US20100031796A1

US20100031796A1 - Cutter arm rotational positioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20100031796A1
Application number: US12/462,351
Authority: US
Inventors: William Kelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-28
Filing date: 2009-08-03
Publication date: 2010-02-11
Also published as: US20070245874A1; US20070245873A1; US7673548B2; US7481142B2; US7219585B1; US20070245872A1; US20070246123A1; US20070245876A1; US7481141B2; US20070245875A1

Abstract

A rotational positioning and locking mechanism for the cutter arm component of a cutting workstation. This allows the cutter to be capable of rotation producing a variety of miter cuts. The cutter positioning and locking mechanism will allow positioning of the cutter in a variety of predetermined angles based on holes or stops in the cutter arm into which the lock is inserted. Should it be desired the cutter be placed at an angle that has not been predetermend, a friction shoe will allow the cutter arm to be rotated and positioned and any angle between the angles predetermined by the stops.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the prior filed nonprovisional application 10/229,846 under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 121 which in turn claims the benefit of PPA Ser. No. 60/315,860 under the provisions of 35 USC 19(e). This application is also a divisional application of parent application Ser. No.11/787,534 which is inturn a divisional of parent application Ser. No. 10/229,846

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a materials cutting device. More particularly, a wood cutting device used in the capacity of a shaper or saw. The device performs numerous types of cuts, such as chop cuts, miter cuts, crosscuts and rip cuts, both from above and below the work piece support table.
Various saws currently available are used for performing a variety of operations and several saws combine certain functions. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,307; 5,768,967; 4,211,134 and 3,465,793. However, in the various permutations, there appears to be a fixed relationship between the cutting blade and the work surface or table or the cutting blade is designed to move primarily relative to the fixed position of the work surface. There is presently no saw known in which the position of the work surface, and consequently, the work piece, and the cutting device can adopt many and varied positions relative to one another. This results in much of the prior art being utilized for limited functions such as cutting as opposed to routing, or chop cutting as opposed to rip cutting. Portability functions are not integral in much of the prior art.
Currently existing saws uniformly exhibit narrow cutter enclosures or inserts. Because of this limitation, these saws are less capable of performing cuts on irregularly shaped work pieces. Cutter inserts are non adjustable and when changing cutters, inserts must also be changed or removed. Adjustments in blade angle and height in the prior art is usually accomplished by a sometimes laborious and time-consuming hand cranking. In those existing saws where the motor is close to the cutter, moving the cutter also requires moving a bulky motor past the work piece.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

An object of this invention is to provide multiple cutting functions and complete versatility regarding the way the cutter can act upon a workpiece and complete versatility regarding the angle the workpiece can adopt, through the adjustability of the machine, in relation to the cutter. Because of its mobile, yet substantial base and carriage, the benefits of many different cutting functions may be easily transported to the job site yet have the stability of the stationary machines seen in a standard workshop. The device is stable on its own frame without the necessity of a separate work platform.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a broad range of configurations of the work surface and the cutting apparatus relative to one another. Just as the cutter may be positioned above or below the work surface and consequently above or below the work piece, the work surface is also adjustable and may be raised either lower or higher in relationship to the cutter. In addition, the work surface may be tilted from the horizontal resulting in miter cuts of varying degrees being performed on the work piece. The cutter arm and consequently the cutter may be moved back and forth in relation to the work surface and, in addition, is rotatable through 360 degrees along its long axis. This coupled with the fact the work surface may also be tilted, results in a miter cuts through a large range of angles. Thus, this device allows an unlimited number of positional permutations to be achieved.
The miter gauge and the variable opening between the left and right work surface components allow the work piece to be placed and supported in large number of positions. A corollary to the ability to place the work piece in a number of positions is the ability for the invention to accommodate work pieces with a large variety of shapes. Because of this feature, the device has application in a production settings where it might be more efficient to pre-assemble components and then subject the component to certain milling operations. The pre-assembled components could have irregular shapes this device could accommodate. The distance between the left and right work surfaces have an added advantage of accommodating cutters of various sizes and configurations.
The cutter can also be rotated to and fixed in a position parallel to the worktable allowing the work piece to be laid flat on the work surface. This would allow the routing or cutting of the edges of the work piece. The cutting arm can be moved downward into the work piece facilitating a chop cut. The arm, if kept on the horizontal, can be moved through the work piece by riding forward and backward on rails allowing the blade to move horizontally through the workpiece for cross cuts. The table elevation assembly associated with the work surface is also capable of adjusting its position relative to the work piece from both above and below allowing a depth of cut adjustment. The broad range of adjustability of the device components along with the ability to position the work piece in a number of ways provides maximum flexibility and utility.
In addition to the adjustability of the device, another object of the invention is to allow the operation and adjustments quickly, safely and efficiently from a front-mounted control handle. Table tilt and height are controlled though mechanisms that initially allow quick adjustment without hand cranking. However, after the quick adjustment, this device allows hand cranking to achieve more precise settings if needed. These quick adjust mechanisms utilize threaded drives which benefit from a mechanism to both lubricate and clean the threads of dust and debris as adjustments are made thereby avoiding wear and extending the life of the adjustment components.
Utilization of a direct shaft drive connecting the motor to the cutter allows better power transfer, requires less space than standard belt drives and dramatically reduces vibration associated with belt drive mechanisms. Further, using a shaft allows the motor to be positioned along the same axis of the shaft itself avoiding using additional gears. Using a shaft with the motor position along its axis also allows the shaft to be rotated 360 degrees allowing the cutter to adopt almost any orientation relative to the work piece.
The combination rip face and miter gauge is integral in maintaining work piece positioning yet allowing a variety of work piece positions to be achieved.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in is art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the cutting workstation.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the mobile base assembly positioned below the cutting workstation.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the leg assembly.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the cutter arm assembly.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the work surface platform.

FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the cutter arm positioning assembly.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the work surface positioning assembly.

FIG. 1H is a perspective view of the workstation base frame.

FIG. 2A is a left elevation view of the work surface platform and its relationship to the work surface positioning assembly, with the work surface positioning assembly in a contracted position.

FIG. 2B is a left elevation view of the work surface positioning assembly in an expanded position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the left fine adjuster strut.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the height adjuster universal block and height adjuster universal mounting block bracket.

FIG. 5 is an elevation cross section of the work surface height adjuster and the work surface angle adjuster.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the height adjuster universal block.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the angle adjuster universal mounting block bracket.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the height quick adjust block and the height quick adjust block-mounting bracket.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the cutting workstation mounted on the mobile base assembly.

FIG. 9A is a right side perspective view showing work surface platform in an angled position.

FIG. 9B is a left side perspective view of the height adjuster frame.

FIG. 9C is a right side perspective of the height adjuster frame.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the stop angle adjust assembly.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the slide bracket.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing the relationship of the cutting head and the work surface platform.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross section view of the cutter arm lock.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the rotational positioning means mounted on an alternative embodiment drive mechanism of a motor and drive belt.

FIG. 14A is a top plan view of the rotational positioning means mounted on the cutter arm assembly.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the work surface assemblies showing the work surface insert components and lateral work surface extensions.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the undersurface of the work surface assemblies showing the work surface connector.

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the insert adjusting means.

FIG. 15D is a perspective view of the work surface assemblies.

FIG. 16A is a right elevation view of the elevation and chop cut carriage.

FIG. 16B is a left elevation view of the elevation and chop cut carriage in relation to the carriage and control assembly.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the chop cut activating hinge.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the carriage elevation locking assembly.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the catch means.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the carriage elevation locking assembly.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the carriage lock cam housing.

FIG. 20A is a right elevation view of the cam lobe housing.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the carriage lock housing.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the carriage lock housing in relation to workstation base frame rails.

FIG. 22A is an elevation view of the rip fence and miter gauge.

FIG. 22B is an elevation view of the fence.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the pin plate and set screw assembly.

FIG. 24 is top plan view of the combination rip fence and miter gauge.

FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket.

FIG. 26 is a cross-section view of the rip fence miter gauge mounting bracket.

FIG. 27 is an elevation view of the rip fence.

FIG. 28A is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing the cutter arm assembly.

FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the motor mounting plate.

FIG. 28C is a perspective view of the first and second clutch plates.

FIG. 28D is a plan view of the cutter drive assembly.

FIG. 28E is a plan view of the shaft housing.

FIG. 28F is a perspective view of the clutch access opening.

FIG. 29A is a side elevation view of the cutter arm and cutter arm gear case with a chuck and router bit installed held by the arm clamp.

FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the arm clamp.

FIG. 29C is an elevation view of the router bit, chuck and gear case oriented for routing at an angle.

FIG. 30 is a left elevation view of the carriage control assembly.


TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

work surface angle adjuster	9
first friction feet	10
work surface height adjuster	11
wheels	12a
leg assembly	13
first leg mounting plate	13a
axial component	13b
first leg mounting plate detent	13c
second leg mounting plate	13d
bolts	13e
vertical leg struts	13e
second leg mounting plate detent	13f
base leg component	13g
second long strut	14
first long strut	14a
axle	15
wheel assembly	15a
lower mobile base frame	16
short strut	16a
lower frame transverse member	16b
lower frame first longitudinal member	16c
lower frame second longitudinal member	16d
leg mounting strut	17a
handles	18
upper mobile base frame	19
third transverse member	19a
upper frame second transverse member	19b
upper frame first longitudinal member	19c
upper frame second longitudinal member	19d
upper frame first transverse member	19e
base support	20
base support circular apertures	20a
left fine adjuster strut	24
first vertical strut component	24a
second vertical strut component	24b
adjuster strut base	24c
horizontal face	24d
vertical face	24e
lateral adjust apertures	24f
right fine adjuster strut	24g
vertical adjustment bolt	25
vertical adjustment locknut	26
cranking handle	27
left table elevation lever	28
left handle attachment end	28a
right handle attachment end	28b
right table elevation lever	28c
outer left bracket member	29
inner left bracket member	29a
inner right bracket member	29b
outer right bracket member	29c
left lower positioning assembly bracket	29d
right lower positioning assembly bracket	29e
height mounting first strut	30
height mounting second strut	30a
bolt	30b
height quick adjust block mounting bracket	30c
partially threaded pins	31
lock washer	31a
first strut aperture	31b
spacer	31c
height adjuster central rod	32
second cap sealing washer	32a
second cap dust wiping washer	32b
first cap sealing washer	32d
first cap dust wiping washer	32e
height adjuster central rod first end	32f
height adjuster central rod second end	32g
adjuster strut pivoting fastener	33
second vertical strut component aperture	33a
pivoting fastener	33b
fastener	33c
first vertical strut component aperture	33d
pivoting fastener	33e
height adjuster first cap	34
first cap top	34b
height adjuster second cap	34c
second cap annular body	34d
second cap top	34e
first cap internally threaded aperture	34f
height adjuster annular section	35
height adjuster annular section second end	35a
height adjuster annular section first end	35b
height adjust block set handle	36
pad	36a
internally threaded top surface aperture	36b
height quick adjust block	37
height adjust quick block smooth bore aperture	37a
height adjust quick block smooth bore aperture	37b
left horizontal member	39
right horizontal member	39a
right horizontal member threaded aperture	39b
angled flange	39c
right adjuster strut	39d
left adjuster strut	40
table elevation assembly	41
front rail	42
front rail front face	42a
front rail screws	42b
second rear rail	43
first rear rail	43a
hinge assembly	44
work surface hinge components	44a
left horizontal member hinge components	44b
work surface connector first end	44c
work surface connector second end	44d
annular front rail first end	44e
annular front rail second end	44f
first rear rail first end	44g
first rear rail second end	44h
second rear rail first end	44i
second real rail second end	44j
pivoting fastener	45
pivoting fastener	45a
work surface connector	46
work surface connector first strut	46a
work surface connector second strut	46b
first connector end	46h
second connector end	46i
front rail spacer	47
spacer aperture	47a
first bar first tube	47c
first bar	47d
first bar second tube	47e
second lateral work surface extension	47f
first lateral work surface extension	47g
bar	47h
tube	47i
tube	47k
central rod snap rings	48
circumferential grooves	48a
adjuster strut bolts	49
adjuster strut nuts	49a
vertical adjust apertures	50
internally threaded hinge box aperture	51
internally threaded hinge box aperture	51b
first threaded pin	52
second threaded pin	52a
spacer	53
fasteners	55
horizontal member hinge pin	56
head	56a
face frame	57
hinge box	58
hinge box mounting plate	58a
angle adjuster universal block	58b
height adjuster universal block	59
height adjuster universal block first smooth bore	59a
height adjuster universal block second smooth bore	59b
joint block	59c
smooth bore aperture	59d
horizontal hinge pin snap ring	60
annular groove	60a
first work surface	61
second work surface	61a
first side panel	61e
second work surface assembly front panel	61f
second work surface assembly rear panel	61g
second work surface inner panel	61h
quick adjust block central bore	62
handle bar	64
control handle stem	65
control rod handle	65a
control	66
slotted brace	67
slotted brace bracket	67a
aperture	67b
aperture	67c
slotted brace bracket bolt	68
washer	68a
nut	68b
cutter	69
slotted brace knob	70
slotted brace washer	70a
first adjusting handle bracket	71
first adjusting handle longitudinal slot	71b
adjuster handle	72
handle portion	72a
curved face portion	72b
faceted face	72c
lever mounting brackets	72d
lever mounting bracket pin	73
insert adjusting rods	74
insert adjusting rod second end	74a
front rail perforations	74b
insert adjusting means	74c
insert adjusting rod first end	74d
stop	74e
groove	74f
work surface aperture	74g
adjusting rod compression springs	75
apertures	75a
aperture	75b
work surface perforations	75g
first work surface insert	76
second work surface insert	76a
vertical first work surface insert component	76b
first work surface insert horizontal component	76c
vertical component	76d
interior surface	76e
spring adjuster seat	76f
horizontal component	76g
spring adjuster	76i
hinge mounting bracket	76q
apertures	76t
rear face perforations	76u
cutter arm extension	77
stop arm threaded knob	78
rocker assembly stop arm	79
slide bracket slot	79a
stop arm retention washer	79b
stop angle adjust assembly	79c
stop arm aperture	79c
cut out	79c
work surface connector stops	80
slide bracket	81
retention flanges	81a
rocker handle	82
rails	84
first rail lower component	84a
first rail upper component	84b
first rail lower component lip	84c
first rail upper component lip	84d
distal end	84e
second rail lower component	84e
proximal end	84f
second rail lower component lip	84f
second rail upper component	84g
transverse rail support	84g
second rail upper component lip	84h
rocker bracket	85
rocker bracket first flange	85a
rocker bracket second flange	85b
threaded sleeve	87
rod	88
bearing enclosure	89
cutter arm	90
cutter arm setscrew	90a
collar positioning tabs	91
collar positioning set screws	91a
collar positioning tab openings	91b
collar positioning tab first aperture	91e
collar positioning tab second aperture	91f
cutter arm lock shoe	92
brake	92a
shoe setting cap handle	93
central rod knob	94
shoe setting cap	95
internally threaded shoe setting cap aperture	95a
shoe setting cap first end	95b
shoe setting cap second end	95c
shoe setting cap central bore	95d
plate	96
plate set screw	96a
plate set screw aperture	96b
drive belt	97
first pulley	98
arm rotating lever	99
motor mount	100
belt drive motor	101
motor mount annular shaft	101a
plate annular aperture	101b
shoe setting spring	102
cutter arm lock central rod	103
cutter arm lock central rod first end	103a
cutter arm lock central rod second end	103b
cutter arm lock shoe neck	104
shoe setting neck aperture	104a
central rod stop	105
shoe setting cap tube	106
shoe setting tube snap ring grooves	106a
cutter arm lock	107
rotational positioning means	107a
axle	108
axle first end	108a
axle second end	108b
second pulley	109
annular flange	109a
arbor	109b
washer	110
nut	111
external treads	112
elevation and chop cut carriage	112a
carriage struts	112c
carriage upper platform base	112d
carriage upper platform second sidewall	112f
bearings sets	113
central apertures	113a
collar	114
collar first leg	114a
collar second leg	114b
transverse collar section	114c
collar first bore	114d
collar second bore	114e
circular collar second bore	114e
transverse collar section aperture	114f
transverse collar section first end	114g
transverse collar section second end	114h
shoe setting tube snap rings	115
clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores	116
shoe setting means	116a
carriage lock housing	117
carriage central handle	118
handle rod	119
control handle sleeve	120
catch means	120a
first catch	121
offset catch cam	121a
catch handle	121b
first catch pin	121c
first pin annular groove	121d
first catch pin snap ring	121e
first catch aperture	121f
leaf spring	121g
second catch spacer	121h
leaf spring bolt	121i
leaf spring nut	121j
first catch pin head	121k
half moon tabs	121l
leaf spring aperture	121m
first catch curved face	121n
first catch tooth	121o
second catch pin	121p
third catch spacer	121r
offset catch cam aperture	121s
first catch pin snap ring	121t
first catch spacer	121u
retaining flange	121v
annular groove	121w
handle rod set	122
pin	123
control rod	124
control rod tab	124a
second control rod end	124b
first control rod end	124c
chop cut activating hinge	126
chop cut activating hinge pin	126a
chop cut activating hinge slot	126b
lower platform first support	126c
lower platform second support	126d
lower platform first support first end	126e
lower platform first support second end	126f
first platform first support mounting flange	126g
second platform support first end	126h
second platform support second end	126i
second platform support mounting flange	126j
lower carriage platform first end	126j
carriage roller platform second end	126k
struts	127a
struts	127a
sleeves	127b
upper aperture	127c
carriage upper platform	128
pin	128a
carriage upper platform first sidewall	128e
sidewall	128e
head	128f
snap ring	128g
annular groove	128h
second catch	129
second catch curved face	129a
second catch tooth	129b
serrated arm	130
serration	130a
serrated arm tension spring	131
cam lobe axle handle	132
cam lobe axle	132a
control rod stop	133
offset cam	133a
cam sleeve	134
carriage locking offset cam lobe	135
cam sleeve slot	136
cam lobe slot	136a
carriage lower platform	137
carriage lower platform first sidewall	137a
carriage lower platform base	137c
carriage lower platform second side wall	137d
catch opening	137e
spring attachment bracket	137f
base hinge	138
horizontal base hinge component	138a
base hinge pin	139
carriage elevation locking assembly	139b
offset cam lobe	140
carriage elevation locking shoe	141
elongated tabs	141a
offset cam bracket	141b
first offset cam support	142
apertures	142a
second offset cam support	142c
serrated arm catch	143
catch	143c
tension spring	144
vertical base hinge component	145
carriage wheel	146
carriage wheel axle	146a
carriage wheel edge	146b
carriage wheel edge	146c
carriage lock wheels	146e
bearing	146f
rim	146g
stop plate hinge pin	148
carriage lock assembly	149
carriage lock cam housing	149a
first cam housing sidewall	149b
second cam housing sidewall	149c
cam housing top	149d
cam housing bottom	149e
first sidewall cam aperture	149f
second sidewall cam aperture	149g
cam housing bottom lip	149h
stop plate	150
snap ring	151
annular groove	151a
hinge lip	152
sleeve bracket	153
set screw	153a
carriage lock housing top	154a
carriage lock housing left sidewall	154c
carriage lock housing right side wall	154d
carriage lock housing front	154e
carriage lock housing back	154f
left rail front aperture	154g
left rail back aperture	154h
front rod aperture	154i
right rail front aperture	154j
right rail back aperture	154k
back rod aperture	154l
left front rail aperture	154m
first rail spacers	155
second rail spacers	155a
wheel mounting bracket	156
mounting plate	156a
fastener	158
fence	159
semicircular fence component	159a
straight edge component	159b
fence semicircular slot	159c
internally threaded aperture	159d
fence under lip	159e
second fence surface	159f
third fence surface	159g
extension arm	160
aperture	160a
rip fence and miter gauge	160b
fence position fixing means	160c
bridge set screw	164
fence pin	165
head	165a
externally threaded end	165b
bushing	166
bushing	167
internally threaded knob	168
vertical pin spring	169
mounting bracket bridge	170
base arm	171
base arm adjusting plate	171a
distal extension arm end	171b
proximal extension arm end	171c
washer	172
slot	172b
base arm threaded knob	173
arm pin	174
set screw	175
mounting bracket bolt	175a
adjustable base	176
semicircular slot	176a
adjustment plate set screw seats	176c
angle bracket	177
a vertical angle bracket component	177a
horizontal angle bracket component	177b
horizontal angel bracket internally threaded	177c
aperture
rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket	178
sliding bracket	178a
mounting bracket tabs	178b
slot	178c
first horizontal mounting bracket component	178d
second horizontal mounting bracket component	178e
vertical mounting bracket component	178f
pin plate	179
set screw assembly	179a
horizontal pin plate component	179b
vertical pin	179c
bridge pressure spring	182
pressure bushing	183
second horizontal mounting bracket internally threaded aperture	183a
aperture	183b
fence component circular pressure bushing seats	185
spring washer	186
washer	187
nut	188
first spring base washer	189a
second spring base washer	189b
motor mounting plate	190
motor mounting plate setscrew	190a
gear case nipple	193
secondary shaft first bearing	194
secondary shaft second bearing	194a
gear case bearing seats	194b
gear case bore	194c
gear case bore	194d
primary shaft	195
clutch plate alignment pin	195a
longitudinal primary shaft slot	195b
primary shaft slot	195b
second key	195c
cutter drive assembly	195d
primary shaft first end	195e
primary shaft second end	195f
positioning rod	195g
cover plate	196
clutch access opening	196a
bolt	197a
bolt	197b
motor mounting plate bolts	198
clutch and primary shaft enclosure	199
clutch enclosure bearing seats	199a
motor	200
clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end	201
motor mounting plate central aperture	201a
mounting corresponding bracket	201b
first annular sleeve	202
first annular sleeve slot	202a
primary shaft first bearing	203
primary shaft second bearing	203a
first clutch plate setscrew	204
second annular sleeve aperture	204a
first annular sleeve aperture	204b
second clutch plate setscrew	204c
second beveled gear	205
secondary shaft	206
secondary shaft first end	206b
secondary shaft second end	206c
routing chuck	207
straight router bit	207a
cove bit	207c
motor shaft	208
cutter drive shaft spring	209
first beveled gear	210
bearing with lubricant seal	210a
first clutch plate	211
first clutch disk	211a
first clutch disk central opening	211d
second clutch plate	212
clutch plate friction inducing surface	212a
second clutch disk	212b
second clutch disk central opening	212e
second clutch disk supports	213a
second annular sleeve	215
second annular sleeve slot	215a
second annular sleeve internal stop	215b
first annular sleeve internal stop	215c
longitudinal motor shaft slot	216
first key	216a
first clutch plate supports	216b
gear case	217
gear case neck	217a
internal threads	217b
clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end	217c
height adjuster universal mounting bracket	240
angle block partially threaded pin	240a
angle block partially threaded pin	240b
angle strut internally threaded apertures	240c
angle block mounting bracket first strut	240d
angle adjuster universal block mounting plate	240e
angle block mounting bracket second strut	240f
angle adjuster mount	241b
cutter stabilization clamp	245
arm clamp	246
jaw hooking end	246a
jaw adjusting end	246b
clamping jaw	246c
clamping arm hinge pin	246d
cutter arm anvil	246e
arm clamp shaft	246f
clamping bracket adjusting handle	246h
hinge flanges	246i
arm clamp shaft first end	246j
arm clamp shaft second end	246k
arm clamping bracket	246l
cutter arm anvil first end	246m
cutter arm anvil second end	246n
jaw adjusting internally threaded aperture	246q
arm clamp base	247
arm clamp base internally threaded aperture	247a
arm clamp base locking handle	247b
arm clamp base locking handle externally threaded end	247c
table clamp	248
adjusting block	248a
adjusting block internally threaded aperture	248b
clamping base	248c
clamping base first end	248d
adjusting tab smooth bore	248e
smooth bore aperture	248e
hooking lip	248f
adjusting tab	248g
adjustable hooking bracket	248h
clamping base second end	248i
fixed hooking bracket	248j
second clamping base end hinge	248k
adjuster handle	248l
adjusting block snap ring	248m
snap ring seat	248n
adjuster handle threaded end	248o
cutter arm assembly	249
work surface platform	250
cutter arm positioning assembly	251
work surface positioning assembly	252
mobile base frame	253
workstation base frame	253a
work station base first longitudinal member	253b
work station base first transverse rail support	253c
work station base second longitudinal member	253d
work station base transverse member	253e
work station base second transverse rail support	253f
first rail	253g
second rail	253h
mobile base assembly	254
cutter drive shaft assembly	255
shaft housing	256
carriage and control assembly	257
first work surface assembly	300
second work surface assembly	300a
first insert adjusting means	301
second insert adjusting means	301a
first work surface inner panel	302
first work surface inner panel first end	302a
first work surface inner panel second end	302b
first work surface rear panel	303
first work surface rear panel first end	303a
first work surface rear panel second end	303b
first work surface outer panel	304
first work surface front panel	305
first work surface front panel first end	305a
first work surface front panel second end	305b
first work surface top panel	306
top panel inner edge	306c
top panel ledge	306d
height adjuster frame	307
first work surface outer panel first aperture	307
first work surface outer panel second aperture	308
first work surface inner panel first aperture	309
first work surface inner panel second aperture	310
first work surface top panel ledge	311
height quick adjust block top surface	325

