Abstract:
A modular, multi-functional, workbench is disclosed that is variable in height, width, and length in order to accommodate a wide variety of applications. The table top includes a plurality of rail pairs supported by leg stands. A rail pair is formed by two extrusions joined together by endplates that maintain a parallel orientation and prevent rotation of the rails. The extrusions are rectangular in cross-section and slotted on all four sides to allow the use of a variety of t-track fasteners. The leg stands support, constrain and locate the rail pairs along the width of the table. The rail pairs provide a table top surface that is generally flat and sturdy. The workbench can be used in an open-grid fashion or with solid top inserts. The modular nature of the workbench makes it easy to store and set up as well as highly versatile and easily transported to job sites.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/391,312 filed on Apr. 27, 2016. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to workbenches, and more particularly to modular workbenches that can be configured for a wide variety of woodworking uses. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Assembly of large cabinets can be a difficult task for one person. It can also be a challenge to square up a large cabinet before final assembly. 
     Many woodworkers work in limited space in their garage or basement. Storing a large workbench or leaving it permanently in place is often a problem. 
     Although there are a number of aluminum extrusions with T-tracks available, they are not optimized for use with all three common T-track fasteners. They were designed to use T-Nuts. T-Bolts often bind and need to be jarred loose with a hammer. Hex-head bolts—which are 90% less costly than T-Bolts—cannot be used at all since there is no way to tighten them. Even T-Nuts can be a problem if they are used incorrectly—they will bind and have to be jarred loose. 
     It is difficult for one person to accurately cut large panels like 4×8 sheets of plywood. Most lumber yards have panel saws that are used for this purpose and customers often have their sheet goods cut into smaller pieces at the lumber yard. Panel saws are cost prohibitive for the average woodworker and require a significant amount of dedicated space. Panel saws cannot easily be taken to job sites. 
     Routing long slots accurately requires a significant amount of time, effort, and skill; and usually involves the use of a custom jig to guide and constrain the router. 
     Table saw slide tables greatly increase the accuracy and ease of cutting with a table saw, but they are cost prohibitive for most woodworkers. They also require a significant amount of dedicated floor space and are not easily transported to job sites. 
     Miter saw stands support the material being cut, but often require adjusting the workpiece supports for each cut made. 
     Job site table saws have relatively small table tops for supporting the material being cut. When large panels are cut a second person or an outfeed table is required to support the material after it is cut. Likewise, a second person or an infeed table is required for ripping and very large crosscuts. 
     It is difficult for one person to position and mount wall cabinets. 
     Cutting large circles, such as round table tops requires a custom set up. 
     Assembling picture frames, face frames, screens, and panel doors requires the use of special fixtures and clamps. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to have a modular work table that can be configured for a wide variety of uses. In addition, it is desirable to have a large work table that can easily be stored on a wall or transported to a job site. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background of the invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, an improved woodworker&#39;s workbench and multi-functional tool is provided that enhances the use of many tools while allowing a single person to perform tasks that would normally require additional help. The design features also improve accuracy and speed set up. Easy storage of the components makes it an ideal product for small workshops, as well as job sites. 
     The workbench includes two leg stands that are adjustable in height and a plurality of rail pairs that form an open grid top work surface. This arrangement enhances versatility and portability. The leg stands include vertical scales on each leg member and a horizontal scale on each horizontal support member. The leg stands also include a number of rail pair locators on each horizontal support member. Smaller single leg stands are included for a number of special configurations. The rail pairs include T-track slots for common T-track fasteners. 
     The workbench system can be quickly reconfigured to simplify common woodworking tasks and challenges. Applications include cabinet assembly; a panel saw; in-feed and out-feed tables; a table saw slide-table; a miter saw stand; a large router table; a downdraft sanding table; a large circle cutter; assembly of door panels, picture frames, and screens; and routing rabbets, dados, and edges. Its use can also help a jobsite table saw perform like a contractor&#39;s table saw by providing a larger work surface and increased cutting capacity. 
     Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described and will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and descriptions below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the ends of the rail pair illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a detail drawing of one end of the end plate illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the rail extrusions of  FIG. 6  with images of a T-bolt and a Hex Head Bolt; 
         FIG. 4  is an isolated plan view of the end plates; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view illustrating the relationship of the rails and endplates; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the proportions and composition of the rail pairs as well as the location of Section  5   5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view identifying the components that make up the two-leg support assemblies; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view as defined in  FIG. 7  showing the means of attaching the rail pair locators and the leg locators to the horizontal extrusion; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial view of the leg stand assembly identifying the location of Section  10   10 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of the leg stand assembly as identified in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the leg assembly with X-brace and identifies Section  12   12 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the X-brace as defined in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of the leg assembly showing the means of connecting the X-brace to the leg supports; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view of the leg assembly showing the locations of the vertical scale and horizontal scale; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the leg assembly and one rail pair; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view illustrating positioning four rail pairs to achieve the maximum table length; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the entire assembly of the basic unit setup as a work table; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an optional single leg stand; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted storage bracket; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates storage of the basic unit; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of four rail pairs hanging from the storage bracket of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view showing an optional solid top for a rail pair; 
         FIG. 23  is an end view showing the relationship of the solid top to the rail pair; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view of the solid top and rail pair from the bottom; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view illustrating the use of the interior panel clamp of  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial perspective end view illustrating the clamping of a panel; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view illustrating the configuration for cabinet assembly; 
         FIG. 28  is an end view of the universal edge guide shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the interior panel clamp; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a jigsaw attached to a mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the jig saw mounted to a rail pair; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the configuration for cutting circles; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the center pin assembly used to cut circles; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the configuration for cutting a large circular panel; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a router attached to a mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the configuration for cutting long channels using the router assembly of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective detail view as defined in  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the configuration for cross-cutting dados; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective detail view as identified in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the guide sled used in  FIG. 38  and  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the configuration for routing edges of large panels; 
         FIG. 42  is a top view of the setup for assembling frames; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the configuration for assembling frames; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective detail view as defined in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the braces used in the framing application of  FIGS. 42  thru  44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the setup for clamping odd shaped objects; 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a table saw mounted on a stand; 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the brace which connects the table saw stand to the slide table structure of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the means of attaching a single leg stand to the table saw stand of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of a table saw with a slide table; 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view as defined in  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the underside of the slide table configuration of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53  is an isolated perspective view of the slide table; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the configuration for infeed and outfeed tables for a table saw. 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a circular saw attached to a mounting plate. 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of the rail system configured as a panel saw in the rip mode. 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of using the rail system to rip a 4×8 panel. 
         FIG. 58  is a partially exploded perspective view of the cross-cut sled and clamp used with the system for cross-cutting large panels as illustrated in  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a perspective view of the system configuration for cross-cutting large panels. 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of the configuration for a miter saw stand 
         FIG. 61  is a detail perspective view as indicated in  FIG. 60   
         FIG. 62  is partial perspective view of the Miter Saw Stand of  FIGS. 60 and 61  showing the means of mounting the rail pairs to the stand. 
         FIG. 63  is a perspective view showing a rail pair supporting a tall cabinet during the wall mounting operation. 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of the system supporting a high hanging wall mount cabinet during mounting. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention disclosed herein or application and uses of the invention disclosed herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any principle or theory, whether expressed or implied, presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description, unless explicitly recited as claimed subject matter. 
     The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated through the accompanying drawings. The same number refers to the same component in all illustrations. 
     Most components are rectangular in shape, but could be also be circular or elliptical in shape. The design and function of the concept is independent of component shape or size. 
       FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate the Rail Pairs  48  that are used to create the top work surface of the workbench and other applications of the concept. The preferred embodiment uses two rails  20  joined together by two end plates  22  and secured by four bolts  24  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Although three or more rails joined together could perform the same work surface function, their versatility and utility would be hampered as compared to just two rails. 
