CA2068108A1 - Guide arm attachment for portable power tools - Google Patents
Guide arm attachment for portable power toolsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2068108A1 CA2068108A1 CA 2068108 CA2068108A CA2068108A1 CA 2068108 A1 CA2068108 A1 CA 2068108A1 CA 2068108 CA2068108 CA 2068108 CA 2068108 A CA2068108 A CA 2068108A CA 2068108 A1 CA2068108 A1 CA 2068108A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- cutting guide
- swivel
- joint
- vertical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A cutting guide is used for making precision cuts with portable power tools. The following cutting guide comprises a base which may be clamped to a worktable, a planar hinging arm connected to the base with a swivel joint, and a tool attachment bracket connected to the free end of the arm.
The attachment bracket has a coupling finger that fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool and connects the power tool to the arm. As the power tool is moved over the workpiece, the arm hinges in a vertical plane and guides the power tool along a straight line. The angular position of the arm may be locked at the swivel joint, so that mitre cuts may be made. Rip cuts may be made by locking the joints of the arm, rotating the power tool ninety degrees on the attachment bracket, and feeding the workpiece into the power tool. The cutting guide may be used with virtually any power tool, and it folds easily into a compact unit for storage or trans-port to another job site.
A cutting guide is used for making precision cuts with portable power tools. The following cutting guide comprises a base which may be clamped to a worktable, a planar hinging arm connected to the base with a swivel joint, and a tool attachment bracket connected to the free end of the arm.
The attachment bracket has a coupling finger that fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool and connects the power tool to the arm. As the power tool is moved over the workpiece, the arm hinges in a vertical plane and guides the power tool along a straight line. The angular position of the arm may be locked at the swivel joint, so that mitre cuts may be made. Rip cuts may be made by locking the joints of the arm, rotating the power tool ninety degrees on the attachment bracket, and feeding the workpiece into the power tool. The cutting guide may be used with virtually any power tool, and it folds easily into a compact unit for storage or trans-port to another job site.
Description
2~6~
~UIDE ARM ATTACHM~NT FOR PORTABL~ POWER TOOLS
The present invention relates to a cutting guide for portable power tools and more particularly to a cutting guide that attaches to a worktable and controls the movement of the power tool by means of an arm.
Portable power tools such as circular saws, sabre saws, and routers are used freehand, thus the quality of the job depends largely on the skill of the operator. Large cutting jobs that require redundant cuts may be fa-tiguing on the operator and may result in a poor quality job or even injury.
Various types of cutting guides and machines have been developed to assist the operator in making more accurate and safer cuts.
One type of cutting guide consists of a straightedge which may be clamped to, or held on, the piece of material being cut. The soleplate of the power tool rests against the straightedge, as the power tool is pushed over the workpiece. Unfortunately for tools like the circular saw, the saw blade is rarely aligned accurately with the side edge of the soleplate.
The rear teeth on the saw blade do not follow in the path of the front teeth, resulting in a cut that has splintered edges on the top and bottom side.
This type of cutting guide must also be repositioned after every cut, which may be time consuming when numerous cuts are required.
Another type of cutting guide comprises a T-shaped frame which attaches to the soleplate of the power tool. The transverse member of the frame rests against the workpiece, and the power tool rides on ball bearings along the other guide member. The transverse member may be pivoted with respect to the guide member, so that angular cuts as well as straight cuts may be made. This type of cutting guide is portable, but may not always be accurate because the `~ guide must be repositioned by the operator after each cut is made.
Another type of cutting guide is shown in U.S. Patent 4,909,111. This type of cutting guide comprises a small table positioned between two parallel .. . ~
B
rails. The power tool rests on the table and is guided in straight line motion by the rails. This type of cutting guide produces accurate results, but it is relatively expensive to purchase and because the guide rails are mounted on a table, the cutting guide lacks portability.
Frame mounted saws such as the radial arm saw, the table saw and the power mitre saw have been developed for precision woodworking. These saws produce accurate results and are well suited for repetitive shop work, but unfortunately they too have some drawbacks.
The radial arm saw is difficult to align and keep aligned accurately.
This saw is not recommended for rip cuts, because the workpiece is pushed into the saw blade and dangerous kickback may occur. According to manufac-turers, more liability lawsuits have resulted from accidents involving the radial arm saw than any other woodworking machine.
The table saw is a very accurate cutting machine, but it is inconvenient when mitre cutting long lengths of trim lumber, because the entire workpiece must be pushed through the fixed blade.
The power mitre saw or "chop saw" in which the saw is hinged to chop down on the workpiece, will cut only narrow boards. Most of these saws can-not cut bevels, or shelving, and should be mounted to a table, which reduces portabiIity.
;~ What is needed, therefore, is a portable cutting guide, which produces accurate cuts, may accommodate a variety of power tools and may be used for both cross cuts and rip cuts. The following invention relates to such a cut-ting guide.