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Turning first to FIG. 1A, the relationship of the various components of the cutting workstation are seen. The cutting work station is composed primarily of metal. FIG. 1B illustrates the mobile base assembly which allows the cutting workstation to be mounted thereon. FIG. 1C illustrates leg assembly 13. Leg assembly 13 is composed of axial component 13 b, vertical leg struts 13 e, which are connected in turn to base leg component 13 g. The ends of base leg component 13 g end in friction feet 10. Leg assembly 13 is pivotally mounted to second leg mounting strut 17 and first leg mounting strut 17 a. Second leg mounting strut 17 exhibits second leg mounting plate 13 d, which further exhibit second leg mounting plate detent 13 f. Similarly, first leg mounting strut 17 a exhibits first leg mounting plate 13 a which also in turn exhibits first leg mounting plate detent 13 c. The ends of axial component 13 b are disposed within the second leg mounting plate detent 13 f and the first leg mounting plate detent 13 c allowing the entire leg assembly 13 to pivot there within. First leg mounting strut 17 a is mounted to upper frame second longitudinal member 19 d while second leg mounting strut 17 is mounted to upper frame first longitudinal member 19 c. FIG. 1D illustrates the cutter arm assembly 249 which carries the power source, power transmission means to the cutter and the cutter itself is contained. Cutter arm assembly 249 is mounted to cutter arm positioning assembly 251 which is illustrated in FIG. 1G. Cutter arm positioning assembly 251 allows the cutter arm assembly 249 to be raised, lowered, moved forward and rearward, and moved in a chopping action. Cutter arm positioning assembly 251 along with cutter arm assembly 249 is mounted to workstation base frame 253 a which is illustrated in FIG. 1H. The cutter arm positioning assembly 251 is moved forward and rearward, along the workstation base frame 253 a. FIG. 1F illustrates worksurface positioning assembly 252 which is adjustably mounted to the workstation base frame 253 a. Work surface platform 250 is adjustably mounted to the worksurface positioning assembly 252. The worksurface positioning assembly 252 allows the work surface platform 250 to be raised and lowered relative to the cutter arm assembly 249. The work surface platform 250 is itself adjustable to any number of angles, in conjunction with the worksurface positioning assembly 252 and in relation to the cutter arm assembly 250.
Turning now to the components of cutter arm assembly 250. As shown in FIG. 28A, the motor 200 is mounted actually with the shaft housing 256. The motor mounting plate 190 is fixed to the motor 200 by means of a plurality of motor mounting plate bolts 198. FIG. 28B shows the motor mounting plate 190 having a motor mounting plate central aperture 201 a into which the externally threaded clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end 201 is disposed. Once disposed, the clutch and primary shaft enclosure first end is secured by means of motor mounting plate set screw 190 a. The opposing end of the cutter arm, the clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end 217 c is internally threaded. The externally threaded gear case neck 217 a is disposed within the internally threaded clutch and primary shaft enclosure second end 217 c. The gear case 217 is equipped with a gear case nipple 193 for lubrication purposes. FIG. 28A further shows the motor shaft 208 dispose through the center of the motor mounting plate 190, extending into the center of shaft housing 256. FIG. 28C illustrates the relationship between the first clutch plate 211 and the second clutch plate 212. The first annular sleeve 202 is attached to the first clutch disk 211 a. This attachment is strengthened by a plurality of triangular first clutch plate supports 216 b mounted at pre-determined intervals around the first annular sleeve. The first annular sleeve 202 exhibits the first annular sleeve slot 202 a. The motor shaft 208 is disposed within the first annular sleeve. The motor shaft 208 exhibits a corresponding longitudinal motor shaft slot 216 first key 216 a is of such dimensions that it may be simultaneously disposed within first annular sleeve slot 202 a and longitudinal motor shaft slot 216, thereby locking motor shaft 208 and first annular sleeve 202 in rotation. First key 216 a is secured with first clutch plate set screw 204 b. Clutch plate alignment pin 195 a is inserted through first clutch disk central opening 211 d until it comes into contact with the first annular sleeve internal stop 215 c. This allows a pre-determined length of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a to protrude from first clutch disk central opening 211 d. Second clutch plate 212 is attached to second annular sleeve, and again is strengthened with the plurality of second clutch disk supports 213 a and a configuration substantially similar to that scene with the first clutch plate 211. The clutch plate alignment pin 195 a is disposed through the second clutch disk central opening 212 e and extends into the second annular sleeve and will rest against any second annular sleeve internal stop 215 b. When the motor shaft 208 is in its fixed position within the first annular sleeve 202, the distance between the end of the motor shaft 208 and the first annular sleeve internal stop 215 c is somewhat longer than the length of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a. This will allow the first clutch disk 211 a and the second clutch disk 212 b with its clutch plate friction inducing surface 212 a will allow full contact with one another. Cutter drive shaft spring 209 is disposed within the second annular sleeve on the side of the second annular sleeve internal stop 215 b opposed to the location of the clutch plate alignment pin 195 a. The end of primary shaft 195 is narrowed to form a positioning rod 195 g which is disposed a short distance within cutter drive shaft spring 209. Longitudinal primary shaft slot 195 b in primary shaft 195 receives second key 195 c which is also received within second annular sleeve slot 215 a. Second key 195 c is secured by second clutch plate set screw 204 a and prevents the primary shaft 195 from rotating within the second annular sleeve. This configuration allows lateral movement of the second annular sleeve 215, along the primary shaft thereby allowing cutter drive shaft spring 209 to exert a force against second clutch plate 212, which in turn allows pressure to be exerted against first clutch plate 211. Primary shaft first bearing 203 is pressed onto primary shaft 195. Turning again to FIG. 28A, it is seen that when the primary shaft 195 is disposed within clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199, primary shaft first bearing 203 is pressed into and rests in clutch enclosure bearing seats 199 a. The primary shaft 195 extends along and within the clutch and primary shaft enclosure through gear case neck 217 a and into gear case 217. A primary shaft second bearing 203 a is pressed onto primary shaft 195 in such a position and it is pressed into and seats into another clutch enclosure bearing seat 199 a. The first beveled gear 210 is mounted on the end of primary shaft 195 that extends within gear case 217. A secondary shaft 206 is disposed within the gear case 217 at right angles to the axis of the primary shaft 195. A secondary shaft first bearing 194 is pressed onto the end of secondary shaft 206. Secondary shaft first bearing 194 is then pressed into and rests within one of the gear case bearing seat 194 b. The second beveled gear 205 is mounted on the secondary shaft in such a position as to communicate with first beveled gear 210 at the end of primary shaft 195. A secondary shaft second bearing 194 a is pressed onto secondary shaft 206 and extends through gear case 217 terminating at arbor 109 b. The arbor 109 b then receives the cutter 69, which is secured by a nut. Clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 has a clutch access opening 196 a covered by cover plate 196. The clutch and primary shaft enclosure has two internally threaded apertures corresponding to two apertures in cover plate 196 and is held in place by bolts. It will be noted that cutter drive assembly 195 d, shaft housing 256, and clutch acess opening 196 a are respectively and separately shown in FIG. 28D, FIG. 28E and FIG. 28F.
An alternative embodiment of the machine capable of routing and shaping is illustrated in FIG. 29A. This illustrates secondary shaft 206 equipped with routing chuck 207. Mounted in routing chuck 207 is straight router bit 207 a. As the work piece is moved past straight router bit 207 a, a milling operation is produced on work piece W. Although straight router bit 207 a is illustrated, router or shaper bits and other configurations may be utilized such as cove bit 207 c. FIG. 29C illustrates a configuration where the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 is rotating allowing production of an angled groove in work piece W. Returning to FIG. 29A, cutter stabilization clamp 245 is seen in place. Cutter stabilization clamp 245 mutually communicates with clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 and first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a. FIG. 29B shows the major components of the cutter stabilization clamp. The major components being arm clamp 246 which communicates with clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199, table clamp 248, which communicates with first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a. Arm clamp 246 is composed of clamping jaw 246 c and cutter arm anvil 246 e. Clamping jaw 246 c exhibits jaw hooking end 246 a and jaw adjusting end 246 b. Jaw hooking end 246 a substantially conforms to the shape of the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199. The jaw adjusting end 246 b contains jaw adjusting internally threaded aperture 246 q through which the clamping bracket adjusting handle 246 h is disposed. The clamping jaw 246 c hingeably communicates with cutter arm anvil 246 e by means of clamping arm hinge pin 246 d inserted through apertures in a pair of hinge flanges 246 i and through a corresponding aperture in cutter arm anvil 246 e. Cutter arm anvil 246 e is mounted to arm clamp shaft 246 f. Arm clamp shaft 246 f is inserted into arm clamp base 247 and is adjustable in an upward and downward direction. The arm clamp base is fixed in place by arm clamp base locking handle 247 b which is disposed within arm clamp base internally threaded aperture 247 a. Arm clamp base 247 is mounted to clamping base 248 c of table clamp 248. Clamping base 248 c exhibits clamping base first end 248 d and clamping base second end 248 i. Clamping base first end 248 d exhibits a fixed hooking bracket 248 j. The fixed hooking bracket 248 j hooks over and under the first work surface 61. The clamping base second end 248 i communicates through second clamping base end hinge 248 k with adjustable hooking bracket 248 h. Adjustable hooking bracket 248 h exhibits adjusting tab 248 g which contains adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e. Adjuster handle 2481 exhibits adjuster handle threaded end 248 o. Adjuster handle threaded end 248 o is inserted through adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e and is threaded into adjusting block internally threaded aperture 248 b in adjusting block 248 a. Adjusting block 248 a is mounted to clamping base 248 c. After insertion through adjusting tab smooth bore 248 e, adjusting block snap ring 248 m is mounted within the snap ring seat 248 n on adjuster handle 248 l. Adjusting block snap ring 248 m now rests between adjusting tab 248 g and adjusting block 248 a. When adjuster handle 2481 is rotated out of adjusting block 248 a, adjusting block snap ring 248 m engage adjusting tab 248 g causing adjustable hooking bracket 248 h to move and clamp over second work surface 61 a whereby clamping the cutter stabilization clamp to the work surfaces. Arm clamp shaft 246 f is then adjusted to the proper height such that clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 is cradled in the cutter arm anvil 246 e. When clamping bracket adjusting handle 246 h is rotated, the threaded end that comes into contact with the arm clamp shaft causing the clamping jaw to clamp the clutch and primary shaft enclosure 199 between itself and the cutter arm anvil 246 e. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the relative position of the work surface platform 250 and cutter 69 when the work surface positioning assembly is extended as in FIG. 2A and contracted as in FIG. 2B. As seen in FIG. 2A, the first work surface 61 is attached to the left horizontal member 39 to a hinge assembly 44. Hinge assembly 44 is composed of a series of work surface hinge components 44 a, which communicate with a series of left horizontal member hinge components 44 b by means of a horizontal member hinge pin 56 extending through the hinge components and held in place by horizontal hinge pin snap ring 60. Left horizontal member 39 is pivotally attached to left adjuster strut. While left horizontal member 39 is again pivotally attached to the left table elevation lever 28. Left adjuster strut 40 is attached to outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a. The left table elevation lever 28 is similarly pivotally attached to outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a. The left table elevation lever 28 extends below and between the outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a and is curved toward and extends beyond the front of the work surface positioning assembly 252 and terminates at left handle attachment end 28 a. As shown in FIG. 8, the left handle attachment end 28 a of the left table elevation lever 28 is attached to handle bar 64, which extends horizontally to the right side of the work surface positioning assembly 252 and attaches to right handle attachment end 28 b of the corresponding right table elevation lever 28 c. Also shown in FIG. 8, the right table elevation lever 28 c extends between and is pivotally attached to the inner right bracket member 29 b and outer right bracket member 29 c. The right table elevation lever 28 c then extends upward to be attached to the right horizontal member 39 a. The right horizontal member 39 a communicates with right adjuster strut 39 d, which in turn communicates and is pivotally mounted between the inner right bracket member 29 b and the outer right bracket member 29 c. FIG. 2B further shows left fine adjuster strut 24 which communicates with the outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a. FIG. 3 illustrates the left fine adjuster strut 24. A first vertical strut component 24 a and a second vertical strut component 24 b extend upward from adjuster strut base 24 c. Left adjuster strut 40, which is mounted between outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a is also mounted between first vertical strut component 24 a and second vertical strut component 24 b. Adjuster strut pivoting fastener 33 is inserted through second vertical strut component aperture 33 a, then through outer left bracket member 29, through left adjuster strut 40, through inner left bracket member 29 a and finally through first vertical strut component aperture 33 d. First vertical strut component 24 a and second vertical strut component 24 b are mounted to the horizontal face 24 d of adjuster strut base 24 c. The vertical face 24 e of adjuster strut base 24 c contain a plurality of lateral adjust apertures 24 f, which correspond to base support circular apertures 20 a. Adjuster strip bolts 49 inserted through lateral adjust apertures 24 f, through base support circular apertures 20 a and are fixed in a position utilizing adjuster strip nuts 49 a. Due to the oblong nature of lateral adjust apertures 24 f, the left fine adjuster strut 24 may be moved laterally along base support 20 allowing the lateral strut adjustment and allowing adjustment of the work surface positioning assembly 252 as a whole. Horizontal face 24 d also contains internally threaded vertical adjust apertures. Externally threaded vertical adjustment bolts 25 are inserted through vertical adjustment lock nuts 26 and then through vertical adjust apertures 50. Vertical adjustment bolt 25 then makes contact with base support 20 by turning the vertical adjustment bolt 25 against base support 20, vertical adjustment of the left fine adjuster strut 24 is accomplished. After vertical adjustment is accomplished, vertical adjust lock nut 26 is tightened against horizontal face 24 whereby holding vertical adjustment bolt 25 in place.
FIG. 9B illustrates the position of work surface height adjuster 11 in relation to the height adjuster frame 307. FIG. 9C illustrates the position of the work surface angle adjuster 9 also in relations to height adjuster frame 307. FIG. 9A shows the work surface angel adjuster 9 operating on the worksurface surface platform 250.
Left fine adjuster strut 24 is mounted to base support 20 extending across the work station base frame 253 a. The right fine adjuster strut 24 g is constructed similar to the left fine adjuster strut 24 and communicates a similar fashion with base support 20 and the outer right bracket member 29 c and the inner right bracket member 29 b. FIG. 8 shows the face frame 57, which is part of the work station base frame 253 a. The face frame 57 communicates and is permanently mounted to both the inner right bracket member 29 b and the inner left bracket member 29 a and the inner right bracket member 29 b and the outer right bracket member 29 c. Also shown in FIG. 8 is the face frame 57, the upper left corner of which is truncated to allow the work surface positioning assembly 250 to tilt as is illustrated in FIG. 8. Returning to FIG. 2B, it can been seen when handle bar 64 is raised, the table elevation assembly 41 collapses and the work surface positioning assembly 250 is lowered, allowing the left horizontal member 39 and the corresponding right horizontal member 39 a to rest on outer left bracket member 29 and inner left bracket member 29 a and rest on inner right bracket member 29 b and outer right bracket member 29 c as seen in FIG. 2A. Conversely, when the handle bar 64 is fully lowered, the work surface positioning assembly 250 is at its maximum height. FIG. 2B also shows the work surface height adjuster 11 which is attached to face frame 57. Turning now to FIG. 7, it is seen that work surface height adjuster 11 is attached to face frame 57 by means of height mounting first strut 30 and height mounting second strut 30 a. FIG. 5 shows the work surface height adjuster 11 in detail. A height adjuster central rod 32 exhibits two circumferential grooves 48 a at the height adjuster central rod first end 32 f. FIG. 6A shows the height adjuster universal block 59 equipped with a bore through which height adjuster central rod 32 is inserted. The height adjuster universal block is positioned on height adjuster central rod 32 between circumferential grooves 48 a and central rod snap rings 48 are inserted into the circumferential grooves 48 a fixing the position of height adjuster universal block 59 on height adjuster central rod 32. Turning now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the height adjuster universal block 59 is pivotally mounted within hinge box 58. Hinge box 58 is attached to the left horizontal member 39. This provides the work surface height adjuster with its attachment to the work surface platform 250. Returning to FIG. 5, it is seen that height adjuster central rod 32 is disposed through height adjuster first cap 34, first cap sealing washer 32 d and first cap dust wiping washer 32 e. The central rod is then disposed through height adjuster annular section 35 which has a height adjuster annular section first end 35 b and a height adjuster annular section second end 35 a, both of which are externally threaded. The internally threaded height adjuster first cap is then exposed over the height adjuster annular section first end 35 b securing first cap sealing washer 32 d and first cap dust wiping washer 32 e. The externally threaded height adjuster annular section second end 35 a is then disposed within height adjuster second cap wherein second cap ceiling washer 32 a and second cap dust wiping washer 32 b are retained. Turning again to FIG. 7, it shows height adjuster annular section 35 in place through height quick adjust block 37. FIG. 7 also shows a view of height adjuster first cap 34 with first cap internally threaded aperture 34 f. The threads of the first cap internally threaded aperture 34 f communicate with external threads of height adjuster central rod second end 32 g. It is this communication, which allows fine adjusting movements of central rod 32. The externally threaded height adjuster central rod second end 32 g is attached to cranking handle 27. Returning now to FIG. 7, it further shows the height quick adjust block 37. The height quick adjust block 37 exhibits an internally threaded top surface aperture 36 b disposed within internally threaded top surface aperture 36 b is pad 36 a and externally threaded height adjust block set handle 36. The height adjust block set handle 36 may be deployed to secure height adjuster annular section 35 in a given position within height quick adjust block 37. Height quick adjust block 37 exhibits height quick adjust block smooth bore aperture 37 a and opposing height quick adjust block smooth bore aperture 37 b and are designed to receive partially threaded pins 31. Height mounting first strut 30 is attached to height quick adjust block 37 by the partially threaded pins 31 which are inserted through lock washer 31 a then through internally threaded first strut aperture 31 b. Height mounting second strut 30 a is attached to height quick adjust block in a similar fashion allowing the height quick adjust block to pivot between height mounting first strut 30 and height mounting second strut 30 a. FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment of the height adjuster central rod 32 to the left horizontal member 39 by the insertion of the height adjuster universal block 59 into hinge box 58 by aligning the internally threaded hinge box 51 and 51 b with the height adjuster universal block smooth bores 59 a and 59 b. The external threads of first threaded pin 52 and second threaded pin 52 a are disposed within the internally threaded hinge box apertures 51 and 51 b allowing the pins to engage the height adjuster universal block 59 less allowing the height adjuster universal block 59 to pivot within hinge box. Hinge box 58 is fixed by hinge box mounting plate 58 a which is fixed to the left horizontal member 39. Returning now to FIG. 2B, it can be seen that quick adjustment of the work surface platform is achieved by loosening height adjust block set handle 36 allowing height adjuster annular section 35 to slip within height quick adjust block 37. Upon achieving the approximate position, height adjust block set handle 36 is tightened. Further refinement of height may be achieved by rotating the height adjuster central rod 32 by turning cranking handle 27. FIG. 8 shows the work surface angle adjuster 9. It is constructed substantially similar to the work surface height adjuster 11. The work surface angle adjust is mounted to the right horizontal member 39 a. FIG. 6B illustrates the height adjuster universal mounting bracket 240. The angle adjuster universal block is substantially similar to the height adjuster universal block 59. The angle adjuster universal block 58 b is inserted between angle block mounting bracket first strut 240 d and angle block mounting bracket second strut 240 f and is secured by angle block partially threaded pin 240 a and angle block partially threaded pin 240 b. The pins are then inserted within angle strut internally threaded apertures 240 c allowing angle adjuster universal block 58 b to pivot therein. Returning to FIG. 8, it illustrates the work surface angle adjuster being attached to the angle adjuster mount 241 b which is in turn attached to the right horizontal member 39 a.
