Work piece guiding system for a table saw

• US 20020174755A1
• Filed: 03/11/2002
• Published: 11/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Black & Decker Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Black & Decker Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Behne, Rocken Wade, Smith, John Charles, Garcia, Jaime, Chipner, Todd, Stafford, Brent Edward, Zhang, Zhilong
• Granted Patent: US 6,736,042 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 83/446
• CPC Class Codes: B23D 45/068 the saw blade being adjustable according to depth or angle of cut B23D45/061, B23D45/065 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B23D 47/025 of tables
• CPC Class Codes: B27B 27/02 arranged laterally and parallel with respect to the plane of the saw blade
• CPC Class Codes: B27B 27/10 Devices for moving or adjusting the guide fences or stops
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/732 With guard
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/741 With movable or yieldable guide element
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/7647 Adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/773 Work-support includes passageway for tool [e.g., slotted table]

Abstract

An improved table having improvements related to stock support, such as a rip fence stock support, as well as a lateral-table support system; features of laterally-slideable front and back rip fence guide rails, including an improved front rail configuration, an improved rear rail configuration, and an especially-configured front and back rail combination, including a rail configuration having cross-sectional aspects configured for use as both the front and rear rail, each instance of improved rail configuration providing the basis for an improved rip-fence locking system; improved sliding-rail lock shoes, including lock shoes that comprise an improved cross section for sliding in T-track, as well as lock and support shoes having a particular raised rib, also for improved sliding in a laterally-adjustable rail system, and a system wherein of one two rail shoes per rail, a rail-locking support shoe, is configured for biasing, and wherein the other shoe for each rail, a rail supporting shoe, remains fixed; front and back laterally-sliding fence rails coupled together in combination with an improved locking system; and a blade guard with quick-coupling and quick-release configuration for quickly and easily coupling and releasing the guard to and from the blade arbor.

Claims

1. A fence assembly for use with a work table having an upper surface for supporting a workpiece, the work table upper surface substantially defining a geometric plane, the fence assembly comprising:

a fence member laterally adjustable in relation to the work table, the fence member having a guiding surface substantially perpendicular to the work table upper surface, and

a removable support member positionable and fastenable to the fence assembly in a use position and in a storage position, the support member;

when fastened in the use position providing a support surface which is substantially in the same geometric plane as the work table upper surface; and

when fastened in the storage position permitting the fence assembly to be laterally positioned at locations across the upper surface of the work table.

2. The fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the support member when in the first position comprises a substantially flat member having an upper surface which is substantially perpendicular to the guiding surface of the fence member and which is substantially parallel to the geometric plane of the work table upper surface.

3. The fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the support member is configured to be fastenable to the fence member.

4. The fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the support member is configured to be fastenable with a latch pin.

5. The fence assembly of claim 1 wherein the support member is L-shaped and wherein the support member in the use position fastens to a side surface of the fence member and extends beneath the fence member to provide the support surface, and wherein the support member in the storage position fastens to a top surface of the fence member and extends downwardly against a side surface of the fence member.

6. A machine tool comprising an adjustable fence system and a work table having an upper surface for supporting a workpiece, the work table upper surface substantially defining a geometric plane, the machine tool comprising:

a cutter mounting system configured for mounting and adjustably locating a cutter substantially in a variable-angle cutting plane angularly-adjustable over a range of angular positions, including perpendicular to the geometric plane, in both a cutting position in which the cutter protrudes above the work table upper surface and in a receded position in which the cutter is receded below the work table upper surface;

a rail having a length extending substantially parallel to the work table upper surface and substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane when the cutting plane adjusted to be perpendicular to the geometric plane;

a fence assembly slidably mounted to the rail, the fence assembly comprising a fence member, the fence member having a guiding surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the work table upper surface, substantially perpendicular to the rail, and generally in a direction toward the cutter, the guiding surface being positionable at locations laterally along the length of the rail, including above-table positions above the work table upper surface and beyond-table positions laterally in a direction generally away from the cutter laterally beyond the work table surface upper surface;