The present invention consists of a cutting guide for portable power tools. In one aspect of the invention, the cutting guide comprises a base which may be secured with at least one fastener, cla~p, or magnet to a work-table. The base may have a forward side, rearward side, left side, right side, ~ top, and bottom. There may be a ~ence along the rearward side for steadying ; 30 and aligning the workpiece.
~ An arm having at least two elongate members may be connected to the base .
: . .
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with a swivel-joint. The members of the arm may hinge in psrallel ~ ver-tical planes and may be connected together with a horizontally aligned pin.
The swivel-joint may be connected to the top of the base with a vertically aligned pin and may be connected to the arm with a horizontally aligned pin.
A tool attachment bracket may be connected to the free end of the arm with a hori~ontally aligned pin. The attachment bracket may have a finger, which extends from the bottom of the bracket and fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
The base, the arm, and the tool attachment bracket may be made from a rigid material.
In another aspect of the invention, the cutting guide comprises a base-plate preferably made from aluminum. The baseplate may be secured with clamps or fasteners to a worktable and may have a fence along the rearward cutting side for steadying and aligning the workpiece. The fence may be made from a rigid plastic material and may have a lip along the connecting side. The lip may be fastened to the top of the baseplate with at least one hold-down clamp.
In this aspect, the cutting guide also comprises an arm having at least two, elongate, tapered, members preferably made from aluminum. The members may have a T-shaped cross section, with the flanges of the members being in parallel, vertical planes. The members may have cylindrical protrusions at the ends. Each of the cylindrical protrusions may have portions defining a hole along an axis normal to the flanges of the members. The flange at the larger end of the distal member may overlap the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member, such that the holes at the ends of the me~bers are align-ed and the flanges are juxtaposed. The two members may be connected together with a bolt. The proximal member of the arm may be cpnnected to the baseplate -' with an L-shaped swivel joint. The vertical leg of the swivel-joint may have portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis, and the hori~ontal leg of the swivel-joint may have portions defining a hole along a vertical axis.
The outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint may be perpendicular ` 2Q~ ~ 9~
to the bottom surface on the horizolltal leg of the swivel-joint. The swivel-joint is preferably made from aluminum and has a calibrated mitre scale on the horizontal leg. The proximal member of the arm overlaps the vertical leg of the swivel-joint and may be connected to the vertical leg with a bolt. The horizontal leg of the swivel-joint may be connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt.
In the same aspect, the cutting guide also comprises a tool attachment bracket consisting of an L-shaped section preferably made from a ferrous material. The vertical leg of the attachment bracket has portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis. The vertical leg may be connected to the free end of the arm with a bolt. The horizontal leg of the attachment brac-ket is divided along a horizontal plane into an upper section and a lower section. The two sections may be connected together with a vertically align-ed pin. The lower section has a vertical lip with portions defining two holes. Two set screws are threaded through the holes and abut the llpper section of the horizontal leg. A finger made from a flat strip of ferrous material, extends horizontally from the lower section of the horizontal leg. The finger fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a guide arm attachment for portable power tools comprises a rectangular aluminum baseplate secured by two C-clamps to a worktable. The baseplate has portions defining a hole `~
along a vertical axis. There is an adjustable, rigid, plastic, fence attach-ed to the rearward side. The fence has a lip which extends along it's length and is fastened to the baseplate with two hold-down clamps. The clamps are secured by two thumbscrews threaded into the baseplate.
In this embodiment the guide arm attachment also comprises a planar hinging guide arm connected to the baseplate wîth an L-shaped swivel-joint.
The guide arm has two, elongate, tapered, members which are approximately the same length and are made from aluminum. The members have a T-shaped cross section with the flanges of the members being oriented in parallel, ': , 20~ 9~ `~
vertical planes. There are cylindrical sections at the ends of each mem-ber that protrude along an axis normal to the flanges. Each cylindrical section has portions defining a hole, which is coaxial with the cylindrical section. The cylindrical sections are progressively smaller towards the end of the arm. The flange at the larger end of the distal member over-laps the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member, such that their holes are aligned and their flanges are juxtaposed. The adjoining surfaces of the two flanges are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer.
The two members are connected together with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob.
The swivel-joint is made from aluminum and has portions on the vertical leg defining a hole along a horizontal axis. The flange at the larger end of the proximal member overlaps the outer side on the vertical leg of the swivelj oint. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer. The proximal member is connected to the vertical leg of the swivel-joint with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The horizontal leg of the swivelj oint has portions defining a hole along a ver-tical axis. The bottom surface of the horizontal leg is perpendicular to the outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivelj oint. There is a cali-brated mitre scale on the right hand side of the horizontal leg. The hori-zontal leg is connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer.
In the same embodiment, the guide arm attachment comprises an L-shaped tool attachment bracket made from a ferrous metal. The attachment bracket has a vertical leg with portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis.
The vertical leg overlaps the flange at the free end of the distal member and is connected to the distal member with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abra-sion resistant washer. The horizontal leg of the attachment bracket isdivided along a horizontal plane into an upper and lower section. The two . . . , , : .