Now turning to FIG. 10, which shows the mechanism quickly adjusting the work surface to predetermined angles. Work surface connector 46 exhibits a plurality of work surface connector stops 80 positioned partially around exterior surface. FIG. 15B best illustrates the relationship of the work surface connector 46 to the first work surface 61 and the second work surface 61 a. The work surface connector 46 is attached to first side panel 61 e of the first work surface 61 and the left side panel 61 h of the second work surface 61 a. Now returning to FIG. 10, it is seen that work surface connector stops 80 are positioned such that when engaged by rocker assembly stop arm 79, the work surfaces are fixed at certain predetermined angles such as 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, 67.5 degrees, etc. Rocker assembly stop arm 79 is inserted through slide bracket 81. FIG. 11 shows that slide bracket 81 contains slide bracket slot 79 a which exhibits overhanging retention flanges 81 a, which capture the rocker assembly stop arm. The rocker assembly stop arm 79 contains a stop arm aperture 79 c through which stop arm threaded knob 78 passes. Internally threaded stop arm retention washer 79 b rests below rocker assembly stop arm 79. When stop arm threaded knob 78 is tightened, the stop arm retention washer 79 b is drawn tight against the rocker assembly stop arm which in turn is drawn tight against the retention flanges thereby locking the rocker assembly stop arm 79 in place. By adjusting the position of the rocker assembly stop arm 79 within slide bracket 81, small variances in the angle of the work surfaces can be achieved and the angle of the work surface can best be calibrated to predetermined angles. Returning to FIG. 10, it is seen that slide bracket 81 is mounted to rod 88. Rocker bracket 85, which is mounted to the right horizontal member 39 a, contains two corresponding flanges, rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b. Rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b contain two corresponding apertures through which rod 88 extends. Rod 88 rotates freely within those apertures. Slide bracket 81 is mounted on that portion of rod 88 resting within rocker bracket 85. Right horizontal member 39 a exhibits a cutout 79 c allowing the rocker assembly stop arm to assume a proper position in relation to the work surface connector stop 80. Externally threaded sleeve 87 is received within right horizontal member threaded aperture 39 b in addition to being held within the corresponding apertures of the rocker bracket first flange 85 a and rocker bracket second flange 85 b, rod 88 is mounted within threaded sleeve 87 allowing free rotation. Rocker handle 82 attached to rod 88 allows rotation of rod 88 and consequent movement of the rocker assembly stop arm toward or away from work surface connector stops 80. The threaded sleeve 87 extends through angled flange 39 c and through slotted brace 67. Slotted brace washer 70 a is placed over threaded sleeve 87 and slotted brace knob 70 is mounted thereon. When slotted brace knob 70 is tightened, it secures slotted brace 67 in position. Slotted brace 67 is pivotally attached to slotted brace bracket 67 a. Slotted brace bracket 67 a is mounted to front rail 42. Front rail 42 is, in turn, mounted to the second work surface 61 a at the second work surface assembly front panel 61 f. The ability to secure slotted brace 67 by means of slotted brace knob 70 allows the work surface to be positioned between predetermined angles established by the work surface connector stops 80. FIG. 12 illustrates the relationship between the first work surface assembly 300, the cutter 69, and the second work surface assembly 300 a. Within the first work surface assembly 300 is first work surface 61. Similarly within the second work surface assembly 300 a is second work surface 61 a. First work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a are separated by a space, the width of which is modifiable by the activation of the first inserted adjusting means 301 and the second inserted adjusting means 301 a. When the inserted adjusting means are activated, the distance between the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a is either narrowed or expanded. The cutter 69 mounted to the cutter arm 90 rides on the cutter arm positioning assembly 251 forward and between the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a thereby performing a cross cut on the work piece. Further, the cutter arm positioning assembly 251 may be locked in any position, completely rearward, completely forward or any variation inbetween. At any fixed position, a chop cut can be performed or a rip cut can be performed by moving the work piece into the cutter. In addition, if the shape of the piece to be milled warrants, the cut can be initiated in a chop cut fashion cutting through or to any desired depth and then the cut may be transformed into the cross cut or rip cut. FIG. 13 illustrates the cutter arm lock 107. Cutter arm 90 is capable of 360 degree rotation and contains a plurality of clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 around its circumference at predetermined positions. Central rod knob 94 is fixedly mounted to cutter arm lock central rod first end 103 a. Cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b extends through clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 thereby locking cutter arm 90 at a predetermined position which in turn determines the angle of the cutter 69. The travel of the cutter arm lock central rod 103 through the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 is limited by central rod stop 105. Positions and consequent angles between those established by the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 are achieved by the use of the brake 92 a of the cutter arm lock shoe 92. The brake 92 a having a concave face which communicates with the convex exterior of cutter arm 90. Cutter arm lock shoe 92 exhibits an externally threaded cutter arm lock shoe neck 104. Cutter arm lock central rod 103 extends through shoe setting neck aperture 104 a which itself extends through brake 92 a. The shoe setting neck aperture 104 a is large enough to accommodate central rod stop 105 as well as shoe setting spring 102 which when in position over the cutter arm lock central rod 103 and within cutter arm lock shoe 92, rests against central rod stop 105. The shoe setting cap 95 exhibits an internally threaded shoe setting cap aperture and also large enough to accommodate shoe setting spring 102. The shoe setting cap exhibits a shoe setting cap first end 95 b and a shoe setting cap second end 95 c. Shoe setting cap first end 95 b exhibits a shoe setting cap central bore 95 d. Shoe setting cap tube 106 is disposed over shoe setting cap central bore 95 d. Shoe setting cap tube 106 exhibits shoe setting tube snap ring grooves 106 a designed to receive shoe setting tube snap rings 115. The cutter arm lock central rod extends through shoe setting cap tube 106. Shoe setting cap handle 93 is mounted to shoe setting cap tube 106 and operates to rotate shoe setting cap 95 allowing it to be disposed over the cutter arm lock shoe neck 104. This compresses shoe setting spring 102 between shoe setting cap 95 and central rod stop 105. When central rod knob 94 is pulled, cutter arm lock central rod 103 is withdrawn from the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116 releasing the cutter arm 90 and allowing the rotation. If the cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b is outside an aperture and riding on the surface of cutter arm 90, shoe setting spring 102 exerts pressure on central rod stop 105 which transmits the pressure to the cutter arm lock central rod 103 such that when the cutter arm lock central rod second end 103 b encounters a succeeding clutch and primary shaft enclosures smooth bores 116, cutter arm lock central rod 103 is automatically seated. FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the cutter arm assembly 249 as well as the cutter arm lock 107. Turning first to the cutter arm lock mechanism 107, it is seen that collar 114 is composed of a collar first leg 114 a, collar second leg 114 b, and a transverse collar section 114 joining the two legs. Collar first leg 114 a exhibits collar first bore 114 d, while collar second leg exhibits collar second bore 114 e. Cutter arm 90 is disposed through collar first bore 114 d and collar second bore 114 e. The transverse collar section 114 c also exhibits central angular transverse collar section aperture 114 f through which shoe setting cap tube 106 is disposed. Shoe setting cap tube 106 is held in position by shoe setting tube snap rings 115. When the cutter arm lock 107 is rotated clockwise onto the cutter arm lock shoe neck 104, it causes cutter arm lock shoe 92 to pull away from cutter arm 90. This allows the cutter arm to be repositioned. When the cutter arm lock 107 is rotated counter clockwise, cutter arm lock shoe 92 and brake 92 a, frictionally engages cutter arm 90 allowing cutter arm to be positioned at any angle in addition to the angle predetermined by the location of clutch and primary shaft enclosures smooth bores 116. Collar positioning tabs 91 respectively contain collar positioning tab openings 91 b through which collar positioning tab set screws 91 a attach collar positioning tabs 91 to cutter arm 90. The collar positioning tab openings are elongated and oriented toward opposing corner of the collar positioning tabs 91. This allows the position of the collar 114 to be adjusted to facilitate the seating of cutter arm lock central rod 103 within clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116.
Returning to the alternative embodiment of the cutter arm and cutter drive mechanism. Here, in contrast to the preferred embodiment, the motor 101 is mounted perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of cutter arm 90 on motor mount 100. Motor mount 100 also exhibits a motor mount annular shaft 101 a extending perpendicularly from the plane of motor mount 100. Mounted to cutter arm 90 is plate 96. Plate 96 contains a plate annular aperture 101 b within which motor mount annular shaft 101 a is disposed such that motor mount 100 may rotate. Plate set screw 96 a is disposed within plate set screw aperture 96 b and plate 96 such that the set screw communicates with motor mount annular shaft 101 a, hocking plate 96, and consequently cutter arm 90 in a fixed position. Belt drive motor 101 is attached to it. First pulley 98 that communicates with drive belt 97, which in turn communicates with the second pulley 109, located at bearing closure 89. Bearing closure 89 is to tubular in shape and mounted to cutter arm extension 77. Cutter arm extension 77 is tubular in nature and is disposed of within tubular cutter arm 90 and is held in a particular position by 90 a. Further cutter arm extension 77 may be rotated within cutter arm 90 allowing precise calibration of the angle of the cutter 69 in relation to the clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores 116. Bearing sets 113 are mounted at each end of tubular bearing and closure 89. Axle 108 is disposed through bearing sets 113 and disposed within bearing enclosure 89 and is mounted perpendicularly on and to cutter arm extension 77. Second pulley 109 is mounted to axle first end 108 a with arbor 109 b mounted to axles second end. FIG. 15D is a perspective view of portions of the first work surface assembly 300 and second work surface assembly 300 a. A portion of first work surface assembly 300 is designated as first work surface 61. Not only are we extending from first work surface 61 is first work surface front panel 305, the first work surface outer panel 304, first work surface rear panel 303, first work surface inner panel 302. In combination with first work surface top panel 306 creates a rectangular box-like configuration with an open bottom comprising the first work surface 61. On the interior edge of first work surface top panel 306, the first work surface front panel 305, the first work surface rear panel 303, the first work surface top panel 306, and the first work surface inner panel 302 are modified to form a top panel ledge 306 d. Turning now to FIG. 15A, it is seen that the first work surface insert 76, has first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c and a first work surface insert vertical component 76 b. In its retracted position, the first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c rests on the top panel ledge 306 d such that the first work surface 61 is flush with the first work surface insert horizontal component 76 c forming a contiguous plane. Further, in its retracted position, the