle is set, the
depth of cut is set by sliding the stop member 264 along the length
of the stop arm 254 until the desired position is achieved, at
which point the fastener 276 is tightened and the stop member 264
is locked in place.
[0334] Next, the workpiece 42 is slid under the saw track 26 and
the edge opposite the cutting direction is placed along the stop
surface 258 of the stop arm 254 and the workpiece 42 is slid
rearward until the edge of the workpiece 42 engages the stop member
264. Once in this position, the workpiece 42 is ready to be cut.
Notably, in this position, the forward end of the stop arm 254
extends under the saw track 26. This provides optimum alignment to
the workpiece 42 up to the cutting edge 98. The cutting operation
is performed in the manner described herein.
[0335] A similar arrangement is presented with reference to FIG.
86, however in this arrangement, the miter gauge 38 is positioned
at a perpendicular alignment to the cutting edge 98 of saw track
26.
[0336] A similar arrangement is presented with reference to FIG.
87, however in this arrangement, the forward end of stop arm 254
does not extend under the saw track 26. In addition, in the
arrangement shown in FIG. 87 the miter gauge 38 attaches to table
track 66 and is slid to the desired position along the length of
table track 66.
[0337] Use Case: Installation and Calibration of Miter Gauge to
Benchtop:
[0338] With reference to FIG. 88, as one example, one manner or
method of calibrating the miter gauge 38 to the features of
benchtop 24 (such as table tracks 66, edge tracks 54 and the grid
of bench dog holes 60) is presented.
[0339] In this example, miter gauge 38 is calibrated to the saw
track 26 and benchtop 24 by first inserting the head 280 of
fasteners 238 into the center-positioned groove 72 of table track
66 and sliding the miter gauge 38 onto the benchtop 24. Two or more
bench dogs 32 are inserted into bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24
that are positioned at a forty-five degree angle from one another.
Next, the miter gauge 38 is slid along table track 66 until the
stop surface 258 of stop arm 254 engages the two or more bench dogs
32. As the stop surface 258 of stop arm 254 engages the bench dogs
32 the guide 220 is allowed to rotate on the pivot point formed by
opening 228 and fastener 230 that connects guide 220 and base 218.
By engaging the bench dogs 32 positioned at a forty-five degree
angle and allowing guide 220 to rotate with respect to base 218
allows miter gauge 38 to assume a forty-five degree angle. That is,
in this way, miter gauge 38 is being calibrated to the on-table
features of benchtop 24 (which in this case are two bench dogs 32
placed in bench dog holes 60 of benchtop 24).
[0340] In this position, the guide 220 is positioned at a
forty-five degree angle to the saw track 26 and the other features
of the benchtop 24. Calibration of the miter gauge 38 to the
benchtop 24 for other angles is accomplished by loosening the
fastener 252 in slot 250 of arm 244 which allows for relative
movement of indicator 246. Once fastener 252 is loosened, the
indicator 246 is adjusted by sliding fastener 252 along slot 250
until the pointer 248 precisely points to the forty-five degree
angle mark on measuring indicia 234. Once pointer 248 precisely
points to the forty-five degree angle mark on measuring indicia
234, fastener 252 is again tightened thereby locking pointer 248 in
place.
[0341] In this way, the miter gauge 38 is precisely calibrated to
the features of benchtop 24. Once calibrated, as the guide 220 is
rotated with respect to the base 218 the pointer 248 will precisely
point to the angle at which the guide 220 is positioned as is
indicated on the angular measuring indicia 234. Once calibrated,
miter gauge 38 may be positioned at practically any angle with
respect to benchtop 24 and saw track 26. The miter gauge 38 may
also be slid infinitely along the table tracks 66 to any position.
In addition, the forward end of arm 244 may be positioned under saw
track 26 to ensure that the angle of workpiece 42 is supported as
close to the cutting edge 98 as possible to ensure optimum
accuracy.
[0342] Notably, miter gauge 38 may be calibrated at any other angle
besides forty-five degrees using the same or a similar process as
is described herein. In addition, when the miter gauge 38 is
removed from benchtop 24 and table tracks 66 and later reinstalled,
the calibration of miter gauge 38 may be quickly and easily checked
by setting the miter gauge 38 to a forty-five degree angle and
dropping two bench dogs 32 into bench dog holes 60 at a forty-five
degree angle. If the miter gauge 38 reads true, no adjustment is
needed. Alternatively, if the miter gauge 38 is off, adjustment is
simply, quickly and easily made in the manners described
herein.
[0343] Brackets:
[0344] In one arrangement, system 10 includes brackets 288.
Brackets 288 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and
is configured to facilitate constructing an extended benchtop
surface 290 for system 10. With reference to FIGS. 89, 90 and 91,
in the arrangement shown, as one example, brackets 288 include a
center plate 292 that is generally flat and planar in shape that
extends between a forward surface 294 and a rearward surface 296.