     A closer view of the assembly ends of the rail pairs  48  is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     An enlarged detail view of one end of the endplate  22  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Each end of the endplate  22  contains a hole  36  which allows the screws  24  to securely fasten the endplates  22  to the rails  20 . The endplates  22  also have two flanges  42  which project perpendicularly from the otherwise flat surface of the end plates  22 . The edges  26  of the flanges  42  prevent the rails  20  from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the screws  24 , thus keeping the rails  20  perpendicular to each other, and the top work surface  44  of the rails in a common horizontal plane that is generally flat and sturdy. The flanges  42  also strengthen the endplates  22 . 
     An end view of the rails  20  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In the preferred embodiment, the rails  20  are aluminum and have an extruded shape as shown in  FIG. 3 . The extrusions  20  could be made from other materials such as high strength composites. Although the rails  20  can be any rectangular or rounded shape, a square profile is preferred to minimize cost and weight. In this preferred embodiment the rails  20  include a channel  32  on all four sides of the extrusion. The channels  32  are sized to allow the use of t-track fasteners, such as, hex-head bolts  30  and T-bolts  28  to attach accessories on all four sides of the rails  20 . The hex head bolts  30  and T-bolts  28  slide freely along the longitudinal axis of the rails  20  in channels  32 . An extruded hole  34  is drilled and tapped at each end of the rail  20  for the use of the assembly screws  24 . The cavities  46  and  216  in the extrusions lighten the rails, reduce costs, and facilitate optimized characteristics for easy extrusion of the shape while maintaining a consistent material thickness over the entire extruded profile. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the sheet metal end plates  22  have recesses  38  that match the shape of the channels  32  of the rail extrusions  20 . The center distance between the holes  36  of the end plates  22  determines the overall width of the rail pair  48  as well as the width of the open space between the rails  20 . The value of maintaining these fixed distances will become apparent when various application configurations are described later in this discussion. The three holes  234  are clearance holes for screws so that the rail pairs can easily be attached to other structures. The end plates  22  could also be molded plastic, cast aluminum, stainless steel or aluminum sheets. 
     A cross-sectional view  5   5 —as defined in  FIG. 6 —of the rail pair assembly  48  is shown in  FIG. 5 . It is apparent from this view that the edges  26  of the flanges  42  of the end plates  22  will prevent the rails  20  from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the screws  24 . The cut-outs  40  in the endplates  22  provide an opening to insert t-track fasteners such as hex-head bolts  30  and T-bolts  28  into the channels  32  of the rails  20  that face each other. 
       FIGS. 7 through 14  illustrate the structure of the leg support system  132  that supports and positions the rail pairs  48  that form the top surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a number of rail pair locators  60  are positioned along the length of a horizontal extrusion  58 . The locators  60  slide freely and can be positioned anywhere along the length of the extrusion  58 . They are locked in position by tightening the knobs  62 . The length of the locators  60  match the inside dimension of the rail pairs  48  so that the rail pairs  48  are prevented from movement when aligned with the locators  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , hex-head bolts  208  slide freely in an upper channel of the extrusion  58 . These bolts pass through a hole in the locators  60 . As knob  62  is tightened the extrusion is securely trapped between washer  210  and the underside of the hex head of bolt  208 . At each end of the horizontal extrusion a leg locator  56  is locked in position by screw  212  and t-nut  214 . The leg locators  56  can be positioned anywhere along the length of the lower channel of the horizontal extrusion but are placed a few inches from the ends for greater stability. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a vertical leg extrusion  54  slides freely inside a leg holders  52 . The position of the leg extrusion  54  is locked in place by hex-head bolt  74 , washer  72  and knob  64 . This position determines the height of the top surface and must be the same for all four legs of the assembly  132  of  FIG. 11  if a level work surface is desired. The L hook  70  shown in  FIG. 10  is also identified in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 13 . The X-brace members  76  shown in  FIG. 11  attach to these L hooks. 