2 0 ~
sections are joined together with a vertically aligned cap screw, which threads into the lower section. The lower section has a vertical lip on the side adjacent the power tool. There are two set screws which thread through the lip and abut the upper section of the horizontal leg. The set screws adjust the alignment of the power tool. There is a coupling finger fastened to, or made integrally with, the lower section of the horizontal leg. The coupling finger consists of a flat strip of ferrous metal that secures into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
BRIFF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGUR~S
The invention, as exemplified by a preferred embodiment, is described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the guide arm attachment connected to the worktable and connected to the power tool, in this case a circular saw.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the swivel-joint connected to the arm.
Figure 3 is a top elevational view of the guide arm attachment and the circular saw in a ripping mode.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the guide arm attachment and the circular saw in the ripping mode.
Figure 5a is a top elevational view of the tool attachment bracket.
Figure 5b is a front elevational view of the tool attachment bracket.
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of figure 3.
Figures 7 - 10 are sequential views showing ~ow the guide arm attach-ment folds into a compact unit.
~' Referring to drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown, a guide attachment 20 comprises a baseplate 33, an arm 28, and a tool attachment .
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bracket 22 (see Figure 1). The baseplate is fastened with C-clamps D,~
to worktable C. There is a fence 32 connected to the baseplate. The fence has a lip 30, which is secured to the baseplate with hold-down clamps 64,68 and thumbscrews 66,70 (see Figures 3 and 4). A swivel-joint 34 connects the arm to the base. The swivelj oint has a horizontal leg 56 and a vertical leg 52. The vertical leg has portions defining a hole 50 and the horizontal leg has portions defining a hole 54. There is a calibrated mitre scale 58 on the right side of the swivel-joint (see Figure 2~. A bolt 63, secured with self-locking adjustment knob 35, connects the horizonta] leg to the top of the baseplate (see Figure 6). The adjoining surfaces are separated by two abrasion resistant washers.
The arm 28 comprises a proximal member 26 and a distal member 24. The proximal member is T-shaped and has a vertical flange 42 and a stem 40. The larger end of the proximal member has a cylindrical section 44, which has portions defining a hole 43. The member is connected to the vertical leg of the swivelj oint with a bolt 62 secured by self-locking adjustment knob 36.
The adjoining surfaces are separated with abrasion resistant washers 46,48 (see ; Figure 2). The smaller end of the proximal member has a cylindrical section 73 with portions defining a hole. The larger end of the distal member has a cylindrical section 74 with portions defining a hole. The two members are connected together with a bolt secured by self-locking adjustment knob 72.
The adjoining surfaces are separated with abrasion resistant washers (not shown).
The smaller end of the distal member has a cylindrical section 82 with portions defining a hole (see Figure 3).
The tool attachment bracket 22 is an L-shaped bracket having a vertical leg 88 and a horizontal leg 85 (see Figures 5a and 5b). The vertical leg has portions defining a hole and is connected to the sma~ler end of the distal mem-ber with a bolt secured by self-locking adjustment knob 80. The adjoining surfaces are separated by abrasion resistant washers (not shown). The hori-zontal leg is divided into an upper section 86 and a lower section 84. Thetwo sections are connected together with a cap screw 94, which is threaded 2 ~
into the lower section. The lower section of the horizontal leg has a vertical lip 90 on the side opposite the vertical leg. There are two set screws 98,99 which thread through the lip and abut the upper section of the horizontal leg. A coupling finger 96 extends horizontally from the bottom surface of the tool attachment bracket's horizontal leg and fastens into the edge-guide slot on circular saw ~ (see Figure 1).
The baseplate, the swivel-joint, and the arm are preferably made from aluminum. The baseplate may be cast or cut from aluminum plate. The members of the arm may be cast from aluminum or fabricated from from T-shaped aluminum bar. The cylindrical sections may be cut from round aluminum bar and welded onto the ends of the members. Holes may then be drilled into the cylindrical sections. The swivel-joint may be cut from L-shaped aluminum bar and the holes may be drilled into each leg. The swivelj oint may also be cast from aluminum.
The tool attachment bracket is preferably made from a ferrous metal. The upper and lower sections of the bracket may be cut from L-shaped bar. The holes may be drilled into the sections and the holes in the bottom section may be threaded with a tap. The coupling finger may be welded onto the bot-tom surface of the bracket's horizontal leg. The tool attachment bracket may also be cast integrally with the coupling finger.
The self-locking adjustment knobs may be made from plastic. A selE-locking nut may be embedded into the center of the plastic knobs. The adjustment knobs may also be cast from metal and holes may be drilled and tapped into the knobs.
A feature of this cutting guide is the ease with which thls guide may be set up and utilized. The baseplate is secured by two C-clamps to a work-` table. The coupling finger on the attachment bracke~ is slid into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool, in this case a circular saw.
