GB2507481B

GB2507481B - Vertical panel saw

Info

Publication number: GB2507481B
Application number: GB1219076.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Symmonds Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-24
Filing date: 2012-10-24
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-24
Also published as: GB201219076D0; GB2507481A

Description

Title : Vertical Panel Saw 1. Reid of the Invention

This invention relates generally to vertical panel saws, more particularly to a portable sawing apparatus for cutting large wood sheet boards or similar non-ferrous material whilst the sheet is supported and secured in a vertical attitude.

Background of the Invention

The' art of Vertical panel saws machines is well established. And the majority are operated with in a workshop environment and are the most efficient machine for cutting large sheets of material due to the framework of the apparatus supporting the dimensions of the sheet material and the cutting blade of the attachable portable saw moving across the material in all cutting directions whilst the material is held securely in place, due to the size of the cutting apparatus these machines were never designed to be used away from the intended workshop environment due to impracticability in transporting these machines from location to location which in turn removed the advantages of such an cutting apparatus for the mobile tradesman. A mobile tradesman will work with in built up areas particularly private residential and commercial properties with in cities or town centres,with passing members of the general public so the floor space and work area will be very limited to prepare the sheet material for cutting requirements, the public highway is the accommodating floor space.

Mobile tradesmen are restricted for working space when operating away from building sites cutting large sheets of material having dimensions up to eight feet by four feet (2438 millimetres x 1219 millimetres) And as known MOF boards can weigh up to about 65 kilograms which will need support and securing in a safely manner for the required cutting operation.

These large boards are very wide to be cutting width wise with the standard power saws typically used by the mobile tradesman whilst sheet material is positioned in a horizontal plane, Mobile tradesman will work on residential properties with in a city or town centre with barely a 6ft wide public walkway to perform cutting operations, material longer then 12ft in length would be protruding on to the neighbouring property as the frontage of the standard town terrace home is around twelve feet wide.

The need to provide a portable cutting apparatus implies that the machine will usually have to be transported from location to location to perform the task of cutting large sheets of material as needed at residential building sites, another requirement of such an apparatus would be the floor space required to enable a mobile tradesman to benefit from the use of such an apparatus in a restricted work area having dimensions of approximately twelve feet by six feet.

It has been proposed in Patent No.W02008040922 (BUNKER KEITH VERNON) a portable cutting apparatus due to folding support members which allows the apparatus to fold with in a housing for transportation.

The patented apparatus is described as portable but it is clear from the description that it could not be used in the restricted work area stated above which tradesmen find themselves operating with in.

The limitation of such machines of the type described lies in the fact that the only way to make a horizontal cut, it is necessary to slide the sheet board past the saw blade therefore the apparatus may only be operated, in a area with enough floor space to accommodate the horizontal travel of the board involved in making the horizontal cut, therefore the required floor space of sixteen feet (4876 millimetres) is needed to perform horizontal cuts the length of the sheet material.

The patented apparatus is said to perform horizontal rip cuts the length of the sheet material, a disadvantage to this design, however, is that the sheet material is expected to be man handled through the cutting tool, sheet board material may weigh as much as 65 kilograms, the saw blade will flex under the force of moving heavy sheet board material, and the sheet board will tend to bind with the cutting blade during horizontal travel. These problems would only intensify if heavier materials were used, The horizontal movement of the sheet board materials make this tool difficult to use and control, plus decreasing the accuracy of the horizontal cuts.

The disadvantage involves the manner in which the sheet board material is cut in an horizontal plane, whether the sheet board material is moved through the cutting tool or whether the cutting tool moves across the sheet board material, is therefore critical to the ease of handling and accuracy of the horizontal cut.

Further more in this apparatus no means are provided for down sizing sheets of material below 460 millimetres or means provided to perform diagonal cuts in a full sized eight feet by four feet (2438 millimetres x 1219 millimetres) sheets of material.

Summary of the invention

The present invention contemplates an apparatus and related method of use comprising of mounting said apparatus to a vertical surface of a motor vehicle in an approximately vertical attitude, means are provided for removably attaching the apparatus to a vehicle surface, with at least one of the surfaces defining an area to which an apparatus can be affixed.

