GB2223442A - A woodworkers sawblock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an improved woodworkers sawblock comprising the usual worktop and four legs 38, but the worktop itself comprises a longitudinally extending beam 30 to which the legs are secured and a workplate 32 releasably secured to the top surface of the beam. Therefore the workplate can be removed and replaced when it becomes worn, rather than having to discard the entire sawblock. In the preferred arrangement, the workplate stops short of each end of the beam to provide a shoulder location. <IMAGE>

Description

A Woodworkers Sawblock For many centuries, woodworkers have used some form of sawblock or sawhorse and this is particularly true of joiners dnd carpenters who have to work "on site", that is away from the workshop where an ordinary workbench is available. Essentially, a woodworkers sawblock comprises a horizontal worktop which is usually nothing more than a substantial timber beam, supported on two pairs of splayed apart legs, usually each pair having a cross-strut, so that there is an A frame at each end.

The uses to which the sawblock can be put are legion, but some of the main uses are: i) As a portable bench on which timber can be supported whilst it is sawn, planed, chopped, chisel led, assembled or glued.

ii) As a work locator, by means of which a relatively large Item such as a door can be located whilst It is resting on the ground, or an operation such as planing.

lii) As a tressle, which in combination with a second similar sawblock and a plank can be used to provide a portable low scaffold.

It will be understood that this is not a comprehensive 1 1st of possible uses, and indeed one of the virtues of the conventional sawblock is that it lends Itself to a multiplicity of uses, according to the ingenuity of the user. Hence, although the term "sawblock" is well understood - and consequently will be employed throughout this specification - it is not intended to have any limiting effect, since clearly, the device can be used for many purposes additional to sawing. Also the term woodworkers is used herein to describe the type of apparatus and not as any limitation on the intended usages, since of course, woodworkers sawbiocks are in fact used by a variety of tradesmen: bricklayers; plumbers; electricians and decorators to name a few.

The top surface of the worktop becomes worn and in due course, It is necessary to discard the entire sawblock, because it is usually impracticable to repair the worn worktop, even if the legs of the sawblock are in reasonable condition. Therefore the sawb lock is manufactured as cheaply as possible, because it has to be regarded as a disposable item. The obJect of the present Invention is to provide a more durable sawblock.

According to this invention a woodworkers sawblock comprises a worktop and four legs, the worktop comprising a longitudinally extending beam to which the legs are secured and a workplate releasably secured to the top surface of the beam.

Preferably, the workplate is made of harder material than the beam, and It Is also preferred that the workplate stops short of each end of the beam to provide a shoulder location.

According to another preferred feature of the invention, transverse grooves are formed In the workplate one near to each end thereof, to receive retaining bars.

One construction of a woodworkers sawblock in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, In which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional woodworkers sawblock, Figure 2 Illustrates the use of a conventional sawblock, for the planing of the edge of a relatively large object such as a door, Figure 3 is a front elevation of a sawblock In accordance with the invention, Figure 4 Is an end view looking In the direction of arrow IV in Figure 3, Figure 5 is a plan view, partly broken away, of the sawblock shown in Figure 3, Figure 6 is a perspective detailed view of one end of a worktop beam used In the sawblock shown in Figures 3 to 5, Figure 7 is a detailed view to a larger scale showing one end of the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of part of a longitudinally extending box, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stabiliser for use with the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, Figure 10 is a detailed view of a connector used in the construction of the stabiliser shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 is an elevation of the sawblock shown in Figure 3, with the stabiliser of Figure 9 fitted to it, Figure 12 is an end view of the sawblock illustrated in Figure 11, Figure 13 Is a detailed view to a larger scale, showing a location arrangement for part of the stabiliser shown in Figure 9, Figure 14 shows a method of using the sawblock illustrated in Figure 11, Figure 15 Is an end view of the arrangement shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 Is an elevation showing another method of using the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, Figure 17 is an end view of the sawblock illustrated in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a detailed view to a larger scale showing the location of part of the retainer when the sawblock is being used as illustrated in Figure 16 and r7, Figure 19 is a perspective view of the longitudinally extending box, but showing also the manner in which a worktop of the sawblock can be used as a lEd for the box, Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the fitting of the worktop to the box, Figure 21 is an end view of the box and worktop combination shown in Figure 20, Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of retainer, Figure 23 is a longitudina-l section through the retainer shown in Figure 22, Figure 24 is a perspective view of an alternative form of pedal, and Figure 25 is a perspective view of a stabiliser employing a retainer as shown in Figures 22 and 23 and a pedal as shown in Figure 24, Figure 26 is a plan view of the worktop of a modified form of the Invention, Figure 27 is a side view of the worktop shown in Figure 26, Figure 28 is a view from underneath of the worktop shown in Figure 26, and Figure 29 is a diagrammatic elevation of a modified sawblock Incorporating the worktop shown in Figures 26 to 28.

