Patent Publication Number: US-2004040169-A1

Title: Power tool alignment device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a portable, lightweight, inexpensive device for aligning a power tool, in particular, a device for indicating the angle of a saw blade, drill bit, or the like in order to make a particular angled or straight cut.  
       [0003] 2. Background Information  
       [0004] There are many different types of commercially available angle indicators, protractor devices, miter degree apparatus, and gauges for use in a workshop, on a construction site, etc. In general, these available devices display often faint degree indicator lines or marks that a user must line up with other lines, or some type of a pointer, to measure an angle. Therefore, the user often must alter the angle slightly and do another reading in order to eventually achieve the desired degree angle of the object. Some devices even employ laser beams for aligning an object to a desired degree angle.  
       [0005] Unfortunately, most of these devices are rather difficult to use. First, many of them are either held in place by magnets or have to be clamped into position in order to use them.  
       [0006] Secondly, most of these devices must be placed in an exact location and on a level surface to be effective. A person desiring to set a saw blade at a given miter angle using a table saw&#39;s or radial arm saw&#39;s built-in miter indicator scale normally has to bend, kneel, squat, sit or lean across the saw in order to clearly observe the degree indicator lines on the miter scale.  
       [0007] Thirdly, a pointer is frequently employed on these saws to align with the degree lines on the miter scale; however, the pointers are often times much wider than the lines on the scale, making it difficult to determine the exact degree desired. Usually, time is wasted cutting pieces of scrap wood in order to determine whether the saw blade or drill bit is in the desired position.  
       [0008] Fourth, if a built-in miter indicator is not used on these types of saws, a handheld type angle indicator, bevel device, miter scale apparatus, or another type of inclinator or protector is most likely used. Unfortunately, the degree scale or degree lines on these are very small, fine, and close together. A person must have good eyesight, and a steady hand to accurately set the measuring instrument, and be in a well lit area or have a separate light shining on the measurement instrument.  
       [0009] Fifth, while using the power tool, if light can be seen between the alignment device and the saw blade or drill bit, the saw blade (or drill bit) must be readjusted. Again, the operator must bend, kneel, squat, sit or lean across the saw to align the saw blade (or drill bit) with the measuring instrument. The operator must also have relatively good eyesight and be in a well lit area to accomplish this task and even then, the operator will often find it necessary to run a piece of scrap wood through the saw to ensure that the saw blade is in the desired position. These procedures are time consuming, labor intensive, and require patience to achieve.  
       [0010] Laser beam aligning devices are often not practical to use, nor are they designed for use in very close quarters, such as in aligning a saw blade, skill saw, or drill press drilling platform. Instead, the majority of laser beam devices are suitable for use in leveling walls, cabinets, joists and rafters, etc.  
       [0011] These and other problems are solved by the present invention. To use the device for aligning a saw blade for a miter cut, the present alignment device is placed on top of the saw table top or platform with the 45°, 90°, etc., angle of the device placed against the saw blade, depending on the end of the device used. There is no need to cut scrap wood to double check the measurement. The present device can be used by older people without good eyesight or a steady hand, even in a dimly lit room. With the simple, user-friendly device of the present invention, it is not necessary to have a level surface to accurately set the saw blade. Bending, kneeling, squatting, sitting, and leaning across the saw table to set the saw blade, or drill bit, at the desired angle are unnecessary. The blade angle measuring device of the present invention has been found to be as accurate or more accurate than commonly available angle indicators, bevel devices, miter scale apparatus, etc., and much easier to use.  
       [0012] The blade angle indicator device of the present invention is lightweight and inexpensive and comes in a variety of sizes, depending upon the desired application. This device replaces several other types of woodworking tools, including levels, straight edges, and alignment devices in the shop or on the job site. This means fewer tools a person has to carry around. The saw blade angle indicator device is battery-operated. There are no switches to forget to turn off, thereby extending the life of the device&#39;s light emitting diode (LED) or light bulb and battery and/or buzzer. Furthermore, there are no complicated electronics in this device and there is only one moving part, which helps make the device durable against falls, hits, dampness, heat, sawdust, and dirt.  
