Abstract:
A motorized saw assembly includes a base assembly having a workpiece support surface which defines a workpiece surface plane, an upper support assembly configured to support a saw blade, and a hinge assembly including a first linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly. The upper support assembly is configured to move between a first position, whereat the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly extend substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane, and a second position, whereat the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly extend over the workpiece support surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/148,773, which is entitled “Miter Saw Having an Angled Glide Hinge,” and was filed on Apr. 17, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to miter saws, and more particularly to sliding miter saws. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Power miter saws, also known as chop saws or drop saws, are typically used in framing, molding operations, or other machining or carpentry to cut lumber, trim, metal, and other work products. Wide workpieces, such as crown molding and the like, often require a miter saw with either a large saw blade or a configuration that enables the blade to be moved along a horizontal path away from and toward the fence of the miter saw. Such blade moving configurations are generally referred to as sliding compound miter saws. 
         [0004]    In order to accomplish the horizontal sliding movement of the saw blade, some conventional miter saws include a sliding guide assembly that has a linear guide, which typically includes two bushing and rod combinations. These relatively expensive linear bearings consist of recirculating ball bearings that operate together with turned, ground, polished, and hardened steel rods that are approximately 40 cm long and 30 mm in diameter. To have minimum play and deflection of the saw blade and motor assembly, precise fits are required between the rods and the linear recirculating ball bearings over the entire linear travel of the rods. Additionally, the rod must be made of steel having high hardness to prevent the hard steel balls from making indentations in the rod. As a result, the sliding guide assemblies are heavy and expensive to manufacture. 
         [0005]    An additional undesirable feature of such bushing and rod linear guides is that space must be provided behind the saw for the rods to extend when the saw blade is positioned in its rearmost position, near the fence. Because of this space requirement, a sliding miter saw cannot be positioned such that a wall is immediately behind the base. Consequently, the saw occupies a larger footprint. 
         [0006]    Moreover, these bushing and rod linear guide mechanisms are susceptible to damage from dirt and debris. Dirt and debris can penetrate into the ball bushings and damage the bearing. In some saws, the rod and bearings are covered with a bellows or similar cover. However, the dust and debris produced by a saw, particularly in metal cutting saws, typically leads to degradation of the fabric of the bellows and penetration of the ball bushing by the abrasive particles. 
         [0007]    Some other conventional miter saws include a hinge assembly having two hinges. One hinge is configured to fold vertically and maintain the lateral position of the saw blade, while the second hinge is configured to fold horizontally and maintain the vertical position of the saw blade. The combination of the two hinges enables forward and rearward movement of the saw blade while restricting vertical and lateral movement. 
         [0008]    In some saws, the horizontal hinge is configured to fold outwardly relative to the plane of the saw blade. However, the outward extension of the hinge when in the retracted position, wherein the saw blade is nearest the fence, interferes with the beveling of the saw in the direction of the hinge extension. As a result, a saw having an outwardly extending hinge is typically only able to bevel in one direction, namely the direction opposite the extension of the horizontal hinge. 
         [0009]    In other saws, the horizontal hinge is configured to fold inwardly, across the plane of the saw blade. In order to avoid interference between the vertical and horizontal hinges, the hinges must be arranged in line with one another along the sliding direction of the saw blade. For example, the horizontal hinge is typically configured to fold under the vertical hinge. However, since the horizontal hinge is positioned under the vertical hinge, the vertical hinge cannot fully retract. The in-line arrangement of the hinges requires additional space behind the saw blade, and results in more parts in the hinge assembly. 