Before describing the sawblock in accordance with the Invention, reference will be made to the construction of a conventional sawblock, which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. This particular sawblock comprises a worktop 10, which Is simply a substantlal timber beam, supported by four legs 12, each leg 12 being received in a recess in the worktop 10, and being splayed outwardly In a transverse direction. The legs 12 are secured to the worktop 10 by nailing. The structure is completed by two longitudinal lower rai Is 14, and two lower transverse rails 16. Each of the longitudinal rails 14 extends between and is nailed to the legs at one side of the sawbiock, and each of the lower transverse 16 extends between and Is secured by nailing to the two legs at one end of the sawbiock.Thus, the rails 14 and 16 provide struts for the legs 12, which ensure the structural stability of the sawblock. Whilst these lower rails 14 and 16 are desirable from a structural point of vlew, it has to be admitted, that they sometimes obstruct the use of the sawblock, and in particular, they are a hindrance to a user placing his feet within the boundaries of the four legs of the sawblock. Hence, some very simple sawbiocks omit the lower ral Is 14 and 16, or at least omit the lower longitudinal rails 14, there being in effect an "A" frame at each end of the sawblock. It will be noted that the worktop 10 extends beyond the two "A" frames provided by the pairs of legs 12 and transverse strut 16 at each end, and this is a significant feature of a traditional sawblock as will be hereinafter described. At one end, a "V" notch 18 is formed in the worktop 10.

It is probably true, to say that when building a house for example, a carpenter would be severely handicapped, without a sawblock such as the one illustrated in Figure 1. This is because when the sawblock is used "on site" it is extremely versatile, and it is possible to use it as a simple bench on which to chop, chisel, plane, assemble, nail, screw, glue or carry out almost any other operation for which some kind of bench-like support is required. Furthermore, the sawblock provides a simple tressle, and if two sawblocks are placed side-by-side with a plank resting across their worktops, a very simple scaffold is provided on which a workman can stand to carry out many of the operation required on a building site.Also, a sawblock such as that illustrated in Figure 1 can be used by other tradesmen besides carpenters and Joiners, simply because it provides a working surface at a very convenient height.

Turning now to Figure 2, there is illustrated a sawblock which is of even simpler construction than that shown in Figure 1, in that the lower rails 14 and 16 are omitted. This sawblock is shown being used by a Joiner for the planing of a door 20. For this purpose, the sawblock is placed adjacent to a wall 22, and the end of the worktop 10 which is not notched, is placed in abutting relationship with the wail 22. This is permitted, because the legs 12 at that end are located inwardly of the worktop 10, and Indeed so far inwardly, that they will readily clear items such as the skirting board 24 illustrated In Figure 2. It is then possible to stand the door 20 on one of Its vertical edges, and to push one end of the door into the notch 18.The end of the door 20 is then located by the sawblock, and it Is possible to plane the then top edge of the door towards the wall 22, because the door Is prevented from moving longitudinally by means of the sawblock. This i I lustrates the manner In which the sawblock in effect provides an extra pair of hands for the workman, since it is possible for one workman to plane a door using the sawblock in the manner illustrated in Figure 2.

The foregoing description of the conventional sawblock has emphasised its versatility and advantages.

Concomitant with that versatility is the Inherent instability of the sawblock. For Instance, if a joiner rests a piece of timber on the worktop 10, with part of the work piece projecting beyond one end of the worktop, so that he can carry out a sawing operation on the workpiece, it is usual ly necessary to restrain the sawblock, and generally this is achieved by the joiner lifting one leg, and placing his foot on the worktop 10, or on the workpiece placed on the worktop 10 (depending upon the size of the workpiece) and then applying as much downward pressure as can be obtained In this somewhat unnatural posture. This downward pressure on the sawblock is Intended to press the sawblock against the ground on which it is supported, so as to restrain from longitudinal, transverse or rocking motions.It has to be admitted that this technique is not always successful.

