Patent Description:
Disc saw apparatus comprise a disc saw mounted fast on a driven shaft, which is rotatably mounted in a main support housing. The main support housing typically is mounted on an upstanding ground engaging support structure. A bed or basin type structure extends from the upstanding ground engaging structure below the main support housing in which the disc saw is located. A workpiece platform is located in the bed or basin type structure beneath the disc saw for supporting a workpiece to be cut by the disc saw. Either the workpiece platform or the disc saw is moveable relative to the other one of the workpiece platform and the disc saw, so that a workpiece on the workpiece platform is cut as the moveable one of the workpiece platform and the disc saw is moved relative to the other one of the workpiece platform and the disc saw. Such disc saw apparatus will be well known to those skilled in the art.

However, a problem with such disc saw apparatus is that they are suitable for only one type of cutting of a workpiece, namely, they are either suitable for dry cutting of a workpiece or suitable for wet cutting of a workpiece. There are no suitable disc saw apparatus which are readily suited for both dry cutting of workpieces and wet cutting of workpieces. This is particularly so in the case of cutting of masonry and ceramic products, for example, masonry bricks such as clay bricks, masonry blocks such as concrete blocks, and other such masonry and ceramic products. This results in significant problems, since some masonry and ceramic products are more suitable to dry cutting than wet cutting and vice versa. Because of this, it is necessary for those working with masonry and ceramic products to have two different types of disc saw apparatus, one of which is suitable for dry cutting of products, and the other suitable for wet cutting of products. This results in significant additional and unnecessary expense.

There is therefore a need for a disc saw apparatus which addresses this problem. There is also a need for a workpiece platform which addresses the problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a workpiece platform, and the invention is also directed towards providing a disc saw apparatus comprising such a workpiece platform.

<CIT> discloses a workpiece platform according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, and in particular a saw assembly comprising a workpiece platform for supporting a workpiece thereon, and a disc saw engageable with a workpiece for sawing therethrough. A main channel extends into the platform for receiving wet residue resulting from wet cutting of a workpiece. Apertures are formed in the channel for draining the wet residue therefrom. A channel cover, also of channel shape construction, is insertable into the main channel for receiving dry residue resulting from dry cutting of a workpiece.

According to the invention there is provided a workpiece platform for a disc saw apparatus, the platform defining a workpiece receiving surface, and having an elongated main channel extending into the platform from the workpiece receiving surface, and longitudinally along the platform in the direction of relative movement between the platform and a disc saw of the apparatus, an elongated residue collecting element defining opposite elongated first and second external faces and having an elongated first channel extending into the collecting element from the first external face and longitudinally along the collecting element, and an elongated second channel extending into the collecting element from the second external face thereof and longitudinally along the collecting element, the collecting element being selectively and alternately releasably engageable in the main channel in a first mode with the first channel configured to receive dry residue resulting from dry cutting of the workpiece, and a second mode with the second channel configured to receive wet residue resulting from wet cutting of the workpiece, and a communicating element configured to communicate the first channel with an extraction system for extracting the dry residue from the first channel when the collecting element is in the first mode.

In one embodiment of the invention the main channel is located in the platform, so that when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the first mode, the first channel is aligned with a plane defined by the disc saw through which the rotational axis of the disc saw extends perpendicularly.

Preferably, the first channel is aligned with a path of relative travel between the disc saw and the platform when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the first mode.

In another embodiment of the invention the first channel is adapted to accommodate a peripheral portion of the disc saw when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the first mode.

Advantageously, the second channel is aligned with the plane defined by the disc saw through which the rotational axis of the disc saw extends perpendicularly when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the second mode.

In another embodiment of the invention the second channel is aligned with the path of relative travel between the disc saw and the platform when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the second mode.

In another embodiment of the invention the second channel is adapted to accommodate a peripheral portion of the disc saw when the collecting element is located in the main channel in the second mode.

In another embodiment of the invention the main channel is defined by a base and a pair of spaced apart side walls. Preferably, the spaced apart side walls extend downwardly from the workpiece receiving surface, and advantageously, the side walls extend to the base.

