Multi-Function Power Saw

Abstract

A power saw that may be flexibly configured to perform multiple cutting functions is provided by attaching a saw assembly to a base assembly with an offset support that provides a clear path in line with the saw blade, thereby providing a miter saw, a table saw or a radial arm saw as desired by the user. In addition, a tilt mechanism is mounted at the top of the offset support to provide an “apparent” tilt axis near the top surface of the turntable, thereby eliminating an axle near the turntable top surface. Materials being cut by the saw assembly are guided by one or more fences. Alternatively, a reversible fence may be used for miter cuts when configured and affixed to the base assembly in a first position, and may be used for table or radial cuts when configured and affixed to the base assembly in a second position.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A convertible power saw comprising:
 a base assembly with a guide channel;   a turntable with a guide channel;   a turntable lock;   an offset saw assembly support attached to the turntable;   a tilt mechanism comprising
 a tilt control mechanism, and 
 a tilt lock mechanism; and 
   a saw assembly coupled to the tilt mechanism comprising:
 a motor, 
 a blade for cutting along a cutting axis, 
 a blade guard, 
 an anti-kickback device, 
 an intermittent switch, 
 a run switch, and 
 a safety switch. 
   
     
     
         14 . The convertible power saw of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a pivoting support for connecting the offset saw assembly support to the saw assembly, and   a pivot support lock.   
     
     
         15 . The convertible power saw of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a rail support for connecting the offset saw assembly support to the saw assembly, and a rail type saw mount lock.   
     
     
         16 . The convertible power saw of  claim 13  further comprising:
 a first fence slidably engaged in a guide channel of the base assembly to provide a guiding surface for cross cutting by the saw assembly; and 
 a second fence for slidable engagement in a guide channel of the base assembly to provide a first guiding surface for rip cutting by the saw assembly, and for slidable engagement in a guide channel of the base assembly to provide a second guiding surface for cross cutting by the saw assembly. 
 
     
     
         17 . The convertible power saw of  claim 16 , where the second fence comprises:
 a hinge assembly;   a first fence member comprising a slide member for engagement with the guide channel in the base assembly, said first fence member comprising a first guiding surface that is positioned to be substantially parallel to the cutting axis;   a second fence member coupled to the first fence member for rotation about the hinge assembly, said second fence member comprising a second guiding surface;   a first lock for securing the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the cutting axis; and   a second lock for securing the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially in alignment with the first guiding surface.   
     
     
         18 . The convertible power saw of  claim 13 , where the offset saw assembly support comprises a height adjustment mechanism and a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . A power saw that can be converted into a table saw, a miter saw or a radial saw, comprising:
 a base assembly;   a saw assembly comprising a cutting blade for cutting along a cutting axis;   a means for supporting the saw assembly affixed to the base assembly to provide a clear path across the base assembly in line with the cutting axis, comprising
 a laterally displaced support assembly, and a means for moving the saw assembly in line with the cutting axis; and 
   a means coupled to the base assembly for adjustably fencing materials to be cut by the cutting blade, comprising:
 a first means for securing the means for adjustably fencing materials in a first position in relation to the base assembly to support table saw cuts and radial saw cuts, and 
 a second means for securing the means for adjustably fencing materials in a second position in relation to the base assembly to support miter saw cuts. 
   
     
     
         20 . The power saw of  claim 19 , comprising a means for tilting the cutting blade to an angle offset from vertical. 
     
     
         21 . A pivoting fence for slidable engagement in a guide channel of the base assembly of a power saw, comprising:
 a hinge assembly;   a first fence member comprising a slide member for engagement with the guide channel in the base assembly, said first fence member comprising a first guiding surface that is positioned to be substantially parallel to the cutting axis;   a second fence member coupled to the first fence member for rotation about the hinge assembly, said second fence member comprising a second guiding surface;   a first lock for securing the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the cutting axis; and   a second lock for securing the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially in alignment with the first guiding surface.   
     
     
         22 . The pivoting fence of  claim 20 , where the first lock secures the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the cutting axis so that the second guiding surface provides a guiding surface for rip cutting by the power saw. 
     
     
         23 . The pivoting fence of  claim 20 , where the second lock secures the second guiding surface to be positioned substantially in alignment with the first guiding surface so that the first and second guiding surfaces provide a guiding surface for rip cutting by the power saw. 
     
     
         24 . The pivoting fence of  claim 20 , where the power saw comprises:
 a base assembly with a guide channel;   a turntable with a guide channel;   a turntable lock;   an offset saw assembly support attached to the turntable;   a tilt mechanism comprising:
 a tilt control mechanism, and 
 a tilt lock mechanism; and 
   a saw assembly coupled to the tilt mechanism comprising:
 a motor, 
 a blade for cutting along a cutting axis, 
 a blade guard, 
 an anti-kickback device, 
 an intermittent switch, 
 a run switch, and 
 a safety switch.