       [0013] The indicator device of the present invention allows a hobbyist, professional wood worker, construction worker or anyone desiring to set an angle on a wide variety of power saws, drill presses, or anything metal or other material that is electrically conductive to do so easily and accurately.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014] The present invention is an alignment device for use in aligning a power tool blade or bit, such as a rotatable saw blade, reciprocating saw blade, band saw blade, radial arm saw blade, jig saw blade, scroll saw blade, skill saw blade, or drill bit, or a metal frame. The device includes:  
       [0015] a) a generally rectangular-shaped body, the body having thereon two opposite, substantially parallel and planar side surfaces, substantially parallel and planar opposite top and bottom surfaces, the top and bottom surfaces being positioned at substantially right angles to the side surfaces, substantially planar rear and front surfaces, the top and bottom surfaces and side surfaces being positioned at substantially right angles to four edges, respectively, of the rear surface, the front surface being angled;  
       [0016] b) at least two contact posts on the front or rear surface;  
       [0017] c) a power source within the device, the contact posts being connected to the power source; and  
       [0018] d) a light source or sound source connected to the power source;  
       [0019] wherein the light source lights up or the sound source sounds when the contact posts contact a metal surface. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0020] A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein:  
     [0021]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a blade alignment device according to the present invention;  
     [0022]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a blade alignment device according to the present invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 1, shown in use against a power saw blade;  
     [0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blade alignment device according to the present invention, shown in use against a power saw blade;  
     [0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 1, shown in use on a power saw;  
     [0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a blade alignment device according to the present invention, shown in use against a power saw blade;  
     [0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 1, shown in use on wall beams;  
     [0028]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a blade alignment device according to the present invention;  
     [0029]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 8;  
     [0030]FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 8;  
     [0031]FIG. 11 is a side, schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a blade alignment device, showing a front adjustable degree angle indicator portion;  
     [0032]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a blade alignment device according to the present invention, with a rear adjustable degree angle indicator portion in an open position;  
     [0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the adjustable degree angle indicator portion of the blade alignment device according to FIG. 12; and  
     [0034]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a blade alignment device according to the present invention, shown without rails. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0035] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described.  
     [0036] Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a power tool alignment device, generally referred to as  10 , according to the present invention is for indicating the angle of a blade of a power rotatable saw, reciprocating saw, band saw, radial arm saw, jig saw, scroll saw, skill saw, drill bit, metal framing, or the like. The alignment device  10 , which is also called an indicator device herein, generally has a substantially rectangular, block shaped body  26 , but with an angled front nose surface  12 . The nose surface  12  preferably slopes in a downward direction at a 45 degree angle, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The body  26  of the indicator device  10  is substantially enclosed by an indicator device housing. The body  26  has thereon two opposite, substantially parallel and planar side surfaces  20 ,  22 , substantially parallel and planar opposite top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16 , and substantially planar rear and front surfaces  18 ,  12 . The top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16  and side surfaces  20 ,  22  are positioned at substantially right angles to four edges, respectively, of the rear surface  18 . The front, nose surface  12  is angled, preferably a 45 degree angle. The top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16  are positioned at substantially right angles to the side surfaces  20 ,  22 . Although the top surface  14 , opposite bottom surface  16 , rear surface  18  opposite the nose surface  12 , and two opposite side surfaces  20 ,  22  are substantially planar, two upper rails  24  preferably extend from or are attached to the top surface  14 . Though they are called “top” and “bottom” surfaces herein, the top surface can act as the bottom surface and vice versa, depending on how the user positions the device  10  on the table or other surface. The device  10  is usable for its various purposes in any position.  
     [0037] The indicator device  10  can be made of any suitable material, preferably durable plastic, or aluminum or other metal. The device  10  is portable, lightweight, easy to use, and durable, which is important in the environment in which it is used. In this preferred embodiment, two upper rails  24  are equal in length and parallel to one another, and extend along the longitudinal axis of the device  10 .  
     [0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, to use the saw blade angle indicator device  10  for aligning a saw blade for a miter cut, for example, the indicator device  10  is placed on top of the platform or saw table  28 , with the 45°, 90°, etc., angle, depending on the end of the device  10  that is pushed, against the saw blade  30 . The indicator device  10  may be used right side up, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that the bottom surface  16  lies against the saw blade table top  28 , or upside down, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, so that the top surface  14  lies on the saw blade table  28 .  
