Abstract:
The present invention provides a jig and a method for it use. The jig is interchangeable with a variety of power tools for reproducibly and accurately positioning a work piece on the power tool. A universal memory stick is slidably attached to a primary fence. A follower assembly is mounted to the primary fence for maintaining a predetermined relative position of the primary fence to the universal memory stick. The universal memory stick includes a universal stick template which enables the user to make, program, store and recall required stop positions used on the power tool to cut work pieces to required dimensions for a given project.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to power machine tools and more particularly to a power tool jig capable of storing various predetermined stop positions to reproducibly and accurately position a work piece on a power tool. The jig is programmable to store multiple stop positions required for an entire project and is transferable to a variety of different power machine tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Precision woodworking, for example, cabinet making, often utilizes several different power tools for each project, requiring setting up each power tool and changing stop positions for a given work piece. For both the professional cabinet-maker and the home craftsman this can be a time consuming and expensive annoyance. 
     Woodworking operations require precise measurements for the cutting of wood stock to insure proper fit of assembled pieces. To insure proper fit, positioning jigs are used to position the work piece relative to a power tool cutting surface. Current practice utilizes positioning jigs for a wide variety of power tools such as a table saw, router table and drill press. 
     Although the advent of power machine tools has made woodworking both more efficient and easier, many of the techniques used today are virtually identical to techniques used centuries ago. However, positioning processes and devices used to determine the stop position for a cutting operation on the work piece are still evolving. 
     One such device used to position a work piece on a power machine tool is a fence, most commonly used on a table saw or router. Typically, the operator feeds the work piece by hand through the cutting tool by sliding one edge of the work piece along the fence, optionally, until the work piece contacts a stop block. The optional stop block located a predetermined distance from the cutting tool, placed to prevent further machining of the work piece. 
     Both the fence and optional stop block must be positioned to a new location each time a work piece cut is made to a different predetermined criteria. For this reason, multiple work pieces of identical shape are generally cut at the predetermined fence and optional stop block position prior to moving the fence and/or stop. Once the fence and/or optional stop has been moved, the fence and/or optional stop must be reset to a prior position to duplicate a previously cut piece. It is difficult and time consuming to accurately reposition the fence and optional stop in the original position, often resulting in inaccuracies in the final fit of the work pieces. 
     One shortcoming of the current practice of positioning devices is that they are typically made of heavy steel and permanently mounted to each woodworking power tool. Thus, they are quite cumbersome and time consuming to remove and reinstall. Additionally, it is quite expensive to equip each power tool with its own stop block and guide. 
     Accurate placement of each work piece cut is dependent upon the operator&#39;s experience and skill. This is particularly important when cutting multiple work pieces of identical dimensions. One current method of aiding the operator in achieving this accurate cut placement is to mechanically position the fence through the use of a lead screw and a rotating knob. The rotating knob turns the lead screw, which augurs and positions the fence. The fence is adjusted prior to each cutting operation to a predetermined distance from the cutting tool according to the desired location of the cut. Typically, the operator feeds the work piece by hand through the cutting tool by sliding one edge of the work piece along the fence. 
     A wide range of positioning jigs have been designed in an attempt to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the positioning process. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,604 and 5,716,045 include a fixed lower body member and a moveable upper body member. After the fence has been positioned, racks are meshed together by tightening a knob threaded through the middle of the upper and lower body members to prohibit further movement. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,296 discloses a positioning jig using a blade and a movable carriage mounted thereon. The carriage rides on tubular rails mounted to a base. Movement to a desired position is facilitated by two sets of rollers mounted to the carriage and contacting the top and bottom of the tubular rails. 
     Current practice positioning jigs have a single unit fixed measurement spacing and are limited in maximum measurement length. They must be repositioned after each change in desired work piece shape, with resultant inherent inaccuracy. Additional problems inherent in current practice positioning jigs are the inability to attach varied additional apparatus to the jig, and the limited capacity to accommodate work pieces of longer lengths. Current practice jigs are designed for a specific dedicated power machine tool, with limited cross tool interchangeability. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for an inexpensive simple jig that is interchangeable with different power machine tools, able to accurately perform multiple operations, and capable of easily and accurately reproducing prior measurement settings while not being limited to a single unit of measurement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a jig for reproducibly and accurately positioning a work piece on a power tool that is interchangeable with a variety of woodworking power tools. The invention has a built in memory that enables the user to make, program and store many, if not all, of the required stop positions used on the power tool to cut work pieces to required dimensions for a woodworking project. 