In another embodiment of the invention a retaining means is provided for releasably retaining the collecting element in the main channel, and preferably, the retaining means comprises at least one magnet, and advantageously, the retaining means comprises a plurality of the magnets. In one embodiment of the invention each magnet is located in one of the main channel and the collecting element, and preferably, each magnet is located in the main channel. In one embodiment of the invention the magnets are spaced apart longitudinally along the main channel, and advantageously, the magnets are arranged in pairs, the magnets of each pair being transversely spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the pairs of the magnets are spaced apart longitudinally along the main channel.

Preferably, each magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

Advantageously, each magnet is secured to the base of the main channel.

In another embodiment of the invention the collecting element comprises a magnetically sensitive material.

In another embodiment of the invention the first external face defined by the collecting element is adapted to define a first plane, and the first external face of the collecting element when the collecting element is in the first mode is configured so that the first plane defined by the first external face of the collecting element substantially coincides with a main plane defined by the workpiece receiving surface of the platform.

In another embodiment of the invention the second external face defined by the collecting element is adapted to define a second plane, and the second external face of the collecting element when the collecting element is in the second mode is configured so that the second plane defined by the second external face substantially coincides with the main plane defined by the workpiece receiving surface of the platform.

In another embodiment of the invention the collecting element is of length greater than the length of the main channel, and preferably, the collecting element extends outwardly from the main channel adjacent one end thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the communicating element comprises a housing defining a hollow interior region, and an inlet port to the hollow interior region, the inlet port to the hollow interior region of the housing of the communicating element being configured to communicate with an outlet port of the collecting element communicating with the first channel.

Preferably, the housing of the communicating element defines an outlet port communicating with the hollow interior region, the outlet port being adapted for connection to an extraction system, and preferably, the outlet port from the communicating element is adapted for releasable connecting to the extraction system.

In another embodiment of the invention the inlet port of the communicating element extends through a side wall of the housing of the communicating element.

In one embodiment of the invention the collecting element comprises a side wall, and the outlet port from the first channel is located in the side wall of the collecting element.

In another embodiment of the invention the collecting element in the first mode in the main channel is located with the outlet port from the first channel communicating with the inlet port to the communicating element.

In a further embodiment of the invention the inlet port of the communicating element communicates with the main channel.

Preferably, the communicating element is located in the platform adjacent the main channel.

In another embodiment of the invention the first channel is of U-shape, and preferably, comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart side walls extending from the base. Advantageously, the outlet port from the first channel is located in one of the side walls thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention a pair of first workpiece receiving walls extend inwardly towards each other from the respective side walls defining the first channel, the first workpiece receiving walls defining an elongated first slot extending substantially the length of the first channel and communicating with the first channel. Preferably, the elongated first slot defined by the first workpiece receiving walls is of width in a transverse direction, relative to the longitudinal direction of the collecting element, for accommodating a peripheral portion of the disc saw between the first workpiece receiving walls.

In another embodiment of the invention the first workpiece receiving walls define the first external face of the collecting element.

Preferably, the slot defined by the first workpiece receiving walls extends substantially parallel to the first channel.

In another embodiment of the invention a pair of elongated spaced apart brushes extend longitudinally along the first channel for engaging a peripheral portion of the disc saw.

In another embodiment of the invention the second channel is of U-shape, and preferably, comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart side walls extending from the base.

In another embodiment of the invention a pair of second workpiece receiving walls extend inwardly towards each other from the respective side walls defining the second channel, the second workpiece receiving walls defining an elongated second slot extending substantially the length of the second channel and communicating with the second channel. Preferably, the elongated second slot defined by the second workpiece receiving walls is of width in a transverse direction, relative to the longitudinal direction of the collecting element, for accommodating a peripheral portion of the disc saw between the second workpiece receiving walls.

In another embodiment of the invention the second workpiece receiving walls define the second external face of the collecting element.

Preferably, the bases of the first and second channels are formed by a common base.

In one embodiment of the invention the side walls of the respective first and second channels extend from the common base in respective opposite directions.