With a view to retaining all the versatility of the traditional woodworkers sawblock, and indeed extending that versatility to some extent, and at the same time overcoming the problem of inherent Instability, a sawblock is constructed as Illustrated in Figure 3 to 8.

Again, there is a worktop, but this comprises a substantial timber beam 30 which provides the load bearing structural element, and a workplate 32 which Is secured to the top surface of the beam 30 by countersunk screws (not shown). In this particular construction, the workplate 32 is slightly wider tnan the load bearing beam 30 but it is substantially shorter, and is secured to the beam 30 in a longitudinally central position, so that an outwardly directed shoulder 34 is provided on the worktop at each end of the workplate 32. Furthermore, a pair of transverse shallow grooves 36 is formed in the workplate 32, one near to each end thereof.

Whilst the beam 30 can be made in softwood, the works late 32 may be made I n other material, and preferably in more durable material. For Instance, it could be made in hardwood, in metal, or even a suitable grade of plastics material. It will be appreciated however, that the provision of a workplate 32 which can be removed when it has become badly worn, and replaced by a fresh workpiate, increases the working life of the sawb lock, because when the worktop 10 of the conventional sawblock becomes badly worn, It Is usual to scrap the entire sawblock. Other advantages of using the workplate 32 will appear hereinafter.

The sawblock Illustrated In Figures 3 to 5, also has four legs 38, and as can be seen from Figures 3 to 5, each of these legs is substantially straight throughout its length, and the two legs 38 at each end of the sawblock are splayed apart downwardly, and bridged by a strut 40 at a lower position, so that an "A" frame is formed at each end of the sawblock. The strut 40 is connected to the two legs 38, by means of a single bolt at each end, there being a wing nut (or other manually operable nut) engaging on the bolt. This method of connecting the strut 40 to the pair of legs 38 at one end of the sawblock piays an important role in the packaging and transportation of the sawblock as will become apparent hereinafter.

It will also be observed from Figure 3, that the two "A" frames one at each end of the sawblock are themselves splayed apart downwardly in the longitudinal direction. Hence, each leg 38 is at a compound angle to the horizontal, being inclined downwardly and outwardly In both a longitudinal and a transverse direction.

A pair of notches 42 is formed In the beam 30 near to each end of the beam, as Illustrated In Figure 6.

Ecah of these notches Is formed at a compound angle, such that the upper end of one of the legs 38 can be accomodated in the notch 42, and the engagement of the sides of the leg 38 with the bottom and sides of the notch 42 has the effect of setting the leg 38 at the correct compound angle. For the purpose of securing the legs 38 to the beam 30, two screw-threaded studs 44 are provided. Each of these studs 44 extends through the part of the beam 30 between a pair of aligned notches 42, and then passes through a clearance hole formed In the upper end of each leg 38, where the leg Is received in the respective notch 42. A pair of manually operable nuts, such as wing nuts (not shown) is provided, for each of the studs 44, and these nuts are engaged on the extremities of the stud 44, which proJect on the outsides of the legs 38.Thus, when the nuts are tightened, the two legs 38 at one end of the sawblock are pressed tightly into their respective notches 42, thus fixing the angle of inclination of each leg, and securing it firmly to the beam 30. It will be appreciated however, that it is relatively easy to dismantle the legs 38 from the beam 30, simply by removing the manually operable nuts. It should also be understood, that instead of using a stud screw-threaded at each end, a long bolt could be employed, in which case only a single manually operable nut would be required.

Each of the legs 38 is fitted with a rubber foot 46 (see particularly Figure 7) for engagement with the floor or the ground on which the sawblock stands).