     Once the jig is installed on the appropriate power tool, a memory stick is slid to the desired position for that operation and the work piece is held against a fence for drilling, sawing, or routing, as needed. The jig comprises a primary fence having a first end, an opposing second end, a first side, an opposing second side and a top and opposing bottom, wherein the first and second sides are interposed between the first and second ends and the top and opposing bottom are supported by the first end, second end, first side and second side. 
     A universal memory stick is slidably attached to the primary fence, the memory stick having a first end, an opposing face end, a first side, an opposing second side and a top, wherein the first and second sides are interposed between the first and face ends and the top is supported by the first end, face end, first side and second side and includes a universal memory stick template. A follower assembly is mounted to the primary fence for maintaining a relative position of the primary fence to the universal memory stick. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that the jig is interchangeable with a variety of power tools. Because differing power tools may require their own positioning jig, the cost savings are multiplied by the number of power tools required for a given project. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to permanently store predetermined stop positions for duplication and use at a later time. In this manner, work pieces may be repeatedly cut to reproducibly precise dimensions, even after the jig has been repositioned. Because the stop positions are customized by the operator, the number of predetermined stops may range from an unlimited number to the exact amount required by a particular project. 
     Yet another advantage is the operator&#39;s ability to alternate between varied units of incremental spacing. In this manner, the operator is not limited to a single measurement unit, as in current practice. 
     Still another advantage is the operator&#39;s unlimited ability to increase the linear range of stop positions. In this manner, work pieces of infinite length may be easily and accurately measured. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily fasten other attachments, such as additional jigs and templates, a changeable zero clearance cut off block or the work piece to the jig for use with differing power tools, without disturbing any jig adjustments. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily compensate for varying power tool cutter widths. 
     Continuing and often interrelated improvements in processes and materials, such as the improvements of the present invention, can provide cost reductions and major increases in the performance of devices such as table saws, router tables, drill presses and other power woodworking tools. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 a  is a perspective view of the primary fence. 
     FIG. 1 b  is a cross-section of the primary fence with J-hooks. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the primary fence attached to a machine fence. 
     FIG. 3 a  is a perspective view of the right angle bracket. 
     FIG. 3 b  is a perspective view of the shim. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the universal memory stick. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate universal memory stick. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the follower assembly. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the miter gauge. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the forward stop. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the backboard. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the extension arm. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cut-off block. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the support bar. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the auxiliary fence. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tenon, primary fence and auxiliary fence. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a jig/miter arrangement. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the attached stop block. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a jig/miter/backboard arrangement. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the jig arranged for drilling operation. 
     FIG. 19 a  is a perspective view of a U bracket attachment to a miter fence. 
     FIG. 19 b  is a perspective view of a U bracket attachment to a T slot power tool fence. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the figures, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is shown in FIG. 1 a  a primary fence  52  having a first end  2 , an opposing second end  4 , a first side  6 , an opposing second side  8  and a top  10  and opposing bottom (not shown). The first  6  and second  8  sides are interposed between the first  2  and second  4  ends. The top  10  and opposing bottom (not shown) are supported by the first end  2 , second end  4 , first side  6  and second side  8 . 
     The primary fence  52  is preferably fabricated from a substantially rigid, preferably lightweight, material, for example, metal such as extruded aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel, molded plastic, layed up plastic, wood and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the primary fence  52  is about 3′ long, about 3″ wide and about ¾″ thick. 
     In order to further reduce weight while maintaining strength, the interior of the primary fence  52  is substantially hollow. In cross section, the interior of the primary fence  52  has three parts. The inner chamber forms a mortise  54  of preselected dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the mortise  54  is about 1¾″ in width with walls  12  about ½″ high extending from the inner surface (not shown) of the top  10  to the inner surface  14  of the bottom. 