a support member comprising a support surface which is configured for supporting a workpiece that extends laterally in the direction generally away from the cutter beyond the edge of the work table upper surface, the support member being demountably fastenable to the fence assembly in both a use position and a storage position, wherein;

in the use position, the support surface is oriented substantially coplanar with the work table upper surface; and

in the storage position, the support member is stored on the fence with no portion of the support member extending below the fence assembly;

whereby;

with the support member mounted in the use position, a workpiece that extends laterally in the direction generally away from the cutter beyond the edge of the work table is supportable by the support surface of the support member; and

with the support member mounted in the storage position, the fence assembly can be adjusted to positions across the work table upper surface without interference from the support member.

7. The fence assembly of claim 6 wherein the support member is fastenable to the fence member with a fastener.

8. The fence assembly of claim 6 wherein the support member is configured to be fastenable to the fence assembly with a latch pin.

9. The fence assembly of claim 6 wherein:

the support member is L-shaped;

the support member in the use position is fastens to a fence member outer-side surface facing generally away from the cutter and is located to extend beneath the geometric plane generally in the direction toward the cutter to provide the support surface; and

the support member in the storage position fastens to a top surface of the fence and extends downwardly against the outer side surface of the fence member without extending below the geometric plane.

11. The table saw of claim 7 wherein the support member is fastenable to the fence member.

12. The fence assembly of claim 7 wherein the support member is configured to be fastenable with a latch pin.

14. The machine tool of claim 13 wherein:

the work table has a front surface and a rear surface;

the front rail is positioned proximate a work table front surface; and

a rear rail is coupled proximate the work table rear surface.

15. The machine tool of claim 14 wherein a crossmember is coupled between the front rail and the rear rail.

16. The machine tool of claim 15 wherein the front rail comprises a support surface that is substantially parallel to the work table upper surface, the support surface being offset a distance below the work table upper surface.

17. The machine tool of claim 16 wherein the crossmember comprises a support surface that is substantially in the same plane as the support surface of the front rail.

18. The machine tool of claim 14 wherein the front rail and rear rail are laterally adjustable.

20. The machine tool of claim 19 wherein the front and rear rails are substantially parallel to one another.

21. The machine tool of claim 19 wherein the front rail and rear rail are laterally adjustable.

22. The machine tool of claim 21 wherein the front rail and rear rail are configured to receive a workpiece support member that extends from the front rail to the rear rail.

23. The machine tool of claim 21 further comprising a crossmember that is coupled to the front rail and the rear rail.

24. The machine tool of claim 23 wherein the crossmember is arranged and configured to support the work piece support member.

25. The machine tool of claim 21 wherein the machine tool is arranged and configured to receive a workpiece support member of a predetermined thickness.

26. The machine tool of claim 19 further comprising a crossmember that is coupled to the front rail and the rear rail.

27. The machine tool of claim 26 wherein the work table comprises an upper surface.

28. The machine tool of claim 27 wherein the front rail comprises a support surface that is substantially parallel to the work table upper surface, the support surface being offset a distance below the work table upper surface.

29. The machine tool of claim 28 wherein the rear rail comprises a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front rail.

30. The machine tool of claim 28 wherein the crossmember comprises a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front rail.

31. The machine tool of claim 30 wherein the crossmember further comprises a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the crosspiece for restraining a work-piece support member on the crossmember support surface.

32. The machine tool of claim 28 wherein the machine tool further comprises a ledge extending outwardly from base between the front rail and the rear rail, the ledge having a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front guide rail.

33. The machine tool of claim 32 wherein the machine tool comprises a lip having a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the front rail for restraining a work-piece support member on the front rail support surface.

34. The machine tool of claim 33 wherein the front rail has a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the front rail for restraining a work-piece support member on the front rail support surface.

35. The machine tool of claim 19 wherein the machine tool is arranged and configured to accept a work-piece support member of a predetermined thickness.

37. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the front rail and rear rail are laterally adjustable adjacent the base of the machine tool.

38. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the machine tool further comprises a ledge extending outwardly from the base, the ledge comprising a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front rail.

39. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the machine tool further comprises a lip extending outwardly from the base, the lip comprising a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the front rail for restraining a work-piece support member on the support surface.

40. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the front rail has a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the front rail for restraining a work-piece support member on the support surface.

41. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the crossmember further comprises a restraining surface that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the crosspiece for restraining a work-piece support member on the support surface.

42. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the rear rail comprises a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front rail.

43. The machine tool of claim 36 wherein the support surface of the front rail is offset below the work table upper surface a predetermined thickness of substantially ¾

inch.

10. A table saw system having a work table with an upper surface generally configured to support a workpiece, the upper surface of the work table having a width, the table saw system being configured to support a workpiece having a length longer than the width of the work table upper surface, the table saw system comprising:

a saw blade which, when in a cutting position, extends above the work table upper surface;

a rail having a length and being positionable to extend laterally along at least along a portion of the work table width and extending laterally beyond the work table width;

a fence assembly comprising a fence member having a length positioned substantially perpendicular to the rail, the fence member defining a rectangular cross section and being slidably mounted to the rail, the fence member having a blade-side guiding surface facing generally in the direction of the saw blade for guiding a workpiece in relation to the saw blade, the fence assembly further having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer-side surface facing generally away from the saw blade;

an L-shaped support member having a first leg and a second leg, the L-shaped support member being removably fastenable to the fence member, the support member being fastenable in a use position wherein;

the first leg fastens to the outer-side surface of the fence member assembly; and

the second leg extends beneath the bottom surface of the fence member generally in the direction of the saw blade to provide a workpiece support surface coplanar with the work table upper surface for supporting a workpiece that extends laterally beyond the width of work table upper surface generally in a direction away from the saw blade and toward the support member;

the support member further being positionable in a storage position wherein;

the first leg fastens to the top surface of the fence member; and

the second leg extends down the outer-side surface of the fence member;

whereby;

with the support member mounted in the use position, a workpiece that extends laterally in the direction generally away from the cutter beyond the edge of the work table is supportable by the support surface of the support member; and

with the support member mounted in the storage position, the fence assembly can be adjusted to positions across the work table upper surface without interference from the support member.

13. A machine tool comprising:

a work table comprising an upper surface, a front edge and a lateral side edge;

a front rail that is coupled to the machine tool proximate the worktable and that extends beyond the lateral side edge of the worktable, the rail comprising a support surface;

wherein the rail and support surface are arranged and configured to receive a work-piece support member.

19. A machine tool comprising:

a work table comprising a front edge defining a work table lateral dimension, the work table further defining a rear edge that is substantially parallel to the work table front edge;

a front rail that is coupled to the machine tool, the front rail having portions extending substantially parallel to the work table front and rear edges, the front rail further having portions extending laterally beyond the work table lateral dimension; and

a rear rail that is coupled to the machine tool, the rear rail having portions extending laterally beyond the work table;

wherein the front rail and rear rail are arranged and configured to receive a workpiece support member for providing a supplemental work surface laterally beyond work table.

36. A machine tool having a rip fence rail system, the machine tool comprising:

a work table comprising an upper surface;

a base located below a work table;

a front rail that is laterally slidably coupled to the machine tool proximate the front of the machine tool, the front rail having a support surface that is substantially parallel to the work table upper surface, the support surface being offset a distance below the work table upper surface,

a rear rail that is laterally slidably coupled to the machine tool proximate the rear of the machine tool;

a crossmember that is coupled between the front rail and rear rail, the crossmember having a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the support surface of the front rail;

wherein the front rail, rear rail, and crossmember are configured to receive a work-piece support member for providing a supplemental work surface laterally beyond the work table upper surface.

44. A machine tool and adjustable fence rail locking system, comprising:

a machine tool;

at least two adjustable rails that are slidably coupled to the machine tool, one in front of the machine tool, and the other in back of the machine tool; and

a coupling system for coupling the adjustable rails together, the coupling system being arranged and configured to bias the adjustable rails relative to one another;

wherein biasing the adjustable rails causes at least one of the rails to be fixedly coupled to the machine tool for preventing slidable adjustment of both adjustable rails.

