Patent Publication Number: US-2011067542-A1

Title: Multi-Function Power Saw with Tilt Cut

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to the field of power saw technology. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a power saw device that combines the functions of a miter saw, a table saw, and a radial arm saw into one portable unit. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional woodworking power saws typically perform either a rip cutting function along the length of a board, or a cross cutting function across the length of a board. Whatever the dedicated cutting function, such power saws are usually designed for only one type of cutting function, and are not readily adapted to provide multiple types of cutting functions. For example, table saws that are intended for ripping may be large, fixed units or smaller portable units, and are usually designed to include a base, a slidably-adjustable fence, and a saw assembly with a motor, a switch, a blade, a blade guard, and anti-kickback devices. While cross cuts are possible, they often are difficult and inefficient. 
     Another example of a conventional power saw is a miter saw which is designed to be portable and to cross cut at various angles. Miter saws are usually designed to include a base, a turntable, fixed fences, and a saw assembly with a motor, a switch, a blade, and a blade guard. The fences may be two separate fences on either side of the blade or one unit that spans the saw blade. The saw assembly is typically attached to the turntable by means of a support that is aligned with the blade. While conventional miter saw supports may be pivoting (which moves the saw assembly up and down), rail mounted (which moves the saw assembly forward and backward) and/or tilting (for cutting angles offset from vertical), the support is typically affixed to the base or turntable in such a way as to prevent or impede rip cuts from being made. Miter saws generally have locking mechanisms to secure the saw assembly in a fixed position for transportation. 
     Yet another example of a conventional power saw is a radial arm saw which is typically a large, fixed unit that may rip or cross cut. Radial arm saws have a base, a fixed fence, a saw assembly with a motor, one or more rails, a switch, a blade, a blade guard, and anti-kick devices. Generally, the saw assembly moves forward and backward on the rails to make cross cuts. The rail mount may pivot to make angled cross cuts. In addition, the saw assembly may be rotated and locked in a fixed position to make rip cuts or tilted to make non-vertical cuts. Radial arm saws may also make dado cuts part way through the material to form notches by raising and lowering the saw assembly. 
     As seen from the conventional power saws, a need exists for an improved multi-function power saw apparatus that can be flexibly configured to provide rip cuts, cross cuts and dado cuts. There is also a need for small, portable tools that can be used at various work sites for relatively short periods of time by building contractors and maintenance workers. In addition, there is a need for a more compact and cost efficient multi-function power saw tool for use by home workshop users who need to conserve space and minimize costs. Moreover, there is a need for an improved fence design which may be used with a variety of different power saw designs. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional systems will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings and detailed description which follow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, a power saw is provided that may be flexibly configured to perform multiple cutting functions, thereby providing a miter saw, a table saw or a radial arm saw as desired by the user. The power saw includes a saw assembly attached to a base assembly with a tilt mechanism for making non-vertical cuts in such a way that there is a clear path in line with the saw blade, thereby providing a miter saw, a table saw or a radial arm saw. The tilt mechanism employs a saw mount assembly that is affixed to a base assembly and that is engaged to support a saw assembly to make tilted cuts while substantially maintaining the cutting blade in the cutting axis. The saw mount assembly includes a fixed track block and a saw assembly mounting block that is engaged with arc-shaped openings in the track block to rotate about an apparent center point that is inline with the saw blade. A fixed or adjustable offset support enables the flexible configurations by attaching the saw assembly to the turntable in such a way that there is an unobstructed path under the saw in line with the axis of the cutting blade. A movable fence is also provided that may be affixed in a plurality of positions to guide the placement of materials in any of the miter saw, table saw, or radial saw configurations. 
     In selected embodiments, the power saw includes a saw assembly which includes a cutting blade for cutting along a cutting axis, and which may also include a motor, a blade guard, and an anti-kickback device. In addition, a base assembly (e.g., a table base and turntable with guide channels and a turntable lock) is provided for supporting a board to be cut by the saw assembly, and a saw mount assembly attached to the base assembly and engaged to support the saw assembly over the base assembly to make a tilted cut while substantially maintaining the cutting blade in the cutting axis. The disclosed saw mount assembly may include a track block that is attached to the base assembly and that includes one or more arc-shaped openings defined with reference to an apparent center point that is inline with the cutting axis. For example, the track block may be formed as a single solid body having first and second arc-shaped openings formed therein that are located on concentric arcs defined with reference to the apparent center point. The saw mount assembly also includes a saw assembly mounting block that is attached to the saw assembly and engaged with the one or more arc-shaped openings in the track block to rotate about the apparent center point in relation to the track block. In selected embodiments, the saw assembly mounting block includes one or more rollers which are positioned to engage with the arc-shaped opening(s) in the track block to rotate about the apparent center point in relation to the track block. In other embodiments, the saw assembly mounting block includes one or more protruding flanges which are positioned to engage with the arc-shaped opening(s) in the track block to rotate about the apparent center point in relation to the track block. To lock the track block at a set tilt angle, a locking device may be included as part of the saw mount assembly for affixing the saw assembly mounting block to the track block at a set tilt angle. In addition, a retainer plate may be permanently or releasably affixed to the saw assembly mounting block for securing the saw assembly mounting block to the track block, depending on the assembly method. To enable travel along the cutting axis, a rail support is provided that slidingly engages with the arc-shaped opening(s) in the track block for moving the saw assembly forward and backward in line with the cutting axis. In addition, a slide position lock piece assembly is provided that is permanently or releasably affixed to the saw assembly mounting block and slidingly engaged with the rail support to support movement of the saw assembly forward and backward in line with the cutting axis. 