     Two outer chambers about ½″ wide flank the inner chamber. Each of these outer chambers has an opening with an upper and lower lip in the outside wall to form T-slots  56 ,  57  running along the length of each side  6 ,  8 . T-slots  56 ,  57  are fabricated to slidably receive a mating T-bar of an attachment, for example, a universal memory stick or other power tool attachment (described below). 
     Machined along the centerline of the primary fence top  10  is a series of holes  42  spaced a unit measurement apart, for example, about 1″ apart which coincide with counter-sunk hole  44  (FIG. 1 b ) machined into the primary fence bottom. As shown in FIG. 1 b , the primary fence  52  can be fixed to various power tools by passing a fastener, for example, a J-bolt  72  through the counter-sunk hole  44  and top hole  42  such that the J-bolt  72  catches the lip of a power tool table  74 . The J-bolt  72  is secured with washer  32  and nut  38 . Optionally, the nut may be a wing nut for ease of removal. 
     Alternatively, shown in FIG. 2, the primary fence  52  can be secured to a power tool table fence  78  with a fastener, for example, right angle bracket  76  and clamp  80 , or as shown in FIG. 19 a , a fastener such as U bracket  77  can be used to attach primary fence  52  to, for example, miter gauge fence  75  by passing bolt  26  through hole (not shown) in miter gauge fence  75 , U slot  60 , washer  32  and secured with nut  38 . A bolt end of T-bolt  83  is passed through hole  69  of U bracket  77  and secured with washer and nut (not shown). The “T” end of T-bolt  83  is slidably received by T-slot  56  of primary fence  52 . When the manufacturer&#39;s power tool fence  73  includes T-slots, shown in FIG. 19 b , first T-Bolt  83  is substituted for bolt  26  to permit U bracket  77  to be slidably received by the power tool fence T-slot. Second T-bolt  83  is engaged as described above to connect U bracket  77  to primary fence  52 . 
     Returning to FIG. 1 a , the outer edge of the primary fence top  10  is scribed with marks  66  of a predetermined unit of measurement, for example, marks one inch apart. Marks  66  are numbered beginning a predetermined distance, for example, two inches, from primary fence ends  2 ,  4 , so pointer scale  130  of universal memory stick  166  (FIG. 4) or pointer scale  71  of an attachment, for example, a backboard  64  (FIG.  9 ), will indicate the correct distance to the cutting blade after final assembly (described below). Optionally, a cutout  70  is machined into the first side  6  of primary fence  52 , for example, in the center, to accommodates a router (not shown) or drill bit  16  (FIG.  18 ). 
     Shown in FIG. 4 is universal memory stick  166  having a first end  18 , an opposing face end  190 , a first side  20 , an opposing second side  22  and a top  24  and opposing bottom (not shown), wherein the first and second sides  20 ,  22  are interposed between the first end  18  and face end  190 . The top  24  and bottom (not shown) are supported by the first end  18 , face end  190 , first side  20  and second side  22 . 
     The universal memory stick  166  is preferably fabricated from a substantially rigid, preferably lightweight, material, for example, wood, metal such as extruded aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel, molded plastic, layed up plastic and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment it is about 3″ wide and 36″ long. The sides  20 ,  22  are machined to form T-bar  168 , which is slidably received into T-slot  57  of primary fence  52  (FIG.  1 ). Optionally, a bracket, for example, a substantially right angle bracket  76  (FIG. 3 a ), fastened to face end  190  provides a larger surface area for face end  190  and points for optional attachments (FIG.  17 ). 
     In a preferred embodiment, machined into the top  24  is a channel  170 , for example, about 1″ wide and about ⅝″ deep extending about 2″ from the first end  18  to about 2″ from the face end  190 . An undercut  172  of predetermined size, for example, approximately {fraction (3/32)}″ undercut, is machined outward at the top of walls of the channel  170 , and extends the full length of the universal memory stick  166  to slidably receive a universal stick template  174 . In this manner, a space remains below the template  174  to receive a plunger point  148  of a follower assembly  134  (FIG. 6) (described below). 