first work surface insert vertical component 76 b rests flush with first work surface inner panel 302. The configuration of the second work surface assembly 300 a is substantially similar to that described above for the first work surface assembly 300. Turning now to FIG. 15B, it can be seen that the insert adjusting rods 74 communicate with the interior surface of the first work surface insert vertical component 76 b. The insert adjusting rods 74 extend through insert adjusting rod apertures 75 a in first work surface inner panel 302. The insert adjusting rod 74 are further disposed through adjusting rod compression springs 75 and thence through internally threaded spring adjuster seat 76 f, which form apertures in first work surface outer panel 304. Spring adjuster 76 i is then threaded into spring adjuster seat 76 f. FIG. 15C illustrates this relationship in a magnified view. This is repeated for both insert adjusting rods 74. The insert adjusting rods 74 has the exit through spring adjuster seat 76 f mutually communicate with first adjusting handle bracket 71. As can be seen in FIG. 15D, midway along first adjusting handle bracket 71 are two lever mounting brackets 72 d. Lever mounting bracket pin 73 extends through apertures in lever mounting brackets 72 d and the corresponding aperture in the adjuster handle 72 allowing adjuster handle 72 to pivot. Adjuster handle 72 has a curved face portion 72 b. An alternative embodiment of adjuster handle 72 would exhibit a facet face 72 c as can be clearly seen in FIG. 15B. Returning now to FIG. 15D, we see that when handle portion 72 a rests against the handle bracket, the work surface insert is fully extended. Resting at its maximum distance from the work surface. When handle portion 72 a is rotated away from the work surface, then the work piece support abuts the work surface. Returning to FIG. 15B, it can be seen that when adjuster handle 72 is rotated away from the first work surface 61 adjusting rod compression springs 75 are compressed between spring adjuster 76 i and the first work surface insert. This provides tension between the curved face portion 72 b of the adjuster handle 72 and the first work surface outer panel 304, allowing adjuster handle 72 to remain in the set position. Further assisting the adjuster handle to remain in set position, it is groove 74 f.
Thus, it can be seen that if both the first work surface insert 76 and the second work surface insert 76 a are fully extended, it provides the narrowest path for cutter 69 to traverse. If both work surface inserts are retracted, it provides the widest path for the cutter 69 allowing work pieces of regular dimensions to be partially positioned below the work surface and still be operated upon. FIG. 15A also shows front rail 42. Front rail 42 has a series of front rail perforations 74 b on front rail front face 42 a. Corresponding rear face perforations 76 u of a smaller diameter occur in the opposing face of front rail 42 allowing front rail screws 42 b to be inserted through front rail perforations 74 b, then through rear rail perforations 76 u, thence through spacer aperture 47 a, then into work surface aperture 74 g. In this way front rail 42 is mounted to the front panels of first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a. Front rail 42 extends across and beyond the width of the work surfaces. Now turning again to FIG. 15B, at the rear of first work surface 61 and second work surface 61 a, second rear rail 43 and first rear rail 43 a are respectively mounted in a similar fashion as front rail 42. However, first rear rail 43 a and second rear rail 43 are mounted such that the cutter 69 can pass between them. Further, it can be seen that second lateral work surface extension 47 f is comprised of first bar 47 d and first bar first tube 47 c and first bar second tube 47 e. First bar first tube 47 c is inserted within second rear rail 43 and first bar second tube is inserted in front rail 44 f. The first lateral work surface extension is similar constructed and mounted opposite to the second lateral work surface extension 47 f.
FIG. 15B also serves to illustrate the configuration of attachment of work surface connector 46. Work surface connector 46 contains four work surface connector perforations 75 g through which insert adjusting rods 74 pass. Work surface connector 46 is secured to the second work surface inner panel 61 h and first work surface outer panel 304. Work surface connector 46 exhibits work surface connector first strut 46 a and work surface connector second strut 46 b which extends to the rear walls of their respective work surfaces. Hinge mounting brackets 76 q is fixedly attached to the first work surface and extends parallel to first work surface outer panel until it meets work surface connector strut 46 a and is mounted thereto. Mounted to the hinge mounting brackets 76 q is hinge assembly 44 which consists of a plurality of hinges.
FIG. 16A shows the components of the cutter work station that allow the elevation of the cutter arm 90 and allows chop cutting and is consequently termed the elevation and chop cut carriage 112 a. Carriage lock housing 117 communicates with base hinge 138. Base hinge 138 exhibits horizontal base end component 138 a and vertical base hinge component 145. Both joined by base hinge pin 139. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, carriage lower platform 137 is composed of carriage lower platform base 137 c, carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d. Turning to FIG. 16B, first catch 121 is pivotally mounted to carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d, and extends below and through catch opening 137 e (visible on FIG. 16A) such that when carriage lower platform is horizontal, first catch 121 communicates and interlocks with second catch 129 mounted on carriage lock housing top 154 a (visible in FIG. 20B). When first catch 121 and second catch 129 interlock, cutter arm 90 is fixed in a horizontal position allowing cross cut and rip operations. The horizontal base hinge component 138 a is mounted to carriage lock housing and communication with tension spring 144, which in turn communicates with the carriage lock housing 117. Tension spring 144 operates on the rear edge of carriage lock housing 117 through its attachment with the horizontal base hinge component 138 a allowing the forward edge of the carriage lower platform to elevate. FIG. 18A illustrates the catch activating mechanism. First catch 121 exhibits first catch aperture 121 f. First catch pin 121 c extends through an aperture in carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and then through second catch spacer 121 h and out through a corresponding aperture and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d. First catch pin 121 c is held in position by the first catch pin head 121 k and first catch pin snap ring mounted outside carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d and seated in first pin annular groove 121 d. Leaf spring 121 g is mounted between half moon tabs 121 l, which protrude from carriage lower platform base 137 c. Leaf spring 121 g is held to the carriage lower platform base 137 c at leaf spring bolt 121 i. Pass through leaf spring aperture 121 m and a corresponding aperture in carriage bolt platform base 137 c and fixed with leaf spring nut 121 j. Leaf spring 121 g is mounted substantially in the center of the carriage lower platform base 137 c so it corresponds with the position of first catch 121 and communicates therewith. Leaf spring 121 g is also positioned to apply continuous pressure to catch 121. Turning now to FIG. 16B, it can be seen that second catch 129 is positioned in such matter that when carriage lower platform 137 is lowered toward the upper surface of carriage lock housing 117, the first catch curved face 121 n of first catch 121 contacts the second catch curved face 129 a of second catch 129 such that first catch 121 depresses leaf spring 121 g until first catch tooth 121 o of first catch 121 passes below second catch tooth 129 b of second catch 129. Leaf spring 121 g then presses on first catch 121 causing second catch tooth 129 b and first catch tooth 121 o to interlock. Returning to FIG. 18A, it can be seen that first catch 121 is released from its interlock position with second catch 129 by means of offset catch cam 121 a. Second catch pin 121 p extends through an aperture in carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a, then through third catch spacer 121 r, then through offset catch cam aperture 121 s, then through first catch spacer 121 u and out through a corresponding aperture and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d. Second catch pin 121 p is held in position in a similar fashion as first catch pin 121 c. However, second catch pin 121 p is fixed to offset catch cam 121 a. Further, second catch pin 121 p exhibits catch handle 121 b. When second catch pin 121 p is rotated, offset catch cam 121 a communicates with first catch 121 which in turn depresses leaf spring 121 g. First catch 121 is moved away from second catch 129 causing first catch tooth 121 o to disengage from second catch tooth allowing carriage lower platform 137 to rise.
Carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d exhibit a plurality of pivotally mounted carriage struts 112 c, which also pivotally communicating with and lending support to carriage upper platform 128. Turning now to FIG. 16A, it is seen that the serrated arm 130 extends downward and rearward between first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c. The serrated arm 130 communicates with serrated arm tension spring 131, which in turn communicates with the carriage lower platform base 137 c. When the serrated arm 130 is drawn rearward, carriage upper platform 128 pivots rearward on pivotally mounted carriage struts 112 c causing carriage upper platform 128 and consequently the cutter arm 90 to lower. At the same time the tension in the serrated arm tension spring 131 is increased. Turning now to FIG. 17, it is seen that the first offset cam support 142 and the second offset cam support 142 c are mounted to carriage lower platform first sidewal 137 a and carriage lower platform second sidewall 137 d, and extend upward and rearward. First offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c exhibit corresponding apertures, through cam lobe axle 132 a extends. Thus, cam lobe axle 132 a creates a pivotal mounting for offset cam lobe 140. Offset cam lobe 140 is fixedly attached to cam lobe axle 132 a and mounted between first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c. One end of cam lobe axle 132 a exhibits cam lobe axle handle 132. When cam lobe axle handle 132 is activated, offset cam lobe 140 rotates within first offset cam support 142 and second offset cam support 142 c. Each offset cam support exhibits an additional pair of corresponding apertures through which elongated tabs 141 a of carriage elevation locking shoe 141 extend allowing carriage elevation locking shoe 141 to be pivotally mounted between the offset cam supports. Serrated arm catch 143 is mounted between carriage lower platform first side wall 137 a and carriage lower platform second side wall 137 d. In this configuration, when cam lobe axle handle is activated, offset cam lobe 140 is rotated into contact with carriage elevation locking shoe 141 which in turn contacts serrated arm 130 forcing serrations 130 a to communicate with serrated arm catch 143. Friction between offset cam lobe 140, carriage elevation locking shoe 141 and the upper surface of the serrated arm 130 will assist offset cam lobe 140 to maintain its position. The pressure exerted by offset cam lobe 140 causes serrated arm catch 143 to remain in position between serrations 130 a, locking the carriage upper platform 128 in a temporarily fixed position thus counteracting the tension in serrated arm tension spring 131. Placing serrated arm catch 143 between the various serrations 130 a determines the height of carriage upper platform 128 and consequently the height of cutter arm 90.