         [0010]    What is needed, therefore, is a miter saw that is more compact, lighter weight, and more portable than conventional miter saws. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    In one embodiment, a motorized saw assembly comprises a base assembly including a workpiece support surface which defines a workpiece surface plane, an upper support assembly configured to support a saw blade, and a hinge assembly including a first linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly. The upper support assembly is configured to move between a first position, whereat the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly extend substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane, and a second position, whereat the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly extend over the workpiece support surface. In this context, “substantially perpendicular” is defined such that at least 75% of each of the first and second linkage assemblies extend within 10 degrees of perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment of the motorized saw assembly, the hinge assembly further comprises a bevel post operably connected to the base assembly and a yoke member operably connected to the upper support assembly. The first linkage assembly comprises a first rear linkage pivotably connected to the bevel post and a first front linkage pivotably connected to the first rear linkage and the yoke member. The second linkage assembly comprises a second rear linkage pivotably connected to the bevel post and a second front linkage pivotably connected to the second rear linkage and the yoke member. In the first position, the first rear linkage and the second rear linkage extend substantially in a first plane that is perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane, and the first front linkage and the second front linkage extend substantially in a second plane that is perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane. In this context, the linkages extending “substantially” in a plane is defined such that at least 75% of the linkages extend within 10 degrees of the corresponding first or second plane. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment, the first front linkage and the first rear linkage pivot in a third plane that is transverse to the workpiece surface plane, and the second front linkage and the second rear linkage pivot in a fourth plane that is transverse to the workpiece surface plane. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment of the motorized saw assembly, the third plane is arranged at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the workpiece surface plane, and the fourth plane is arranged at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the workpiece surface plane. In this context, “approximately” is defined to include the recited angle±10 degrees. 
         [0015]    In still another embodiment, the third plane and the fourth plane are each arranged at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the workpiece surface plane. In this context, “approximately” is defined to include the recited angle±10 degrees. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment of the motorized saw assembly, the first rear linkage includes a first rear linkage body portion and a first rear linkage extension member extending from the first rear linkage body portion at a first angle relative to the first rear linkage body portion, the first angle not equal to 180 degrees. The first front linkage includes a first front linkage body portion and a first front linkage extension member extending from the first front linkage body portion at a second angle relative to the first front linkage body portion, the second angle not equal to 180 degrees. A first hinge pin extends through the first rear linkage extension member and the first front linkage extension member so as to pivotably connect the first front linkage and the first rear linkage to one another. 
         [0017]    In a further embodiment of the motorized saw assembly, the second rear linkage includes a second rear linkage body portion and a second rear linkage extension member extending from the second rear linkage body portion at a third angle relative to the second rear linkage body portion, the third angle not equal to 180 degrees. The second front linkage includes a second front linkage body portion and a second front linkage extension member extending from the second front linkage body portion at a fourth angle relative to the second front linkage body portion, the fourth angle not equal to 180 degrees. A second hinge pin extends through the second rear linkage extension member and the second front linkage extension member so as to pivotably connect the second front linkage and the second rear linkage to one another. 
         [0018]    In one particular embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth angles are approximately 30 degrees. In this context, “approximately” is defined to include the recited angle±10 degrees. 
         [0019]    In yet another embodiment, the first rear linkage is pivotably connected to the bevel post by a first pin connection, the second rear linkage is pivotably connected to the bevel post by a second pin connection, the first front linkage is pivotably connected to the first rear linkage by a third pin connection, the second front linkage is pivotably connected to the second rear linkage by a fourth pin connection, the first front linkage is pivotably connected to the yoke member by a fifth pin connection, and the second front linkage is pivotably connected to the yoke member by a sixth pin connection. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments of the motorized saw assembly, the bevel post is pivotably connected to the base assembly so as to pivot about a pivot axis that extends in the workpiece surface plane. 