     The objects, advantages and other novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended claims and attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an illustrative selected embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view of a tilting type saw mount. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an illustrative selected embodiment of the present invention with an exploded view of a sliding and tilting type saw mount. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of a selected embodiment of an offset support with tilting type saw mount. 
         FIG. 2B  is a back view of the offset support depicted in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of a selected embodiment of a track block component of an example tilt mechanism. 
         FIG. 3B  is a center cut right view of the track block component depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of a selected embodiment of a rolling saw mounting block assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the rolling saw mounting block assembly depicted in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a right side view of the rolling saw mounting block assembly depicted in  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a back view of a selected embodiment of a retaining plate for securing the rolling saw mounting block assembly to the track block component. 
         FIG. 4E  is a side view of the retaining plate depicted in  FIG. 4D . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of a sliding saw mounting block assembly. 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of the sliding saw mounting block assembly depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a right side view of the sliding saw mounting block assembly depicted in  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates a back view of a selected embodiment of a retaining plate for securing the sliding saw mounting block assembly to the track block component. 
         FIG. 5E  is a side view of the retaining plate depicted in  FIG. 5D . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded cross-sectional view of an example sliding and tilting type tilt mechanism assembly. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a top view of a selected embodiment of a reversible fence. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the reversible fence depicted in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a front view of a reversible fence depicted in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a top view of a selected embodiment of a removable fence. 
         FIG. 8B  is a front view of the removable fence depicted in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a left view of a removable fence depicted in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view of a selected embodiment of a pivoting fence. 
         FIG. 9B  is a back view of the pivoting fence depicted in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a left view of a pivoting fence depicted in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  is a left view of a blade guard with anti-kickback devices. 
         FIG. 10B  is a front view of a blade guard with anti-kickback devices. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An improved tilting type multi-function power saw device  100  is described whereby the device may be flexibly and readily configured as a miter saw, a table saw and/or a radial arm saw. While various details are set forth in the following description, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, selected aspects are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. In addition, the components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Such descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the power saw arts to describe and convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As described herein, the references in the figures to directions will be from the perspective of an operator or user, such that “front” will be the part of the device closest to the operator, “left” will be the operator&#39;s left, “right” will be the operator&#39;s right, and “back” will be the part of the device furthest from the operator. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a multi-function power saw device  100  with an exploded view of a tilting type saw mount arrangement, where the power saw device  100  is configured as a miter saw assembly implemented with a tilting type saw mount. The depicted power saw device  100  includes a base  101 , an offset support  201 , a turntable  103 , and a turntable locking mechanism  104 . In addition, the power saw device  100  includes a tilting type mounting assembly  1100  shown in exploded view for mounting a saw assembly  121  to the offset support  201  and base  101 . With this configuration, the turntable  103  and saw assembly  121  are operably assembled to rotate up to predetermined angles (e.g., 45 or 60 degrees) left and right to enable cuts of various degrees to be made. In addition, the saw assembly  121  is operably mounted to the tilting type mounting assembly  1100  to allow the saw assembly  121  to be tilted with respect to the surface of the turntable  103  for cutting at angles that are offset from vertical. 
     The depicted saw assembly  121  includes a motor  120 , a blade  124 , a blade guard  122 , a switch (not shown), and a pivoting support  131 ,  133 . The switch is usually a trigger switch which must be held by the user to operate the saw when it is in miter mode. In addition or in the alternative, a run switch (not shown) provides continuous operation of the saw when it is in the rip mode. A safety switch (not shown) ensures that the saw blade is locked in the rip or dado position prior to operation. 
     In accordance with selected embodiments of the present invention, the saw assembly  121  is supported by a pivoting support  131 , tilting type mounting assembly  1100 , and offset support  201 . The depicted offset support  201  supports the tilting type mounting assembly  1100  and saw assembly  121  with a laterally displaced support assembly that provides a clear path in line with the axis of the saw blade  124  so that boards moving along the front/back axis of the device can be rip cut when the power saw device is configured as a table saw. Whatever the cutting configuration of the power saw device, the pivoting support  131  allows the saw assembly  121  to be raised and lowered by rotation around its pivoting axis, and may be locked in a fixed position by a pivot locking mechanism  133 . 