FIG. 19A illustrates the carriage lock assembly 149 in its relationship to first rail 253 g. Further shown in 19A is the carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 disposed within carriage lock cam housing 149 a. FIG. 21 illustrates an end view of first rail 253 g. First rail 253 g has a first rail lower component 84 a and a first rail upper component 84 b and their parallel configuration. First rail lower component 84 a exhibits first rail lower component lip 84 c while first rail upper component 84 b exhibits first rail upper component lip 84 d. First rail lower component 84 a and first rail upper component 84 b exhibit a plurality of first real spacers 155, which appear periodically along the entire length of the rails and separate first rail lower component 84 a from first rail upper component 84 b. This separation is designed to allow the fall through of cutting dust, keeping the rails clear and smoothly operating. The rails are disposed at an inward angle relative to the carriage lock housing 117. FIG. 21 shows that carriage wheel 146 is disposed between the first rail lower component 84 a and the first rail upper component 84 b. The carriage wheels 146 are disposed at an inward angle relative to carriage lock housing 117, substantially the same as the angle at which the rails are disposed.
Carriage wheel 146 communicates with carriage wheel axle 146 a. Carriage wheel 146 rides on first rail lower component lip 84 c. The first rail upper component lip 84 d is angled towards carriage wheel 146 to such a degree that the extended lip rests above carriage wheel edge 146 c. this configuration is substantially similar for second rail 253 h. The component lips of the rails and their position above the carriage wheels rocks the plurality of carriage wheels in their position below the upper rail components and the lower rail components. Carriage wheel axle 146 is disposed within sleeve bracket 153 and communicates with wheel mounting bracket 156 and is attached to carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c. Two wheels are thus attached to carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c and two wheels are attached to carriage lock housing right side wall 154 d in a similar fashion. Turning to FIG. 20B, it can be seen that carriage lock housing 117 is substantially in the shape of rectangular box having carriage lock housing top 154 a, carriage lock housing left side wall 154 c, carriage lock housing right side wall 154 d, carriage lock housing front 154 e and carriage lock housing back 154 f. Carriage lock housing front 154 e contains three apertures. Left rail front aperture 154 g has a corresponding and opposed left rail back aperture 154 h. Right rail front aperture 154 a in carriage lock housing front also has a corresponding and opposed right rail back aperture 154 k. Four apertures allow first rail 253 g and second rail 253 h to pass through carriage lock housing 117. The first rail 253 g and second rail 253 h are disposed between work station base first transverse rail support 253 c and work station base second transverse rail support 253 f. The carriage lock housing with its plurality on internally mounted wheels is thus allowed to traverse the length of the rails. This allows the cutter arm positioning assembly to move to and fro. Carriage lock housing front 154 e also exhibits front rod aperture 154 i through which control rod 124 is disposed. It should be noted that in accordance with FIG. 20B, carriage lock cam housing 149 a is mounted to the interior of carriage lock housing front 154 e. Turning again to FIG. 19A, it is shown that carriage lock cam housing 149 a exhibits opposing side walls specifically first cam housing side wall 149 b and second cam housing side wall 149 c as well as opposing top and bottom, specifically cam housing top 149 d and cam housing bottom 149 e. At first cam housing side wall 149 b and second cam housing side wall 149 c contain corresponding apertures, first side wall cam aperture 149 f and second side wall cam aperture 149 g. FIG. 20 illustrates cam sleeve 134 that extends through first side wall cam aperture 149 f through carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 and then through second side wall cam aperture 149 g. Cam sleeve 134 rotates freely within the side wall apertures, however, it is fixed within the carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 a, so that cam sleeve cam 134 rotates in conjunction with carriage locking offset cam lobe 135. Cam sleeve 134 is annular in nature with the exception that a portion of the cam is removed along the axis resulting in cam sleeve slot 136 running the length of cam sleeve 134. Carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 also exhibits cam lobe slot 136 a corresponding to cam sleeve slot 136. Cam lobe slot 136 a is best visualized in FIG. 21. As seen in FIG. 16C, control rod 124 exhibits control rod tab 124 a. Control rod tab 124 a is configured such that its width and its height, or in other words, the maximum distance it extends from control rod 124 allows it to freely slide within cam sleeve slot 136 and cam lobe slot 136 a. Then control rod 124 is drawn forward, such that control rod tab 124 a is disposed within cam sleeve slot 136, when control rod 124 is rotated, control rod tab 124 a communicates with and in turn rotates cam sleeve 134 which in turn will rotate carriage locking offset cam lobe 135. Returning to FIG. 19A, it will be seen that cam housing bottom 149 e is extended to form hinge lip 152. Stop plate 150 is hingeably mounted to hinge lip 152 through stop plate hinge pin 148. At such time as control rod tab 124 a is disposed within cam sleeve slot 136 and cam sleeve 134 and consequently, carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 is rotated against stop plate 150. Stop plate 150 is forced against the first rail lower component 84 a thus preventing carriage lock housing 117 from moving along first rail 253 g, and second rail 253 h rotating carriage locking offset cam lobe 135 away from stop plate 150 releases carriage lock housing 117 for movement.
Control rod 124 is not only used to lock carriage lock housing 117 but serves two additional purposes. FIG. 16B shows chop cut activating hinge 126 attached to carriage lower platform 137 through chop cut activating hinge pin 126 a. As shown in FIG. 16C, chop cut activating hinge 126 exhibits a longitudinal chop cut activating hinge slot 126 b. When control rod tab 124 a is located behind chop cut activating hinge 126 as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, and is rotated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the chop cut activating hinge slot, then when control rod 124 is drawn forward, control rod tab 124 a engages chop cut activating hinge 126 drawing the hinge forward and pulling carriage lower platform 137 downward which results in cutter arm 90 being pulled downward and consequently results in the performance of a chop cut. When control rod 124 is released, tension spring 144 causes carriage lower platform 137 to elevate at the front. Control rod 124 may be positioned such that tab 124 a is clear of cam sleeve 134. At this point carriage control handle 118 may be rotated down and out of the way of cutting operations as is illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 22A through FIG. 27 show the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b. FIG. 24 illustrates the major components being adjustable base 176, arm 171, and fence 159. FIG. 26 illustrates rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 attached to adjustable base 176, which is in turn is attached to base line 171. FIG. 24 illustrates extension arm 160 mounted within base arm 171 with the opposing end of extension arm pivotally attached to fence 159. Returning to FIG. 26, it is seen that rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is in the form of a U-shape of such a dimension that it would slip over front rail 42. Rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 exhibits mounting bracket tabs 178 b which come out above and below the open side of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178. Tabs 178 b prevent the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 from being pulled off front rail 42. This arrangement allows the rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 and consequently the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b to slide along the length of front rail 42 keeping in mind that tabs 178 b clear both above and below front rail spacers 47. Returning to FIG. 26, it is seen that along the bottom edge of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is mounted internally threaded mounting bracket bridge 170. Externally threaded bridge set screw 164 is disposed within the internally threaded aperture of mounting bracket bridge 170. When bridge set screw 164 is rotated within the internally threaded aperture, bridge set screw 164 makes contact with bridge pressure spring 182, which in turn makes contact with first rail 42 resulting in rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 being held in a temporarily fixed position along front rail 42. Rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178 is attached to angle bracket 177, which in turn has a vertical angle bracket component 177 a and a horizontal angle bracket component 177 b. Horizontal angle bracket component 177 b contains horizontal angle bracket internally threaded aperture 177 c. Angle bracket 177 is mounted such that horizontal angle bracket component 177 b is flush with the surface of rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178. Mounting bracket bolt 175 a is disposed within semi-circular slot 176 a within adjustable base 176. When mounting bracket bolt 175 a is rotated, in the appropriate direction, adjustable base 176 is tightened against angle bracket 177 temporarily fixing base arm 171 in position. FIG. 24 shows two of the various positions the rip fence and miter gauge 160 b may adopt through its arc. Semi-circular slot 176 a exhibits a plurality of adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c. The adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c are positioned around the semi-circular slot 176 a in such a way that when mounting bracket bolt 175 a is disposed within the adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c, rip fence and miter gauge 160 b will adopt a series of predetermined angles relative to front rail 42. Mounting bracket bolt 175 a may be tightened at positions between the adjustment set plate set screw seats 176 c so that angles between predetermined angles established by the location of adjustment plate set screw seats 176 c may be obtained. FIG. 26 also illustrates that base arm 171 pivots upon arm pin 174 which mounted to rip fence and miter gauge mounting bracket 178. The distal end of arm pin 174 is externally threaded and the base arm 171 is retained by base arm threaded knob 173. FIG. 24 illustrates fence 159 with semi-circular fence component 159 a and straight edge component 159 b. Semi-circular fence component 159 a also exhibits fence semi-circular slot 159 c. Fence semi-circular slot 159 c is configured substantially similar to semi-circular slot 176 a. Turning to FIG. 27, it is seen that fence 159 pivots about fence pin 165. Fence pin 165 exhibits a head and an externally threaded end that is disposed through aperture and third fence surface 159 g. Then through apertures in the distal extension arm end 171 b, then through a corresponding and opposite aperture in second fence surface 159 f. Allowing fence 159 to pivot on the distal extension arm end 171 b. FIG. 27 also exhibits horizontal pin plate component 179 b attached to the upper surface of extension arm 160. Vertical pin 179 c is attached to pin plate 179 b. Vertical pin 179 c is disposed through fence semi-circular slot 159 c. Pressure bushing 183 is then disposed over vertical pin 179 c as is vertical pin spring 169, spring washer 186, and internally threaded base arm threaded knob 173 a. When base arm threaded knob 173 a is tightened, vertical pin spring 169 compresses applying pressure to pressure bushing 183, which rests at some point within fence semi-circular slot 159 c or within fence component circular pressure bushing seats 185, which are configured substantially similarly to adjustment plate set screw seats 176 a. Thereby keeping fence 159 in a predetermined position.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