         [0021]    In one particular embodiment, the bevel post is configured to pivot by at least 45 degrees to each side relative to a vertical plane. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment according to the disclosure, a method of operating a motorized saw comprises positioning a workpiece on a workpiece support surface of a base assembly of the motorized saw, the workpiece support surface defining a workpiece support plane, and moving an upper support assembly of the motorized saw, which supports a saw blade, between a first position, whereat a first linkage assembly of a hinge assembly of the motorized saw and a second linkage assembly of the hinge assembly extend substantially perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane, and a second position, whereat the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly extend over the workpiece support surface, to cut the workpiece. In this context, “substantially perpendicular” is defined such that at least 75% of each of the first and second linkage assemblies extend within 10 degrees of perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment of the method, moving the upper support assembly comprises: moving a first linkage assembly so as to pivot a first rear linkage, which is pivotably connected to a bevel post that is operably connected to the base assembly, relative to a first front linkage pivotably connected to a yoke member, which is operably connected to the upper support assembly; and moving a second linkage assembly so as to pivot a second rear linkage, which is pivotably connected to the bevel post, relative to a second front linkage pivotably connected to the yoke member in such a way that, in the first position, the first rear linkage and the second rear linkage extend substantially in a first plane that is perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane, and the first front linkage and the second front linkage extend substantially in a second plane that is perpendicular to the workpiece surface plane. In this context, the linkages extending “substantially” in a plane is defined such that at least 75% of the linkages extend within 10 degrees of the corresponding first or second plane. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment of the method, moving the upper support assembly further comprises pivoting the first front linkage and the first rear linkage relative to one another in a third plane that is transverse to the workpiece surface plane and pivoting the second front linkage and the second rear linkage relative to one another in a fourth plane that is transverse to the workpiece surface plane. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments of the method, the third plane is arranged at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the workpiece surface plane, and the fourth plane is arranged at an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the workpiece surface plane. In this context, “approximately” is defined to include the recited angle±10 degrees. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment of the method, pivoting the first front linkage and the first rear linkage relative to one another comprises pivoting a first rear linkage body portion relative to a first front linkage body portion about a first pivot pin. A first rear linkage extension member extends from the first rear linkage body portion at a first angle relative to the first rear linkage body portion, the first angle not equal to 180 degrees, and a first front linkage extension member extends from the first front linkage body portion at a second angle relative to the first front linkage body portion, the second angle not equal to 180 degrees. The first pivot pin extends through the first rear linkage extension member and the first front linkage extension member. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment of the method, pivoting the second front linkage and the second rear linkage relative to one another comprises pivoting a second rear linkage body portion relative to a second front linkage body portion about a second pivot pin. A second rear linkage extension member extends from the second rear linkage body portion at a third angle relative to the second rear linkage body portion, the third angle not equal to 180 degrees, and a second front linkage extension member extends from the second front linkage body portion at a fourth angle relative to the second front linkage body portion, the fourth angle not equal to 180 degrees. The second pivot pin extends through the second rear linkage extension member and the second front linkage extension member. 
         [0028]    In one particular embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth angles are approximately 30 degrees. In this context, “approximately” is defined to include the recited angle±10 degrees. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment of the method, moving the first linkage assembly comprises pivoting the first rear linkage is relative to the bevel post at a first pin connection, pivoting the first front linkage relative to the first rear linkage at a second pin connection, and pivoting the first front linkage relative to the yoke member at a third pin connection. Moving the second linkage assembly comprises pivoting the second rear linkage relative to the bevel post at a fourth pin connection, pivoting the second front linkage relative to the second rear linkage at a fifth pin connection, and pivoting the second front linkage relative to the yoke member at a sixth pin connection. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment of the method, the bevel post is pivotable about a pivot axis, which extends in the workpiece surface plane, relative to the base assembly by at least 45 degrees to each side relative to a vertical plane. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a miter saw having an angled hinge assembly in a retracted position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  with the angled hinge assembly in the retracted position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  with the angled hinge assembly in the retracted position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the angled hinge assembly of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  in the retracted position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a rear cross-sectional view of the angled hinge assembly of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  in the retracted position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the bevel post of the hinge assembly of the miter saw of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  with the angled hinge assembly in an extended position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  with the angled hinge assembly in the extended position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  with the angled hinge assembly in the extended position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a rear elevational view of the angled hinge assembly of the miter saw of  FIG. 1  in the extended position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the embodiments described herein, reference is now made to the drawings and descriptions in the following written specification. No limitation to the scope of the subject matter is intended by the references. This disclosure also includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the described embodiments as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this document pertains. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a miter saw  100  according to the disclosure. The miter saw  100  includes a base assembly  104 , a hinge assembly  108 , an upper support assembly  112 , a motor  116 , and a saw blade  120 . 
