GB2202483A

GB2202483A - Support device for power tool operations

Info

Publication number: GB2202483A
Application number: GB08802285A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon John Tyrrell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-02-06
Filing date: 1988-02-02
Publication date: 1988-09-28
Also published as: GB8802285D0; GB8702657D0

Abstract

A device to enable timber or other material to be cut or machined by hand held power tools without damage to the working surface on which the work is carried out, comprises a base 1 with support members 5 which stand on the work surface. The device enables the material being cut or machined to be held by a clamp 6 to the base of the device. A gauge 8 attached to the clamp together with pegs 4 and holes 3 in the base board allows the hand held power tools to cut or machine along a pre-determined line by aligning and clamping the timber or other material before operating the power tool. <IMAGE>

Description

"Support Device for Timber or the like" This invention relates to a support and clamping device for wood or other material to facilitate cutting or machining with conventional hard held power tools and enables accurate cutting or machining along a pre-determined line.

In the normal operation of power tools such as circular saws, jigsaws and routers, the material to be cut or machined is placed on or clamped to a working surface such as a bench, table top or specialist device. The material to be cut obscures the edge of the working surface, frequently resulting in damage to the working surface and the power tool. Normal operation of hard held power tools results in the line of cut being obscured by sawdust or swarf, making accurate cutting unreliable and irregular.

It is the object of the invention to provide : (a) support for the material to be cut or machined such that only the material comes into contact with the cutting blade or bit.

(b) positive and secure clamping of the material to be cut or machined.

(c) a gauge to enable the material to be cut along on a pre determined line.

According to the present invention there is provided a support device for timber or other material comprising a base, a clamp to secure material to the base and to provide a guide surface along which the power tool can be passed.

The clamp is positioned adjacent to one edge of the base beyond which the cutting or machining is carried out.

The base is marked out and has provision for pegs to be inserted into holes on its surface to enable material to be positioned on the base at pre-determined angles to the clamp.

The base has an understructure which raises it to provide adequate clearance between the bottom of the largest conventional power tool blade and the working surface on which the device may be stood. The understructure also provides bracing for the base.

The clamp is of the friction ratchet type which enables it to be clamped tight or released to slide freely over its whole range.

The gauge clips onto the clamp bar and has a flange extending beyond the edge of the base and defines the line that the power tool will cut or machine. Each model power tool has a blade or bit set a fixed distance from the edge of its base plate. This distance varies between models, but the width of the flange is adjusted for a particular model. The flange edge defines the cutting line of the blade or bit when the base of the power tool is run along the edge of the clamp bar.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : Fig. I : shows in perspective the device ready for use.

Fig. 2 : shows a plan view of the device with a length of timber resting against pegs set in the base.

Fig. 3 : shows a plan view of the device with a power saw in operation.

Fig. 4 : is a detail view of the clamp showing the clamp bar cranked at one end for insertion into holes in the support member.

Fig. 5 : is a detail view of the gauge.

Fig. 6 : is a section of the device showing a power saw cutting through a wooden plank and the position of the gauge.

The device as illustrated in Figure 1 comprises the base (1) inscribed with lines (2). There are also holes (3) into which pegs (4) can be fitted. This enables the material to be cut or machined to be positioned at pre-determined angles to the cutting line (200,450,300,etc.).

This is mounted on support members (5) forming an understructure which raises the base above the working surface on which the device is stood and ensures that the cutting blade of the power tool does not damage the work surface.

Adjacent to the edge of the base and parallel to the support member (5) is the clamp bar (6) by which the material to be cut is clamped to the base. The clamping bar (6) is rectangular section bar with friction ratchet clamps attached to each end. The clamp bars (7) pass through slots in the base and are secured to the support member (5).

Clipped onto the clamp bar (6) is the gauge (8) with an extended flange that protrudes beyond the edge of the base (1). The gauge (8) remains in place during operation of the device and serves to define the position of the cutting line.

The gauge (8) is manufactured in a plastic material that can bE cut by the power tool to be used, and the flange is manufactured to extend sufficiently for it to be trimmed by the largest of power tools. A separate gauge will be required for each mode of power tool used.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A support for timber or other materials when being cut or machined by power circular saw, power jigsaw, power router or similar hand held power tools to avoid damage to the work surface, the power tool or the operator.

2. A support for timber or other materials as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the timber or other material is clamped to the base of the support enabling hand held power tools to be operated with both hands on the power tool.

3. A support for timber or other materials as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein a gauge attached to the clamping bar enables timber or other material to be cut or machined along a pre-determined line by a hand held power tool.

4. A support for timber or other materials as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein a location system of pegs in holes enables timber or other materials to be cut at pre-determined angles.

5. A support clamping and gauging device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.