45. The machine tool system of claim 44 wherein biasing the adjustable rails causes at least one of the rails to engage the machine tool for preventing slidable adjustment of both adjustable rails.

46. The machine tool system of claim 44 wherein the machine tool comprises a base and the adjustable rails are slidably coupled to the base.

47. The machine tool system of claim 44 wherein:

the machine tool comprises a work table having a front side and a back side; and

at least one of the adjustable rails when biased is coupled to a front or back side of the work table for preventing slidable adjustment of the adjustable rails.

48. The machine tool system of claim 47 wherein at least one of the adjustable rails when biased engages a front or back side of the work table for preventing slidable adjustment of the adjustable rails.

49. The machine tool system of claim 44 wherein the coupling system comprises:

a first coupling member that is coupled to the first adjustable rail,

a second coupling member that is coupled to the second adjustable rail, and

a rotating member that is coupled to the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

50. The machine tool system of claim 49 wherein:

the first coupling member comprises left-handed threads;

the second coupling member comprises right-handed threads;

the rotating member comprises respective matching left and right-handed threads; and

rotating the rotating member threadably advances the first coupling member and second coupling member selectively toward or away form the rotating member.

51. The machine tool system of claim 50 wherein advancing the first coupling member and second coupling member toward the rotating member biases the first and second rails toward the machine tool for preventing lateral slidable adjustment of the rails.

52. The machine tool system of claim 51 wherein:

rotating the rotating member in a first direction couples the rails with the machine tool; and

rotating the rotating member in a second direction decouples the rails from the machine tool.

53. The machine tool system of claim 52 wherein:

rotating the rotating member in a first direction engages the rails with the machine tool; and

rotating the rotating member in a second direction disengages the rails with the machine tool.

54. A machine tool and adjustable fence rail locking system, comprising:

a machine tool;

at least two substantially-horizontal, substantially-parallel, laterally-adjustable rip-fence support rails configured for supporting a rip fence that can be removably coupled to the rails in a substantially horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the rails; and

a coupling system arranged and configured to hold the rails along the machine tool and to bias the rails relative to one another in first and second horizontal directions substantially perpendicular to the rails;

wherein biasing the rails in the first direction locks the rails in position, and biasing the rails in the second direction unlocks the rails so that they can be laterally positioned.

55. A machine tool and adjustable rail locking system, comprising:

a machine tool;

a lateral member that is coupled to the machine tool, the lateral member having a rail locking surface;

a coupling member having a head;

a rail locking shoe that is arranged and configured to receive the head of the coupling member;

the coupling member extending through the rail locking shoe and engaging the rail locking shoe by the head to prevent rotation of the coupling member relative to the rail locking shoe, the coupling member coupling the rail locking shoe to the machine tool; and

an adjustable rail that is slidably disposed on the rail locking shoe, the adjustable rail being laterally slidably adjustable in relation to the machine tool;

wherein tightening the coupling member biases the head within the rail locking shoe in a direction generally toward the rail locking surface, causing the adjustable rail to be coupled to the rail locking surface to prevent lateral slidable adjustment of the adjustable rail.

56. The machine tool of claim 55 wherein tightening the coupling member causes the adjustable rail to engage the rail locking surfaces to prevent lateral slidable adjustment of the adjustable rail.

57. The machine tool system of claim 55 further comprising a rail supporting shoe that is:

coupled to the machine tool; and

displaced laterally from the rail locking shoe;

wherein the rail supporting shoe slidably supports the adjustable rail.

58. The machine tool system of claim 55 wherein the machine tool comprises a work table and wherein the work table comprises a side wall member, the side wall member providing support to the rail locking member.

59. The machine tool system of claim 55 wherein:

the rail comprises a front rail;

the rail locking shoe comprises a front rail locking shoe;

the front rail and front rail locking shoe are coupled to the front of the machine tool; and

the machine tool further comprises a rear shoe coupled to a rear of the machine tool and a rear rail slidably disposed on the rear shoe.