In another embodiment of the invention a datum element is provided on the platform for aligning the workpiece with the disc saw. Preferably, the datum element extends on the platform substantially parallel to the main channel. Advantageously, the datum element comprises an elongated datum bar extending parallel to the main channel.

In another embodiment of the invention the datum element is slideable along the platform in a direction transversely of the main channel.

In another embodiment of the invention a guide element is provided for guiding the datum element transversely relative to the main channel. Preferably, the guide element is configured for engaging the workpiece for aligning the workpiece with the disc saw.

In one embodiment of the invention a graduated measuring scale is provided extending transversely of the platform, for facilitating positioning of the datum element relative to the main channel.

Additionally, the invention provides a disc saw apparatus comprising the workpiece platform according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention one of the workpiece platform and the disc saw is moveable relative to the other one of the workpiece platform and the disc saw in a longitudinal direction parallel to the main channel formed in the workpiece platform.

In another embodiment of the invention the workpiece platform is moveable relative to the disc saw, and preferably, the workpiece platform is moveable relative to the disc saw in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the disc saw.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a workpiece platform which is suitable for supporting a workpiece being cut by a disc saw in a disc saw apparatus by both dry cutting and wet cutting. Accordingly, a disc saw apparatus comprising the workpiece platform according to the invention is suitable for both dry cutting and wet cutting of workpieces. To change from wet cutting to dry cutting all that is required is to invert the collecting element in the main channel of the workpiece platform, and for dry cutting to connect the communicating element to a suitable extraction system, for extracting dust residue from dry cutting from the first channel of the collecting element. For example, when it is desired to use the workpiece platform for dry cutting, the collecting element is located in the main channel in the first mode with the first channel facing upwardly, and when it is desired to use the workpiece platform for supporting a workpiece during wet cutting, the collecting element is removed from the main channel and inverted and reengaged in the main channel in the second mode with the second channel facing upwardly.

The advantage of providing magnets, and in particular, permanent magnets for releasably retaining the collecting element in the main channel is that while the permanent magnets tightly secure the collecting element in the main channel during use of the disc saw apparatus, the collecting element can be readily easily disengaged by hand from the magnets for change over from dry to wet cutting and vice-versa.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a workpiece platform according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM> for supporting a workpiece, for example, a masonry block or brick in a disc saw apparatus <NUM>, which is also according to the invention when comprising the workpiece platform <NUM>. The disc saw apparatus <NUM>, which is illustrated in <FIG>, comprises a disc saw <NUM> mounted fast on a driven shaft <NUM> rotatably mounted in a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is supported on an upstanding support bracket <NUM> extending upwardly from a ground engaging support framework <NUM>. A basin type bed <NUM> is mounted on the ground engaging support framework <NUM> and below the housing <NUM> and spaced apart downwardly from the housing <NUM>. The workpiece platform <NUM> is located in the bed <NUM> with the driven shaft <NUM>, on which the disc saw <NUM> is mounted fast, located at a level above the level of the workpiece platform <NUM>. A drive motor (not shown), typically, an electrically powered motor is provided in the housing <NUM> for driving the driven shaft <NUM>, on which the disc saw <NUM> is mounted fast. In such disc saw apparatus as the disc saw apparatus <NUM>, either the disc saw <NUM> is moveable relative to the workpiece platform <NUM>, or the workpiece platform <NUM> is moveable relative to the disc saw <NUM> for cutting a workpiece on the workpiece platform <NUM>. The general constructions of such disc saw apparatus as the disc saw apparatus <NUM> will be well known to those skilled in the art, and further description should not be required.

In this embodiment of the invention the disc saw <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are fixed relative to the ground engaging support framework <NUM>, and the workpiece platform <NUM> is moveable in the bed <NUM> relative to the disc saw <NUM> in the directions of the arrows A and B. Although, it will be appreciated that the workpiece platform <NUM> may be fixed relative to the bed <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> and the disc saw <NUM> would be moveable relative to the workpiece platform <NUM>.