Whilst it might be sufficient to rely on the notches 42 and the struts 40, for ensuring the stability of the two "A" frames, the construction illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, also Incorporates a lower longitudinal beam 48, which extends between the two transverse struts 40, and in Itself acts as a strut bracing the two "A" frames. Turning now to Figure 8, which Illustrates the construction of the lower beam 48, this beam is In fact constructed as an open-topped channel, and it Is preferably made in metal. It might be formed by bending sheet material, or indeed by an extrusion process. The cross-sectional shape of the channel is clearly shown in Figure 8, and provides a bottom web 50, and upstanding front and rear flanges 54 and 52, each of which has a substantial Inwardly convex portion 56.At longitudinally spaced apart positions along the length of the beam 48, a pair of longitudinally aligned slots 58 Is formed In the Inwardly convex portions 56 of the flanges 52 and 54.

These aligned slots 58 provide effective vertical grooves, and a vertical partition 60 can be dropped into each pair of aligned slots 58, and will then be retained in that position, resting on the bottom web 50. In effect, therefore, the beam 48 comprises an open-topped box, which can be divided if required into a series of separate compartments, by simply dropping loose partitions 60 into aligned pairs of slots 58, wherever a partition is required. In Figure 5, the partitions are illustrated being provided In each of the pairs of aligned slots 58.

Although the primary objective of the lower beam 48 is to provide a strut extending between the two "A" frames, it therefore has a secondary objective, in that it provides a series of open-topped boxes, which are extremely useful to a user of a sawbiock. Quite obviously, they can be used to contain nails, screws or other small items of equipment which may be required on site.

For a painter, he will be able to locate paint cans, brushes and other equipment in these open-toppped contalners provided within the beam 48.

As shown In Figure 7 a hooked bolt 80 is hooked under each of the transverse struts 40 and extends upwardly through a hole in the base of the box 48. A wing nut is fitted to the top end of the bolt inside the box to complete the securing of the box between the two struts 40.

It will be observed from Figure 4, that the beam 48 is In fact offset to the rear of the sawbiock, and is located in the angle between the rear legs 38 and the struts 40, and completely to the rear of the central vertical plane 62 illustrated in Figure 4.

As an accessory to the basic sawblock illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, a stabiliser which is shown fin Figures 9 and 10 is provided. Essentially, the stabiliser comprises a pair of straight metal bar retainers 62 and 64, a strong cord connector 66 and a straight metal pedal 68. Each of the retainers 62 and 64 may be formed from a solid block of metal, but bored as indicated at 70 throughout its length. The strong cord 66 is formed into a loop 72 at each end, and part of the loop passes through the bore 70 in the retainer 62 or 64 as the case may be. The loose end of the loop may be secured to the main part of the cord 66 by any flrm securing device.

However Figure 10 I I lustrates a simple connector, comprising a pair of clamp plates 74 and 76, each of which has two arcuate recesses to accomodate sections of the cord 66, and a pair of screws 78, which pass through clearance holes in one of the plates 74 and 76, and engage in screw-threaded holes in the other of these plates. it will be appreciated, that by simply fitting the pair of plates over the loose end of the cord, and an adjacent part of the main portion of the cord, and then tightening the clamp, a secure loop is formed on the connecting cord 66.The pedal 68 Is also made from a solid block of metal, bored throughout its length, but the pedal 68 may be provided with bushes at each end, so that the cord 66 which passes through the bore of the pedal, Is able to slide through the pedal, or to express it another way, the pedal 68 is able to slide to some extent on the cord 66.

The manner in which the stabiliser illustrated in Figure 9 is used, will now be described. Referrlng to Figures 11 12 and 13, the stabiliser is used In conjunction with the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, and as shown, each of the retainers 62 and 64 is laid on the beam 30, near to the respective ends of that beam, and the loops 72 of the connecting cord 66 are passed around the outsides of the beam 30. This causes the pedal 68 to lie centrally of the sawblock as shown in Figure 11. If downward pressure is applied to the pedal 68, the cord 66 applies a force to the retainer 62 and 64 which has both vertical and horizontal components.If the horizontal component of this force is suff Ic lent to overcome friction, the retainers 62 and 64 will be drawn inwardly due to engagement with the shoulders 34 formed on the ends of the workplate 32. If not, then the retainers 62 and 64 should in any case be placed in abutting contact with the shoulders 34. The length of the cord 66 is such, that with the retainers 62 and 64 held against the shoulders 34, the pedal 68 is still clear of the ground or floor on which the feet 36 of the sawblock are standing. The location of one of the retainers 62 is more clearly illustrated in Figure 13.