     The universal stick template  174  is precision machined to contain at least one predetermined stop position  226 , for example, a plurality of holes machined in a row at predetermined measurement units. The holes may be at repeating units of measurement, for example, English or metric units, or they may be positioned to reflect only those units of measurement required by a specific woodworking project, or they may combinations thereof. Universal stick template  174  may have a single track of stop positions  226  or, alternatively, multiple tracks of stop positions  226  may be fabricated to accommodate multiple repeating measurement units or project predetermined stop position  226  on a single universal stick template  174 . 
     The machined holes are of a diameter sufficient to positively secure a follower assembly (described below). The hole diameter is not critical, so long as the center of the hole is precision located to the predetermined location. For example, if track  176  is machined to ⅜″ center to center spacing  180 , 25 machined holes would measure 9 inches center to center from the first hole to last hole, even if the hole size diameter differed. Likewise, track  178  machined to ¼″ spacing  182  and 25 holes would measure 6 inches center to center from the first hole to last hole. In this manner an error in the machining of any one hole would not be compounded throughout the length of the universal stick template  174 . 
     Once fabricated, universal stick template  174  can be stored and reused. In this manner, frequently manufactured items, such as cabinet doors and drawers can be made in a fraction of the time required under current practice. 
     Alternatively, shown in FIG. 5, the memory stick template may be fabricated directly into the memory stick  166 , thereby avoiding the need for the separate slideably received template  174 . For example, the longest length of material needed for a project is determined from, for example, a project material list. A length of board is cut to a predetermined size longer than the largest material required, for example, about ¾″ thick, to about 3″ wide and about 5″ longer than the longest material length required. First and second side edges  20 ,  22  are cut, using known methods into a T-bar  168 , thereby forming a universal memory stick  166  slidable into the T-slot  57  of the primary fence  52 . A home (start) position  200  is established by drilling a hole of predetermined size at a predetermined location, for example, ¼″ in diameter about four inches from the first end  18  and about ½″ from a side  20 ,  22  to initiate a track of stop positions  226  for the desired cutting function. Holes are measured and drilled at the position required for the desired function needed for the particular project, at predetermined measurement distances or combinations thereof. 
     For example, using a ⅜″ template and a ⅜″ dado blade (not shown), making cuts at every other hole would produce a precision box joint. Additional tracks may be fabricated for additional cutting functions, such as required for fabrication of mortise, router, drilling or other specialty wood working operations. A label  198  is placed on the universal memory stick  166  to record the purpose of each track and tool setting. 
     The follower assembly  134 , shown in FIG. 6, is used to maintain a predetermined relative position of the primary fence  52  to the universal memory stick  166 . The follower assembly  134  is preferably fabricated from a substantially rigid material, for example, wood, metal such as extruded aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel, molded plastic, layed up plastic and combinations thereof. It is in the form of, for example, a block  141  of preselected size, for example, about 8″ long, about 1¾″ high and about 1¼″ wide. A slot  162  about {fraction (5/16)}″ in width begins about ½″ from a first end  135  of the block  141  and extends about 5½″ in length. At an opposing, second end  137 , a tower  139 , for example, a cylinder shaped tower, extends above the block  141  about ¾″ to a total height of about 2½ inches. A first bushing  138  about ⅜″ O.D.×about ¼″ I.D.×about 1″ with a first circumferential groove  140  located about {fraction (3/32)}″ from the top edge of the bushing  138  is inserted in the top of the tower  139 . The bushing  138  slidably receives a plunger  142  in the form of a rod about 6″ long by about ¼″ in diameter with an aperture  144  positioned about one inch below the plunger top. A second circumferential groove  146  is located about 4⅝″ from the plunger top. The bottom of the plunger  142  is tapered at about 15 degrees to form a point  148  having a tip radius, typically about {fraction (1/32)}″. 
     This point  148  assures the plunger  142  will center into a universal memory stick stop position  226  to position and hold the memory stick  166  (FIG.  15 ). While this amount of taper enables the plunger  142  to fit into a hole about {fraction (1/16)}″ to about ¼″ in diameter, it should be appreciated that by varying the taper size, a wider range of stop position hole sizes may be utilized. 