         [0043]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the base assembly  104  includes a fixed portion  140  and a rotatable portion  144 . The fixed portion  140  of the base assembly  104  is configured to be supported by a table or other support structure (not shown), while the rotatable portion  144  is rotatably supported by the fixed portion  140  in such a way that the rotatable portion  144  is rotatable about a miter axis extending vertically through the center of the rotatable portion  144  at a fence  164  in order to perform a miter cut. 
         [0044]    The fixed portion  140  and the rotatable portion  144  jointly form a work surface  152 , on which a workpiece (not shown) is supported during cutting. A slot  156  is defined in the rotatable portion  144  along a bevel axis  160  such that the saw blade  120  extends partially through the slot  156  into the rotatable portion  144 . The fence  164  is attached to the fixed portion  140  of the base assembly  104  and is positioned orthogonally with respect to the work surface  152 . The fence  164  is configured to provide a rear support surface against which the workpiece is supported during cutting. 
         [0045]    With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-3  and further reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the hinge assembly  108  is connected to the rotatable portion  144  of the base assembly  104  and is configured to support the upper support assembly  112 , the motor  116 , and the saw blade  120 . The hinge assembly  108  includes a bevel post  180  connected to the rotatable portion  144  of the base assembly  104  by a bevel shaft  184 . The bevel post  180  is configured to pivot about the bevel axis  160  and bevel shaft  184  to set the bevel angle of upper support assembly  112  and the saw blade  120 . 
         [0046]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the bevel post  180  includes a body  188 , which increases in width from a first end  192 , at which the bevel shaft  184  is located, to a second end  196 . The second end  196  of the bevel post  180  includes a first hinge connection  200  and a second hinge connection  204 . The first hinge connection  200  includes two extension members, or flanges  208 , extending to the left (as seen in the rear view of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to vertical, and the two flanges  208  define an opening  212  therebetween. Likewise, the second hinge connection  204  includes two extension members, or flanges  216 , extending to the right at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to vertical, and the two flanges  216  define an opening  220  therebetween. In another embodiment, the flanges  208 ,  216  of the first and second hinge connections  200 ,  204 , respectively, are angled at another desired angle, for example an angle of between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to vertical. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , and with particular reference to  FIG. 5 , a first rear hinge linkage  240  is connected to the first hinge connection  200  of the bevel post  180 , while a second rear hinge linkage  244  is connected to the second hinge connection  204 . The first and second hinge linkages  240 ,  244  each include an extension member, in the form of a projection  248 ,  252 , respectively, extending into the opening  212 ,  220  of the respective hinge connection  200 ,  204 . A pin  256 ,  260  pivotably connects each projection  248 ,  252  to the respective flanges  208 ,  216  of the associated hinge connection  200 ,  204 . Two bearings  262  are positioned between the flanges  208 ,  216  and the respective pin  256 ,  260  such that the pins  256 ,  260  rotate freely with respect to the projections  248 ,  252  of the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244 . As a result, the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244  are pivotable relative to the bevel post  180  about the respective pin  256 ,  260 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9 , at an end opposite the projections  248 ,  252 , the first hinge linkages  240 ,  244  each include a pair of extension members, or flanges  264 ,  268 , respectively, extending away from the body of the first hinge linkages  240 ,  244 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges  264 ,  268  are oriented at an angle of approximately 30 degrees relative to the body, though in other embodiments the flanges  264 ,  268  are oriented at another suitable angle relative to the body, for example approximately 45 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. Each pair of flanges  264 ,  268  defines an opening  272 ,  276 , respectively, therebetween. 
