Power tool apparatus

• US 4,276,799 A
• Filed: 04/18/1979
• Issued: 07/07/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Black & Decker Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Black & Decker Incorporated (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Muehling, Anthony A.
• Primary Examiner(s): YOST, FRANK
• Application Number:
  US06/031,271
• Time in Patent Office: 811 Days
• Field of Search: 83/473, 83/477.1, 83/477.2, 83/471.3
• US Class Current: 83/473
• CPC Class Codes: B27B 5/243 the saw blade being arranged underneath the work-table the circular saw blade arranged underneath a stationary work-table for sawing material in general B23D45/06
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/7705 Adjustable angular relationship
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/7726 By movement of the tool
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/773 Work-support includes passageway for tool [e.g., slotted table]

Abstract

The invention is directed to a power tool apparatus such as a table saw which includes a housing having a table top with an appropriate opening for a motor driven tool. Pivotally mounted within the housing is an assembly which in the disclosed embodiment includes a frame having a subassembly pivotally mounted therein. A subassembly includes the tool, such as a saw blade, and the means for driving same. A first control includes a lever connected to the subassembly for pivoting same. The pivotal movement effected by the lever allows for quick and coarse setting of the tool at a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop. The control lever further includes a locking arrangement disposed thereon which is manipulatable by the same hand used to coarsely set the tool elevation. The locking arrangement secures the lever to the frame at the desired coarse setting.

A second control means likewise operable by the same hand of the operator, is connected to the subassembly, whereby the subassembly is pivoted independently of the first control. This second control provides a vernier adjustment of the tool. The assembly can be pivoted about its pivot mount in the housing in order to change the relative angle of the tool to the tabletop so that bevel cuts can be made.

Claims

1. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control level operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control level such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever,

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade, and

means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the saw blade relative to the tabletop.

2. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

control means including,

a control level operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control level at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the saw blade,

the control level operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and

means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the saw blade relative to the table top.

3. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever to provide a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

12. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3, 5 or 7 wherein said locking means includes:

a split yoke disposed about said pivot means;

a control rod; and

a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever,

said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction.

13. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3, 4 or 7 wherein said second control means comprises:

a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever;

hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said respective subassembly and

means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said respective subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis.

14. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3 through 8 inclusive, wherein said means for pivoting said assembly means consists of said control lever.

15. The apparatus claimed in claim 14 further comprising means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the tool relative to the table top.

16. The apparatus claimed in any one of claims 3 through 8 inclusive, wherein said control lever effects a coarse setting of the tool relative to the table top and wherein said second control means effects a vernier setting of the tool.

4. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever to provide a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

5. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever thereby providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said subassembly means, and means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said subassembly means to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis,

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

6. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever thereby providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said subassembly means and means for uring said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said subassembly means to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis;

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

7. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means;

a first subassembly pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool;

a second subassembly also pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including a first control means having a control lever for pivoting said second subassembly about said second pivot axis;

means connecting said first subassembly to said second subassembly whereby said first subassembly and said second subassembly pivot in unison about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, said second subassembly further including locking means for securing said second subassembly at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing th hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

second control means operatively connected to said first subassembly for pivoting said first subassembly about said second pivot axis to effect a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

8. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

frame means,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said frame means;

a first subassembly pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool;

a second subassembly also pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including a first control means having a control lever for pivoting said second subassembly about said second pivot axis;

means connecting said first subassembly to said second subassembly whereby said first subassembly and said second subassembly pivot in unison about said second pivot axis whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, said second subassembly further including locking means for securing said second subassembly at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said first subassembly for pivoting said first subassembly about said second pivot axis to effect a further adjustment of the tool,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said first subassembly, and means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said first subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis,

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

9. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a table defining a stationary horizontal work surface for supporting a workpiece and having a slot formed therein;

an assembly mounted beneath said table;

motor-driven tool means including a tool pivotally mounted on said assembly;

said assembly being pivotally mounted beneath said table so as to be movable between a first angular position whereat said tool is movable in a first plane perpendicular to said work surface and a second angular position whereat said tool is movable in a second plane defining an acute angle with said work surface;

lever control means for selectively raising and lowering the tool in said slot to effect a "coarse" adjustment of the tool relative to said work surface in one of said planes depending upon the angular position of said assembly; and

,

vernier means included in said lever control means for effecting a fine adjustment of said tool relative to said stationary horizontal work surface of said table in said one plane.

10. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having a slot formed therein;

a motor-driven tool extending through the slot;

movable assembly means for the motor-driven tool, mounted in said housing beneath said table top;

first control means for selectively locking and unlocking said movable assembly means with respect to said table top, said first control means being adapted to be selectively raised and lowered in its unlocked position, thereby selectively raising and lowering the tool to effect a "coarse" adjustment thereof relative to the table top;

vernier means included in said first control means to effect a "fine" adjustment of the tool relative to the table top thereby providing a one-hand control of the tool elevation; and

,

a second control means operatively connected to said movable assembly means to effect a tilting of the rotary axis of the motor-driven tool within certain angular limits and in any selected elevation of the tool, thereby accommodating bevel cuts.

11. A portable power tool apparatus comprising:

a compact housing including a work surface having an opening for accommodating a motor-driven tool, and further including handle means for easily carrying the apparatus;

assembly means including the tool, pivotally mounted in the housing beneath the work surface;

first control means including lever means, for selectively, raising and lowering the tool in the opening relative to the work surface to effect a "coarse" adjustment of the tool, and further including means for selectively locking and unlocking the lever means at the coarse elevation, said first control means further including vernier control means to effect a "fine" adjustment of the tool relative to the work surface, whereby one-hand control of the tool elevation is effected; and

,

second control means operatively connected to said assembly means to effect a tilting of the rotary axis of the tool within certain angular limits and in any selected elevation of the tool.

17. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever, and

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade.

18. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the saw blade,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied, and

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation.

19. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever to provide a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said table top is varied.

28. The table saw claimed in any one of claims 19, 21 or 23 wherein said locking means includes:

a split yoke disposed about said pivot means;

a control rod; and

a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever,

said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction.

29. The table saw claimed in any one of claims 19, 20 or 23 wherein said second control means comprises:

a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever;

hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said respective subassembly, and,

means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said respective subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis.

30. The table saw claimed in any one of claims 19 through 24 inclusive, wherein said means for pivoting said assembly means consists of said control lever.

31. The table saw claimed in claim 30 further comprising means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the saw blade relative to the table top.

32. The table saw claimed in any one of claims 19 through 24 inclusive, wherein said control lever effects a coarse setting of the saw blade relative to the table top and wherein said second control means effects a vernier setting of the saw blade.

20. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever to provide a further elevation adjustment of the table saw,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the table saw relative to said table top is varied.

21. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever thereby providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said subassembly means, and means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said subassembly means to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis,

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said table top is varied.

22. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever thereby providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said subassembly means and means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said subassembly means to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis;

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said table top is varied.

23. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means;

a first subassembly pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

a second subassembly also pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including a first control means having a control lever for pivoting said second subassembly about said second pivot axis;

means connecting said first subassembly to said second subassembly whereby said first subassembly and said second subassembly pivot in unison about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, said second subassembly further including locking means for securing said second subassembly at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

second control means operatively connected to said first subassembly for pivoting said first subassembly about said second pivot axis to effect a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

said second control means proximately disposed to said control lever such that said second control means is manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said table top is varied.

24. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

frame means,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said frame means;

a first subassembly pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

a second subassembly also pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including a first control means having a control lever for pivoting said second subassembly about said second pivot axis;

means connecting said first subassembly to said second subassembly whereby said first subassembly and said second subassembly pivot in unison about said second pivot axis whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, said second subassembly further including locking means for securing said second subassembly at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means including a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, and a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction, and,

second control means operatively connected to said first subassembly for pivoting said first subassembly about said second pivot axis to effect a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

said second control means including a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever, hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said first subassembly, and means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said first subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis,

said means for urging said hub means proximately disposed on said control lever so as to be manipulatable by the same hand of the operator without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation; and

,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said table top is varied.