It would be possible now to omit the actual pedal 68 so that the user would tread directly on a central portion of the cord 66, using that part of the cord as an effective pedal and the expression "pedal" when used herein Is to be construed as Including any pedal-I Ike element including part of the cord.

Supposing now that it is required to carry out an operation on the sawblock such as chopping timber wedges from a workpiece, this action requires the user to employ both his hands, one for holding the workplece, and the other for holding the axe. However, the user can place one of his feet on the pedal 68, and then exert as much downward pressure as possible on the pedal. This applies downward pressure to the beam 30 of the sawblock at the two spaced apart positions where the retainers 62 and 64 are located, and since the downward force is substantial, because It is the cosine of the ang le between the vertical and the angle adopted by the cord 66 multiplied by the force in the cord - the said angle being relatively small, giving a large cosine value.In effect, this provides a clamping force clamping the whole of the sawblock to the floor or ground on which the sawblock Is standing, and the application of this force at two positions one near to each end of the beam 30 provides much greater stability than could be obtained by a user pressing his foot or knee on top of the -workplate 32.In addition, it is possible for the operator to apply a much greater force through the pedal 68 than he could through a foot placed on the workplate 32, because in order to place his foot on the workplate, the foot must be lifted through a distance of about 0.6 metres, giving a very unnatural stance, whereas for applying pressure through a foot to the pedal 68, the user can adopt a very natural stance, and substantially his entire body weight can be applied to the pedal simply by leaning forward so that his weight is carried by the foot resting on the pedal. Thus, one can obtain a greater clamping force on the sawblock than is possible it the stabiliser were not provided, and moreover, the force is appi led In a balanced manner, so that there Is no tendency for the sawblock to rock or twist, as sometimes occurs, when using a traditional sawblock.

This arrangement whereby It Is possible to stabillse a sawblock utilising the stabi I iser illustrated in Figure 9, represents a significant feature of the invention. Although it is intended to supply the sawblock as illustrated in Figures 3 to 8 together with a stabiliser, it will be appreciated, that it would be possible to use the stabi I iser on existing sawblocks, excepting that it would be preferable to provide some kind of abutment on the worktop, against which each of the retainers 62 and 64 could be engaged.

Reference to Figure 12 shows that th:e main sectlons of the cord 66 hang vertically down the central plan 62 of the sawblock, and in front of the lower beam 48 - this being the reason why that beam Is offset to the rear of the sawblock, so that It does not interfere with the cord 66.

In Figures 14 and 15, there Is shown the method of using the sawblock and stabiliser, when work is being carried out on a relatively long workpiece such as a plank 74. The workpiece 74 Is simply laid on the workplate 32, and the retainers 62 and 64 are placed on the workpiece 74, the loops 72 still being taken around the complete worktop comprising the beam 30 and the workplate 32. It will be appreciated, that when downward pressure is applied to the pedal 68, downward force is exerted by the two retainers 62 and 64 on the workpiece 74, and this has two effects. Flrst of all, it clamps the workpiece 74 on to the workplate 32, and secondly, it still provides the stabilising force for the sawblock itself.It has been found in fact, that the clamping action on the workpiece 74 is very good, and means that it Is strictly speaking unnecessary for the user to apply a controliing force on the workpiece through one of his hands. Consequently, It is possible for the user to employ equipment such as a power saw, which requires the use of both his hands. This Is a significant advance over the use of the conventional sawblock, where a workpiece can only be retained if clamping pressure is applied either through the foot or the hand of the user.

it will be noted In Figures 14, that the two retainers 62 and 64 have moved inwardly from the positions they would occupy when abutting the ends of the workplate 32 (as seen In Figure 11), but they are prevented from moving further Inwardly from the posltion Illustrated, because the loops 72 on the cord 66 engage In the corners between the underside of the beam 30 and the Inside faces of the legs 38. The loops therefore take up a vertical orientation, in which there is no component of the apply led force tending to move the retainers 62 and 64 inwardly.

The effect of using the stabiliser In the manner illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 is very similar to that of clamping the workplece 74 In a vice. It will be appreciated however, that release of the workpiece 74 either to remove it entirely from the sawblock or to move it along to another positlon is much easier to achieve than if a conventional vice were provided, because it is only necessary for the operative to cancel the pressure on the pedal 68, and the workpiece is instantly released.