         [0049]    A first forward hinge linkage  300  and a second forward hinge linkage  304  are connected to the first rear hinge linkage  240  and the second rear hinge linkage  244 , respectively. The forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  each include an extension member in the form of a projection  308 ,  312 , respectively, extending away from the body of the respective forward hinge linkage  300 ,  304  at an angle. In one embodiment, the angle is approximately 30 degrees, though the projection is angled at another desired angle in other embodiments, for example approximately 45 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the projections  308 ,  312  relative to the body of the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  is substantially equal to the angle between the flanges  264 ,  268  and the body of the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244 . The body of each of the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  includes a bevel  314 ,  316  at the extension of the projections  308 ,  312  oriented generally the same angle as the flanges  264 ,  268  of the respective rear hinge linkage  240 ,  244  in the retracted position. Each of the projections  308 ,  312  is connected to the respective pair of flanges  264 ,  268  by a pin  318 ,  320  and two bearings (not shown) similar to the bearings  262  described above to enable the pin  318 ,  320  to rotate relative to the projection of the forward hinge linkage  300 ,  304 , respectively. As a result, the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244  and the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  are pivotable relative to one another about the pins  318 ,  320 . 
         [0050]    At an opposite end of the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  from the projections  308 ,  312 , the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  each include a pair of extension members or flanges  324 ,  328 , respectively, that define an opening  332 ,  336  therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of flanges  324 ,  328  extends along the body of the respective forward linkage  300 ,  304 . 
         [0051]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 9  and continuing reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8  the hinge assembly  108  further includes a yoke  360  connected to the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304 . The yoke  360  includes a first side  362 , a second side  364 , and a central region  366  connecting the first and second sides  362 ,  364 . The first and second sides  362 ,  364  of the yoke  360  each include a rear end region  368 ,  372 , respectively, that extends into the opening  332 ,  336  of the associated forward hinge linkage  300 ,  304 . A pin  376 ,  380  and a pair of bearings (not shown) similar to the bearings  262  described above connect each of the rear end regions  368 ,  372  of the yoke  360  to the flanges  324 ,  328  of the respective forward hinge linkage  300 ,  304 . As a result, the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  are each pivotable relative to the yoke  360  about the respective pin  376 ,  380 . The yoke  360  further includes two forward end regions  384 ,  388  connected to the rear end regions  368 ,  372 , respectively, to connect the hinge assembly  108  to the upper support assembly  112 . 
         [0052]    The upper support assembly  112  includes a rear end region  400  and a front end region  404 . The rear end region  400  of the support assembly  112  is connected to the forward end regions  384 ,  388  of the yoke  360  via a pin  408  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and bearings (not shown) in such a way that the upper support assembly  112  is pivotable relative to the hinge assembly  108  about the pin  408 . The front end region  404  of the upper support assembly  112  supports the motor  116  and the saw blade  120 , and includes a handle  412  and a lower guard assembly  416 . The handle  412  is configured to enable a user to manipulate the upper support assembly  112  to position the saw blade  120  and to cut a workpiece. The lower guard  416  partially surrounds the saw blade  120  to reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the saw blade  120 . 
         [0053]    As can be seen particularly in the view of  FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9 , the hinge linkages  240 ,  244 ,  300 ,  304  are configured such that, in the retracted position, the body of each of the first rear hinge linkage  240  and the second rear hinge linkage  244  is substantially parallel to the body of the first forward hinge linkage  300  and the body of the second forward hinge linkage  304 , respectively, with minimal space between the forward hinge linkages  240 ,  244  and the respective rear hinge linkages  300 ,  304 . This configuration enables the hinge assembly  108  to be compact, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the saw  100 . Moreover, the compact hinge arrangement requires a lesser quantity of material and the overall weight of the hinge assembly  108  is reduced. As a result, the miter saw  100  according to the disclosure is more portable compared to conventional miter saws. 
         [0054]    The connection pins  256 ,  318 ,  376  are all arranged generally normal to plane  440  ( FIGS. 4 and 10 ), which is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the plane of the saw blade  120 . Likewise, the connection pins  260 ,  320 ,  380  are all arranged generally normal to plane  444 , which is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the plane of the saw blade  120  in the opposite direction as plane  440 . As such, the first linkages  240 ,  300  can only pivot in plane  440 , while the second linkages  244 ,  304  can only pivot in plane  444 . As a result, the hinge assembly  108  permits movement of the upper support assembly  112  and the saw blade  120  only along a linear path along the line of intersection  448  of the planes  440 ,  444 . Consequently, the hinge assembly  108  enables linear movement of the upper support assembly  112 , while disabling all other movement of the upper support assembly  112 . 