The saw blade is aligned by placing one leg of a framing square against the fence and the other leg against the saw blade. The set screws on the vertical lip are adjusted until the saw blade is parallel with the immediate leg of , :
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the framing square. As the circular saw is pushed over the workpiece, the distal member and the proximal member hinge together in a vertical plane and guide the attached circular saw in straight line motion. The joints of the arm may be locked, and the power tool may be rotated ninety degrees, for making longer rip cuts. The guide arm attachment detaches easily from the power tool and worktable, and folds into a compact unit.
In the above description the words "horizontally" and "vertically" are not construed to mean exact positions, but as close as possibly can be obtain-ed by a person skilled in the art. The words "forward", "rearward","left side", "right side", "top", and "bottom" are used in conjunction with the drawings for purposes of clarity.
Although only a single embodiment of the present invention has been de-scribed and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
~UIDE ARM ATTACHM~NT FOR PORTABL~ POWER TOOLS
The present invention relates to a cutting guide for portable power tools and more particularly to a cutting guide that attaches to a worktable and controls the movement of the power tool by means of an arm.
Portable power tools such as circular saws, sabre saws, and routers are used freehand, thus the quality of the job depends largely on the skill of the operator. Large cutting jobs that require redundant cuts may be fa-tiguing on the operator and may result in a poor quality job or even injury.
Various types of cutting guides and machines have been developed to assist the operator in making more accurate and safer cuts.
One type of cutting guide consists of a straightedge which may be clamped to, or held on, the piece of material being cut. The soleplate of the power tool rests against the straightedge, as the power tool is pushed over the workpiece. Unfortunately for tools like the circular saw, the saw blade is rarely aligned accurately with the side edge of the soleplate.
The rear teeth on the saw blade do not follow in the path of the front teeth, resulting in a cut that has splintered edges on the top and bottom side.
This type of cutting guide must also be repositioned after every cut, which may be time consuming when numerous cuts are required.
Another type of cutting guide comprises a T-shaped frame which attaches to the soleplate of the power tool. The transverse member of the frame rests against the workpiece, and the power tool rides on ball bearings along the other guide member. The transverse member may be pivoted with respect to the guide member, so that angular cuts as well as straight cuts may be made. This type of cutting guide is portable, but may not always be accurate because the `~ guide must be repositioned by the operator after each cut is made.
Another type of cutting guide is shown in U.S. Patent 4,909,111. This type of cutting guide comprises a small table positioned between two parallel .. . ~
B
rails. The power tool rests on the table and is guided in straight line motion by the rails. This type of cutting guide produces accurate results, but it is relatively expensive to purchase and because the guide rails are mounted on a table, the cutting guide lacks portability.
Frame mounted saws such as the radial arm saw, the table saw and the power mitre saw have been developed for precision woodworking. These saws produce accurate results and are well suited for repetitive shop work, but unfortunately they too have some drawbacks.
The radial arm saw is difficult to align and keep aligned accurately.
This saw is not recommended for rip cuts, because the workpiece is pushed into the saw blade and dangerous kickback may occur. According to manufac-turers, more liability lawsuits have resulted from accidents involving the radial arm saw than any other woodworking machine.
The table saw is a very accurate cutting machine, but it is inconvenient when mitre cutting long lengths of trim lumber, because the entire workpiece must be pushed through the fixed blade.
The power mitre saw or "chop saw" in which the saw is hinged to chop down on the workpiece, will cut only narrow boards. Most of these saws can-not cut bevels, or shelving, and should be mounted to a table, which reduces portabiIity.
;~ What is needed, therefore, is a portable cutting guide, which produces accurate cuts, may accommodate a variety of power tools and may be used for both cross cuts and rip cuts. The following invention relates to such a cut-ting guide.
The present invention consists of a cutting guide for portable power tools. In one aspect of the invention, the cutting guide comprises a base which may be secured with at least one fastener, cla~p, or magnet to a work-table. The base may have a forward side, rearward side, left side, right side, ~ top, and bottom. There may be a ~ence along the rearward side for steadying ; 30 and aligning the workpiece.
~ An arm having at least two elongate members may be connected to the base .
: . .
2 (~ g~ 8 ~
with a swivel-joint. The members of the arm may hinge in psrallel ~ ver-tical planes and may be connected together with a horizontally aligned pin.
The swivel-joint may be connected to the top of the base with a vertically aligned pin and may be connected to the arm with a horizontally aligned pin.
A tool attachment bracket may be connected to the free end of the arm with a hori~ontally aligned pin. The attachment bracket may have a finger, which extends from the bottom of the bracket and fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
The base, the arm, and the tool attachment bracket may be made from a rigid material.
In another aspect of the invention, the cutting guide comprises a base-plate preferably made from aluminum. The baseplate may be secured with clamps or fasteners to a worktable and may have a fence along the rearward cutting side for steadying and aligning the workpiece. The fence may be made from a rigid plastic material and may have a lip along the connecting side. The lip may be fastened to the top of the baseplate with at least one hold-down clamp.