The apparatus according to the present invention provides a mobile vertical panel saw mounted to the motor vehicle, attached to the vehicle surface using mounting brackets to enable the easy installation and removal of the apparatus.

In addition to providing a support surface for large panels. The apparatus also provides a pivotably connected dropdown horizontal work bench

As the need arises, the work bench is lowered into a horizontal position from the vertical storage position with in the apparatus framework.

The workbench is supported in a fixed position by means of supporting retractable legs which are attached underneath the workbench

The workbench provides additional stability and support for the attachment of power hand tools and support for smaller work pieces.

In addition the workbench can support larger work pieces due to the double sliding extensions fitted with in the workbench frame assembly, extending in the length and width direction of the workbench.

In the light of the foregoing, it is, therefore, a general object of this invention to provide a portable sheet board cutting machine in which horizontal cuts through the board may be made without advancing the board itself. A further object of this invention to provide a sheet board cutting machine of the type described wherein it can be used in restricted work areas reducing the required floor space required by prior art.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a sheet board cutting machine to be able to size sheets of material to whatever requirements needed.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a sheet board cutting machine to be able to perform diagonal cuts in a full sized eight feet by four feet (2438 millimetres x 1219 millimetres) sheet of material.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described and will be apparent as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detail description (below)

Breif description of drawing

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which: FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, of a portable cutting apparatus attached to the vertical surface of a motor vehicle illustrating the manner in which the cutting apparatus is attached and transported in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 2 Front view of the vertical panel saw and dropdown workbench in a stored position, FIG. 3 is a view of the vertical panel saw supporting sheet material the sliding carriage saw guide is supported in front the material FIG. 4 is a similar view with the sliding carriage saw guide locked in to a diagonal position FIG. 5 exploded view of dropdown workbench and support legs as in a stored position with in the apparatus framework, FIG. 6 is a view of the support legs in a foldable position FIG: 7 is a perspective view of the vertical panel saw showing the dropdown workbench in position FIG. 8 is a exploded perspective view of the workbench, FIG. 9 is a similar view of the workbench with the support extension in position width wise, FIG. 10 is a similar view of the workbench with a further support extension in position length wise horizontal to apparatus frame FIG. 11 is a exploded view of workbench extension housing FIG. 12 is a different angle of same section FIG. 13 is a view of the workbench support brace and the sliding extension rail in ah extending position , FIG. 14 is a view of the measuring rule fitted with in the workbench support brace FIG. 15 is a view of the workbench fence guide FIG. 16 is a view of the same workbench fence guide in a reverse position highlighting the pressure guides FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the workbench supporting a cutting tool and the workbench fence guide before positioning into the brace assembly FIG. 18 is also a perspective view with workbench fence guide now in position with in the brace assembly FIG. 19 is a similar view of workbench with the material support extension width wise FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the workbench supporting the cutting tool and the measuring rule in position with in the workbench brace assembly

Detailed description of drawings

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings FIG.l to FIG.20, where the portable cutting apparatus of the present invention is referred to generally by the reference numeral 10 with the workbench referred generally by numeral 30