     To enable the saw assembly  121  to be tilted for cutting at angles that are offset from vertical, the tilting type mounting assembly  1100  is provided to allow the saw assembly  121  to be tilted with respect to the surface of the turntable  103 . As illustrated in FIGS.  1 A and  2 A-D, the tilting type mounting assembly  1100  includes a retainer plate  1241 , a track block  1101  affixed to the offset support  201 , a saw mounting block assembly  1205 ,  1251 , and a connection piece  132 . While the connection piece  132  is shown as a separate component, it may be integrated into the design of saw mounting block assembly  1205 . The saw mounting block assembly  1205  is mated with the positionally-fixed track block  1101  in a manner that provides angular motion between the two components with an apparent center point that is inline with the cutting axis of the saw blade  124  in the cutting channel  115  and that is slightly below the upper surface of the turntable  103 . In particular, the bottom of the saw blade  124  is aligned with the apparent center point such that the cutting axis of the saw blade  124  lies along the radius of the tilting arc created by the movement of the saw mounting block assembly  1205  in relation to the track block  1101 . With the track block  1101  being fixed in a stationary position so that the saw mounting block assembly  1205  moves in relation to it, tilted cuts can be made on either left or right of vertical at various desired angles. To secure a desired tilted angle cut, the locking device  1251  affixes the saw mounting block assembly  1205  to the track block  1101  at the desired tilt angle. Thus, the track block  1101  may be mounted at the top of the offset support  201 , such as by means of mounting brackets  202 ,  303 . With this mounting, the track block  1101  is displaced from the cutting surface of the turntable  103  while providing an apparent tilt axis near the top surface of the turntable  103  which assures that saw blade  124  is aligned with cutting channel  115  in turntable  103 . 
     In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the multi-function power saw device  100  includes a reversible fence  401  (illustrated more fully in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C). As illustrated in the miter saw configuration of  FIG. 1A , the reversible fence  401  includes a miter position slide member  403  that is slidably engaged in the guide channel  114  of the base  101 . While a dovetail guide channel  114  is illustrated in the figures, it will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the mechanical arts that other configurations and fixture techniques will serve the same function. In addition, the multi-function power saw device  100  may include a removable fence  501  that is provided for use in the miter saw configuration, but that may be removed when the multi-function power saw device  100  is configured as a table saw. As illustrated more fully in FIGS.  8 A,  8 B, and  8 C, the removable fence  501  includes a miter position slide member  503  that is slidably engaged in the guide channel  114  of the base  101 . In the configuration depicted in  FIG. 1A , the front or guiding faces of the reversible fence  401  and removable fence  501  are used to guide or secure a board that is being cross cut by the blade  124 . 
     The multi-function power saw device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A  may be converted into table or radial arm saw configuration by locking the saw assembly  121  in the correct position with pivot lock  133  which activates a safety switch (not shown). Upon unlocking the removable fence  501  (see  FIG. 8A ), the fence  501  may be moved or removed. In addition, reversible fence  401  may be unlocked (see  FIG. 7B ) and reversed such that the table saw position slide member  405  is inserted into guide channels  114  in base  101  only or in both the base  101  and turntable  103 . In this table saw configuration, the guiding face of reversible fence  401  is aligned in parallel to the axis of blade  124  and may be locked into a position at the desired distance from blade  124 . For example, the turntable  103  or base  101  may include a visual indication (such as a scale or ruler (not shown) affixed to base  101 ) to indicate the rip width of the cut. Once anti-kickback devices  701  (illustrated more fully in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) are lowered into the rip position, a run switch (not shown) is activated by the user. Conversely, a multi-function power saw device  100  configured as a table saw may be converted to a miter saw configuration by reversing the position of the fence  401  and inserting the removable fence  501  into the guide channels  114 . 