     If the L hooks  70  have the exact same location relative to the leg stand assemblies  68 , the leg stands will be parallel to each other and the ends of the horizontal extrusions  58  will form a perfect rectangle when viewed from the top with the X-brace in place. In this configuration, the leg locators  56  must be the exact same distance from the ends of the extrusions  58  and the location of the L hooks  70  must be consistent relative to the leg holders  52 .  FIG. 13  shows how the X-brace members  76  attach to the L hooks  70 . 
     As shown in the cross-sectional view  FIG. 12 , the X-brace assembly  280  consists of a pair of u-channels  76  placed back to back and separated by a washer  82 : They are joined by a bolt  80  and washers  84  at their center points. A lock nut  78  secures the assembly. The two members  76  have the same length and holes at each end for attaching to the L hooks  70 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a vertical scale  88  for adjusting the height of each leg. It also shows a horizontal scale  86  for setting the location of the rail pair locators  60 . The vertical scales  88  are on each leg extrusion  54  and the horizontal scales  86  are on each horizontal extrusion  58 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the leg extrusions  54  are connected to the leg locators by bolts and locked in position by knob  66 . This arrangement makes it very easy to change the length of the leg extrusion if a greater height is needed for a particular application. 
     As previously mentioned, the leg stands  68  form a perfect rectangle when the X-brace  76  is in place.  FIG. 15  shows the entire leg support structure  132  with a single rail pair  48  in place. By use of the horizontal scale  86  in  FIG. 14  and the rail pair locators  60  in  FIG. 13 , the rail pair  48  can be positioned at the same distance from the end of the leg stands  68 . When the rail pairs  48  are positioned in this manner, the rail pairs  48  are perpendicular to the leg supports  68 . In  FIG. 15  the rail pair  48  is indicated to form a right angle with the left leg stand  68 . This is noted by the square between the leg support  68  and the rail pair  48 . 
     In  FIG. 16  four rail pairs  48  are positioned in such a way as to maximize the overall length of the table top that they form. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the basic system set up as a work table. The basic system consists of leg stand assembly  132  and four rail pairs  48 . Leg stand assembly  132  includes two leg stands  68  with X-brace assembly  280 . This combination of components is sufficient for most applications. 
       FIG. 18  shows the composition of a single leg stand  180 . It uses the same components as the leg stands  68  shown in  FIG. 7  except that the horizontal extrusion  58  is shortened  58   a  to support a single rail pair  48 . This stand is used for several applications described in later illustrations. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a wall mounted storage bracket  90 .  FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate how the brackets  90  are used to store the rail pairs  48  and leg stands  68 . 
     In most cases, the open grid created by the rail pairs  48  is advantageous. It makes it easier to clamp materials to the table top formed by the rail pairs  48 . It also provides clearance when cutting materials supported by the work surface.  FIGS. 22 through 24  illustrate an optional solid surface top  134  that can easily be added to a rail pair  48  when a solid surface is required. In the preferred embodiment, the solid surface is a panel of ¼ inch plywood  92  with two attached runners  94  that align with the channels  32  in the rail pair extrusions  20  as identified earlier in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIGS. 25 through 29  illustrate the use of the system for cabinet assembly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a panel  122  is trapped between an external extrusion  96  and an internal clamping surface  102 . The panel  122  rests on top of a rail pair  48  extrusion  20 . The external extrusion  96  is secured to the rail pair  48  extrusion  20  by three bolts  120  that ride in the outside extrusion channel and are secured by knobs  116  pressing against washers  118 . The internal clamping is provided by clamping plate  102  which is attached to actuator  100  by pin  104 . Clamping plate  102  rotates freely around pin  104  thus allowing it to align with the surface of the panel  122 . The actuator  100  is attached to a mounting bracket  98  by a pin  106 . Actuator  100  freely rotates around pin  106 . The mounting bracket  98  aligns with the bottom channel of rail pair  48  extrusion  20  and is locked in place by a hex bolt (not shown) that rides in the bottom extrusion channel and knob  114  acting against washer  118 . A partially threaded rod  108  passes through a hole in mounting bracket  98  and is threaded through a hole in actuator  100 . Knobs  112  and  110  are rigidly connected to rod  108 . Either knob  112  or  110  can be used to tighten the clamping plate  102 , thus the clamp can be tightened from the interior or exterior of the cabinet panels  122 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates the components that are combined to create the universal edge guide  126 . This universal edge guide  126  is used in numerous applications of the system. Three bolts  120  pass through evenly spaced holes in the extrusion  96 . The holes are positioned so that the bottom of the extrusion  96  will align with the bottom of the rail pairs  48  when clamped in place. Three knobs  116  provide clamping pressure against three washers  118 . The extrusion  96  also includes two hex bolt channels  216  so that other items can be attached for greater versatility of the system. 
       FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of the internal panel clamp  124 . It is referred to as internal because it is used between the two extrusions  20  of the rail pairs  48 . The mounting bracket  98  contains two tabs  218  that align with the bottom channel of the extrusions  20  of the rail pairs  48 . 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the system configuration used for cabinet assembly. Rail pairs  48  are positioned such that their combined width matches the width of the cabinet to be assembled. Universal edge guides  126  are attached to the exterior edges of each rail pair  48  and locked in place by tightening knobs  116  identified in  FIG. 28 . Four internal panel clamps are attached to the rail pairs  48  as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . The side panels  128  of the cabinet are then positioned on top of the rail pairs  48  and clamped securely by turning knobs  112  or  110 . End panels and shelves  130  can then slide into place. With the cabinet components firmly located the cabinet can be glued or otherwise fastened with minimal effort. Because the rail pairs  48  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the leg stand assembly  132  it is very easy to square up the cabinet before gluing or fastening the panels and shelves. A carpenter&#39;s square can quickly verify the alignment. If the diagonals of the cabinet are measured and a minor adjustment needs to be made, one side panel can be locked in place while the opposite panel is gently nudged into position. 
       FIGS. 30 through 34  illustrate the use of the system to cut large circular panels.  FIG. 30  shows a jig saw  138  mounted to a mounting bracket  136 . This combination  140  is then attached to a rail pair  48  with hex bolts, washers and knobs  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the rail pair  48  is then positioned on the leg stand assembly  132  such that the jig saw blade protrudes through the top of the mounting bracket  136 . The bracket surface  220  is coplanar with the top of the rail pairs  48 . A plate  150  is attached to the underside of another rail pair  48 . The plate  150  has a hole which matches the diameter of pin  146  of  FIG. 33 . Pin  146  is rigidly connected to block  144  as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . The top surface of the combination  148  is attached to a square panel at its center point. This can usually be done adequately with double sided tape. The distance between the hole in plate  150  and the jig saw blade  222  determines the diameter of the round panel to be cut. 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the circle cutting configuration in use. Rail pairs  48  are positioned on the leg stand assembly  132  in a way that supports the panel  152  while it is rotated into the jig saw blade  222 . 
     If a router  154  is mounted to a bracket  156  as illustrated in  FIG. 35 , it can be positioned the same as the jig saw assembly  140  in  FIG. 34 . In this case the edge of the circular panel can be refined and the top and bottom edges rounded. 
       FIGS. 35 through 41  illustrate some of the many uses of the system with respect to the use of a router. As previously mentioned and illustrated in  FIG. 35 , a router assembly  158  can be created by attaching a router  154  to a bracket  156  that fits between the extrusions of a rail pair  48 . 
     If this router assembly  158  is attached to the underside of a rail pair  48 , it can be used in a number of configurations.  FIGS. 36 and 37  show the configuration for routing long slots. Often, shelving is made adjustable by the use of shelf standards mounted to the inside of a cabinet. The shelf standards are often mounted in shallow recesses so that they are flush with the panel surface. In the configuration depicted in  FIG. 36 , two rail pairs  48  have been positioned to match the width of the panel to be routed. Universal edge guides  126  are attached to the outside of the rail pairs  48  to insure that the panel is limited to movement in only one direction—that of the cut. The detail view of  FIG. 37  shows the slot created by the cut. After the first slot is cut, panel  160  is rotated 180° and the cut is repeated. This results in slots that are equal distanced from the edges of the panel  160 —common practice for positioning shelf standards. 