Turning now to the workpiece platform <NUM>, the workpiece platform <NUM> comprises a framework <NUM> which carries a pair of workpiece receiving panels <NUM> which together define a workpiece receiving surface <NUM> for receiving a workpiece (not shown) to be cut by the disc saw <NUM>. Four guide wheels <NUM> are rotatably carried on corresponding shafts <NUM> extending from the framework <NUM> of the workpiece platform <NUM>. The guide wheels <NUM> are adapted to engage a guide means provided by a pair of spaced apart parallel guide tracks <NUM> located in the bed <NUM> of the disc saw apparatus <NUM> for guiding the workpiece platform <NUM> in the directions of the arrows A and B for in turn guiding the workpiece platform <NUM> relative to the disc saw <NUM> of the disc saw apparatus <NUM>, see <FIG>, <FIG>. Circumferentially extending guide grooves <NUM> extending radially into the guide wheels <NUM> engage the corresponding guide tracks <NUM> for guiding the workpiece platform <NUM> along the guide tracks <NUM>. The guide tracks <NUM> of the disc saw apparatus <NUM> extend parallel to a plane <NUM> defined by the disc saw <NUM> and in which the disc saw <NUM> is rotatably driven by the driven shaft <NUM>. The driven shaft <NUM> defines a rotational axis <NUM> about which the disc saw <NUM> rotates, and which extends substantially perpendicularly through the rotational plane <NUM> defined by the disc saw <NUM>. This aspect of a workpiece platform which is moveable relative to a disc saw of a disc saw apparatus will be well known to those skilled in the art.

An elongated main channel <NUM> is formed in the workpiece platform <NUM> between the workpiece receiving panels <NUM>, and extends into the workpiece platform <NUM> from the workpiece receiving surface <NUM>, and extends longitudinally along the workpiece platform <NUM> from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The main channel <NUM> extends parallel to the direction of motion of the workpiece platform <NUM> on the guide tracks <NUM> of the disc saw apparatus <NUM>, in other words, the main channel <NUM> of the workpiece platform <NUM> extends parallel to the direction of motion of the workpiece platform <NUM> relative to the disc saw <NUM> in the directions of the arrows A and B. In this embodiment of the invention the main channel <NUM> is aligned with the disc saw <NUM> and the rotational plane <NUM> defined by the disc saw <NUM>, and is also configured to receive a peripheral portion <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM> into the main channel <NUM> during movement of the workpiece platform <NUM> relative to the disc saw <NUM>. Although, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the main channel <NUM> may not be configured to receive any portion of the disc saw <NUM> therein, however, the main channel <NUM> would be aligned with the disc saw <NUM> and would be aligned with the path of travel of the disc saw <NUM> relative to the workpiece platform <NUM>.

A residue collecting element indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM> is configured for releasable mounting within the main channel <NUM> in two modes, namely, a first mode and a second mode as will be described below. The collecting element <NUM> comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls <NUM> which are joined by a U-shaped member <NUM>. The U-shaped member <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and a pair of opposite spaced apart side walls <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> of the U-shaped member <NUM> abut the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> and are secured thereto by, for example, welding, for in turn retaining the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> spaced apart from each other and secured relative to each other. The base <NUM> of the U-shaped member <NUM> defines a common base of a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM> formed in the collecting element <NUM> for collecting residue from sawing of the workpiece supported on the workpiece receiving panels <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> is defined by the base <NUM> of the U-shaped member <NUM> and the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> is defined by the base <NUM> of the U-shaped member <NUM> and the side walls <NUM> thereof. As will be described in more detail below the first channel <NUM> is configured for receiving and collecting dry residue from dry cutting of a workpiece supported on the workpiece platform <NUM> when the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode with the first channel <NUM> facing upwardly, and the second channel <NUM> is configured for receiving and collecting wet residue from wet cutting of a workpiece supported on the workpiece platform <NUM> when the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> in the second mode with the second channel <NUM> facing upwardly.