     A C-clip  150  inserted into the second circumferential groove  146  limit s the up and down travel of the plunger  142  as it contacts the lower surface of the first bushing  138  and upper surface of a second bushing  152 . Second bushing  152  about ¼″ I.D.×about ⅜″ O.D.×about ⅜″ long is inserted in the bottom of tower  139  to slidably receive the plunger  142 . At its rest position, the plunger point  148  protrudes about ⅝″ below the bottom of the block  141 . A spring  154 , for example, a coil spring, of predetermined strength, for example, about 1¼″ long×about ½″ I.D. is placed to slidably receive the top of the plunger rod  142 . The coil spring bottom is secured, for example, by the groove  140  of first bushing  138 , for example, by crimping the coil spring into the groove. The coil spring top is secured to the plunger rod  142 , for example, by inserting an end through plunger rod hole  144 . Alternatively, the spring  154  may be enclosed within the tower  139 , or a leaf spring (not shown) may be substituted for the coil spring, or the plunger rod  142  may be screwed into position. The plunger may be designed to be “at rest” in either the engaged or disengaged position. The term “at rest” means the position in which there is no external force directed to the plunger. Knob  156  is attached to the top of the rod  142 . 
     When the knob  156  is raised, it pulls up the plunger  142  and the tip  148  is retracted, releasing the plunger  142  from the universal memory stick stop position  226  (FIG.  15 ). When the plunger  142  is released, the spring  154  urges the plunger  142  to return to the spring biased down position. To change stop positions, plunger  142  is raised and universal memory stick  166  is slid along primary fence  52  to the next desired stop position  226 , whereupon plunger  142  is released to secure that position. 
     In this manner, single projects may be fabricated without making multiple memory sticks. For example, with a ⅛″ kerf saw blade (not shown), three passes of the work piece through the cutting blade would produce a ⅜″ dado without having to change to a dado blade. Optionally, placing a shim  124  (FIG. 3 b ) between the work piece (not shown) and memory stick  166  allows for even more precision in these specialty cuts. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 b ,  6  and  15 , bolt  143  passes through primary fence countersunk bottom hole  44 , primary fence top hole  42 , non-slip washer  164 , and slot  162 , to receive washer  158  and fluted nut  160 , securing the follower assembly  134  to the primary fence  52 . Primary fence bottom hole  44  is countersunk to receive bolt  143  so that the primary fence  52  will lay flat on the power tool table. Non-slip washer  164  provides clearance between the primary fence top  10  and the bottom of the follower assembly (not shown) and prevents the follower assembly  134  from turning. 
     In a second preferred embodiment, the present invention is used in conjunction with a miter gauge. Shown in FIG. 7, miter gauge  82  has a base  86  fastened to a miter bar  88  with a pivot screw  90 . The base  86  has a degree cutout slot  92 , degree scale  94 , degree indicator  96  and a locking screw  98 . Degree angle positions are locked with bolt  26 , washer  32 , and nut  38  through hole (not shown) in the miter gauge bar  88 . The blade indicator  100  is held in position with screw  102  in the taped miter gauge base  86 . The miter gauge bar  88  has a hole  110  in its front end. Miter gauge base  86  has hole  58  in its vertical lip for fastening to the primary fence  52  with, for example, T-bolt  83  slidably received by T-slot  56  (FIG. 1) and secured with washers  30  and nuts  34 . 
     Often times, it is desirable to reproduce a predetermined stop point as the work piece is passed through a cutting blade, for example, when fabricating specialty cuts such as dovetail, dado and kerfs. A stop attachment for reproducing a stop point is shown in FIG.  8 . Bolt  26  is passed through hole  110  in miter gauge bar  88 , spacer  122 , and slot  114  in channel arm  112  to receive washer  32  and wing nut  40 , thereby creating forward stop assembly  108 . Forward stop assembly channel arm  112  is fabricated from a substantially rigid material, for example, extruded aluminum or alloy, for example, about 12″ long×about ¾″ high with a slot  114  beginning about ¼″ from the front end (the end closest to the primary fence) extending to about ¼″ from its back end  111 . The channel arm is scaled  116  to a predetermined unit of measurement, as described above. A step  118  about 5″ long×about ¼″ high, produces a stop  120 . Spacer  122 , about 3″×about ¾″×½″ high placed between the miter gauge bar  88  and channel arm  112  raises the channel arm  112  to clear the miter gauge base  86 . By loosening wing nut  40 , forward stop channel  112  is set to a predetermined position so that stop  120  will contact the front edge of the power tool table  74  to stop the forward motion of the miter gauge assembly  82  as the work piece is fed into the cutting blade. 