       FIGS. 38 through 40  illustrate routing dados in a narrow panel  162 . A crosscut sled  224  is formed by block  164  and rails  166 . Block  164  is notched  226  to allow the router bit to freely pass through the block  164 . The rails  166  fit snugly in the channels of the rail pairs  48  but do not break the plane of the work surface formed by the rail pairs  48 . When the panel  162  is pushed over the router bit by crosscut sled  224 , the dado formed will be perpendicular to the edges of the panel  162 . A clamp can be added to crosscut sled  224  to prevent unwanted movement of panel  162  during the routing process. A scale or adjustable detents can also be added to crosscut sled  224  to insure regularly spaced dados or dados at a particular distance from an edge. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a much simpler configuration used to round edges on panels  168 . In this case the router assembly  158  is positioned to optimize support from rail pairs  48  while routing the edges. If the round over bit has a ball bearing guide, no fence is required to perform this task. The work surface created by the rail pairs  48  is large enough that even large panels can easily be moved around the surface without the need for lifting. 
       FIGS. 42 through 45  illustrate the configuration used for assembling frames such as picture frames, face frames, door panels, and screens.  FIG. 42  is a top view of the set up. Universal edge guides  126  are adjusted to prevent movement in one direction and insure that the sides are parallel. The four sides of the picture frame  172  are placed between the universal edge guides  126 . The universal edge guides  126  are separated by the length of frame components  172   b  and  172   d . Picture frame components  172   a  through  172   d  are supported by rail pairs  48  and constrained by universal edge guides  126 . Rail Pair edge guides  228  are then moved into position to fully constrain the frame components. The rail pair edge guides are held perpendicular to the rail pairs  48  by rails  178  and locked in position by knobs  230  as illustrated in  FIG. 45 . 
       FIGS. 43 and 44  are perspective views of the framing setup.  FIG. 45  shows the details of the setup and shows how clamps  174  can be added to further constrain the frame components  172   a  through  172   d  while glue dries or fasteners are secured. The open-grid of the rail pairs  48  provides numerous opportunities for clamping. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates the structure of the rail pair edge clamps  228 . Blocks  170  fit between the extrusions of the rail pairs  48  and extend under the frame components. Rails  178  guide the assembly and help to maintain a perpendicular relationship to the rail pairs  48 . Hex bolts  232  slide in the rail pair channels and provide a means for securing the rail pair edge guides  228 . Knobs  230  apply pressure to washers not shown and clamp the rail pair edge guides in place. 
       FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the system illustrating how odd shapes can be easily clamped in place due to the open grid nature of the rail pairs  48  that form the top work surface. An oval shaped object  176  is secured to rail pairs  48  by clamps  174 . 
       FIGS. 47 through 53  illustrate the configuration of the system to act as a table saw slide table. 
       FIG. 47  shows a table saw  186  mounted to a stand  184 . A frame  188  is also attached to the stand  184 . Frame  188  has a slot  282  in its top surface that mates with rail  200  of  FIG. 51  and  FIG. 52 . 
       FIG. 48  shows the structure of the brace  190  that connects the table saw stand to a single leg stand  180 . The support  240  connects to the frame  188  of the table saw stand  182  through the bottom member of frame  188 . Support  240  is secured in place by two bolts  244 , two washers  246 , and two knobs  242 . The bolts  244  pass through holes in the frame  188 . Member  238  is rigidly attached to support  240  and secured in a perpendicular relationship to support  240  by two angle braces  236 . A bolt  248  passes through a hole in member  238 . Bolt  248  is used to secure the brace  190  to the leg stand  180  in  FIG. 49  and is locked in place by washer  246  and knob  242 . 
       FIG. 49  shows the table saw assembly  182  rigidly connected to single leg stand  180  by brace  190 . Brace  190  insures that leg stand  180  is a fixed distance from the plane of the saw blade and perpendicular to it. 