First workpiece receiving walls <NUM> extend longitudinally along the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> along edges <NUM> of the side walls <NUM>, and extend inwardly from the edges <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> towards each other. The first workpiece receiving walls <NUM> terminate at <NUM> to define an elongated longitudinally extending elongated first slot <NUM> extending longitudinally along the collecting element <NUM> and communicating with the first channel <NUM>. A pair of second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> extend longitudinally along respective edges <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>, and extend inwardly from the edges <NUM> towards each other. The second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> terminate at <NUM> to define an elongated second slot <NUM> extending longitudinally along the collecting element <NUM> and communicating with the second channel <NUM>. The first and second slots <NUM> and <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> are configured to accommodate the peripheral portion <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM> into the corresponding one of the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> during cutting of the workpiece when the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> in the first and second modes, respectively, The first workpiece receiving walls <NUM> define respective first workpiece receiving faces <NUM>, while the second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> define second workpiece receiving faces <NUM>.

The collecting element <NUM> is releasably securable in the main channel <NUM> in the two modes, namely, in the first mode and in the second mode. In the first mode, the collecting element <NUM> is releasably secured in the main channel <NUM> with the first channel <NUM> and the first slot <NUM> communicating with the first channel <NUM> facing upwardly and aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>. In the second mode, the collecting element <NUM> is releasably secured in the main channel <NUM> with the second channel <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> communicating with the second channel <NUM> facing upwardly and aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>.

In the first mode of operation when the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> with the first channel <NUM> and the first slot <NUM> facing upwardly, the first channel is adapted for receiving dry residue during dry cutting of a workpiece by the disc saw <NUM>. When the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode, the first workpiece receiving faces <NUM> of the first workpiece receiving walls <NUM> define a plane which coincides with a plane defined by the workpiece receiving surfaces <NUM> of the workpiece receiving panels <NUM> so that with the collecting element <NUM> secured in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode, the workpiece receiving panels <NUM> and the first workpiece receiving walls <NUM> are configured to support a workpiece thereon.

In the second mode of operation of the collecting element <NUM>, the collecting element <NUM> is inverted with the second channel <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> facing upwardly for receiving wet residue during wet cutting of a workpiece by the disc saw <NUM>. When the collecting element <NUM> is secured in the main channel <NUM> in the second mode, the second workpiece receiving faces <NUM> of the second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> define a plane which coincides with the plane defined by the workpiece receiving surfaces <NUM> of the workpiece receiving panels <NUM>, so that the second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> and the workpiece receiving panels <NUM> together support a workpiece when the collecting element <NUM> is secured in the main channel <NUM> in the second mode.

An end wall <NUM> secured to the side walls <NUM> and to the first and second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> and <NUM>, closes the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent an end <NUM> thereof. The other end <NUM> of the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> are open, but when the collecting element <NUM> is secured in the main channel <NUM> in both the first and second modes, an end wall <NUM> of the workpiece platform <NUM> closing the end <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> closes the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>.

A first end slot <NUM> and a second end slot <NUM> extend into the end wall <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>, and are of width similar to the width of the first and second slots <NUM> and <NUM> and are aligned with the corresponding one of the first and second slots <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, for accommodating the peripheral portion <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM> as the workpiece platform <NUM> is being moved in the direction of the arrows A and B relative to the disc saw <NUM>. A third end slot <NUM> extends downwardly into the end wall <NUM> of the workpiece platform <NUM> adjacent the second end <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> for also accommodating the disc saw <NUM> into the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> when the collecting element <NUM> is located in the main channel <NUM> in the respective first and second modes.

A pair of elongated brush elements <NUM> are located extending parallel to each other in the first channel <NUM> adjacent the first workpiece receiving walls <NUM> and extend towards each other adjacent the first slot <NUM> to engage the disc saw <NUM> for brushing dry residue from the disc saw <NUM> during dry cutting of a workpiece so that the dry residue is collected in the first channel <NUM>.

Returning now to the main channel <NUM>, the main channel <NUM> is defined between a pair of spaced apart parallel side walls <NUM> extending downwardly into the workpiece platform <NUM> from the respective workpiece receiving panels <NUM> and extending longitudinally in the direction of motion of the platform <NUM> in the directions of the arrows A and B. The side walls <NUM> extend downwardly to a base <NUM> which also extends longitudinally in the platform <NUM> and defines with the side walls <NUM> the main channel <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> is open for accommodating the collecting element <NUM> extending therethrough as will be described below.