     As will be appreciated, the saw assembly  121  may be affixed to the base  101  in a variety of different ways without impairing the ability of the power saw device to be configured in multiple cutting configurations. For example, the pivot support  131 , connection piece  132 , and saw assembly  121  of the multi-function power saw device  200  depicted in  FIG. 1B  may be connected via a tilting type mounting assembly  1400  to a rail support  135 - 139  for slidable engagement with track block  1101 .  FIG. 1A  shows that track block  1101  may be affixed to the end of the offset support  201 , while  FIG. 1B  shows the alternative use of a mounting block  301  which may have a variety of different physical configurations. It will appreciated that the track block  1101  may be mounted from its front, back, top, bottom, or side, provided that the mounting arrangement does not interfere with the movement of tilt assembly  1100 ,  1400  or the movement of a board beneath the mounting mechanism. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG.  1 B, the saw assembly  121  moves forward and backward along the rail support shafts  135 ,  136 ,  137 , and may be locked in place by the slide position lock piece assembly  1409 ,  1455  of the tilting type mounting assembly  1400 . As described more fully hereinbelow, the tilting type mounting assembly  1400  includes a retainer plate  1441 , a slide position lock piece assembly  1409 ,  1455 , a track block  1101  affixed to the offset support  301 , and a saw mounting block assembly  1407 ,  1451 . The retainer plate  1441  may be permanently or releasably affixed to the rail support shafts  135 ,  136 ,  137  for securing the tilting type mounting assembly  1400 , depending on the assembly and/or maintenance considerations. For example, the retainer plate  1441  may be permanently attached prior to assembly depending upon the assembly method. If plate  303  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) is separate from the rest of block  1101 , then the tilt assembly may be inserted into the tracks from the end, and the end would then be closed by plate  303 . When assembled and connected, the tilting type mounting assembly  1400  allows the saw assembly  121  to slidably engage with the rail support  135 - 139  and also to tilt with respect to the surface of the turntable  103  for cutting at angles that are offset from vertical. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , top and back views, respectively, are illustrated of a selected embodiment of an offset support with tilting type saw mount that is attached to a turntable  103 . In particular,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of the turntable  103 , offset support  201 , and assembled tilting type mounting assembly  1201 , while  FIG. 2B  illustrates a front view (from the perspective of the “ 2 B- 2 B” line in  FIG. 2A ) of the offset support depicted in  FIG. 2A . As depicted, the turntable  103  includes guide channels  114  and a cutting channel  115 . The offset support  201  is affixed to the back of the turntable  103 , and as shown in  FIG. 2B , includes a lower lateral extension member  201   a , a vertical extension member  201   b  and an upper lateral extension member  201   c . Though shown in a fixed height configuration, it will be appreciated that the offset support  201  may be implemented as a height-adjustable offset support so that the height of the saw assembly  121  may be adjusted to make dado cuts. Of course, a variety of different height adjustment schemes may be used, including, but not limited to, securing the saw assembly at various positions between the highest pivot point and the lowest pivot point, inclusive. In addition, scale markings (not shown) may be provided on the height-adjustable offset support to indicate blade height. It will also be appreciated that the lengths, angles and shapes of the extension members in offset support  201  may be varied to achieve any desired position(s), both horizontally and vertically, of the assembled tilting type mounting assembly  1201  and saw assembly  121  with respect to turntable  103 . In addition, the offset support  201  may be positioned to the left or right of turntable  103 , so long as an unobstructed path is provided for a board moving along the front/back axis of the turntable  103 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , a mounting bracket  202  is attached to the offset support  201  that is compatible with the mounting bracket  303  on the track block  1101 . With the track block component  1101  of the assembled tilting type mounting assembly  1201  affixed to the offset support  201 , the saw mounting block assembly  1205 ,  1251  may be slidably engaged with the track block  1101  to provide angular motion for the saw assembly (not shown in  FIG. 2B ) in relation to the track block  1101 , thereby allowing cuts to be made either left or right of vertical at various desired angles. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there are illustrated detailed views of a selected embodiment of the track block component  1101  of an example tilt mechanism. In particular,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a front view of the track block component  1101 , while  FIG. 3B  illustrates a center cut right or side view of the track block component  1101  (from the perspective of the “ 3 B- 3 B” line in  FIG. 3A ). As illustrated, the track block component  1101  includes an upper or outer groove track opening  1111  and a lower or inner groove or track opening  1131  that are located on concentric arcs between an upper surface  1141  and a lower surface  1143 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B , the groove track openings  1111 ,  1131  may extend completely through the body of the track block component  1101 . The track block component  1101  may be laminated or formed or manufactured as a single solid formed piece in which one or more concentric track openings  1111 ,  1131  are formed to permit mating engagement by one or more sliding or rolling member components from a saw mounting block assembly, as described more fully hereinbelow. Movement along the concentric track openings  1111 ,  1131  provides angular movement about a common apparent center point  1144 . If movement along the tracks openings  1111 ,  1131  is accomplished with rolling member components, then two concentric paths are used to provide stable movement about the apparent center point  1144 , but if movement along the tracks openings  1111 ,  1131  is accomplished with sliding member components, then a single track opening path will provide stable movement about the apparent center point  1144 . In addition or in the alternative, the upper surface  1141  and/or lower surface  1143  may also be formed as concentric surfaces that are used as external tracks to provide angular movement about the apparent center point  1144 . 
     To mate with the track block  1101 , a rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201  may be provided, such as illustrated with references to  FIGS. 4A-E . In the depicted example, the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201  includes a saw mounting block or body  1205 , a locking mechanism  1206 ,  1251 , one or more rollers  1212 ,  1222 ,  1232  and associated shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231 , and a retainer plate  1241 . As stated above it should be apparent that at least two shafts and roller combinations are required to provide stable movement about the apparent center point. 