25. A table saw comprising:

a table defining a stationary horizontal work surface for supporting a workpiece and having a slot formed therein;

an assembly mounted beneath said table;

motor-driven saw means including a saw blade pivotally mounted on said assembly;

said assembly being pivotally mounted beneath said table so as to be movable between a first angular position whereat said saw blade is movable in a first plane perpendicular to said work surface and a second angular position whereat said saw blade is movable in a second plane defining an acute angle with said work surface;

lever control means for selectively raising and lowering the saw blade in said slot to effect a "coarse" adjustment of the saw blade relative to said work surface in one of said planes depending upon the angular position of said assembly; and

,

vernier means included in said lever control means for effecting a fine adjustment of said saw blade relative to said stationary horizontal work surface of said table in said one plane.

26. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having a slot formed therein;

a motor driven saw blade extending through the slot;

movable assembly means for the motor-driven saw blade mounted in said housing beneath said table top;

a first control means for selectively locking and unlocking said movable assembly means with respect to said table top, said first control means being adapted to be selectively raised and lowered in its unlocked position, thereby selectively raising and lowering the saw blade to effect a "coarse" adjustment thereof relative to the table top;

vernier means included in said first control means to effect a "fine" adjustment of the saw blade relative to the table top, thereby providing a one-hand control of the saw blade elevation; and

,

a second control means operatively connected to said movable assembly means to effect a tilting of the rotary axis of the motor-driven saw blade within certain angular limits and in any selected elevation of the saw blade thereby accommodating bevel cuts.

27. A portable power saw comprising:

a compact housing including a work surface having an opening for accommodating a motor-driven saw blade and further including handle means for easily carrying the apparatus;

assembly means including the saw blade, pivotally mounted in the housing beneath the work surface;

first control means including lever means, for selectively, raising and lowering the saw blade, in the opening relative to the work surface to effect a "coarse" adjustment of the saw blade, and further including means for selectively locking and unlocking the lever means at the coarse elevation, said first control means further including vernier control means to effect a "fine" adjustment of the saw blade relative to the work surface, whereby one-hand control of the saw blade elevation is effected; and

,

second control means operatively connected to said assembly means to effect a tilting of the rotary axis of the saw blade within certain angular limits and in any selected elevation of the saw blade.

33. A method of making bevel cuts with the saw blade of a table saw including:

a table for supporting a workpiece and having a slot formed therein;

a support chassis mounted beneath the table, motor driven saw means including a saw blade pivotally mounted on the support chassis, the support chassis being pivotably mounted beneath the table so as to be movable between a first angular position whereat the saw blade is movable in a first cutting plane perpendicular to the table and a second angular position whereat the saw blade is movable in a second cutting plane defining an acute angle with the table;

lever control means for selectively raising and lowering the saw blade in the slot to effect a "coarse" adjustment of the saw blade relative to the table top in one of said cutting planes depending upon the angular position of the support chassis; and

,

vernier means mounted on said lever control means for effecting a fine adjustment of the saw blade relative to the table in said one plane, the method comprising the steps of;

manually actuating said lever control means to raise said saw blade to a selected coarse adjusted position relative to the table top;

pivotally moving said support chassis from a first angular position to the second angular position thereby placing said saw blade in said second cutting plane; and

,

manually adjusting said vernier means to effect a fine adjustment of said saw blade relative to said table.

34. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever and providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade,

the second control means having,

a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever;

hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said respective subassembly, and

means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said respective subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis,

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied.

35. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the saw blade,

the locking means including,

a split yoke disposed about said pivot means;

a control rod,

a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever,

said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever,

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the saw blade, and

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied.

36. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the tool,

the locking means including, a split yoke disposed about said pivot means, a control rod, a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever, said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied.

37. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass,

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing

said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

the locking means including,

a split yoke disposed about said pivot means,

a control rod,

a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever,

said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever,

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool, and

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied.

38. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever and providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool,

the second control means having,

a leaf spring disposed along the length of said control lever,

hub means disposed at one end of said control lever and fixedly connected to one end of said leaf spring, the remaining end of said leaf spring fixedly connected to said respective subassembly,

means for urging said hub means axially along said control lever arm, whereby the stress developed in said leaf spring is transmitted through its operative connection to said respective subassembly to cause pivoting thereof about said second pivot axis, and

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said table top is varied.

39. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the tool,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied, and

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation.

40. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever, and

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool.

41. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool, and

control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the tool,

the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and

means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the tool relative to the tabletop.