     [0039] As shown in FIG. 3, lower rails  32  are attached to the bottom surface for supporting the device  10  on a table top. In this embodiment, the lower rails  32  are equal in length and parallel to one another, and extend along the longitudinal axis of the device  10 . Since the device housing may be made in two longitudinal sections that are seamed together, the seam or other imperfections in the housing may cause the alignment device  10  to rock or wobble from side to side, which disrupts the alignment process. The upper or lower rails  24 ,  32 , depending on which surface of the device is placed on the saw table, ensure that the device  10  remains stable (i.e., does not rock or wobble). Also, the upper and/or lower rails can be magnetic, so that they are magnetically attracted to a metallic surface, such as metal framing or the like. This further ensures stability of the device  10 , which translates to an easier-to-use/more accurate device.  
     [0040] Continuing with FIGS.  3 - 5 , the same indicator device  10  can be used with its nose surface  12  against the saw blade  30 , as shown in FIG. 3, or it can be used in reverse, so that the rear surface  18  is positioned against the saw blade  30 , as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The front nose surface  12  places the saw blade  30  at a 45 degree angle with reference to the table top  28 , and the substantially planar rear surface  18  pushes against the saw blade  30  at a 90 degree, or right, angle. FIGS. 3 and 4 show opposite ends of the indicator device  10  in place against a saw blade  30 , and FIG. 5 shows an indicator device  10  on a saw table  28 , with its rear surface  18  against the saw blade  30 . For purposes of illustration, FIG. 5 shows an overly large device  10 .  
     [0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 6 shows a saw blade indicator device  10  in use on an opposite side of a saw blade  30 , with its bottom surface  16  resting on the table top  28  and its rear surface  18  against the saw blade  30 . FIG. 7 shows how the versatile alignment device  10  can be used for leveling metal or wood ceiling or wall beams  34 . Although the alignment device  10  is shown with its top surface  14  resting on a wall beam  34 , it can be used in the same manner with its bottom surface  16  resting on the wall beam  34 . The alignment device  10  can also be used for indicating the angle of metal or wood framing, e.g., on a construction site.  
     [0042] Referring to the alternate embodiment shown in FIGS.  8  to  10 , and the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indicator device  10  further comprises contact posts on the front (nose) and rear surfaces  12 ,  18 . In these preferred embodiments, positive and negative contact posts  36 ,  38  are aligned on each end surface  12 ,  18  substantially parallel to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the front or rear surface. No clumsy clamping of the indicator device to the saw blade is necessary. The top (FIG. 9) and bottom (FIG. 10) views of the second device  10  show upper and lower rails  24 ,  32 .  
     [0043] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS.  8  to  10 , the indicator housing is removably attached to the outside of the body  26  of the device  10  by recessed housing screws  40 . The device housing includes a cut-out for a window box  42 , which is rectangular-shaped in the first embodiment, per FIGS. 1 and 2, and circular in shape in the second embodiment of FIGS.  8 - 10 . An incandescent light bulb  46  is visible through a lens in the window box  42  of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8. The window need not include a lens. The light bulb  46  or the lens can be colored if desired, or a white light can be used. In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one light emitting diode  48  (LED) is visible on the device  10 , preferably several LEDs along each side  20 ,  22 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, each of the devices  10  includes a battery door  44  in a side surface  20 ,  22 .  
     [0044] Referring to FIG. 11, which illustrates the inside of a preferred embodiment of the device  10 , the battery door allows access to a battery  50  in a battery holder  51 , or housing, in the interior of the device. The battery  50 , which is most preferably a 1.5 volt AA battery, is held via a spring  53  in the battery holder  51 . The front and rear contact posts  36 ,  38  are connected by lead wires to the battery. As shown in FIG. 11, at least one positive wire  52  connects the two opposite contact posts  38  to a positive connector  54 . At least one negative wire  56  connects the negative contact posts  36  to the negative end  58  of the battery  50 .  