     For basic miter operation, shown in FIG. 15, miter gauge  82  is placed on power tool table  74  in standard fashion. With cutout  70  facing the user, first primary fence T-slot  56  slidably receives miter gauge T-bolt  83  (FIG.  7 ). Universal memory stick  166  with universal stick template  174  is slidably received by the primary fence  52  using second primary fence T-slot  57  and universal memory stick T-bar  168 . 
     Universal memory stick  166  is slid relative to primary fence  52  until arrow  131  of pointer scale  130  and primary fence  52  baseline unit measurement mark  128  are aligned. It is preferable for the baseline unit measurement mark  128  to be located closer to the primary fence second end  4  (the end closest to the saw blade  214 ), than the pointer scale  130  is to the memory stick face end  190 . In this manner, once aligned, the memory stick face end  190  will be offset from the saw blade  214 , preventing inadvertent contact with the blade  214 , and resultant damage to the memory stick  166 . 
     Follower assembly  134  is secured to primary fence  52  as described above so that plunger  142  is in home (start) position  200  of the universal memory stick  166  while still maintaining alignment of the arrow  131  of pointer scale  130  and baseline unit measurement mark  128 , and secured by tightening fluted nut  160 . 
     Nut  34  (FIG. 7) is loosened and primary fence  52  and memory stick  166  are related until the face end  190  (FIG. 4) of memory stick  166  is precisely one unit measurement  128  (FIG. 16) from saw blade  214 . After alignment of primary fence  52 , universal memory stick  166  and miter gauge  82 , nut  34  is tightened. A sample work piece cut is made to verify distance between until face end  190  (FIG. 4) of memory stick  166  and saw blade  214  is precisely one unit measurement. It is important that this measurement is precise, as all measurements are affected by this setting. Miter gauge blade indicator mark  240  (FIG. 7) is positioned to align with a reference unit measurement mark  66  (FIG. 1) of primary fence  52  and locked with screw  102  (FIG.  7 ). In this manner, by recording the settings, the user is able to remove primary fence and memory stick for other uses if desired and return to the precise position established for that power tool by realigning the reference unit measurement mark  66  with the miter gauge blade indicator mark  240 . 
     To compensate for different cutter thickness or for centering of a router or dado blade, nut  34  (FIG. 7) is loosened and memory stick  166 /primary fence  52  assembly is related so the center of the blade or cutter (not shown) will be exactly one unit measurement from memory stick face end  190  and secured in that position with nut  34  (FIG.  7 ). 
     In a third embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, right angle bracket  76  is fastened to universal memory stick  166  with bolt  26 , washer  32 , and nut  38  through hole  188  (FIG.  4 ). Elongated hole  48  allows for adjustable attachment of other apparatus, for example, backboard  64 . Backboard front edge is formed in the shape of a T-bar  132  (FIG.  9 ). Upon attachment of the backboard  64  to the universal memory stick  166 , backboard T-bar  132  becomes an extension of universal memory stick T-bar  168  to be slidably received by T-slot  57  of primary fence  52 , making backboard  64  an extension of universal memory stick  166 . 
     Backboard  64  is designed to guide and hold a work piece or other apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, it is about 12″ wide×about 6″ high×about 3¼″ deep with ¾″ walls. At the center of the bottom front edge, extending up the backboard front face, is a cutout  210  about 1½″×about 1½″ which like cutout  70  of primary fence  52  (FIG.  1 ), allows for drilling or routing operations. A series of elongated holes  50  used as fastening points for additional attachments, flank cutout  210  across its width, extend across backboard front face  67  and extend upward on both backboard side walls  69 . Backboard arrow  71  of pointer scale  130  is used to indicate backboard position relative to cutting blade in the same manner as primary fence arrow  131 . 