In this aspect, the cutting guide also comprises an arm having at least two, elongate, tapered, members preferably made from aluminum. The members may have a T-shaped cross section, with the flanges of the members being in parallel, vertical planes. The members may have cylindrical protrusions at the ends. Each of the cylindrical protrusions may have portions defining a hole along an axis normal to the flanges of the members. The flange at the larger end of the distal member may overlap the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member, such that the holes at the ends of the me~bers are align-ed and the flanges are juxtaposed. The two members may be connected together with a bolt. The proximal member of the arm may be cpnnected to the baseplate -' with an L-shaped swivel joint. The vertical leg of the swivel-joint may have portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis, and the hori~ontal leg of the swivel-joint may have portions defining a hole along a vertical axis.
The outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint may be perpendicular ` 2Q~ ~ 9~
to the bottom surface on the horizolltal leg of the swivel-joint. The swivel-joint is preferably made from aluminum and has a calibrated mitre scale on the horizontal leg. The proximal member of the arm overlaps the vertical leg of the swivel-joint and may be connected to the vertical leg with a bolt. The horizontal leg of the swivel-joint may be connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt.
In the same aspect, the cutting guide also comprises a tool attachment bracket consisting of an L-shaped section preferably made from a ferrous material. The vertical leg of the attachment bracket has portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis. The vertical leg may be connected to the free end of the arm with a bolt. The horizontal leg of the attachment brac-ket is divided along a horizontal plane into an upper section and a lower section. The two sections may be connected together with a vertically align-ed pin. The lower section has a vertical lip with portions defining two holes. Two set screws are threaded through the holes and abut the llpper section of the horizontal leg. A finger made from a flat strip of ferrous material, extends horizontally from the lower section of the horizontal leg. The finger fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a guide arm attachment for portable power tools comprises a rectangular aluminum baseplate secured by two C-clamps to a worktable. The baseplate has portions defining a hole `~
along a vertical axis. There is an adjustable, rigid, plastic, fence attach-ed to the rearward side. The fence has a lip which extends along it's length and is fastened to the baseplate with two hold-down clamps. The clamps are secured by two thumbscrews threaded into the baseplate.
In this embodiment the guide arm attachment also comprises a planar hinging guide arm connected to the baseplate wîth an L-shaped swivel-joint.
The guide arm has two, elongate, tapered, members which are approximately the same length and are made from aluminum. The members have a T-shaped cross section with the flanges of the members being oriented in parallel, ': , 20~ 9~ `~
vertical planes. There are cylindrical sections at the ends of each mem-ber that protrude along an axis normal to the flanges. Each cylindrical section has portions defining a hole, which is coaxial with the cylindrical section. The cylindrical sections are progressively smaller towards the end of the arm. The flange at the larger end of the distal member over-laps the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member, such that their holes are aligned and their flanges are juxtaposed. The adjoining surfaces of the two flanges are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer.
The two members are connected together with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob.
The swivel-joint is made from aluminum and has portions on the vertical leg defining a hole along a horizontal axis. The flange at the larger end of the proximal member overlaps the outer side on the vertical leg of the swivelj oint. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer. The proximal member is connected to the vertical leg of the swivel-joint with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The horizontal leg of the swivelj oint has portions defining a hole along a ver-tical axis. The bottom surface of the horizontal leg is perpendicular to the outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivelj oint. There is a cali-brated mitre scale on the right hand side of the horizontal leg. The hori-zontal leg is connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer.
In the same embodiment, the guide arm attachment comprises an L-shaped tool attachment bracket made from a ferrous metal. The attachment bracket has a vertical leg with portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis.
The vertical leg overlaps the flange at the free end of the distal member and is connected to the distal member with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob. The adjoining surfaces are separated by at least one abra-sion resistant washer. The horizontal leg of the attachment bracket isdivided along a horizontal plane into an upper and lower section. The two . . . , , : .
2 0 ~
sections are joined together with a vertically aligned cap screw, which threads into the lower section. The lower section has a vertical lip on the side adjacent the power tool. There are two set screws which thread through the lip and abut the upper section of the horizontal leg. The set screws adjust the alignment of the power tool. There is a coupling finger fastened to, or made integrally with, the lower section of the horizontal leg. The coupling finger consists of a flat strip of ferrous metal that secures into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
BRIFF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGUR~S
The invention, as exemplified by a preferred embodiment, is described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the guide arm attachment connected to the worktable and connected to the power tool, in this case a circular saw.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the swivel-joint connected to the arm.
Figure 3 is a top elevational view of the guide arm attachment and the circular saw in a ripping mode.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the guide arm attachment and the circular saw in the ripping mode.
Figure 5a is a top elevational view of the tool attachment bracket.
Figure 5b is a front elevational view of the tool attachment bracket.
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of figure 3.
Figures 7 - 10 are sequential views showing ~ow the guide arm attach-ment folds into a compact unit.
~' Referring to drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown, a guide attachment 20 comprises a baseplate 33, an arm 28, and a tool attachment .