Referring to FIGS. 1-5,. an exemplary portable cutting apparatus 10 may have a workbench 30, a brace assembly 16,17,18,19,20,21 including supporting legs 29, supporting the workbench 30, and extension supports 22F, 22S, 23F,23S, connected to the brace assembly 16,19,21. A preferred method for transporting the portable cutting apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The cutting apparatus 10 is attached to the vertical surface of a motor vehicle in a vertical attitude, by way of mounting brackets which allows the cutting apparatus 10 to be securely attached to the vertical surface of the motor vehicle. FIG. 2 Cutting apparatus 10 comprises support braces, horizontally spaced material support braces 6A, 11,12,13,14,15 which are secured to vertical frame support braces 1,2,3,4,5 with fasteners such as bolt fixings, the sheet board material is supported in a vertical position resting edgewise on support wheels 36 which are attached to the adjustable material support rail 8 which is secured to the vertical frame support braces 1,5 with fasteners such as releasing bolts which allow adjustable material support rail 8 to be set in angular positions by lowering either end, Adjustable carriage guide rail 9 attaches to the adjustable material support rail 8 by way of fasteners such as bolts, which allow the adjustable carriage guide rail 9 to move in a forward direction when bolts are released. FIG. 3 Cutting apparatus 10 comprising sheet material in a vertical attitude secured and supported on the support wheels 36. Attached to the adjustable material support rail 8, sliding carriage saw guide 31 which extends upwardly across and in front the cutting apparatus which is attached to sliding carriage attachment 32 securing the connection to carriage guide rail 6. Carriage guide rail 7 connects with the lower back surface of the sliding carriage saw guide 31 engaging a sliding mechanism such as wheels on the back surface of sliding carriage saw guide 31, carriage guide rail 7 locks into position and the mechanism on the rear of sliding carriage saw guide 31 locks in to guide track under carriage guide rail 7 , The sliding carriage saw guide 31 is now locked in to position for either horizontal or vertical cuts, The sliding carriage saw guide 31 may be moved horizontally along the cutting apparatus 10 and rotated in a plane parallel to the cutting apparatus 10, into any required angular position with respect to the vertical, the operator can make either horizontal, . vertical or angular cuts, without moving the sheet material on the cutting apparatus 10. FIG. 4 Sliding carriage saw guide 31,can very easily change positions as and when required, fixing bolt 34 attaches the sliding carriage saw guide 31 to the sliding carriage attachment 32 the sliding carriage saw guide 31 is detached from the carriage guide rail 7 which is stored in a upright position against the vertical frame support braces 1,2,3,4,5. adjustable carriage guide rail 9 is adjusted in a forward direction, the sliding carriage saw guide 31 can be raised to connect with adjustable carriage guide rail 9 and fixed in a secure manner, the sliding carriage saw guide 31 can be positioned into required angle in preparation of the angular cut, sliding attachment 32 can be moved in either direction whilst setting the requirements for angular cut, being guided by an angle cutting aid such as a protractor ,the sliding carriage saw guide 31 is secured by fastener bolt 34 which connects the sliding carriage saw guide 31 to the sliding carriage attachment 32 in a fixed secure manner, the sliding carriage attachment 32 can be locked into position vyith stop blocks housed with a rebated profile set in face front of carriage guide rail 6. a portable power saw is attached to a turntable saw base 33 which is slidably mounted on the sliding carriage saw guide 31.

Referring to FIG. 5 Workbench 30 is stored with in the framework between vertical frame support braces 3,4,workbench assembly brace 20 is pivotally attached to frame brace 20A which in turn is secured between vertical frame support braces 3,4. The supporting legs 29 are attached under table support brace 26 and are attached or deployed very quickly with adjustable fasteners, fixing bolts are release which in turn allow the support legs 29 to be manipulated in to position. FIG 6 Supporting legs 29 in a stored position when workbench not in use. The cutting apparatus 10 is lowered till the feet 39 make contact with ground surface

Referring to FIG. 7 Workbench 30 is rotated from with in the framework in to a horizontal plane, supporting legs 29 are securely connected to the workbench support brace 26, adjustable carriage guide rail 9 is a supporting edge for the lower part of supporting legs 29, the workbench 30 brace assembly 16,17,18,19,20,21 can be adjusted to accommodate a level horizontal plane by adjusting the height of material support rail 8. FIG. 8 Workbench 30 comprises, a brace assembly 16,17,18,19,20,21. Attached to the brace assembly are material support extensions 22F,22S, 23F, 23S. FIG. 9 Material support extensions 22F, 22S, 23F, 23S can be extend in a width wise position , extension support 22S is slidably attached to brace assembly 19, the front section of the L shaped extension support 22F is slidably attached to the rear surface of extension support 23F, extension support 23S is housed in brace assembly 16, which allows the combined extension supports rails 23F 23S , 22F 22S to extend width wise.