       FIG. 50  is a perspective view of the slide table configuration. Two rail pairs  48  are supported by two single leg stands  180 . A locator  192  is attached to each leg stand to support and locate the two rail pairs  48 . The leg stand  180  closest to the table saw is rigidly positioned relative to the table saw assembly  182  by brace  190  as illustrated in  FIG. 49 . The other leg stand  180  is guided by the rail pairs  48  now positioned by the first leg stand  180 . The slide table  194  slides freely along the rail pairs  48  in a line that is parallel to the saw blade cutting plane. 
       FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of the slide table configuration as indicated in  FIG. 50 . Guide blocks  196  and  198  attach the slide table  194  to the rail pairs  48  and constrain the movement of the slide table  194 . A rail  200  is also attached to slide table  194 . It slides through a notch  282  in frame  188  which is rigidly attached to the saw table stand  184  of the assembly  182 .  FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the underside of the slide table configuration. Guide blocks  196  and  198  are seen in perspective as well as guide rail  200 . 
       FIG. 53  illustrates the removable protractor  202  that is attached to the slide table  194 . Protractor  202  pivots around pin  204  and is clamped in place by knob  206  which acts on a bolt and washer that are not shown. Lines are etched into the surface of the slide table corresponding to set angles. 
       FIG. 54  shows one of many possible configurations that act as infeed and outfeed tables for tools such as table saws and planers. In this case leg stands  68  are used without the X-brace assembly  280 . One rail pair  48  is positioned in front of the table saw and two rail pairs  48  are positioned behind the table saw. Each rail pair is covered by a solid top  134 . This set up provides excellent support for large panels in both the infeed and outfeed modes. 
       FIGS. 55 through 59  illustrate the configuration of the system for use as a panel saw. 
       FIG. 55  shows a circular saw attached to a mounting plate. Circular Saw  270  is attached to mounting plate  272  and the blade  268  projects above the top surface of mounting plate  272 . The assembly is designated as  284 . 
       FIG. 56  illustrates the set up for ripping large panels. The circular saw assembly  284  is attached to a rail pair  48  such that the blade projects above the plane of the top surface of the rail pairs  48 . Universal edge guides  126  are attached to the outer edges of the two rail pairs  48  that define the total width of the top surface. The distance between the two universal edge guides  126  matches the width of the panel to be cut. The rail pair  48  containing the circular saw assembly  284  is positioned on the leg stand assembly  132  according to the desired width of cut. Additional rail pairs  48  are used for a support surface. 
       FIG. 57  illustrates a large (4×8) panel  274  being ripped using this setup. Universal edge guides  126  trap the panel and maintain a cut line that is parallel to the long edges of the panel  274  as the panel is pushed through the rotating saw blade  268 . 
       FIG. 58  illustrates one design for a cross-cut sled  250  that is used to control and guide the panel when the setup is used in a cross-cut mode. Guide block  254  is shaped so that it rides on the top surface of a rail pair  48  in  FIG. 59  and projects through the space between the two rails of the rail pair  48 . Two guide rails  252  are rigidly attached to guide block  254 . These guide rails  252  fit snugly in the upper T-track channels of the rail pair extrusions  20  in  FIG. 59 . The shape of guide block  254  and the guide rails  252  insure that the cross-cut sled  250  can only move in a direction that is parallel to the rail pair  48  extrusions  20  in  FIG. 59 . Guide block  254  contains two vertical slots  264 . A clamp block  256  contains two holes  266 . Bolts  258  pass through holes  266  in clamp block  256  and vertical slots  264  in guide block  254 . Clamp block  256  is secured to guide block  254  by washers  260  and knobs  262 . Clamp block  256  is pushed in a vertical direction until it contacts panel  276  of  FIG. 59 . It is then locked in place with knobs  262 . 
       FIG. 59  illustrates cross-cutting a large panel  276 . The panel  276  is placed on the top surface formed by rail pairs  48 . Cross-cut sled assemblies  250  are then positioned on at least two rail pairs  48 . With panel  276  firmly supported before making contact with the saw blade  268 , the cross-cut sleds  250  are positioned to contact the far edge of the panel  276  in  FIG. 59 . The clamp blocks  256  of  FIG. 58  are then pressed against the top surface of the panel  276  and locked in place by knobs  262  of  FIG. 58 . As the panel  276  is pushed through the rotating saw blade the cross-cut sleds  250  insure that the cut is perpendicular to the long edges of the panel  276 . 