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bracket 22 (see Figure 1). The baseplate is fastened with C-clamps D,~
to worktable C. There is a fence 32 connected to the baseplate. The fence has a lip 30, which is secured to the baseplate with hold-down clamps 64,68 and thumbscrews 66,70 (see Figures 3 and 4). A swivel-joint 34 connects the arm to the base. The swivelj oint has a horizontal leg 56 and a vertical leg 52. The vertical leg has portions defining a hole 50 and the horizontal leg has portions defining a hole 54. There is a calibrated mitre scale 58 on the right side of the swivel-joint (see Figure 2~. A bolt 63, secured with self-locking adjustment knob 35, connects the horizonta] leg to the top of the baseplate (see Figure 6). The adjoining surfaces are separated by two abrasion resistant washers.
The arm 28 comprises a proximal member 26 and a distal member 24. The proximal member is T-shaped and has a vertical flange 42 and a stem 40. The larger end of the proximal member has a cylindrical section 44, which has portions defining a hole 43. The member is connected to the vertical leg of the swivelj oint with a bolt 62 secured by self-locking adjustment knob 36.
The adjoining surfaces are separated with abrasion resistant washers 46,48 (see ; Figure 2). The smaller end of the proximal member has a cylindrical section 73 with portions defining a hole. The larger end of the distal member has a cylindrical section 74 with portions defining a hole. The two members are connected together with a bolt secured by self-locking adjustment knob 72.
The adjoining surfaces are separated with abrasion resistant washers (not shown).
The smaller end of the distal member has a cylindrical section 82 with portions defining a hole (see Figure 3).
The tool attachment bracket 22 is an L-shaped bracket having a vertical leg 88 and a horizontal leg 85 (see Figures 5a and 5b). The vertical leg has portions defining a hole and is connected to the sma~ler end of the distal mem-ber with a bolt secured by self-locking adjustment knob 80. The adjoining surfaces are separated by abrasion resistant washers (not shown). The hori-zontal leg is divided into an upper section 86 and a lower section 84. Thetwo sections are connected together with a cap screw 94, which is threaded 2 ~
into the lower section. The lower section of the horizontal leg has a vertical lip 90 on the side opposite the vertical leg. There are two set screws 98,99 which thread through the lip and abut the upper section of the horizontal leg. A coupling finger 96 extends horizontally from the bottom surface of the tool attachment bracket's horizontal leg and fastens into the edge-guide slot on circular saw ~ (see Figure 1).
The baseplate, the swivel-joint, and the arm are preferably made from aluminum. The baseplate may be cast or cut from aluminum plate. The members of the arm may be cast from aluminum or fabricated from from T-shaped aluminum bar. The cylindrical sections may be cut from round aluminum bar and welded onto the ends of the members. Holes may then be drilled into the cylindrical sections. The swivel-joint may be cut from L-shaped aluminum bar and the holes may be drilled into each leg. The swivelj oint may also be cast from aluminum.
The tool attachment bracket is preferably made from a ferrous metal. The upper and lower sections of the bracket may be cut from L-shaped bar. The holes may be drilled into the sections and the holes in the bottom section may be threaded with a tap. The coupling finger may be welded onto the bot-tom surface of the bracket's horizontal leg. The tool attachment bracket may also be cast integrally with the coupling finger.
The self-locking adjustment knobs may be made from plastic. A selE-locking nut may be embedded into the center of the plastic knobs. The adjustment knobs may also be cast from metal and holes may be drilled and tapped into the knobs.
A feature of this cutting guide is the ease with which thls guide may be set up and utilized. The baseplate is secured by two C-clamps to a work-` table. The coupling finger on the attachment bracke~ is slid into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool, in this case a circular saw.
The saw blade is aligned by placing one leg of a framing square against the fence and the other leg against the saw blade. The set screws on the vertical lip are adjusted until the saw blade is parallel with the immediate leg of , :
. . .
2 ~
the framing square. As the circular saw is pushed over the workpiece, the distal member and the proximal member hinge together in a vertical plane and guide the attached circular saw in straight line motion. The joints of the arm may be locked, and the power tool may be rotated ninety degrees, for making longer rip cuts. The guide arm attachment detaches easily from the power tool and worktable, and folds into a compact unit.
In the above description the words "horizontally" and "vertically" are not construed to mean exact positions, but as close as possibly can be obtain-ed by a person skilled in the art. The words "forward", "rearward","left side", "right side", "top", and "bottom" are used in conjunction with the drawings for purposes of clarity.
Although only a single embodiment of the present invention has been de-scribed and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
Claims (25)
1. A cutting guide for portable power tools, comprising:
a base having a means for securing to a worktable;
an arm having a means for connecting to the base; and a tool attachment bracket having a means for connecting to the arm and having a means for connecting to the portable power tool;
the base, the arm, and the tool attachment bracket being made from a rigid material.
a base having a means for securing to a worktable;
an arm having a means for connecting to the base; and a tool attachment bracket having a means for connecting to the arm and having a means for connecting to the portable power tool;
the base, the arm, and the tool attachment bracket being made from a rigid material.
2. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base has a forward side, rearward side, left side, right side, top, and bottom.
3. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing means to the worktable comprises at least one fastener, clamp, or magnet.
4. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base has a fence along the rearward side for steadying and aligning the workpiece.
5. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm comprises at least two elongate members hinging in parallel vertical planes, the members being connected together with a horizontally aligned pin.
6. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means of the arm to the base comprises a swivel-joint, which is connected to the top of the base with a vertically aligned pin and connected to the arm with a horizontally aligned pin.
7. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means of the tool attachment bracket to the arm comprises a horizontally aligned pin.
8. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means of the tool attachment bracket to the power tool comprises a finger which extends from the bottom of the bracket and fits into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
9. A cutting guide for portable power tools comprising:
a rigid baseplate being secured with clamps or fasteners to a work-table, the baseplate having a fence along the rearward side for steadying and aligning the workpiece;
an arm having at least two, rigid, members hinging in parallel vertical planes, the members being connected together with a hori-zontally aligned pin, the arm being connected to the baseplate with a swivel-joint the arm being connected to the swivel-joint with a horizontally aligned pin and the swivel-joint being connected to the baseplate with a vertically aligned pin; and a tool attachment bracket being made from a rigid material and being connected to the free end of the arm with a horizontally aligned pin, the bracket having a finger which extends from the bottom of the brac-ket and slides into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
a rigid baseplate being secured with clamps or fasteners to a work-table, the baseplate having a fence along the rearward side for steadying and aligning the workpiece;
an arm having at least two, rigid, members hinging in parallel vertical planes, the members being connected together with a hori-zontally aligned pin, the arm being connected to the baseplate with a swivel-joint the arm being connected to the swivel-joint with a horizontally aligned pin and the swivel-joint being connected to the baseplate with a vertically aligned pin; and a tool attachment bracket being made from a rigid material and being connected to the free end of the arm with a horizontally aligned pin, the bracket having a finger which extends from the bottom of the brac-ket and slides into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
10. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the baseplate is made from aluminum.
11. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the baseplate has por-tions defining a hole along a vertical axis.
12. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fence is made from a rigid plastic material.
13. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fence has a lip along the connecting side, the lip being fastened to the top of the base-plate with at least one hold-down clamp.
14. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the arm comprises at least two, elongate, tapered, members being made from aluminum and having a T-shaped cross section with the flange of the T being in a vertical plane.
15. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the members of the arm have cylindrical protrusions at their ends, each cylindrical protrusion having portions defining a hole along an axis normal to the flanges of the members.
16. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flange at the lar-ger end of the distal member overlaps the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member, such that the holes at the ends of the members are aligned and the flanges are juxtaposed, the members being connected together with a bolt.
17. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the swivel-joint com-prises an L-shaped section with the vertical leg having portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis and the horizontal leg having portions defining a hole along a vertical axis.
18. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9 or 17, wherein the outer sur-face on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint is perpendicular to the bot-tom surface on the horizontal leg of the swivel-joint
19. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the swivel-joint is made from aluminum and has a calibrated mitre scale on the horizontal leg.
20. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 17 or 19, wherein the proximal member of the arm overlaps the vertical leg of the swivel-joint and is connected to the swivel-joint with a bolt, the horizontal leg of the swivel-joint being connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt.
21. A Cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tool attachment bracket comprises an L-shaped section made from a ferrous material, the vertical leg of the bracket having portions defining a hole along a hor-izontal axis, the vertical leg being connected to the free end of the arm with a bolt, the horizontal leg being divided along a horizontal plane into an upper and lower section.
22. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the lower section of the horizontal leg has a vertical lip with portions defining two holes.
23. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 22, wherein the vertical lip has two set screws which thread through the holes in the lip and abut the upper section of the horizontal leg.
24. A cutting guide as claimed in claim 9, wherein the finger comprises a flat strip of ferrous material which extends horizontally from the lower section of the horizontal leg and fits into the edge-guide slot on the sole-plate of the power tool.