Referring to FIG. 10 The extension support rail 23F,23S can slidably extend in a length wise direction, extension support rail 23F is slidably connected to extension support rail 22F, release 23F attachment to extension support rail 22S, release fixing bolt in workbench support brace 26 releasing sliding extension rail 27, the fixing bolt will be used to attach the sliding extension rail 27 to the extension support rail 23S, FIG. 11 Extension support rail 23S is housed with in a iedged assembly brace 16 , release extension support rail 23F, attach sliding extension rail 27 to extension support rail 23S, the extension supports can now move in unison and locked into a a required position by the remaining pressure fixing bolt what attaches the sliding, extension rail 27 to workbench support brace 26 FIG. 12 Extension support rail 23S is further supported when resting on extension frame support 24 FIG. 13 Sliding extension rail 27 slides along the workbench support brace 26 housing when attached to extension material support rail 23S,

Once workbench 30 is set in this position a unique measuring system can be applied which removes the need for time consuming material mark up in preparation for cutting, this system will allow the operator to cut any material from 4ft down to as small as 1" FIG.14 a removable measuring rule 28 can be detached and fitted between the brace assembly 18,19. when using the unique measuring system

Referring to FIG. 15 The workbench 30 multi function fence guide 40 comprising of sliding base plates 41, which have built in pressure support 42 in the rear side of the multi function fence guide 40 as shown in FIG. 16 the sliding base plates 41 are detachable and can separately be placed with in the workbench brace assembly FIG. 17 The open brace assembly 17,18, of the workbench 30 will accommodate cutting tools to transform the workbench 30, into workshop equivalent tools and with the attachment of the workbench 30 multi function fence guide 40 the workbench 30, can quickly transform into a saw table leaving the operator ample working space around the workbench 30 in restricted work areas FIG. 18 Once workbench 30 multi function fence guide 40 is positioned in to the brace assembly along with the cutting tool, the operator can use this option with either the material support extensions 23F,23S in a length wise extended position or as shown in FIG. 19 In a width wise extended position to support larger material, extension 22S is fitted with a level bubble which allows the operator to improve accuracy by knowing that the workbench can always be levelled when in operation regardless of the ground conditions

Referring to FIG. 20 The workbench 30 can be further transformed into a cross cutting saw, the' cutting tool would be removed from workbench 30 brace assembly 17,18, assembly brace 18 is adjustable and therefore can be secured in adjusted positions, the cutting tool is placed into position resting on assembly brace 17 and workbench support brace 26,assembly brace 18 is adjusted towards cutting tool securing the cutting tool in to position, sliding base plate 41 is detached from the workbench 30 multi function fence guide 40, housed in assembly braces 16,17 the sliding base plate 41, can be moved in a forward direction, the pressure support 42 which is built in to sliding base plates 41 is an ideal 90 degree straight edge and is used as such when cutting material in a crosscut requirement, referring back to the unique messing system, extension 23F,23S are extended in a length wise direction ,the right hand side edge of extension 23F is set against a measuring tape which is displayed on extension support 22F, if the required cut was 4ft, the right hand side edge of extension support 23F would be secured into position at the 4ft mark, extension support 23S would be locked and the distance from extension support rail 23S to the cutting tool blade would be 4ft, this allows the operator to cut required lengths repeatably without the need for timely mark up, right down to 20 inches , length requirements below 20 inches, measuring rule 28 is attached between assembly braces 18,19, material is placed squarely on sliding base plate 41, material is lined up with size requirements on measuring rule 28 ranging from 1” to 20", the operator may also use the workbench 30 cutting advantages without the need to use the measuring system.

In use of the portable cutting apparatus 10, this is able to be transported from location to location and used in a very secure manner as attached to motor vehicle vertical surface , it particularly useful for mobile tradesmen with restricted work areas and removes the impractabilty of transporting a Varity of tools and machines from location to location and removing the disadvantages for time consuming setting up of such an apparatus at different locations, the machine is capable of free standing in a vertical attitude, as well as able to be wall mounted with in a workshop increasing capabilities and optional environment use.

The cutting apparatus of the present invention has been found to be very practical and can be transported from location to location with out the required effort of loading the machine for transportation and the requirement of set up at each location. The attachment action is quick in securing the cutting apparatus to the motor vehicle surface. The power saw attached to sliding carriage saw guide 31 is capable of cutting in cross cut mode by sliding the cutting blade down the material whilst guided by the sliding carriage saw guide. The saw is attached to turntable saw base and alternatively capable of cutting the material in rip mode by setting the turntable with the power saw attached at a right angle and locked into required height. The saw can effortlessly move across the material making cuts along the full length of the sheet boards. The sliding saw guide can be securely positioned to achieve angular cuts in sheet boards the full width of the material surface area. The apparatus provides two means for performing angular cuts, as described above. And the option to lower adjustable material support rail..