A retaining means for releasably retaining the collecting element <NUM> in the main channel <NUM> in the first and second modes, in this embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of permanent magnets <NUM> located on the base <NUM> in the main channel <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> are arranged transversely spaced apart in pairs, and the pairs of the magnets <NUM> are equi-spaced apart longitudinally along the base <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> for engaging the adjacent ones of the first and second workpiece receiving walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> are secured to the base <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> by screws <NUM>. The collecting element <NUM> is constructed from a magnetically sensitive material, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises steel in order to interact with the magnets <NUM> for releasably securing the collecting element <NUM> in the main channel <NUM> in the first and second modes. The power of the permanent magnets <NUM> is such as to secure and retain the collecting element <NUM> in the respective first and second modes in the main channel <NUM>, but is also of such strength as to permit the collecting element <NUM> to be manually disengaged from the main channel <NUM>, in order that the collecting element <NUM> is removable from the main channel <NUM> for inverting the collecting element <NUM> between the first and second modes.

The collecting element <NUM> is longer than the main channel <NUM>, and extends from the main channel <NUM> through the first end <NUM> thereof, in order to facilitate gripping of the collecting element <NUM> for inserting the collecting element <NUM> into the main channel <NUM> and for removing the collecting element <NUM> therefrom for facilitating inverting the collecting element <NUM> to change between the first and second modes.

A communicating element for communicating the first channel <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> with a vacuum based extraction system (not shown) for extracting the dry residue from the first channel <NUM> comprises a communicating housing <NUM> which is located in the workpiece platform <NUM> adjacent the main channel <NUM> and adjacent the first end <NUM> thereof. The communicating housing extends outwardly from the workpiece platform <NUM> adjacent the first end <NUM> of the main channel <NUM>. The communicating housing <NUM> defines a hollow interior region <NUM>. An outlet port <NUM> extending from the communicating housing <NUM> communicates with the hollow interior region <NUM>, and is configured for releasable securing to a hose or other suitable conduit of the extraction system (not shown). An inlet port <NUM> formed by an inlet opening <NUM> extending through a side wall <NUM> of the communicating housing <NUM> communicates with an outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> partly through a communicating opening <NUM> in one of the side walls <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> and partly directly with the outlet port <NUM>. The outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM> is formed by an outlet opening <NUM> formed through a portion of one of the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> forming the first channel <NUM>. The outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> when the collecting element <NUM> is secured in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode is aligned with the inlet port <NUM> to the hollow interior region <NUM> of the communicating housing <NUM>. The part of the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM>, which is located within the main channel <NUM>, when the collecting element <NUM> is secured in the first mode in the main channel <NUM>, communicates with the inlet opening <NUM> of the inlet port <NUM> of the communicating housing <NUM> through the communicating opening <NUM> in the corresponding side wall <NUM> of the main channel <NUM>. The remainder of the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM> communicates directly with the inlet opening <NUM> of the inlet port <NUM> of the communication housing <NUM>.

In this embodiment of the invention the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM> in the side wall <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> is of tapering shape and tapers in a direction from the end <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM> towards the other end <NUM> thereof. The inlet opening <NUM> of the inlet port <NUM> in the side wall <NUM> of the communicating housing <NUM> is similarly and correspondingly shaped to that of the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM>. The communicating opening <NUM> in the corresponding side wall <NUM> of the main channel <NUM> is also tapered correspondingly to that of the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> from the first channel <NUM>, so that the outlet opening <NUM> of the outlet port <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> is fully alignable with the inlet opening <NUM> of the inlet port <NUM> to the communicating housing <NUM> when the collecting element <NUM> is located and secured in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode.