60. The machine tool system of claim 59 further comprising a coupling system for coupling the front rail to the rear rail, the coupling system being arranged and configured to bias the front rail and rear rail toward the machine tool for preventing slidable adjustment of the rail.

61. The machine tool system of claim 60 wherein the coupling system comprises a front coupling member that is engaged with the rail locking shoe, a rear coupling member that is engaged with the rear shoe, and a rotating member that is coupled to the front coupling member and the rear coupling member.

62. The machine tool system of claim 61 wherein:

the front coupling member comprises left-handed threads;

the rear coupling member comprises right-handed threads; and

the rotating member comprises respective matching left and right-handed threads.

63. The machine tool system of claim 62 wherein:

rotating the rotating member threadably advances the front coupling member and rear coupling member toward the biasing member; and

the front coupling member and rear coupling member bias respective shoes toward the machine tool for preventing slidable adjustment of the rails.

64. The machine tool system of claim 59 further comprising a cross piece that connects the adjustable rail to the rear rail.

65. The machine tool system of claim 59 wherein the adjustable rail and rear rail are interchangeable parts, the adjustable rail comprising a top surface that corresponds to a bottom surface on the rear rail.

66. A machine tool and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a machine tool;

a lateral member that is coupled to the machine tool, the lateral member having a rail locking surface;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the machine tool; and

a rail locking shoe comprising a raised rib for engaging the adjustable rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail causes the raised rib to engage the rail for biasing the rail toward the rail locking surface to prevent slidable adjustment of the rail.

67. A machine tool and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a machine tool;

a lateral member that is coupled to the machine tool, the lateral member having a rail locking surface;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the machine tool; and

a rail locking shoe comprising a raised rib for engaging the adjustable rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe against the adjustable rail causes the raised rib to engage the rail for biasing the rail against the rail locking surface to prevent slidable adjustment of the rail.

68. A machine tool and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a base;

a lateral member that is coupled to the base, the lateral member having a rail locking surface;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the base; and

a rail locking shoe comprising a raised rib for engaging the adjustable rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail causes the raised rib to engage the rail for biasing the rail toward the rail locking surface to prevent slidable adjustment of the rail.

69. A work support table and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a work support table;

a lateral member that is coupled to the work support table, the lateral member having a rail locking surface;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the work support table;

a rail locking shoe comprising a raised rib for engaging the adjustable rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail causes the raised rib to engage the rail for biasing the rail toward the rail locking surface to prevent slidable adjustment of the rail.

70. A machine tool and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a machine tool;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the machine tool;

a rail supporting shoe for slidably supporting the rail, the rail supporting shoe being coupled to the machine tool; and

a rail locking shoe for slidably supporting the rail and for locking the rail, the rail locking shoe being coupled to the machine tool and being laterally displaced from the rail supporting shoe along the length of the rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail locks the rail for preventing lateral slidable adjustment of the rail.

71. A machine tool and rail locking shoe system comprising:

a base;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the base; and

a rail supporting shoe for slidably supporting the rail, the rail supporting shoe being coupled to the base; and

a rail locking shoe for slidably supporting the rail and for locking the rail, the rail locking shoe being coupled to the base and laterally displaced from the rail supporting shoe along the length of the rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail locks the rail for preventing slidable adjustment of the rail.

72. A machine tool and rail locking shoe system comprising:

a base;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the base; and

a rail supporting shoe for slidably supporting the rail, the rail supporting shoe being coupled to the base; and

a rail locking shoe for slidably supporting the rail and for engaging the rail, the rail locking shoe being coupled to the base and laterally displaced from the rail supporting shoe along the length of the rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail engages the rail for preventing slidable adjustment of the rail.

73. a machine tool and rail-locking shoe system comprising:

a machine tool;

an adjustable rail that is slidably coupled to the machine tool; and

a rail supporting shoe for slidably supporting the rail, the rail supporting shoe being coupled to the machine tool; and

a rail locking shoe for slidably supporting the rail and for engaging the rail, the rail locking shoe being coupled to the machine tool and laterally displaced from the rail supporting shoe along the length of the rail;

wherein biasing the rail locking shoe toward the adjustable rail engages the rail for preventing slidable adjustment of the rail.