     Shown from the top view in  FIG. 4A , the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201  includes a saw mounting body  1205  that provides a back surface  1207  or other attachment mechanism for attachment to the saw assembly. However, it will be appreciated that the actual design of the attachment mechanism will depend upon the design of the saw assembly to be attached. As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the saw mounting body  1205  incorporates one or more circular shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231  which protrude from the front face of the saw mounting body  1205 . By correctly positioning the shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231 , the shafts have the same apparent center point  1144  as track block  1101  (shown in  FIG. 3A ). On the shafts, a corresponding number of circular rollers  1212 ,  1222 ,  1232  are assembled to rotate about the shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231 . As shown in the side view of  FIG. 4C , the shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231  extend through the rollers  1212 ,  1222 ,  1232  to permit locking engagement with the retainer plate  1241  (depicted in  FIGS. 4D and 4E ). In this way, the upper rollers  1212  and  1222  from the saw mounting body  1205  may be positioned to mate and roll within the upper track opening  1111  of the track block  1101 , and the lower roller  1232  from the saw mounting body  1205  may be positioned to mate and roll within lower track opening  1131  of the track block  1101 . While a shaft and roller assembly is shown, it will be appreciated that other types of rollers can be used, including, but not limited to, using bushings and bearings to achieve angular movement between the track block  1101  and the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201 . In addition, one or more rollers may be used in conjunction with each inner track or external track of track block  1101 . 
     To secure the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201  to the track block  1101 , a retainer plate  1241  may be employed. An example implementation of the retainer plate  1241  is illustrated with the back and side views of the retainer plate  1241  depicted in  FIGS. 4D and 4E . As shown, the retainer plate  1241  may be formed or manufactured as a single solid formed piece having any desired shape, though a plurality of pieces may be assembled together to form a single retainer plate. In the retainer plate  1241 , one or more openings  1242  are formed in a position to receive the one or more shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231  from the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201 . In addition, screw holes  1243  may be formed to intersect with the one or more openings  1242  so that the retainer plate  1241  may be secured to the shafts  1211 ,  1221 ,  1231  with set screws. However, it will be appreciated that other techniques may be used to secure the retaining plate  1241  to the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201 , including but not limited to using individual retainers for each shaft, tension rings, clips, tension pins, and the like. In addition, it will be appreciated that the retaining plate  1241  may be removable or un-removable. 
     On the rolling saw mounting block assembly  1201 , a locking mechanism  1251  is used to maintain the desired tilt position of the saw assembly in relation to the track block  1101 . As depicted, the locking mechanism  1251  may be implemented as a knob and screw so that the screw extends through a screw hole in the saw mounting block assembly  1205  to contact the track block  1101 . However, other position locking techniques may be used to achieve the same result, including, but not limited to, cams, clamps, and/or pins. In addition, it will be appreciated that such position locking devices may be installed in any convenient position in relation to saw mounting block  1201  (i.e., top, bottom, front, back, and/or side). 
     While  FIGS. 4A-E  illustrated a rolling-type saw mounting block assembly  1201  which provides angular movement with respect to the track block component  1101 , other mechanisms may also be used to achieve angular movement between the track block  1101  and the saw assembly. For example, a sliding saw mounting block assembly may be provided to mate with the track block  1101 , such as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 5A-E . In the depicted example, the sliding saw mounting block assembly includes a saw mounting block or body  1305  having a back surface  1307  or other attachment mechanism for attachment to the saw assembly, a locking mechanism  1306 ,  1351 , one or more protruding flange members  1311 ,  1321 , and a retainer plate  1341 . In this example, a single protruding flange member(s) may be shaped and formed to mate with one of the groove track openings in the track block  1101  and still provide stable movement about the apparent center point  1344 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-C , the protruding flange members  1311 ,  1321  are shaped to engage and move within or about the guide tracks or surfaces of track block  1101  so that the upper arced flange member  1321  fits within the upper track  1111  of track block  1101  while the lower arced flange member  1321  fits within the lower track  1131  of track block  1101 . Thus, multiple flanges and tracks may be used, but in selected embodiments, only one track and one flange are necessary to provide stable movement about the apparent center point  1344 . In addition or in the alternative, the tracks and flanges may be engaged with upper or lower external surfaces of the track block  1101 . 
     To secure the sliding saw mounting block assembly to the track block  1101 , a retainer plate  1341  may be employed which serves the same purpose as the retainer plate  1241  described hereinabove. As illustrated with the example implementation of the retainer plate  1341  depicted in  FIGS. 5D and 5E , the retainer plate  1341  may be formed or manufactured as a one or more solid formed pieces having any desired shape. In addition, any desired attachment mechanism may be used to secure the retainer plate  1341  to the saw mounting block or body  1305 , such as forming one or more screw openings in the retainer plate  1341  (not shown) in a position to intersect with the one or more protruding flange members  1311 ,  1321  so that the retainer plate  1341  may be secured with set screws (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that other techniques may be used to secure the retaining plate  1341  to the saw mounting block assembly  1305 , including but not limited to using individual retainers for each flange, tension rings, clips, tension pins, and other methods common in the trades. 