42. A power tool apparatus comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven tool can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the tool,

first control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the tool is raised or lowered in said opening to a first elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said first elevation setting for the tool, the control lever operatively connected to the assembly means to pivot the assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the tool relative to said tabletop is varied,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation,

second control means operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting said subassembly means about said second pivot axis independently of said control lever,

said second control means providing a further elevation adjustment of the tool, and

means for locking said assembly means to said housing at the desired angle of the tool relative to the tabletop.

43. A table saw comprising:

a housing including a tabletop having an opening through which a motor-driven saw blade can pass;

assembly means pivotally mounted in said housing about a first pivot axis, said assembly means including,

pivot means defining a second pivot axis and fixedly connected to said assembly means,

subassembly means pivotally mounted on said pivot means and including the saw blade,

control means including,

a control lever operatively connected to said subassembly means for pivoting same about said second pivot axis, whereby the saw blade is raised or lowered in said opening to a desired elevation with respect to the tabletop in a relatively quick setting manner, and locking means for securing said control lever at a position corresponding to said desired elevation setting for the saw blade,

the locking means including,

a split yoke disposed about said pivot means,

a control rod,

a rotatable hand grip disposed upon said control lever,

said control rod operatively connected between said split yoke and said rotatable hand grip such that said split yoke is secured to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in one direction and wherein said yoke is released from a secured connection to said pivot means when said grip is rotated in the opposite direction,

said locking means proximately disposed to said control lever such that both are manipulatable by the same hand of the operator, without removing the hand from said lever throughout the complete elevation setting operation, and

means for pivoting said assembly means about said first pivot axis, whereby the angle of the saw blade relative to said tabletop is varied.

44. An adjusting mechanism for a power-driven tool having a housing with a tabletop comprising:

an elevation pivot means mounted in the housing along an elevation pivot axis,

a tool connected to the elevation pivot means and pivotable about the elevation pivot axis,

coarse adjustment means connected to the tool to selectively pivot the tool about the elevation pivot axis to a first coarse elevation with respect to the tabletop,

locking means connected to the coarse adjustment means and engageable to maintain the tool at the first coarse elevation,

vernier adjustment means operable upon engagement of the locking means, and

the vernier adjustment means connected to the tool to selectively pivot the tool about the elevation pivot axis to a fine elevation setting relative to the first coarse elevation, and being operative independently of the coarse adjustment means.

45. The combination claimed in claim 44 wherein:

the coarse adjustment means comprises a control lever connected to the tool, and the locking means engageable from the control lever.

46. The combination claimed in claim 45 wherein:

the locking means comprises a split hub releasably attached to the pivot means,

the split hub threadedly connected to one end of an elongated member mounted adjacent the control lever, and

the other end of the elongated member connected to a handle rotatably mounted on the control lever, whereby rotation of the handle in one direction compresses the hub upon the pivot means.

47. The combination claimed in claim 46 wherein

the tabletop lies in a plane, and

the elevation of the tool with the locking means disengaged is normally below the plane of the tabletop, whereby the tool does not protrude above the tabletop in the absence of external force exerted upon the control lever.

48. The combination claimed in claim 47 wherein the vernier adjustment means is adjusted from the control lever.

49. The combination claimed in claim 48 wherein:

the control lever has a hub mounted thereon,

the vernier adjustment means comprises bias means having a first end and a second end,

the bias means connected at the first end to the tool and at the second end to the control lever hub, and

the control lever hub is selectively axially moveable along the control lever to vary the compression of the bias means, whereby the tool is pivoted about the elevation pivot axis.

50. The combination claimed in claim 49 wherein:

a vernier hub is slideably mounted on the elevation pivot means adjacent the split hub,

the vernier hub is connected to the tool, and

the first end of the bias means is connected to the vernier hub, whereby compression of the bias means pivots the vernier hub and the tool about the elevation pivot axis.

51. The combination claimed in claim 50 wherein the bias means is an elongated member.

52. The combination claimed in claim 50 wherein:

a bevel angle pivot means is mounted into the housing along a bevel angle pivot axis,

the elevation pivot means is fixedly attached to the bevel angle pivot means, and

a bevel angle adjustment means is connected to the tool selectively to pivot the tool about the bevel angle pivot axis, whereby the angle between the tool and the tabletop is varied.

53. The combination claimed in claim 52 wherein the bevel angle adjustment means comprises the control lever.