       FIGS. 60 through 62  illustrate a miter saw stand that has been designed to be used with components of this system. It is illustrative of a line of power tool stands that simplify and enhance material handling and material support during cutting operations. 
     Miter saw stands that are currently available only have one point of support on either side of the miter saw. These supports are frequently rollers which produce a single line of contact with the material being supported. In the case of flat surfaces instead of rollers, the area of support is still normally very small. In both cases, the material supports need to be moved frequently as material is cut. They also typically only extend a maximum distance of 4 feet to either side of the saw blade when it is set for a 90° cut. Dimensional lumber, specifically 2× materials are readily available in lengths up to 16 feet. Thus, miter saw stands that are currently available are not designed to support these longer boards. 
       FIG. 60  and detail  FIG. 61  show a miter saw  290  mounted to a miter saw stand  292 . The miter saw stand  292  also includes support members  294  and mounting members  296  on either side of the miter saw  290 . Rail pairs  48  are attached to either side of the miter saw  290  and supported by single leg stands  180 . Solid top assemblies  134  are placed on top of the rail pairs  48 . Universal edge guides  126  are also mounted to each rail pair  48 . 
       FIG. 62  shows the details of the mounting structure of  FIGS. 60 and 61 . Support members  294  project out the front of the miter saw stand  292 . They are positioned parallel to the plane of the saw blade  286  when the miter saw is set for a 90° cut. The support members  294  match the width of the rail pairs  48  and their back faces align with the plane of the face  312  of the miter saw fence members  314 . Mounting members  296  are rigidly attached to support members  294 . The top surface  298  of mounting members  296  are parallel to the plane of surface  308  of miter saw  290 . The distance between these two planes matches the thickness of rail pairs  48  and solid tops  134  so that a continuous support plane is created when all components are in place. Rail Pairs  48  are secured to mounting plates  296  by bolts  306  and knobs  304 . 
     The configuration depicted in  FIG. 60  provides continuous support for dimensional lumber as large as 2×12×16. 
       FIGS. 63 and 64  illustrate using components of the system to support wall cabinets during installation. This is normally a very difficult job for one person to do. Normally the cabinets are held in place by another person or support boards are attached to the wall at the proper height and the bottom of the cabinets rest on these boards. Even with this later approach, it is still difficult for one person to mount wall cabinets. 
     In recent years, it has become common practice to mount wall cabinets in garages and closets a short distance from the floor.  FIG. 63  illustrates the configuration used to support wall cabinets in this manner. Two boards  302  are cut to match the width of the rail pair  48  and the desired height of the cabinet  300  above the floor. Boards  302  are attached to the ends of a rail pair  48  through holes in the endplates. These holes are shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 . This approach also insures that the cabinet  300  will be perpendicular to the floor when mounted. With cabinet  300  supported in this manner, the installer can easily position the cabinet  300  along the length of the wall before fastening it to the wall. 
       FIG. 64  shows a common situation associated with wall cabinets that are mounted far above the floor such as high cabinets over a workbench. The tall cabinet  300  has been mounted off the floor as illustrated in  FIG. 63 . Now the high cabinet  288  needs to be attached the cabinet  300  as well as to the wall. Two single leg stands  180  support the rail pair  48  which in turn supports the cabinet  288 . The long leg extrusions  310  have replaced the standard length leg extrusions  54  of  FIGS. 7 and 9  in order to reach the required height. With cabinet  288  totally supported by the rail pair  48 , the installer can easily move cabinet  288  to attach it to cabinet  300  before attaching it to the wall. Because of the height of cabinet  288 , the installer will need to use a ladder, step stool, or scaffold to reach the mounting points. With the cabinet  288  securely supported, this task becomes far easier for one person to do. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been-presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.