Which in turn would support the sheet board material in an off level position. The sliding carriage saw guide would still be secured in a vertical plane to the cutting apparatus, and the attached power saw drawn down the sliding carriage saw guide. The cutting apparatus may also be arranged to provide a horizontal workbench, which in turn can be very helpful when ' operating in limited work spaces and performing cutting operations on smaller sections of material not able to be sized using the cutting apparatus

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention are provided by way of example only and a number of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, whilst the cutting apparatus has been described as being a panel saw, the power saw oould easily be replaced with alternative tools such as a planer router or drill.

Claims

1. A cutting apparatus for sheet board material, the apparatus being mounted and used on the vertical side of a motor vehicle, and comprising a vertical support means for the sheet board material, and a cutting tool, mountable on the apparatus, which cutting tool is movable at any angle across the apparatus, to allow the the board material to be cut without advancing the board itself.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vertical support means comprises a framework of horizontal and vertical support braces.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vertical support means contains an adjustable support rail.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting tool is carried on a sliding carriage saw guide, which engages with carriage guide rails fixed to the apparatus

5. A vertical cutting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, the apparatus comprising an open framework of support braces, horizontally and vertically arranged parallel to one another which supports an adjustable material support rail (8) and a carriage guide rail (7) (6), which are secured to the vertical support braces defining a supporting means for sheet board material in a vertical plane resting edgewise on a plurality of supporting wheels (36) attached to the adjustable material support rail (8), and a sliding carriage attachment (32) mechanism, supporting a sliding carriage saw guide(31) for supporting an attached portable power saw as well as cutting tools for movement in two directions which extends upwardly across and in front the cutting apparatus over the panel plane.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the adjustable material support rail (8) is secured to the vertical support braces (1) (5) with fasteners such as releasing bolts which allow the adjustable material support rail (8) to be set in angular positions by lowering either end, which In turn would support the sheet board material in a off level position, the sliding carriage saw guide (31) would still be secured in a vertical plane to the cutting apparatus, and a attached portable cutting tool drawn down the sliding carriage saw guide (31), the adjustable carriage guide rail (9) attaches to the adjustable material support rail (8), by way of fasteners, which allows the adjustable carriage guide rail (9) to move when fasteners are released.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding carriage saw guide (31) may be moved horizontally along the cutting apparatus and rotated in a plane parallel to the cutting apparatus into any required angular position with respect to the vertical enabling horizontal vertical or angular cuts without moving the sheet material supported on the cutting apparatus, sliding carriage saw guide (31) can change positions as and when required, a fastening bolt (34) attaches the sliding carriage saw guide (31), to the sliding carriage attachment (32), the sliding carriage saw guide (31) is detached from the carriage guide rail (7), which is then stored in a upright position against the vertical support braces, adjustable carriage guide rail (9) is adjusted, the sliding carriage saw guide (31) can be raised to connect with adjustable carriage guide rail (9) and fixed in a secure manner, the sliding carriage saw guide (31) can be positioned into required angle in preparation for the angular cut, sliding attachment (32) can be moved in either direction whilst setting the requirements for angular cuts, being guided by an angle cutting aid such as a protractor, the sliding carriage saw guide (31) is secured by a fastening bolt (34) which connects the sliding carriage saw guide (31) to the sliding carriage attachment (32) in a fixed secure manner, the sliding carriage attachment (32) can be locked into position with a stop block housed within a rebated profile set in the front face of carriage guide rail (6), a portable cutting tool is attached to a turntable saw base (33) which is slidably mounted on the sliding carriage saw guide (31).

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a workbench which is pivotably connected to the vertical support means, and which may be lowered into a horizontal position from the vertical storage position.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, the cutting apparatus comprising a horizontal workbench which is stored within the framework between the vertical frame support braces, the workbench is pivotally attached and is rotated from within the framework into a horizontal plane, supported by a plurality of supporting legs (29).

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, the workbench (30) further comprising supporting legs (29) which are attached to the workbench support brace and are attached or deployed with adjustable fasteners which can be released which in turn allow the supporting legs (29) to be manipulated into a supporting position securely connected to the workbench support brace, adjustable carriage support rail (9) is a supporting edge for the lower part of the supporting legs (29) , the workbench (30) brace assembly can be adjusted to enable a level horizontal plane by adjusting the height of the material support rail (8).