74. A front rail configured for selectively locating a fence assembly above an upper surface of a machine tool work surface, the fence assembly being located with respect to a cutter adapted for protruding through the work surface for making a cut, the front rail further being configured for properly orienting the fence assembly above the work surface with respect to the cutter, the front rail comprising an elongated member having a front surface that is slanted with respect to the upper surface of the work surface for interfacing with the fence assembly such that, when the fence assembly is positioned on the rail, the fence assembly may be coupled to the elongated member with a clamp that is configured so that the fence assembly is locked, lined up in a direction of cut and pulled down toward the work surface with the clamp, wherein the slanted surface of the front rail enables the fence assembly to be secured in a selected, proper position relative to the cutter and the direction of cut.

75. A front rail configured for attachment to the front of a machine tool and for supporting a fence assembly for use with the machine tool, the fence assembly to be supported by the front rail comprising a carriage having a clamping system for attachment of the fence assembly to the rail, the fence assembly to be supported by the rail further comprising a fence for guiding the machining of a workpiece by a cutter mounted in the machine tool, the machine tool having an upper work surface for carrying the workpiece while being machined, the machine tool upper work surface comprising a front edge, the front rail comprising an elongated member to be oriented, when attached to the machine tool, parallel to the work surface front edge of the machine tool, the front rail further being configured for selectively positioning, above the machine tool work surface, the fence supported by the carriage in a lateral position along the front rail, the lateral position of the fence assembly along the front rail being selected by a user of the machine tool, wherein:

a. the front rail defines a surface that is slanted transversely along the length of the rail with respect to the machine tool work surface;

b. the slanted surface of the front rail enables the fence assembly to be pulled down toward the work surface with the fence assembly clamp and locked by the clamp so that the fence is in a proper orientation relative to the cutter and the direction of machining the workpiece.

76. A front rail configured for attachment to the front of a machine tool having an upper work surface for carrying a workpiece while being machined, the machine tool upper work surface comprising a front edge, the front rail further being configured for supporting a fence assembly for use with the machine tool, the fence assembly to be supported by the front rail comprising a carriage having a clamping system for attachment of the fence assembly to the rail, the fence assembly to be supported by the rail further comprising a fence for guiding the machining of the workpiece by a cutter mounted in the machine tool, the front rail comprising an elongated member to be oriented, when attached to the machine tool, parallel to the work surface front edge of the machine tool, the front rail further being configured for selectively positioning, above the machine tool work surface, the fence supported by the carriage in a lateral position along the front rail, the lateral position of the fence assembly along the front rail being selected by a user of the machine tool, wherein:

a. the front rail defines a surface that is slanted transversely along the length of the rail with respect to the machine tool work surface;

b. the slanted surface of the front rail enables the fence assembly to be pulled down toward the work surface with the fence assembly clamp and locked by the clamp so that the fence is in a proper orientation relative to the cutter and the direction of machining the workpiece.

77. A front rail configured for selectively locating a fence assembly above an upper surface of a machine tool work surface, the fence assembly being located with respect to a cutter adapted for protruding through the work surface for making a cut, the front rail further being configured for properly orienting the fence assembly above the work surface with respect to the cutter, the front rail comprising an elongated member having a front surface that is slanted with respect to the upper surface of the work surface for interfacing with the fence assembly such that, when the fence assembly is positioned on the rail, the fence assembly may be coupled to the elongated member with a clamp that is configured so that the fence assembly is locked, lined up in a direction of cut and pulled down toward the work surface with the clamp, wherein the slanted surface of the front rail enables the fence assembly to be secured in a selected, proper position relative to the cutter and the direction of cut.

80. The rail of claim 79 wherein the rail is configured for use in a first orientation at the front of the machine tool and wherein the rail is configured for use in a second orientation at the rear of the machine tool.