     Preferably, backboard arm  212  is fabricated from a material that will not damage a cutting blade, for example, wood or plastic. Forward extending arm  216  (FIG. 10) is about 1½″ thick×about 3″ high with about a ½″ cut out  218  to straddle the side of the backboard  64  to create a secure attachment. The remaining material allows the spacing to coincide with the backboard arrow  71  of pointer scale  130 , and prevent the cutting blade from contacting the backboard  64 . A vertical recessed elongated hole  220  about ¼″×about 1½″ enables the forward arm  216  to fasten to the backboard  64  with, for example, carriage bolt  28 , washer  32 , and nut  34 . The side-extending arm  222  is, for example, about 12″ long×about 3″ high×about ¾″ thick with holes  42  spaced about 1″ across the center to hold additional attachments. 
     Optional cut off block  224 , shown in FIGS. 11 and 16, is a back up to reduce tear out or splintering of the work piece. Cut off block  224  is made of, for example, wood about 3″×3½″×3″, with a rabbit cut of about 1½×¾″. A notch  227  in the rabbit cut enables cut off block  224  to be fastened to the end of the primary fence  52  with, for example, bolt  26 , nut  38 , and washer  32 . 
     When, as shown in FIG. 16, miter gauge  82  feeds the work piece into the saw blade  214  or router bit (not shown), a zero vertical clearance cutter profile  228  is created, thereby reducing tear out of the work piece. The end of T-slot  56 , butting against cut off block  224  at point X prevents memory stick  166  from contacting any cutter. Cut off block  224  supports the work piece and may be easily replaced or changed without disturbing any previously set adjustments. 
     Auxiliary fence  232 , shown in FIG. 13, is fabricated as described above for the primary fence  52 , to a variable, predetermined length, and, optionally, does not have primary fence  52  cut out  70 . Auxiliary fence  232  can be used to extended the primary fence by inserting tenon  234  in mortise  54  (FIG. 14) of the primary  52  and auxiliary  232  fence and securing the tenon  234  with bolt (not shown) through holes  42 , 44 . Optional support for the resulting extended length can be obtained by for example, a work stand (not shown). 
     Optionally, shown in FIG. 18, when primary fence  52  extends beyond a power tool table  242 , support bar  246  (FIG. 12) and/or end support bar  238  can be fastened to the fence bottom, for example, by clamping or securing with bolt  26 , washer  32  and nut  38  extending, for example, normal to the primary fence  52  to give additional support to the work piece and/or memory stick. 
     For miter operation, the present invention operates as follows. Universal memory stick  166  T-bar  168  (FIG.17) is slidably attached to primary fence T-slot  57 . Follower assembly  134  is installed on primary fence  52  with bolt  143  through holes  42 ,  44  (FIG. 1) non-slip washer  164 , slot  162 , washer  158 , and fluted nut  160  (FIG.  6 ). Plunger  142  is set in home position  200  of memory stick  166  with a predetermined unit spacing, for example, a one-inch spacing template installed. Arrow  131  of pointer scale  130  (FIG. 15) is aligned with baseline unit measurement mark  128  (FIG. 15) and secured in this position by tightening fluted nut  160  (FIG.  15 ). 
     Miter gauge  82  is attached to first t-slot  56  of primary fence with the T-bolts  83  through hole  58  (FIG.  7 ), washer  32  and nut  34 . The miter gauge  82 /primary fence  52  assembly is positioned so face end  190  (FIG. 15) contacts the inside of the saw blade  214  (FIG. 15) and secured by tightening nut  34  (FIG.  7 ). 
     Plunger knob  156  (FIG. 17) is lifted to disengage plunger point  148 , and memory stick  166  is slid relative to primary fence  52  until plunger point  148  aligns with the one inch hole in template and arrow  131  indicates one inch  128  (FIG.  16 ). Plunger  142  is released to allow plunger point  148  to engage and hold the memory stick  166  in place. A sample work piece is cut to verify it is precisely one inch  230  (FIG.  16 ). Readjustment is made with nut  34 , as required. 
