Porter-cable Corporation

Steven H Plume

John Walter Schnell

Randy G Cooper

Donald R Bosten

John Robert Kriaski

James Pierce Nichols, Jr

David V Keller

Matthew G Popik

Dennis C Huntsman

An optical system for projecting an alignment marker on to a workpiece relative to the circular blade of a power saw. The light projection system projects a planar beam of light along a plane defined by one side of the blade to designate the location at which that side of the blade will enter the workpiece. An adjustment mechanism may be included to allow movement of the light projection system so that the planar beam of light can be selectively located parallel to the plane defined by either side of the blade.

Optical alignment system for circular power saws

A miter saw with an optical system for projecting an optical alignment marker onto a workpiece. The miter saw has a base, a turntable rotatably supported by the base, a fence disposed above the base for supporting the orientation of the workpiece located on the base, a support coupled to the rear portion of the turntable, and a cutting apparatus including a blade for cutting the workpiece. The cutting apparatus is pivotally coupled to the support for positioning the blade from a raised position above the workpiece to an operational position for engagement with the workpiece. The light projection system is attached to the cutting apparatus for projecting an optical alignment marker onto the workpiece so that the location at which the blade engages the workpiece is in a selectably adjustable relationship with respect to the position of the optical alignment marker on the workpiece. A belt-driven embodiment of the miter saw has an adjustable pulley system comprising a motor connected to a drive pulley, a blade pulley connected to the blade, the blade pulley being in substantial alignment with the drive pulley, and a belt for connecting the drive pulley with the blade pulley. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the drive pulley and the blade pulley is provided so that the tension on the drive belt may be adjusted.

Miter saw alignment system

Growing community of inventors

St. Charles, MO, United States of America

Steven H Plume