The unusual versatility of this machine is apparent from the specification. The cutter arm may be raised or lowered to accommodate any shape or form of workpiece. The cutter arm may be drawn forward through the workpiece and returned to its positon ready to cut again. The cutter arm may also operate on the workpiece in a chop cut fashion. By using a routing bit as the cutter many milling operations may be performed on any shape or form of workpiece. The work suface holding the workpiece may be angled as well as adjusted upward or downward again facilitating the unlimited configurations between the cutter and the workpiece. The work surface inserts maybe narrowed or widened again conforming to large workpieces or workpieces of unusual shape.
It is worthy to note that although this machine may perform many functions in orienting and operating on a workpiece, the majority of those functions are control from the front of the machine increasing operator safety.
It will be appreciate that although the description contains many specifities, numerious changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Nothing in the description should be construed as limiting the scope and the foregoing description should be construed in an illustrative and not limitative sense.

Claims

1. A cutting workstation comprising:

a cutter arm assembly,

a cutter arm positioning assembly adjustably mounted to said cutter arm assembly, wherein said cutter arm positioning assembly further comprises:

a rotational positioning means rotationally mounted to said shaft housing, said rotational positioning means further comprising:

a collar disposed over said clutch and primary shaft enclosure, said collar having a collar first leg, said collar first leg having a collar first bore whereby said collar first leg may be disposed over said clutch and primary shaft enclosure,

a transverse collar section having a transverse collar section first end and a transverse collar section second end said transverse collar first end communicating with said collar first leg, said transverse collar section having a central annular transverse collar section aperture, said collar further having a collar second leg communicating with the transverse collar section second end, the collar second leg having a circular collar second bore whereby it may be disposed over the clutch and primary shaft enclosure.

a cutter arm lock disposed within said transverse collar section.

an elevation and chop cut carriage mounted to said rotational positioning means,

a carriage and control assembly pivotally mounted to said elevation and chop cut carriage,

a control slidably mounted to said carriage and control assembly.

a workstation base frame moveably mounted to said cutter arm positioning assembly,

a work surface positioning assembly mounted to said workstation base frame,

a work surface platform adjustably mounted to said work surface positioning assembly.

2. The portable cutting workstation of claim 1 wherein said cutter arm lock further comprises:

a cutter arm lock central rod having a cutter arm lock central rod first end and a cutter arm lock central rod second end,

a central rod knob connected to the cutter arm lock central rod first end,

a central rod stop fixedly mounted to said cutter arm lock central rod second end wherein said cutter arm lock central rod second end may penetrate said clutch and primary shaft enclosure smooth bores of said clutch and primary shaft enclosure.

a shoe setting means disposed over said cutter arm lock central rod, wherein said shoe setting means further comprises, a shoe setting spring, an internally threaded annular shoe setting cap with a shoe setting cap first end and a shoe setting cap second end, said shoe setting cap first end having a shoe setting cap central bore, said shoe setting cap second end having a shoe setting cap internally threaded aperture whereby said shoe setting spring may be disposed within said shoe setting cap,

a shoe setting cap tube fixedly mounted over said shoe setting cap central bore through which the cutter arm lock central rod is disposed,

a shoe setting cap handle fixedly mounted to the shoe setting cap tube whereby said shoe setting cap may be rotated,

a plurality of circumferential shoe setting tube snap ring grooves disposed upon the surface of the shoe setting cap tube,

a plurality of shoe setting tube snap rings whereby said cutter arm lock is disposed within said transverse collar section aperture and whereby said shoe setting tube snap rings are disposed within said shoe setting tube snap ring grooves, said cutter arm lock is retained within said transverse collar section aperture.

a cutter arm lock shoe,

an externally threaded annular cutter arm lock shoe neck disposed within said internally threaded shoe setting cap, said cutter arm lock shoe setting neck also having an internal shoe setting neck aperture whereby said shoe setting spring may be disposed within,

a brake mounted to the cutter arm lock shoe neck having a brake central aperture, said brake substantially conforming to said clutch and primary shaft enclosure and communicating therewith, thereby producing a friction surface, said cutter arm lock central rod disposed through said brake central aperture.