         [0055]    In use, the user sets the miter angle by rotating the rotating portion  144  of the base assembly  104  relative to the fixed portion  140  and the fence  164 . If desired, the user may also set the bevel angle of the saw  100  by pivoting the bevel post  180  and upper support assembly  112  about the bevel shaft  184 . The user then positions the miter saw  100  in the extended position shown in  FIGS. 7-10  and raises the handle  412 , pivoting the upper support assembly  112  and saw blade  120  about the pin  408  in an upwardly direction to a raised position (not shown). The saw blade  120  moves out of and away from the slot  156 , thereby allowing a workpiece to be positioned on the work surface  152  against the fence  164 . The upper support assembly  112  is then lowered back into the slot  156  in the lowered extended position of  FIGS. 7-10 . 
         [0056]    The user activates the motor  116  by, for example, pressing a trigger (not shown) on the handle  412 . The motor  116  spins the saw blade  120  via a power transmission system (not shown) operably connecting the motor  116  and the saw blade  120 . The user then presses the handle  412  in a direction toward the rear of the saw  100 , which moves the upper support assembly  112  toward the rear of the saw. 
         [0057]    The rearward movement of the upper support assembly  112  moves the yoke  360  rearwardly, which also causes the pins  376 ,  380  and the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  to move rearwardly. Since the flanges  208 ,  216  of the bevel post  180  are fixed against movement, the rearward movement of the forward linkages  300 ,  304  forces the ends of the forward and rear linkages  240 ,  300  and,  244 ,  304  at the pins  318 ,  320  to move upwardly and outwardly relative to the plane of the saw blade  120 , pivoting the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244  about the pins  256 ,  260 . The first hinge linkages  240 ,  300  fold together along the first plane  440  and the second hinge linkages  244 ,  304  fold together along the second plane  444 . 
         [0058]    As discussed above, the hinge linkages  240 ,  300 ,  244 ,  304  enable only one degree of freedom in which the upper support assembly  112  can move. As a result, the movement of the connections between the forward and rear linkages  240 ,  300  and  244 ,  304  guides the yoke  360  along a linear path toward the rear of the saw  100 . The yoke  360  guides the upper support assembly  112  along this same linear path via the connection at the pin  408 , thereby moving the saw blade  120  along the linear path to cut through the workpiece. 
         [0059]    After the saw blade  120  passes through the workpiece to the rear end of the saw  100 , the hinge assembly  108  is in the fully retracted position shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . As illustrated particularly in  FIGS. 1-3 , the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244  extend in substantially the same vertically oriented plane. Moreover, the forward hinge linkages  300 ,  304  extend in a second plane that is essentially parallel to the vertical plane of the rear hinge linkages  240 ,  244 . The rear and forward hinge linkages  240 ,  244 ,  300 ,  304  are spaced apart from one another by a minimal distance. As a result, the hinge assembly  108  is very compact in the longitudinal direction of the saw  100 . In addition, the distance by which the hinge assembly  108  extends beyond the base assembly  104  in the rear of the saw  100  is reduced, thereby enabling the miter saw  100  to be positioned against a wall or other surface. 
         [0060]    Additionally, as can be seen particularly in  FIG. 4 , the lateral distance by which the hinge assembly  108  projects away from the vertical plane of the saw blade  120  is relatively small in both the retracted position and the extended position. As a result, the miter saw  100  can be beveled about the bevel shaft  184  in either direction without the hinge assembly  108  contacting the base assembly  104 . In one embodiment, the miter saw  100  is configured to bevel in each direction by an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the vertical plane. 
         [0061]    It will be appreciated that variants of the above-described and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems, applications or methods. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art that are also intended to be encompassed by the foregoing disclosure.