     The sliding saw mounting block assembly also includes a locking mechanism  1351  that may be used to maintain the desired tilt position of the saw assembly in relation to the track block  1101 . Similar to the locking mechanism  1251  described in  FIG. 4A , the locking mechanism  1351  may be implemented as a knob and screw so that the screw extends through a screw hole in the saw mounting block assembly  1305  to contact the track block  1101 , though other position locking techniques may be used to achieve the same result, including, but not limited to, cams, clamps, and/or pins. It will be appreciated that such position locking devices may be installed in any convenient position in relation to the sliding saw mounting assembly (i.e., top, bottom, front, back, and/or side). 
       FIGS. 4A-E  and  5 A-E illustrate selected exemplary configurations tilting the saw assembly in relation to the underlying table saw using a rolling or sliding saw mounting block assembly. However, the design of saw mounting block assembly may be varied to accommodate various saw designs. For example, instead of affixing the track block component  1101  to the offset support  201  so that the sliding saw mounting block assembly (and attached saw assembly) rotate in relation to the track block component  1101 , the two components may be mounted in the opposite manner with the saw mounting block assembly attached to the offset arm  102  and the track block component  1101  attached to the saw assembly. In this case, the saw mounting block assembly is stationary and the track block moves in relation to the mounting block. 
     As will be appreciated, other configurations may be used to provide a tilted angle cut for the saw assembly, such as the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  shown in  FIG. 1B  as being mounted on the rail support assembly  135 - 139  for slidable engagement in relation to the offset support  301 . To better understand how the components of the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  are assembled, reference is now made to  FIG. 6  which depicts an exploded side and cross-sectional view of the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400 . As depicted, the assembly  1400  is attached to the saw assembly to provide linear movement of the along the axis of the saw blade while also providing tilting movement. In particular, the view of  FIG. 6  is from the right side of the multi-function power saw device  200  as viewed from the operator&#39;s position while the device is in the miter saw configuration. In other words, the left side of the drawing in  FIG. 6  is the front of the device to which the saw assembly  121  is attached. 
     As shown at the left side of  FIG. 6 , the rail support assembly includes one or more sliding shafts  135 - 137  which are affixed to a first end plate  139  on one end of the shafts  135 - 137 . The first end plate  139  provides a mounting surface  134  for attaching the saw assembly, and also acts as a base for shafts  135 - 137 . On the opposite end, the shafts  135 - 137  are attached to a retainer plate  1441 , thereby providing a stable sliding type rail support structure. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , the rail support assembly  135 - 137 ,  139  is not part of the tilt assembly, but instead moves linearly in relation to the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400 . To this end, each of the shafts  135 - 137  extends through a groove track opening  1111 ,  1131  in the track block component  1101 , where each groove track opening is formed as a concentric arc which provides angular movement about a common apparent center point at the cutting table surface. In the depicted example, the track block component  1101  is affixed in relation to the underlying saw table, such as by physical attachment to an offset support  301  shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     To engage with the track block component  1101  and rail support assembly  135 - 137 ,  139 , the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  includes a retainer plate  1441 , a slide position lock piece assembly  1409 ,  1455 , rollers  1412 ,  1422 ,  1432 , and a saw mounting block assembly  1407 ,  1451 . As shown, the shafts  135 - 137  of the rail support assembly have a predetermined length which enables the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  to slide forward and backward inside rollers  1432 ,  1412 ,  1422  that are mounted on the shafts  135 - 137 . Thus, the shaft length depends upon the desired linear movement, and the rollers  1432 ,  1412 ,  1422  serve as sleeves for the shafts  135 - 137 . 
     As indicated above,  FIG. 6  shows that the rail support assembly  135 - 137 ,  139  is not part of the tilt assembly, but moves linearly in relation to the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400 . This results from the fact that the rollers  1412 ,  1422 ,  1432  are recessed into the tilt position body  1407  and the slide position body  1409 , thereby holding the rollers in place while the assembly  1400  rotates in the track block  1101 . However, it will be appreciated that the rollers need not be recessed, and may also be sandwiched between the tilt position body  1407  and the slide position body  1409 , in which case the assembly  1400  would not rotate in the track block  1101  because the shafts would be necessary to hold the rollers in place making everything part of one unit. 
     The slide position body  1409  and the tilt position body  1407  may be attached together with fastener screws  1461  and  1462  that are inserted between aligned openings in the bodies  1409 ,  1407 , though other attachments techniques may be used, including but not limited to bolts, rivets, tension pins and/or welding techniques. As formed, the slide position body  1409  and tilt position body  1407  have openings  1405 ,  1406  formed to receive and seat the rollers  1412 ,  1422 ,  1432  between the bodies  1409 ,  1407 , while also allowing the shafts  135 - 137  to extend through the bodies  1409 ,  1407 . In addition, a spacer shaft  1465  may be used receive one of the fastener screws (e.g.,  1462 ) in order to maintain a uniform distance between the bodies  1407  and  1409 , though it will be appreciated that one or more protruding flange members from the slide position body  1409  and/or the tilt position body  1407  may be used in lieu of the spacer shaft  1465 . With the depicted assembly, the fastener screws  1461 ,  1462  effectively lock the slide position body  1409  and the tilt position body  1407  with the rollers  1412 ,  1422 ,  1432  together to engage with the track block component  1101 , thereby forming a tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  which has both a tilting motion (by virtue of the movement of the rollers  1412 ,  1422 ,  1432 ) and a sliding motion (by virtue of sliding along the shafts  135 - 137 ). While the slide position body  1409  and the tilt position body  1407  are shown as separate pieces because of assembly considerations, it will be understood that these bodies  1407 ,  1409  form one functional component, and may optionally be formed as a single piece using other manufacturing techniques known in the industry. 