     [0045] When the positive and negative contact posts  36 ,  38  on one end surface of the device  10  come in contact with the metal blade  30  or object, the electrical circuit is completed, which causes the light bulb  46  or LED  48  to light up. This signals to the user that the device  10  has been placed correctly, and the reading can be taken. If the device  10  is bumped or otherwise moves, contact is lost, which causes the light bulb  46  or LED  48  to go out. The user is then made aware that he or she must reposition the device against the blade. This provides quick, easily interpreted feedback to the user. This is true regardless which end surface, front nose  12  or rear  18 , is placed against the blade  30 . If the light/LED comes on when the flat rear surface  18  is against the saw blade  30  or drill bit, it indicates that the saw blade or drill bit is at a 90 degree angle relative to the saw table. If the light or LED comes on when the nose surface  12  is against the blade  30  or drill bit, it indicates that the blade/bit is at a 45 degree angle relative to the table. Several screw post holes  60  for receiving the housing screws  40  are also shown in FIG. 11.  
     [0046] Instead of, or in addition to, the light source lighting up when contact is made with the metal saw blade (or drill bit), the alignment device  10  may include a set of chimes, a buzzer element, or a music chip in its interior. When contact is made, the buzzer or chimes or the like sound to alert the user that contact has been made between the contact posts and the metal power tool surface. This provides an option for those users who are so hard at work that they do not have time to look at the LED(s) or light on the device. The cessation of the sound before the user has completed the measurement signals to the user that the connection has been broken and he or she should reset the device against the metal tool surface.  
     [0047] Lastly, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more level vials  64  are included in the device  10  so that the device can also be used as a level, regardless of which way the device is laid on the surface. Three level vials  64  are visible in the window box  42  of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, so they can be seen from both sides of the device  10 . In addition to the primary function of the device as described herein, the device  10  can also be used to check the level of any suitable surface, such as a table or beam. A first level vial  64   a  is vertically positioned in the window box, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device, for assessing verticality, a second level vial  64   b  is horizontally positioned in the window box (i.e., along the same longitudinal axis as the device) for assessing horizontality, and a third level vial  64   c  is positioned in the window box at a 45 degree angle for use in checking a 45 degree angle. A luminous fluid may be included in the level vials for improved visibility.  
     [0048] For example, a user can use the alignment device  10  for leveling studs on a wall, or to check a 45 degree angle by viewing the third level vial  64   c . The user can, for example, place the device  10  at the intersecting point of a pair of perpendicular beams to make sure they are at right angles to one another, or the device  10  can be used to check the 45 degree angle of a cross-beam.  
     [0049] In an alternate embodiment, the contact posts  36 ,  38  are made of a material which is magnetically attracted to the metal of the saw blade  30 , or other subject power tool part. Once the appropriate end of the device  10  is placed against the blade, the two magnetic posts  36 ,  38  hold the indicator device  10  in place while measurements are being taken. Since they maintain the present indicator device  10  in a stable position, they contribute to the accuracy of the device  10 .  
     [0050] This third embodiment of FIG. 11 importantly differs from the first two embodiments described herein by the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  in the front portion of the device (see below). The embodiment of FIG. 11 shows the third embodiment, which has a light bulb rather than an LED, with the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  in the front, while FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment with an adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  in the rear of a device  10  with LEDs  48  and level vials  64 . FIG. 11 also shows a buzzer element  49  in the interior of the device. The buzzer element, which could alternatively be chimes or a music chip, is also connected to the battery  50  and is activated during the time that the contact posts  36 ,  38  contact metal.  
     [0051] Continuing with FIGS.  11  to  13 , the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  in the front (FIG. 11) or rear (FIGS. 12 and 13) portion of the alignment device  10  are utilized for cutting a less common angle, particularly angles other than 45° or 90°. The unique adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  comprises a knurled locking knob  66 , a hinged or pressure probe bar  74 , an indicator door  70 , and a wheel quadrant section  72 . A lower portion of the wheel quadrant section  72  is affixed to an inside of the indicator door  70 , so that the wheel quadrant section  72  moves when the indicator door  70  is opened by a user. The wheel quadrant section  72  does not interfere with the contact posts  36 ,  38  on the indicator door  70 . The stem  68  of the knurled knob  66  (see FIG. 2) extends through a knurled knob hole  65  in the lower corner of the housing (see FIG. 11) at the front or rear of the device  10 , and through a hole in the lower corner of the wheel quadrant section  72 . The wheel quadrant section  72  is positioned between the two sides  20 ,  22  of the device and is rotatable on the knurled knob stem  68 . When the indicator door  70  is closed, as shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and  14 , the wheel quadrant section  72  is stored within the device  10 . When the indicator door  70  is opened, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  is ready for use. To use the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62 , the knurled locking knob  66  on the side of the saw blade alignment device is simply loosened, and the wheel quadrant section  72  is pulled out to the desired angle by pulling the indicator door  70  down.  