It has been found, that it is more convenient for the operative, if he can rest the heel of the foot which engages with the pedal 68 on the floor or ground. This is not essential, but the engagement of the heel with the floor provides more control over the foot than if it is simply suspended on the pedal 68. In the case illustrated in Figure 11, the pedal 68 w I ii In any event be very close to the floor, so that the operative can place his heel on the floor. With the arrangement Illustrated In Figure 14, the pedal Is lifted somewhat from the floor, because of the thickness of the workpiece 74, but It possible for the pedal 68 to be slid along the cord 66 to one side of the central posltion, so that it takes up the Inclined position illustrated In Figure 14, where one end is quite close to the floor.The operative can still therefore keep his heel on the floor, provided his foot is resting on the lower end of the pedal 68.

Turning now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, there Is illustrated another mode of using the sawblock shown in Figures 3 to 8, and the stabiliser shown in Figure 9. It will be noted that the righthand end retainer 64 has tees placed on the beam 30, in the position where it engages with the shoulder 34 formed at the end of the workplate 32, but the lefthand retainer 62 is located in the groove 36 In the workplate at the lefthand end of the workplate.

It. should be noted in passing, that the metal bar which forms the retainer 62 is a snug fit between the flanks of the groove 36. Since the groove 36 is shallower than the depth of the retainer 62, the latter proJects from the top surface of the workplate 32. The arrangement is shown in greater detail in Figure 18. With this arrangement, pressure applied by the foot of the user to the pedal 68 has the effect previously noted of stabi I ising the sawblock itself. In additlon however, the retainer 62 now provides an excellent planing stop, against which a piece of timber can be placed resting on the workplate 32 for a planing operation. One of the problems of attempting to use a conventional sawblock for planing, is that it Is not provided with any kind of planing stop.It is usual therefore to drive one or two nails into the worktop of the sawblock, leaving their heads projecting above the top surface of the worktop. Clearly, such nalls do not provide a planing stop as effective as that provided by the retainer 62 when In the positlon shown in Figures 16 and 18, and moreover, constantly driving nails into the worktop of the sawblock eventually damages the worktop to such an extent that the sawblock has to be discarded.

One of the advantages of the invention Is that the sawblock can be completely dismantled and easily transported. This is In complete contrast to the conventional sawblock, which takes up a relatively large amount of space, and frequently has to be left on site, where it is liable to be stolen.

The lower beam 48 is shown in Figures 19, 20 and 21 dismantled from the remalnder of the sawblock. This Is easily achieved, by removing the wing nuts from the hooked bolts 80 (see Figure 7) and then simply lifting the box section beam 48 off the transverse struts 40. The wing nuts securing each of the two "A" frames to the worktop beam 30 are then removed from the studs or bolts which pass through the beam 30, and this enables the two "A" frames to be detached from the worktop. Then the nuts on the bolts which secure the transverse struts 40 to the legs 38 are slackened, to an extent which allows the legs 38 to turn relatively to the strut 40. Each "A" frame is then collapsed on Itself, turning one of the legs completely around so that the two feet 46 point In opposite directions, and the two legs 38 lie in abutting relationship.The partitions 60 are then removed from the slots formed in the walls of the box beam 48, and these partitions can then be placed within the box. Then the two col lapsed "A" frames are placed within the box. A pair of long bolts 82 is provided, there being wing nuts 84 for engagement with opposite ends of each of these bolts. The two bolts 82 are passed through holes formed in the base of the box beam 48, and proJect upwardly out of the top of the box. The worktop Is then inverted, so that the beam 30 is above the workplate 32, see Figure 19, and the workplate 32 Is then lowered into the opentop end of the box, there being holes (not shown) formed through the worktop and beam 30, which accept the upwardly proJecting bolts 82. The worktop 32 is a close fit wlthin the open-top end of the box 48, and therefore provides a location for the "lid" formed by the Inverted worktop. Of course, the beam 30 proJects beyond the ends of the box 48 as is clearly shown in Figure 20, but this Is no detriment. Finally, the wing nuts 84 are applied, and the worktop is secured to the box. Hence, the entire sawblock is then contained within the box 48, as closed by the "lid" provided by the beam 30. This represents a very compact arrangement, which can easi-ly be carried, for Instance in the boot of a vehicle, or strapped to a roof rack. It will also be appreciated, that this Is in effect a flat-pack arrangement, which Is very useful for storing the sawblock at a builders merchants or for transportation purposes prior to sale.