The extraction system may be any suitable extraction system, for example, a vacuum extraction system which draws air from the hollow interior region <NUM> of the communicating housing <NUM>, and in turn from the first channel <NUM> for drawing the dry residue in the first channel <NUM> therefrom. A typical vacuum system, would be of the type suitable for subsequently separating the dry residue from the air and collecting the dry residue in a residue collecting container for subsequent disposal.

Drain slots <NUM> in the base <NUM> of the main channel <NUM>, drain any liquid from the wet cutting of a workpiece, which may run into the main channel <NUM> from the main channel <NUM>, into the bed <NUM> within which the workpiece platform <NUM> is located.

A datum element for aligning the workpiece on the workpiece platform <NUM> with the disc saw <NUM> comprises an elongated datum bar <NUM> located on the workpiece platform <NUM>. The datum bar <NUM> is slideably mounted on a guide element comprising a guide bar <NUM> extending upwardly from the workpiece platform <NUM> adjacent the second end <NUM> of the main channel <NUM>, and extending transversely of the main channel <NUM>. The datum bar <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the guide bar <NUM> and parallel to the main channel <NUM> for setting the distance of a line along which the workpiece is to be cut by the disc saw <NUM> from an end of the workpiece when the end of the workpiece is abutting the datum bar <NUM>. The guide bar <NUM> acts as a transversely extending alignment bar for abutting and locating the workpiece on the workpiece platform <NUM> with the line along which the workpiece is to be cut aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>, as the workpiece platform <NUM> with the workpiece aligned thereon is being urged in the direction of the arrow A, for in turn urging the workpiece into engagement with the disc saw <NUM>. A graduated measuring scale <NUM> extends along the guide bar <NUM> for facilitating setting of the datum bar <NUM> at the desired distance from the rotational plane <NUM>, and in turn from the line of action of the disc saw <NUM> as the workpiece platform <NUM> is being urged in the direction of the arrow A relative to the disc saw <NUM>. A clamping screw <NUM> extending through a threaded bore (not shown) in the datum bar <NUM> is engageable with the guide bar <NUM> for securing the datum bar <NUM> at a desired position on the workpiece platform <NUM>.

In use, when it is desired to operate the disc saw apparatus <NUM> and the workpiece platform <NUM> in a dry cutting mode, for cutting, for example, a masonry brick or block into two portions, the collecting element <NUM> is located and secured in the main channel <NUM> in the first mode by the magnets <NUM> with the first channel <NUM> and the first slot <NUM> facing upwardly, so that as the workpiece platform <NUM> and in turn the workpiece on the platform <NUM> is urged in the direction of the arrow A into engagement with the disc saw <NUM>, the peripheral portion <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM> extends into the first channel <NUM> through the first slot <NUM>. The datum bar <NUM> is set at the desired position, so that when the workpiece is abutting the datum bar <NUM>, the line along which the workpiece is to be cut by the disc saw <NUM> is aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>. The workpiece is then placed on the workpiece platform <NUM> and held by hand with the workpiece abutting the datum bar <NUM> and the guide bar <NUM> so that the line along which the workpiece is to be cut by the disc saw <NUM> is aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>.

With the disc saw <NUM> driven in rotation and the workpiece positioned on the workpiece platform <NUM> abutting against the datum bar <NUM> and the guide bar <NUM>, the workpiece platform <NUM> with the workpiece located thereon is urged in the direction of the arrow A for urging the workpiece into engagement with the disc saw <NUM>, so that the disc saw <NUM> cuts the workpiece along the line along which the workpiece is to be cut.

During dry cutting of the workpiece, residue, typically, dry residue dust is directed by the cutting action of the disc saw into the first channel <NUM>, and residue dust on the side faces of the disc saw is wiped therefrom by the brushes <NUM> into the first channel <NUM>. The vacuum system (not shown) coupled to the communicating housing <NUM> draws air and the dust from the first channel <NUM> through the communicating housing <NUM>. The residue dust is subsequently separated from the air and collected in a container for subsequent disposal. The action of the vacuum drawing air into the first channel <NUM> through the first slot <NUM> also draws the residue dust as the workpiece is being cut by the disc saw <NUM> into the first channel <NUM>, from which it is drawn through the communicating housing <NUM>.