81. The rail of claim 80 wherein the elongated member has a long axis defined along the length of the elongated member, and wherein the elongated member in the second orientation is rotated 180 around the long axis relative to the elongated member in the first orientation.

78. A rear rail configured for positioning a fence on a table saw with respect to a cutter, the rear rail comprising an elongated member having a lip for engagement by the outfeed end of the fence for securing the fence in a position relative to the cutter.

79. A rail configured for positioning a fence on a table saw, the rail comprising an elongated member comprising at least one outside surface having at least one of an acute or an oblique angle with respect to another outside surface, wherein the rail is configured for use in one manner at the front of the table saw for engaging an infeed end of the fence, and wherein the rail is configured for use in a second manner at the rear of the table saw for engaging an outfeed end of the fence.

82. A shoe configured to provide a sliding and locking member for a rail, the shoe being arranged and configured to function in a T-shaped slot of a rail or other member, the T-shaped slot having a wider slot and a narrower slot, the shoe comprising:

an elongated body member;

the body member having a wider portion for sliding in the wider slot of the T-shaped slot;

the body member further having a narrower portion for sliding in the narrower portion of the T-slot;

the body member defining at least one aperture for receiving a connecting member;

wherein the body member further comprises a raised rib arranged and configured to engage the rail or other member.

83. The shoe of claim 82 wherein the shoe is arranged and configured to couple the rail or other member to a machine tool having a cutter.

84. The shoe of claim 83 wherein the raised rib is arranged and configured to engage the rail or other member for locking the rail or other member in a position relative to the cutter.

85. A machine tool comprising:

a base;

an arbor for mounting a cutter, the arbor when adjusted to a cutting position having at least one of a selected cutting height and cutting angle, the arbor being coupled to the base;

a cutter guard assembly configured for coupling to and decoupling from the arbor; and

a spring-loaded catch for coupling and decoupling the cutter guard assembly to the arbor, the spring-loaded catch being biasable by a human finger.

86. The machine tool of claim 85 wherein the arbor is configured to be adjustably tiltable in relation to the base.

87. The machine tool of claim 85 wherein the cutter guard assembly comprises a mounting plate, and wherein the spring-loaded catch comprises a spring and a catch for engaging the mounting plate, the catch being biased by the spring.

88. The machine tool of claim 87 wherein the spring comprises a generally planar metallic spring plate.

89. The machine tool of claim 88 wherein, in an unbiased position, the spring plate is generally planar.

90. The machine tool of claim 89 wherein the catch extends outwardly from the spring plate.

91. The machine tool of claim 90 wherein the catch comprises a side portion that is configured to bias the spring as the mounting plate is pressed toward the catch.

92. The machine tool of claim 91 wherein the catch side portion comprises a curved portion.

93. The machine tool of claim 92 wherein the catch is formed by impressing a die into the spring plate.

94. An apparatus for coupling a mounting plate component of a cutter guard assembly to a machine tool, the apparatus comprising:

a base;

a work table having an upper surface, the work table being coupled to the base;

a cutter mounting system configured for mounting and adjustably locating a cutter substantially in a variable-angle cutting plane angularly-adjustable over a range of angular positions, including perpendicular to the work table upper surface, in both a cutting position in which the cutter protrudes above the work table upper surface and in a receded position in which the cutter is receded below the work table upper surface;

an anchor block that is coupled to the cutter mounting system, the anchor block having portions that define a slot for receiving a cutter guard mounting plate;

a spring plate that is coupled to the anchor block, the spring plate being configured so that portions of the spring plate are biased toward the mounting plate.

a catch that is coupled to the spring plate, the catch being biased by the spring plate and being configured for engaging and disengaging the mounting plate.

95. The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the cutter guard mounting plate comprises portions defining a hole and wherein the catch is configured to engage the hole.

96. The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the spring plate is configured to activated by a human finger.

97. A machine tool comprising an arbor, a removable cutter guard assembly, and a leaf spring that is arranged and configured to couple and decouple the removable cutter guard assembly to the arbor, the leaf spring being biasable by a human finger to permit removal of the cutter guard assembly from the arbor.