Patent ID: 8653764
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: B23D

Abstract:
1. A power saw having a reciprocating blade, comprising: a housing having a handle portion for holding the saw; a variable speed motor in said housing for driving the reciprocating blade; a gear mechanism that is configured to move said reciprocating blade in a non-linear path to provide a varying force through a cutting stroke; an electronic controller for controlling the operation of said motor; a variable speed trigger switch provided on the handle portion of the housing, the trigger switch being operatively connected to said controller and configured to provide an electrical signal to said controller that is proportional to the amount of travel that the switch is moved through a range of travel positions from an off position to a full travel position, wherein said signal causes said controller to operate said motor through a range of operating speeds based on the travel position of the trigger switch with a maximum operating speed being reached when said trigger switch is at said full travel position, a maximum operating speed switch provided on an exterior of the housing at a location that is spaced apart from said trigger switch, said maximum operating speed switch being operatively connected to said controller and configured to set the maximum operating speed to one of a plurality of different operating speeds based on a position of the maximum operating speed switch, and a mode switch provided on the exterior of the housing at a location spaced apart from the trigger switch and the maximum operating speed switch, the mode switch being operatively connected to said controller and configured to set an operating mode for the power saw to one of at least two modes of operation depending on a position of the mode switch, the at least two modes including a first mode providing normal operating speeds responsive to said trigger switch being selectively moved through its range of travel, and a second mode wherein said operating speeds are within the range of about 50% to about 80% of said normal operating speeds.