The rearward surface 296 includes a protrusion 298 that extends
from side to side across center plate 292. This protrusion 298 is
configured to be received within groove 58 of edge tracks 54. The
rearward surface 296 of bracket 288 includes a plurality of support
members 300 that extend rearward a distance therefrom. These
vertical support members 300 terminate in an upper edge 302 that is
configured to engage the bottom surface of the edge track 54 when
bracket 288 is installed upon edge track 54.
[0345] The forward surface 294 of bracket 288 includes a plurality
of support members 304 that extend forward a distance therefrom.
These vertical support members 304 terminate in an upper edge 306
that in one arrangement and manner of use is configured to engage
the bottom surface of a sheet of material when bracket 288 is
installed upon edge track 54 that extends the upper surface of
benchtop 24. That is, the upper surface 306 of support members 304
is stepped below the upper surface of benchtop 24 approximately the
thickness of a standard sheet of material, such as 3/4 of an inch
or any other standard thickness. In this way, when brackets 288 are
installed on edge tracks 54, a standard thickness sheet of material
may be placed on top of the upper surface of the support members
304 which will serve as a seamless extension of the benchtop 24.
Also, in one arrangement, the height and width of the support
members 304 are spaced apart so as to receive a conventional board,
such as a 2.times.4 therein. In one arrangement, when a board is
positioned within the pocket formed by opposing support members 304
the upper surface of the board may be flush with the upper surface
of benchtop 24, however in alternative arrangements the top surface
of the board may be proud of or recessed to the upper surface
benchtop 24. In one arrangement, when boards, such as 2.times.4s
are placed within the pockets formed between opposing support
members 304, the top surface of these boards are positioned a
distance below the top surface of benchtop 24 so as to facilitate
reception of a standard thickness of a sheet of material (such as
3/4 of an inch) so as to allow the upper surface of the sheet
material placed on top of these boards to be flush with, or just
slightly recessed to, the upper surface of the benchtop 24. Also,
in the arrangement shown, support members 304 include an opening
308 that is configured to receive a fastener, such as a screw or
bolt, or the like, that is configured to affix the plank or board
to the bracket 288 between support members 304. Similarly, the
center plate 292 includes a pair of openings 310 that are
configured to receive fasteners that attach brackets 288 to edge
tracks 54, in the same or a similar manner to that discussed with
respect to lock member 206.
[0346] Brackets 288 may be configured to themselves stand flush
with, proud of, or recessed to the top surface of benchtop 24.
Similarly, brackets 288 may be configured such that when a board,
such as a 2.times.4, or a sheet of material, such as a 3/4 inch
sheet of plywood, is held by brackets 288, the upper surface of
these components may be flush with, proud or, or recessed to the
top surface of benchtop 24.
[0347] With reference to FIGS. 100-103 an alternative arrangement
of brackets 288 is presented. This arrangement is similar to the
arrangement presented above, as such, unless specifically stated
otherwise, the teachings of the prior arrangement apply to and are
incorporated into arrangement. In this arrangement, brackets 288
include a pair of opposing sidewalls 328 that extend in approximate
parallel spaced relation to one another. The lower end of sidewalls
328 connect to center wall 330 that extends between the opposing
sidewalls 328 and connects their lower ends. In the arrangement
shown, as one example, center wall 330 extends in approximate
perpendicular alignment to sidewalls 328. In the arrangement shown,
as one example a rear wall 332 extends between opposing sidewalls
328 and connects adjacent sidewalls 328 at their rearward side.
[0348] In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of arms 334
are connected to the upper end of sidewalls 328 and extends upward
and outward therefrom in approximate perpendicular alignment to the
plane formed by sidewalls 328. The upper end of arms 334 include a
lock feature 336 that is configured to engage and lock to grove 58
in edge track 54 of benchtop 24.
[0349] In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to
FIGS. 101 and 102, brackets 288 are installed at any position along
the length of edge tracks 54 by aligning lock feature 336 of
brackets 288 at an angle to edge tracks 54 such that the center
wall 330 is slightly raised or rotated forward away from edge track
54. At this angle, the upper end of lock feature 336 may be
inserted into groove 58 of edge track 54. Once the upper end of
lock feature 336 is inserted into groove 58 of edge track 54, the
lower end of brackets 288 may be rotated downward until a fully
installed position is achieved, which is shown in FIG. 103.
[0350] In this fully installed position, as is shown in FIG. 103,
the rearward portion of sidewalls 328 engages the lower surface of
edge tracks 54 and the rearward surface of arms engage the forward
surface of edge tracks 54 while the lock feature 336 is locked
within groove 58 of edge tracks 54. This provides a strong, durable
and rigid, yet removable, connection between brackets 288 and edge
tracks 54.