25. A guide arm attachment for portable power tools comprising:
a rectangular aluminum baseplate being secured with two C-clamps to a worktable, the baseplate having an adjustable, rigid, plastic, fence attached to the rearward side, the fence having a lip along it's length which is fastened to the baseplate with two hold-down clamps, the clamps being secured by two thumbscrews threaded into the baseplate, the baseplate having portions defining a hole along a vertical axis; and a planar hinging guide arm being connected to the baseplate with an L-shaped swivel-joint, the arm having two, elongate, tapered, members being approximately the same length and being made from aluminum, the mem-bers having a T-shaped cross section with the flanges of the members being oriented in parallel, vertical planes, the members having cylindrical sec-tions at the ends of the members that protrude along an axis normal to the flanges, each cylindrical section having portions defining a hole coaxial to the cylindrical section, the cylindrical sections being progressively smaller towards the end of the arm, the flange at the larger end of the dis-tal member overlapping the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member such that their holes are aligned and their flanges are juxtaposed, the ad-joining surfaces of the two flanges being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer, the two members being connected together with a bolt se-cured by a self-locking adjustment knob, the swivel-joint being made from aluminum and having portions on the vertical leg defining a hole along a ver-tical axis, the flange at the larger end of the proximal member overlapping the outer side on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint, the proximal member being connected to the vertical leg with a bolt secured by a self-locking ad-justment knob, the horizontal leg of the swivel-joint having portions defining a hole along a vertical axis, the bottom surface of the horizontal leg being perpendicular to the outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint, the horizontal leg having a calibrated mitre scale on the right hand side and being connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt secured by a self-lock-ing adjustment knob, the adjoining surfaces being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer; and an L-shaped tool attachment bracket being made from a ferrous metal, the brac-ket having a vertical leg with portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis, the vertical leg overlapping the flange at the free end of the distal member and being connected to the distal member with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob, the adjoining surfaces being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer, the horizontal leg being divided along a hori-zontal plane into an upper section and lower section, the two sections being joined together with a vertically aligned cap screw which is threaded into the lower section, the lower section having a vertical lip adjacent the power tool, the vertical lip having two set screws threaded through the lip and abutting the upper section of the horizontal leg, the lower section having a coupling finger made from a flat strip of ferrous metal, the coup-ling finger being fastened to, or made integrally with, the lower section of the horizontal leg of the bracket, the coupling finger being secured into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
a rectangular aluminum baseplate being secured with two C-clamps to a worktable, the baseplate having an adjustable, rigid, plastic, fence attached to the rearward side, the fence having a lip along it's length which is fastened to the baseplate with two hold-down clamps, the clamps being secured by two thumbscrews threaded into the baseplate, the baseplate having portions defining a hole along a vertical axis; and a planar hinging guide arm being connected to the baseplate with an L-shaped swivel-joint, the arm having two, elongate, tapered, members being approximately the same length and being made from aluminum, the mem-bers having a T-shaped cross section with the flanges of the members being oriented in parallel, vertical planes, the members having cylindrical sec-tions at the ends of the members that protrude along an axis normal to the flanges, each cylindrical section having portions defining a hole coaxial to the cylindrical section, the cylindrical sections being progressively smaller towards the end of the arm, the flange at the larger end of the dis-tal member overlapping the flange at the smaller end of the proximal member such that their holes are aligned and their flanges are juxtaposed, the ad-joining surfaces of the two flanges being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer, the two members being connected together with a bolt se-cured by a self-locking adjustment knob, the swivel-joint being made from aluminum and having portions on the vertical leg defining a hole along a ver-tical axis, the flange at the larger end of the proximal member overlapping the outer side on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint, the proximal member being connected to the vertical leg with a bolt secured by a self-locking ad-justment knob, the horizontal leg of the swivel-joint having portions defining a hole along a vertical axis, the bottom surface of the horizontal leg being perpendicular to the outer surface on the vertical leg of the swivel-joint, the horizontal leg having a calibrated mitre scale on the right hand side and being connected to the top of the baseplate with a bolt secured by a self-lock-ing adjustment knob, the adjoining surfaces being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer; and an L-shaped tool attachment bracket being made from a ferrous metal, the brac-ket having a vertical leg with portions defining a hole along a horizontal axis, the vertical leg overlapping the flange at the free end of the distal member and being connected to the distal member with a bolt secured by a self-locking adjustment knob, the adjoining surfaces being separated by at least one abrasion resistant washer, the horizontal leg being divided along a hori-zontal plane into an upper section and lower section, the two sections being joined together with a vertically aligned cap screw which is threaded into the lower section, the lower section having a vertical lip adjacent the power tool, the vertical lip having two set screws threaded through the lip and abutting the upper section of the horizontal leg, the lower section having a coupling finger made from a flat strip of ferrous metal, the coup-ling finger being fastened to, or made integrally with, the lower section of the horizontal leg of the bracket, the coupling finger being secured into the edge-guide slot on the soleplate of the power tool.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2068108 CA2068108A1 (en) | 1992-05-06 | 1992-05-06 | Guide arm attachment for portable power tools |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2068108 CA2068108A1 (en) | 1992-05-06 | 1992-05-06 | Guide arm attachment for portable power tools |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2068108A1 true CA2068108A1 (en) | 1993-11-07 |
Family
ID=4149788
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2068108 Abandoned CA2068108A1 (en) | 1992-05-06 | 1992-05-06 | Guide arm attachment for portable power tools |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2068108A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108297185A (en) * | 2017-12-11 | 2018-07-20 | 安徽省光明粮油工业有限公司 | A kind of drawing bench saw manually |
| GB2580606A (en) * | 2019-01-15 | 2020-07-29 | Alen Eames James | A guide for a cutting tool |
-
1992
- 1992-05-06 CA CA 2068108 patent/CA2068108A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108297185A (en) * | 2017-12-11 | 2018-07-20 | 安徽省光明粮油工业有限公司 | A kind of drawing bench saw manually |
| GB2580606A (en) * | 2019-01-15 | 2020-07-29 | Alen Eames James | A guide for a cutting tool |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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