     [0052] A curved portion of the wheel quadrant section  72  includes spaced-apart indicator notches  76  which correspond to markings  78  on the side of the wheel quadrant section  72 . Unlike commonly available alignment devices, every five degrees (5°) marked on the side of the wheel quadrant section  72  has a notch  76  associated with it. The markings  78  are preferably in one degree increments.  
     [0053] The somewhat flexible pressure probe bar  74 , which can alternatively be hinged, is built into the rear of the top surface of the device  10 . A tab  80  extends vertically down from the horizontally oriented pressure probe bar  74 . When the indicator door  70  is pulled down by the user, the tab  80  at the end of the pressure probe bar  74  automatically snaps into and out of the notches  76 , making a clicking, or tick-tick, sound. This sound assists the user in knowing when he or she has the wheeled quadrant section  72  in a desired position. When the particular desired degree is reached, the wheel quadrant section  72  is held in place while the locking knob  66  on the side of the device  10  is re-tightened. This will lock the wheel quadrant  72  securely into place. Next, the same procedure is conducted in order to align the saw blade. This procedure can be carried out in poorly lit areas and without having keen eyesight. There is no need to test cut scrap wood to ensure that the saw blade is in the desired angle position. Since each five degree increment is locked into a notch  76 , there is no guesswork or estimation required.  
     [0054] The power tool alignment device  10  has small, thin lines between each 10° marking, with the exception of 22.5° and 45.5°. Both of these degrees have locking notches, just like every fifth and tenth degree mark on this device  10 . Not having locking notches for each degree between every fifth and tenth degree mark is acceptable, since most wood working projects do not fall within these odd degree ranges. If an odd degree situation is required, the power tool alignment device  10  can still be used accurately because each degree from 45° to 90° is marked on the side of the wheel quadrant section  72 .  
     [0055] Referring to FIG. 14, one or both side surfaces  20 ,  22  of the body  26  of the device may include an area for placement of a decal  82  (also see FIGS. 12 and 13). FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment of the alignment device  10  without upper or lower rails  24 ,  32 . The pressure probe bar  74  is shown on the top surface  14  of the device, with the indicator door  70  and knurled knob  66  of the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  shown in the rear portion of the device  10 . The lower front corner  84  of the nose surface  12  of the devices is preferably blunted to avoid contact with the saw blade or drill bit and avoid scratching the user (also see FIG. 12).  
     [0056] In summary, then, the alignment device  10  comprises:  
     [0057] a) a generally rectangular-shaped body  26 , the body  26  having thereon two opposite, substantially parallel and planar side surfaces  20 ,  22 , substantially parallel and planar opposite top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16 , the top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16  being positioned at substantially right angles to the side surfaces  20 ,  22 , substantially planar rear and front surfaces  18 ,  12 , the top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16  and side surfaces  20 ,  22  being positioned at substantially right angles to four edges, respectively, of the rear surface  18 , the front surface  12  being angled;  
     [0058] b) at least two contact posts  36 ,  38  on the front or rear surface, the contact posts  36 ,  38  being in a circuit with a power source  50  within the device  10 ; and  
     [0059] c) a light or sound source connected with the power source  50 ;  
     [0060] wherein the light source  46 ,  48  lights up, and/or the sound source  49  emits a sound, when the contact posts  36 ,  38  contact a metal surface.  
     [0061] In preferred embodiments of the alignment device  10 :  
     [0062] (1) the front surface is at a 45 degree angle with respect to the side surfaces.  
     [0063] (2) the light source is at least one light bulb  46  or light emitting diode  48  electrically connected in circuit with the power source.  
     [0064] (3) the power source is a battery  50 , the device further comprising a battery holder  51  in its interior for holding the battery  50 , the battery holder  51  having a battery door  44  in a side surface  20 ,  22  of the device.  
     [0065] (4) the sound source  49  is a buzzer or chime connected to the battery  50 .  
