Power tool work table

A work table includes a work surface having two generally parallel bars extending across and above the work surface. Two sleeves are slidably connected to the two generally parallel bars, each sleeve of the two sleeves positioned around each bar of the two generally parallel bars. A power tool, such as a tile saw is connected between the two sleeves and thereby slides along the two bars. A channel is preferably positioned across the work surface and includes water or similar coolant/lubricant for the power tool. Handles are additionally positioned in the side of the work surface and are moveable between a retracted position within the work surface and an extended position away from the work surface. In the extended position, the handle includes a top edge generally flush with the work surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a work table for using a power tool, such as a tile saw.

2. Description of Related Art

Work tables are useful on job sites requiring portable work surfaces for cutting, machining and otherwise processing construction materials. Existing work tables are typically limited in size by weight and portability considerations.

One example of existing work tables are tables having an overhead bar under which a power tool travels to effect a straight path for cutting, grinding, etc. This arrangement results in a heavy table with a limited cutting path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of this invention to provide a work table that is lightweight and portable yet still includes a significant work surface.

It is another object of this invention to provide a work table that can provide a steady supply of water or similar coolant to a power tool.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a work table that has a compact footprint yet provides an expansive work surface.

A work table according to a preferred embodiment of this invention preferably includes a planar member having a generally flat work surface and an opposed lower surface. The work surface is preferably configured to accommodate materials for cutting, grinding, sanding, etc.

Two generally parallel bars extend across a length of the work surface. Each bar includes a sleeve slidably connected around the bar. The sleeves are preferably aligned with respect to each other along the bars.

A power tool and/or a mounting bracket is preferably connected between the two sleeves. The mounting bracket may be a universal bracket that includes hardware for securing the power tool. Alternatively, the power tool may be permanently or removably affixed between the two sleeves.

A pair of handles are preferably positioned one in each side of the planar member. The handles are preferably moveable between a retracted position within the planar member and an extended position away from the planar member. The handles preferably extend along telescoping rods. In the extended position, the handle and the rods includes top edges that are generally flush with the work surface. As a result of this arrangement, the work table includes additional function work area facilitating support of large workpieces, such as tile or lumber.

In addition, the work table includes a channel extending into the work surface between the two generally parallel bars. The channel is preferably filled with water or similar coolant/liquid and accommodates a blade or other element of the power tool. The work table preferably further includes a reservoir positioned along the lower surface in fluid communication with the channel. The reservoir is preferably machined into the lower surface or removably attached to the lower surface and accommodates an additional supply of water or similar coolant/liquid thereby providing the channel with additional water.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5show a work table according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

Work table preferably includes planar member20having a generally flat work surface25and an opposed lower surface30. Work surface25is preferably configured to accommodate materials for cutting, grinding, sanding, etc. As such, work surface25may include an integrated grid spaced at desired units of measure.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, two generally parallel bars40extend across work surface25. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention bars40are constructed of aluminum or similar strong, lightweight material. Bars40preferably extend longitudinally across work surface25and preferably include bumpers43at each end to dampen impact of a power tool against each end of bar40.

Further, work table10preferably includes sleeve50slidably connected around each bar40. Sleeves50preferably comprise a bushing, a bearing or similar arrangement that permits free and uniform motion across the two generally parallel bars40. Sleeves50are preferably aligned with respect to each other along bars40.

Power tool100and/or mounting bracket105is connected between the two sleeves50. Mounting bracket105may be a universal bracket that includes hardware for securing power tool100. Alternatively, power tool100may be permanently or removably affixed between the two sleeves50so that power tool100slides along bars40in a fluid, linear path across work surface25.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, handle60is positioned in a side of planar member20. More specifically, handle60is positioned in each side of planar member20such that each handle60is extendible perpendicular from planar member20. Handle60is thus moveable between a retracted position within planar member20and an extended position away from planar member20. Handle60preferably includes fastener63or similar device for maintaining handle60in the retracted position. Alternatively, telescoping rods70may include a detente or other stop to prevent extension of telescoping rods70without an additional force applied to handle60.

In the extended position, handle60includes top edge65that is generally flush with work surface25. In addition, one or more telescoping rods70preferably connect handle60to planar member20. Accordingly, each telescoping rod70includes top edge75that is generally flush with work surface25and top edge65of handle60. As partially shown inFIG. 3, telescoping rods70may slide through apertures78machined into lower surface30of planar member20.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, in the extended position, each handle60is spaced at least approximately 20% of a width of work surface25away from work surface25. As such, at least approximately 40% work area is added to work surface25by virtue of the extended handles60. This additional work area facilitates support of large workpieces, such as tile or lumber, that require cutting or other working by power tool100.

Handle60is preferably rigidly fixed in a position generally co-planar with work surface25and is not hinged to a side of planar member20. Such arrangement enables handle60to support workpieces on work table10and adds to the usable work area on work table10.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, latch45is positioned on a side of work surface25and is attachable to one sleeve50. Latch45, when in a latched position, thereby prevents movement of sleeve50relative to bar40and thus prevents movement of power tool100when work table10is in transit. According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, latch45extends from handle60or from nearby handle60thereby concentrating weight of power tool100immediately below handle60to optimize the dynamics of moving work table10. According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, latch45and fastener63may be the same assembly or operate in concert with each other.

FIGS. 1 and 2further show one embodiment of the subject invention having channel80extending into work surface25between the two generally parallel bars40. Channel80is preferably filled with water or similar coolant/liquid and accommodates a blade or other element of power tool100. For instance, in an arrangement of work table10used in connection with a tile saw, the tile saw includes a blade that extends into channel80and thus water, thereby maintaining an effective cut across each piece of tile.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention best shown inFIG. 3, reservoir90is positioned along lower surface30beneath work surface25and in fluid communication with channel80. Reservoir90is preferably machined into lower surface30or removably attached to lower surface30to facilitating cleaning and/or adjustment and/or replacement. Reservoir90accommodates an additional supply of water or similar coolant/liquid and provides channel80with additional water should power tool100use an existing supply within channel80during operation. According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, reservoir90is positioned perpendicular to channel80such that reservoir90overlaps a length of channel80thereby providing channel80with an adequate reserve of coolant/liquid. As such, reservoir90extends across a width of lower surface30.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, reservoir90may be closed or otherwise sealed to enable transit of work table10without spilling water or other coolant/fluid. Reservoir90may be removed and sealed or otherwise sealed while in position along lower surface30of work table10.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, work table10includes folding legs110positioned along lower surface30opposite work surface25. Legs110are preferably lightweight and foldable and provide adequate support for typical loads to be encountered on work table10.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, work table10is used in connection with a tile saw. The tile saw preferably includes a blade extending into the channel. Large pieces of tile are accommodated by work table10when handles60are in the extended position. Power tool100may alternatively be a profile wheel, stone saw, circular saw, edge grinder or similar tool that requires a sufficient work surface25. As shown inFIG. 5, power tool100may be a tile saw having an adjustable saw guide103with a slot that follows a contour of the tile saw motor.

FIG. 6shows an additional preferred embodiment of the subject invention wherein bars40are collapsible into two or more pieces46. In addition, work surface25may include hinge27to fold work table10in half. Preferably, work table10when folded may accommodate the two or more pieces46of bars40so that work table10is compact and portable to and from a job site.