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the workbench (30) comprises a brace assembly, attached to the brace assembly are material support extensions (22f) (22s) (23f) (23s), material support extensions (22f) (22s) (23f) (23s) can be extended in a widthwise position, extension support (22s) is slidably attached to the brace assembly, the front section of extension support (22f) is slidably attached to the rear surface of extension support (23f), extension support (23s) is housed in the workbench ledged brace assembly (16), which allows the combined extension support rails (23f) (23s) to extend lengthwise, the extension support rails (23f) (23s) can slidably extend in a lengthwise direction, extension support rail (23f) is slidably connected to extension support rail (22f).

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, the workbench (30) further comprising a sliding extension support rail (27) housed under the workbench (30) within workbench support brace (26) which connects to extension support rail (23s) when extending the rails in the lengthwise direction, workbench support brace (26) supports and moves in unison with extension support rails (23f) (23s) providing further support for extension support rail (23s).

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, the workbench (30) further comprising a measuring rule (28) which is positioned between the workbench support braces (18) (19).

14. Apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 13, the workbench (30) further comprising a multi function fence guide (40) comprising a base plate (41) which have built in pressure supports (42) in the rear face of the multi functional fence guide (40), the sliding base plates (41) are detachable and can be separately placed in the workbench (30) brace assembly, the sliding base plate (41) can be moved, the pressure support (42) which is built into the sliding base plate (41) is a 90 degree straight edge.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, the open brace assembly of workbench (30) further comprising cutting tools which transforms the workbench (30), into workshop equivalent tools and with the attachment of the multi functional fence guide (40) the workbench (BO), can transform into a saw table, the workbench (30) can be further transformed into a cross cutting saw.

16. A method of transporting an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 which comprises the steps of: a) attaching the apparatus to the vertical surface of a motor vehicle in a vertical attitude, with one of the surfaces defining an area to which the apparatus can be affixed by way of mounting brackets which allows the cutting apparatus to be securely attached to the vertical surface of the motor vehicle; and b) driving the supporting vehicle to and from location to location.

17. A method of operating a vertical cutting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 which method comprises positioning at least one panel in a machining position in a vertical attitude on the supporting material support rail of the apparatus whilst attached to a vehicle; and carrying out one of steps a), b), c), or d): a) performing cutting actions on the panel material whilst securely positioned in a vertical attitude whilst attached to a vehicle surface; or b) positioning the horizontal drop down workbench from within the framework brace storage position, into a horizontal plane, securely attaching a power saw to perform cutting actions whilst still attached to vehicle; or c) attaching a portable cutting tool into workbench brace assembly to transform the workbench into a workshop equivalent tool and with the attachment of the workbench multi functional fence guide, the workbench, transform into a saw table; or d) to achieve a cross cutting action, removing the cutting tool from the workbench brace assembly (17) (18), the assembly brace (18) being adjustable to be securely positioned in an adjusted position; placing the cutting tool into position resting on the assembly brace (17) and workbench support brace (26); adjusting the assembly brace (18) towards the cutting tool; securing the cutting tool in position, detaching the sliding base plate (41) from the workbench multi function fence guide, placed between assembly brace (16) (17); moving the sliding base plate (41); and using the the pressure support (42) which is built into sliding base plate (41) as a straight edge, when cutting material in a crosscut requirement.

18. A method of operating a vertical cutting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 which method comprises positioning at least one panel in a machining position in a vertical attitude on the supporting material support rail of the apparatus whilst attached to a vehicle; detaching the apparatus from the supporting vehicle surface area and positioning in a vertical attitude supported by the retractable support legs and and carrying out one of steps a), b), c), or d) as set out in claim 17.

19. A method of operating a vertical cutting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 which method comprises positioning at least one panel in a machining position in a vertical attitude on the supporting material support rail of the apparatus whilst attached to a vehicle; detaching the apparatus from the supporting vehicle surface area; attaching the apparatus to a vertical surface area such as a vertical wall; and carrying out one of steps a), b), c), or d) as set out in claim 17.