     Set screw  102  (FIG. 17) is loosened to position the blade indicator  100  so blade indicator mark  240  aligns precisely with inch mark  66  on primary fence  52  to accurately establish mark  66  (FIG. 1) relative to the inner edge of saw blade  230  (FIG.  16 ). After proper alignment, set screw  102  (FIG. 17) is re-tightened. Optionally, cutoff block  224  is attached to primary fence  52  by sliding cut off block slot  227  of the under bolt  26  through end holes  42 ,  44  washer  32  and nut  38 , keeping cutoff block  224  against the end of the primary fence  52 , and secured by tightening nut  38 . 
     Optional backboard  64  (FIG. 17) is connected to universal memory stick  166  with right angle bracket  76  (FIG. 17) with bolts  28  and  26 . Backboard arrow  71  of pointer scale  130  is used to indicate the correct distance to the saw blade. Other optional attachments, for example, L-shaped backboard arm  212  and/or the work piece can be fastened to the backboard  64  to fabricate specialty cuts such as box, dovetail, dado and kerfs. 
     When desired, forward stop assembly is attached to the miter gauge bar  88  (FIG. 8) with bolt  26  through miter bar  88 , spacer  122 , slot  114 , washer  32 , and wing nut  40 . Forward stopl 20  is adjusted to a preselected position and locked in place with nut  40 . 
     In this manner, the present invention can make quick and precise specialty cuts such as cut off; stop dados; stop dovetails; dados; half, full and blind dovetail; finger joints; mortise; tenons; incremental holes and kerfs. The memory stick template is able to store many, if not all, stops needed for a particular project for use at a later date. When the power tool is needed for another use, the jig of the present invention can be removed and set aside without disturbing the previously set adjustments. 
     For use in drilling operations, the primary fence  52  (FIG. 18) is fastened to drill press table  242  (FIG.  18 ), for example, with J-bolts  72  (FIG. 1 b ) or clamps at the preselected throat clearance. Drill point  16  is aligned with centerline  36  (FIG. 18) of primary fence  52 . Optionally, primary fence  52  and auxiliary fence  232  may be combined by inserting tenon  234  (FIG. 18) into mortise  54  of each and fastened with bolt, washer, and nut through the holes  42 , 44 . Optional support is provided by end support  238  (FIG. 18) as needed. Memory stick  166  is slid into T-slot  56  and positioned so face end  190  is aligned with the drill point  16 . Follower assembly  134  is installed as described above so plunger  142  is seated in home position  200  of the preselected track while still maintaining the alignment with face end  190 , drill point  16  and centerline  36 , and secured in position by tightening fluted knob  160 . 
     To drill holes with predetermined spacing, plunger knob  156  is raised to disengage plunger point  148  from home position  200 . Memory stick  166  is moved to first position  196  (FIG.  5 ), and released to engage stop. The work piece is slid against face end  190  of memory stick  166  and the hole is drilled in the work piece. 
     The size of the hole drilled in the work piece is not limited by the size of the memory stick stop. As the operation is repeated, the information recorded on the memory stick is physically transferred to the work piece. Therefore, the number of stops, hence the number of holes drilled in the work piece, is entirely user controlled . 
     While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitation on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other variations are possible. For example, the work piece material is not limited to wood, but may include any material capable of being cut, such as metal and plastic. Furthermore, the specific dimensions used in the above description are exemplar only and are not meant as limitations. They may, for example, be scaled downward for use by the hobbyist, or modified to adapt to non-woodworking cutting machines. Additionally, it should be understood that while wing nuts and fluted nuts have been used as exemplar, these and other fastening devices, such as quick release devices, allowing for ease of hand tightening and lock down may be utilized wherever a nut is indicated. It is also within the scope of the present invention that power tool manufacturer supplied fences can be adapted for use as the primary fence. 
     These examples and embodiments are intended as typical of, rather than in any way limiting on, the scope of the present invention as presented in the appended claims.