     [0066] (5) the device  10  further comprises a window box  42  within the two side surfaces, the single incandescent light bulb  46  being set into the window box  42 , the light bulb  46  being connected to the battery  50 , so that the light is visible from both sides of the device  10 .  
     [0067] (6) the device further comprising at least one level vial  64  positioned within the window box  42 , so that it is visible from both sides of the device  10 .  
     [0068] (7) the front surface and rear surface each comprises a set of two of the contact posts, at least one of the contact posts being connectable to a negative end of the battery, at least one of the contact posts being connectable to a positive end of the battery, the battery being connected to the light bulb or LED; wherein the light bulb or LED lights up when the positive and negative contact posts contact the metal surface of the power tool blade or bit.  
     [0069] (8) the positive and negative contact posts  36 ,  38  are aligned on each end surface  12 ,  14  substantially parallel to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the front or rear surface, respectively.  
     [0070] (9) the contact posts  36 ,  38  can be magnetic.  
     [0071] (10) the device  10  further includes at least two matching rails  24 ,  32  extending along the longitudinal axis of the top or bottom surface of the device.  
     [0072] (11) the rails  24 ,  32  are magnetic.  
     [0073] (12) there are two sets of matching rails, one set of rails  24  being affixed to the top surface and one set  32  being affixed to the bottom surface, the rails in each set being substantially equal in length and generally parallel to one another.  
     [0074] (13) the device further includes an adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  in the front or rear of the device  10 .  
     [0075] (14) the adjustable degree angle indicator portion comprises a knurled locking knob  66 , a hinged or pressure probe bar  74 , an indicator door  70 , and a wheel quadrant section  72 , a stem  68  of the knurled knob  66  extending through a hole  65  in the side surfaces and through a portion of the wheel quadrant section  72 , the wheel quadrant section  72  being positioned between the two side surfaces and being rotatable on the knurled knob stem  68 .  
     [0076] (15) a lower portion of the wheel quadrant section  72  is affixed to an inside of the indicator door  70 ; and, when the indicator door  70  is closed, the wheel quadrant section  72  is stored within the device  10 , and, when the indicator door  70  is opened, the adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62  is ready for use.  
     [0077] (16) the wheel quadrant section  72  comprises a curved portion having spaced-apart indicator notches  76  which correspond to scale markings  78  on the side of the wheel quadrant section  72 .  
     [0078] (17) the top surface of the device  10  comprises the flexible pressure probe bar  74 , a tab  80  extending vertically down from the horizontally oriented pressure probe bar  74 ; and, when the indicator door  70  is opened, the tab  80  automatically snaps into and out of the notches  76 .  
     [0079] Also included in the present invention is a method of aligning a saw blade or drill bit using the alignment device as described hereinabove.  
     [0080] Thus, the device of the present invention may be with or without rails (magnetic or not), buzzers, chimes, adjustable degree angle indicator portion, level vials, contact probes, or any combination thereof. It may include incandescent light bulbs or LED(s).  
     [0081] The power tool alignment device  10  is not for guiding a saw blade or drill bit while it cuts; it is for aligning the blade or drill bit at a precise desired angle. The basic alignment device  10  preferably does not include a protractor and is not simply acting as a straight edge, though it includes a handy straight (longitudinal top or bottom side) edge if one is needed for side tasks. The present alignment device is preferably not channel-shaped or L-shaped, and preferably does not comprise a laser. With the exception of the optional adjustable degree angle indicator portion  62 , there are preferably no moving parts on the alignment device  10 . The present alignment device  10  can be carried from power tool to power tool. It does not require attachment, and is preferably not attached, to the table saw or other power tool.  
     [0082] Since the preferred embodiments herein incorporate several tools in one, they can replace a level, ruler, square, as well as other tools or methods of alignment in a workshop or on a job site. Most preferably, an alignment device herein is between about eight and 12 inches in length (at its longest point), about two and five inches in width, and about ½ and three inches in thickness, in order to accommodate most saw blades.  
     [0083] When the alignment device  10  is used, hard to reach or hard to see compound miter saw miter indicators, which are often at the back of the saw, are no longer a problem. This is particularly helpful for older, farsighted users.  
     [0084] From the foregoing it can be realized that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized to indicate the angle of a rotatable saw blade or drill bit. It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein are illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.  
     [0085] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person&#39;s product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention.  
     [0086] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.