     The tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  also includes a retainer plate  1441  for securing one or more of the shafts  135 - 137 . This is done by locating the retainer plate  1441  up against the slide position body  1409  after the slide position body  1409  and the tilt position body  1407  are connected together with fastener screws  1461 ,  1462 . Though the retainer plate  1441  may be formed or manufactured as a single solid formed piece having any desired shape, a plurality of pieces may be assembled together to form a single retainer plate  1441 . In the retainer plate  1441 , one or more openings  1442  are formed in a position to receive the one or more shafts  135 - 137 . In addition, screw holes  1443  may be formed to intersect with the one or more openings  1442  so that the retainer plate  1441  may be secured to the shafts  135 - 137  with set screws. Although the retainer plate  1441  is shown as being secured with set screws, it will be appreciated that other methods may be employed to effect the same purpose. These methods may include but are not limited to individual retainers for each shaft, tension rings, clips, and/or tension pins. As will be appreciated, the shafts, rollers, mounting plate, and retainer plate for the tilt/slide saw mounting assembly  1400  correspond closely to the shafts, rollers, mounting plate, and retainer plate described in  FIGS. 4A-4E , except that the shafts are longer. 
     To secure the tilt position body  1407  in the desired tilt position in relation to the tilt block component  1101 , a locking mechanism  1451  is included or attached to the tilt position body  1407 . In selected embodiments, the locking mechanism  1451  is implemented with one or more knob and screw mechanisms  1451  which extend through corresponding screw hole(s) in the tilt position body  1407  to contact the track block component  1101 . Of course, other locking mechanisms may be employed, including but not limited to cams, clamps, and/or pins. 
     In similar fashion, the slide position body  1409  may be secured in the desired front-to-back position in relation to the rail support assembly  135 - 137 ,  139  with a slide locking mechanism  1455  that is included or attached to the slide position body  1409 . While the slide locking mechanism  1451  may be implemented with one or more knob and screw mechanisms  1455  which extend through corresponding screw hole(s) in the slide position body  1409  to contact at least one of the shafts  135 - 137 , it will be appreciated that other slide locking mechanisms may be employed, including but not limited to cams, clamps, and/or pins. 
     Cutting operations may be facilitated in connection with the multi-function power saw device of the present invention by providing predetermined markings and/or settings on the device to assist with the sizing and placement of board cuts. For example, scale markings may be affixed to the fixed tilt block component  1101  to indicate the degree of tilt. In addition, preset stops for commonly used tilt angles may be affixed to the fixed tilt block component  1101 . Likewise, a ruler on the turntable  103  or base  101  may indicate distances along the rip cut and cross cut directions. 
       FIGS. 7A-C  illustrate a top view, side view and front view of a selected embodiment of a reversible fence. In particular,  FIG. 7A  illustrates a top view of the reversible fence  401 , while  FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of fence  401  (from the perspective of the “ 7 B- 7 B” line in  FIG. 7A ) and  FIG. 7C  illustrates a back view of fence  401  (from the perspective of the “ 7 C- 7 C” line in  FIG. 7B ). As depicted in  FIGS. 7A-C , the reversible fence  401  includes a miter position slide member  403  that is configured for insertion into a guide channel  114  in the base  101 . Once engaged in the base  101  in a miter saw configuration, a locking device  412  may be used to lock the fence  401  into position by inserting the locking device  412  through a hole  407  formed in the fence  401  and into a hole in the base  101  (not shown) corresponding with hole  407 . It will be appreciated that other methods of securing the fence in the desired position may be used. 
     The reversible fence  401  also includes a table saw position slide member  405  extending perpendicularly from the front or guiding face of the reversible fence  401 . The table saw position slide member  405  is configured for insertion into a guide channel  114  in the base  101  and turntable  103  when the power saw is configured as a table saw to make rip cuts. Thus, in the rip position, the table saw position slide member  405  is inserted into guide channel  114  and may be locked or secured into a predetermined position with locking device  412  which fits through a slot  409  formed in the member  405  and into a hole in the base  101  (not shown). Slot  409  allows the reversible fence  401  to be moved toward or away from blade  124  to obtain different widths of rip cuts. It will be appreciated that other methods of securing the fence in the desired position may be used. 
       FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate a top view, front view and side view of a selected embodiment of a removable fence. In particular,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a top view of the removable fence  501 , while  FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of fence  501  (from the perspective of the “ 8 B- 8 B” line in  FIG. 8A ) and  FIG. 8C  illustrates a left or side view of fence  501  (from the perspective of the “ 8 C- 8 C” line in  FIG. 8B ). As depicted in  FIGS. 8A-C , the removable fence  501  includes a miter position slide member  503  that is configured for slidable engagement with guide channel  114  in the base  101 . Once engaged in the guide channel, a locking device  512  may be used to lock the removable fence  501  into position by inserting the locking device  512  through slot  507  formed in the fence  501  and into a hole in the base  101  (not shown). When the power saw is configured as a table saw to make rip cuts, slot  507  allows the removable fence  501  to be moved to provide clearance for the material being cut. In addition, fence  501  may be removed altogether. It will be appreciated that other methods of securing the fence in the desired position may be used. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9A-C , top, back and left views, respectively, are illustrated of a selected embodiment of a pivoting fence  601  that may be attached to base  101 . In particular,  FIG. 9A  illustrates a top view of the first pivoting fence member  602  and second pivoting fence member  605 , while  FIG. 9B  illustrates a back view of a pivoting fence members  602 ,  605  (from the perspective of the “ 9 B- 9 B” line in  FIG. 9A ) and  FIG. 9C  illustrates a left or side view of a pivoting fence members  602 ,  605  (from the perspective of the “ 9 C- 9 C” line in  FIG. 9B ). As depicted in  FIGS. 9A-C , the pivoting fence member  605  is affixed to a slide member  603  that is configured for insertion into a guide channel  114  in the base  101  and turntable  103 . The slide member  603  may then be locked into engagement with the base  101  with locking device  635  which fits through slot  627  and into a hole in base  101  (not shown). It will be appreciated that other methods of securing the fence in the desired position may be used. 
     When the multi-function power saw device is configured as a miter saw, the pivoting fence member  602  may be held in the miter position (as illustrated in  FIG. 9A ) with a locking device  631  which fits through a hole  629  in post  607  and into hole  625  in the pivoting fence  601 . In this configuration, the front or guiding face of the pivoting fence  601  (bottom of  FIG. 9A ) is used to guide or secure a board that is being cross cut by the blade  124 . 
     On the other hand, when the multi-function power saw device is configured as a table saw to perform rip cuts, the pivoting fence member  602  may be rotated counter-clockwise about pivot point  613  so that the front or guiding face of the pivoting fence member  602  (bottom of  FIG. 9A ) is aligned with the guiding face of the pivoting fence member  605  (on the right side of  FIG. 9A ). To configure the pivoting fence for rip cuts, the locking device  631  is released and fence member  602  is pivoted about pivot point  613  via hinge  611 . To secure the pivoting fence member for rip cuts, a locking device  633  is provided that fits through hole  621  in fence  605  and into hole  623  to form a continuous rip fence. In this configuration, the front or guiding faces of the pivoting fence members  602  and  605  are aligned to guide or secure a board that is being rip cut by the blade  124 . The slot  627  allows the pivoting fence  601  to be moved toward or away from blade  124  to obtain different widths of rip cuts. As will be appreciated, various fence shapes and configurations may also be used, such as having a multi-piece pivoting fence (e.g., a base, a lower fence and an upper fence) or having a removable fence with a lower fence and an upper fence, where the upper fence slides in relation to the lower fence. 
       FIGS. 10A-B  illustrate a left or side view and front view of a selected embodiment of a blade guard with an anti-kickback device. In particular,  FIG. 10A  illustrates a side view of the anti-kickback device, while  FIG. 10B  illustrates a front view of anti-kickback device (from the perspective of the “ 10 B- 10 B” line in  FIG. 10A ). As depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the saw assembly includes a blade guard  122  with an anti-kickback device  701  which rotates about pivot point  703  (which may be a screw, bolt or the like) and which is held in the stored position for miter operations by retainer  712  attached to blade guard  122  by fastener  714 . For ripping and dado operations, the anti-kickback device  701  is rotated to a down position about the axis of fastener  703 . The teeth  705  of the anti-kickback device  701  may be slanted counter-clockwise at a predetermined angle so that the teeth  705  slant to the right (from the perspective depicted in  FIG. 10A ) when the device  701  is rotated down. The slanted teeth  705  allow material or cutting boards to move freely from left to right, but will stop or snag any material moving right to left (such as occurs when there is kickback). It will be appreciated that other methods of providing anti-kickback protection may be employed. For example, a device similar to device  701  may be mounted in various positions inline and behind the saw blade, such as on the saw mounting block, the support arm, the track block, or elsewhere. 
     As described herein, the offset support, saw assembly support, tilt mechanism, and/or fences can be made to be either “right handed” or “left handed” so as to function on either side of the saw blade. To facilitate measurements of the cutting angles, heights, depths and the like, various preset stops and markings may be provided specifying the cutting blade height and angle, such as a rip scale on the device base and turntable, a tilt scale on the tilt mechanism, preset stops on the tilt mechanism, preset stops on the height adjustment mechanism, and a height scale on the height adjustment mechanism. 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail, it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims so that those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.