[0351] Center wall 330 includes an opening 338 that is
approximately centrally positioned within center wall 330 between
opposing sidewalls 328. A threaded member 340 is connected to the
lower side of opening 338 and receives the threaded shaft 342 of an
adjustment member 344. In one arrangement, threaded member 340 is
essentially a threaded nut attached to the lower side of center
wall 330 which is centered upon opening 338. In one arrangement,
threaded member 340 is welded to center wall 330. Adjustment member
344 includes a knob 346 positioned at the lower end of threaded
shaft 340 that is configured to facilitate user imparted rotation
upon adjustment member 344 to raise or lower adjustment member 344.
Adjustment member 344 includes a support member 348 positioned at
the upper end of threaded shaft 342 that is configured to engage
and support the lower end a support board, such as a 2.times.4,
placed within between the sidewalls 328 of brackets 288. In the
arrangement shown, as one example, support member 348 has a
generally cylindrical and flat upper surface with a single
centralized point extending upward therefrom. This flat circular
shape with a centralized point is configured to receive, hold and
support a board, such as a 2.times.4, while allowing for rotation
of threaded shaft 342 to adjust the height of support member
348.
[0352] In use, brackets 288 are attached to edge tracks 54 and
brackets 288 are attached to the groove 58 of edge tracks 54 in the
desired positions. Next, the ends of support boards, such as
2.times.4s are placed within the opening within brackets 288
between opposing sidewalls 328, center wall 330 and rear wall 332.
In this position, the lower end of the support board rests upon the
upper surface of support member 348 therein and the point of
support member 348 digs into the material of the support board
thereby helping to hold it in place within bracket 288. Next, the
user adjusts the height of the adjustment member 344 until the
upper surface of the support board is at the desired position
relative to the upper surface of benchtop 24. This vertical
adjustment is accomplished by user applied rotation of knob 346
which rotates threaded shaft 342 which moves vertically within
bracket 288 by way of the threaded engagement with threaded member
340. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 100 the bracket 288 to the
right has a support member 348 in a raised position whereas the
bracket 288 to the left has a support member 348 in a lowered
position. Once the desired vertical position is achieved, the user
may then pass screws or bolts or other fasteners through openings
350 in the sidewalls 328 of brackets 288 thereby securing the ends
of support boards within brackets 288.
[0353] In this way, a convenient, easy to install, easy to adjust,
strong, rigid, and durable bracket 288 is presented that is
infinitely adjustable laterally as well as vertically and can be
used with practically any support board.
[0354] Other Uses of Benchtop:
[0355] Benchtop 24 may be used for countless other purposes in
addition to those shown and described herein. As one example, with
reference to FIG. 91, benchtop 24 may be used to assemble and clamp
face frames using a bench clamp 312, and stops 314, both of which
utilize bench dog holes 60.
[0356] Wheels & Stand:
[0357] In one arrangement, to facilitate easy portability and
storage, benchtop 24 includes a pair of wheels 316 and a stand 318.
Wheels 316 and stand 318 may be formed of any suitable size, shape
and design and are configured to allow the benchtop 24 to be rolled
around on the wheels 316 to facilitate easy transport, and stand
318 is configured to facilitate vertical storage of the benchtop 24
so as to reduce the storage space requirements. In the arrangement
shown, as on example, wheels 316 and stand 318 are connected to
benchtop 24 by a pair of braces 320 and stand 318 moves between an
extended position, wherein the stand 318 extends above the benchtop
24 so as to operate as a stand, and a retracted position, wherein
stand 318 is positioned below the benchtop 24 and is out of the way
so as to allow use of the benchtop 24.
[0358] From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the
adaptive cutting system 10 and related methods of use, presented
herein improves upon the state of the art.
[0359] Specifically, the adaptive cutting system 10 and related
methods of use presented: is safe to use; is efficient to use; is
relatively inexpensive; is capable of making long straight cuts;
can be used to cut both large and small pieces easily and; is
accurate; is efficient; provides precise alignment; can be used
with workpieces with a wide range of thicknesses; is easy to learn
how to use; is relatively small in size and shape; provides the
benefits of a circular saw and a table saw in a single device;
holds workpieces in a firm and rigid manner; is easy to set up; is
easy to take down; is formed of a minimum number of parts; is
simple to use; is easier to use than prior art systems; is unique;
provides new capabilities to existing tools; can be used with a
replaceable benchtop; is high quality; has a robust design; has a
long useful life; provides accurate and clean cuts; helps prevent
chip tear-out; is durable; saves time; is fun to use; can be used
with workpieces of practically any material; is easily portable and
can be used on a job site; makes it easier to measure for cuts;
makes measuring more repeatable than prior art systems; reduces or
eliminates the need for a helper when making cuts; provides support
for both sides of the workpiece after a cut, among countless other
advantages and improvements.
[0360] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other various modifications could be made to the device without
parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such
modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and
are intended to be covered thereby.
* * * * *