Variable angle reciprocating tool

Abstract

A hand-held reciprocating power tool, such as a reciprocating saw, wherein the angle of the reciprocation motion axis with reference to the longitudinal axis of the power tool motor housing is adjustable. Within a motor housing there is a motor driving a motor shaft which rotates on a motor shaft axis generally along the longitudinal axis. A nosepiece includes a nosepiece base portion fixed to the motor housing, and a nosepiece movable portion rotably mounted to the nosepiece base portion. The nosepiece moveable portion can be positionally adjusted relative to the nosepiece base portion over an angle of at least 180.degree. by rotation on a nosepiece axis which is perpendicular to the motor shaft axis. A reciprocating element is supported by the nosepiece moveable portion. A motion conversion mechanism, such as a Scotch yoke, within the nosepiece converts motor shaft rotation to reciprocation motion and drives the reciprocating element in reciprocation regardless of the rotational position of the nosepiece moveable portion on the nosepiece axis with reference to the nosepiece base portion. A toolholder is fixed to the reciprocating element for attachment of a tool, such as a saw blade. The toolholder is capable of being positionally adjusted to various angular orientations on the reciprocation motion axis, for example, angular orientations at 90.degree. intervals.