Figure 22 shows an alternative form of retainer 90 which Is of the same outside dimensions as the retainer 62 and 64, and which could be formed as an extrusion for example In rubber or plastics. It is provided with a series of castellations 92 on all four faces, which could be useful when the retainer is used to provide a locating surface. As Illustrated in Figure 23, the rubber retainer 90 Is bored throughout its length, but a metal liner 94 extends through most of the length of the bore of the retalner, the ends of the bore being outwardly flared as indicated at 96 to avoid chaffing the cord. This provides an arrangement, whereby the retainer is freely slidable on the cord 66.

Figure 24 illustrates an alternative form of pedal 100. This is simply made of sheet steel bent into a shallow "S" formation as illustrated, and formed Into a roll 102 at its rear edge or it may be made in the same shape as an aluminium moulding. The cord 66 is passed through the roll 102, and the lower front portion 104 of the pedal can rest on the ground or floor, and provides fulcrum on which the pedal can rock, when pressure is applied by the foot of the user to the rear portion.

Figure 25 illustrates the combination of two retainers 90 as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, and a pedal 100 as illustrated in Figure 24, the cord 66 being shown In dotted lines.

A modified woodworkers sawblock is illustrated In Figures 26 to 29. This sawblock has a worktop comprising a timber beam 1t0, and a workplate 112. As in the previously described construction, the workplate 112 is releasably connected to the beam 110 by countersunk screws (not shown) so that it can be replaced when It becomes badly worn. It will also be observed, that as with the previously described construction, the workplate 112 stops short of the ends of the beam 110, so that shoulders are formed at the ends of the workpiate, against which retainers such as the retainers 62 and 64 can engage if the stabiliser is used In the position illustrated in Figure 11.

The sawblock also Includes four legs 114, but the arrangement and mounting of these is precisely the same as that described with reference to Figures 3 to 8, so that the legs 114 have only been illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 29, and it is unnecessary to decribed their construction and arrangement In detall.

A significant feature of the mod if led construction illustrated in Figures 26 to 29 Is that the workplate 112 overhangs the beam 110, and is formed with notches 116 In its longitudinal edges, these notches being arranged in transversely aligned pairs. Another difference from the previously described construction is that the lower beam 48 which comprises the open-toppped box, is not offset to the rear, but is mounted centrally of the two "A" frames.

A stabiliser Is provided, and this comprises two bar-like retainers 118 and 120, and a pedal 122. However, each retainer 118 or 120 Is connected to the respective end of the pedal 122 by two cords indicated diagrammatically at 124 in Figure 29. These cords are so arranged, that they can be looped around the outs ides of the legs 114 at the respective end of the sawblock, and with the retainers 118 and 120 engaged with the shoulders at the ends of the workplate 112, the pedal 122 is just clear of the ground.

The arrangement Illustrated in Figures 26 to 29 is particularly useful however, where relatively thick workpieces are to be used on top of the workplate 112. it will be appreciated, that since the retainers 118 and 120 have to be placed on top of the workpiece, this has the effect of raising the pedal 122. However, with the arrangement illustrated in Figures 26 to 29, If It is necessary to place the retainers 118 and 120 on top of a relatively thick workpiece, they are moved inwardly, so that the top portions of the two cords 124 connected to each retainer can be engaged in the notches 116. The position occupied by the cords 124 is illustrated by way of example in chain dotted lines in Figure 29 and it Is assumed that a workpiece of substantial thickness has been placed on top of the workplate 112. This arrangement still allows the pedal 122 to lie adJacent to the ground, even when relatively thick workpieces are being used.

Claims (5)

1. A woodworkers sawblock comprIsing a worktop and four legs, the worktop comprising a longitudinally extending beam to which the legs are secured and the workplate releasably secured to the top surface of the beam.

2. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 1, in which the workplate is made of harder material than the beam.

3. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the workplate stops short of each end of the beam to provide a shoulder location.

4. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which transverse grooves are formed in the workplate one near to each end thereof to receive retalning bars.

5. A woodworkers sawblock constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 to 8 and 19 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.