When it is desired to operate the apparatus and the workpiece platform <NUM> to wet cut a workpiece, such as a masonry block or brick, the collecting element <NUM> is located and secured in the main channel <NUM> by the magnets <NUM> in the second mode with the second channel <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> extending upwardly, so that the second slot <NUM> accommodates a peripheral portion <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM> into the second channel <NUM>. The datum bar <NUM> is set at the desired position, so that when the workpiece is abutting the datum bar <NUM>, the line along which the workpiece is to be cut by the disc saw <NUM> is aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>. The workpiece is then placed on the workpiece platform <NUM> and held by hand with the workpiece abutting the datum bar <NUM> and the guide bar <NUM> so that the line along which the workpiece is to be cut by the disc saw <NUM> is aligned with the rotational plane <NUM> of the disc saw <NUM>.

With the disc saw <NUM> driven in rotation and the workpiece positioned on the platform <NUM> abutting against the datum bar <NUM> and the guide bar <NUM>, the workpiece platform <NUM> with the workpiece located thereon is urged in the direction of the arrow A for urging the workpiece into engagement with the disc saw <NUM>, so that the disc saw <NUM> cuts the workpiece along the line along which the workpiece is to be cut.

During cutting of the workpiece, the wet residue and the cutting fluid is collected in the second channel <NUM>, and runs through the second channel <NUM>, and in turn through the second end slot <NUM> in the end wall <NUM> of the collecting element <NUM>, and in turn into the bed <NUM>, within which the workpiece platform <NUM> is located and moveable on the guide tracks <NUM> therein. The bed <NUM>, as will be understood by those skilled in the art forms a sump, in which the cutting fluid with the cutting residue entrained therein is collected for subsequent filtering, in order to separate the cutting residue therefrom for disposal, and the filtered cutting fluid is recirculated.

While the collecting element has been described as being of a specific construction, the collecting element may be of any other suitable or desired construction. For example, while it is important that the side walls <NUM> of the collecting element be joined by a base which preferably forms a common base of the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM>, the base <NUM> may be secured in any suitable manner to the side walls <NUM>, without the need for the U-shaped member <NUM>. A base extending between the side walls <NUM> without the side walls <NUM> of the U-shaped member could be provided and the base <NUM> would be directly secured to the side walls <NUM>, for example, by continuous welding. Needless to say, each of the first and second channels may be provided with separate bases.

It will also be appreciated that any other suitable communicating element besides the communicating housing described with reference to this embodiment of the invention may be provided for collecting the dry residue from the first channel of the collecting element.

While the workpiece platform has been described as comprising a pair of workpiece receiving panels which define workpiece receiving surfaces for receiving the workpiece, any other suitable workpiece receiving means for receiving the workpiece on the workpiece platform may be provided.

Needless to say, any other suitable guide means for guiding the workpiece platform relative to the disc saw of the disc saw apparatus may be use beside the rotatably mounted wheels <NUM> which are rollably engageable with the respective spaced apart parallel guide tracks. For example, the guide tracks may be provided on the workpiece platform which would be engageable with suitable roller bearings or wheels which would be located secured in the bed of the disc saw apparatus.

It will also of course be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the workpiece platform may be stationary, while the disc saw would be moveable relative to the workpiece platform.

Claim 1:
A workpiece platform for a disc saw apparatus, the platform (<NUM>) defining a workpiece receiving surface (<NUM>), and having an elongated main channel (<NUM>) extending into the platform (<NUM>) from the workpiece receiving surface (<NUM>), and longitudinally along the platform (<NUM>) in the direction of relative movement between the platform (<NUM>) and a disc saw (<NUM>) of the apparatus (<NUM>), an elongated residue collecting element (<NUM>) defining opposite elongated first and second external faces (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having an elongated first channel (<NUM>) extending into the collecting element (<NUM>) from the first external face (<NUM>) and longitudinally along the collecting element (<NUM>), the collecting element (<NUM>) being releasably engageable in the main channel (<NUM>) in a first mode with the first channel (<NUM>) configured to receive dry residue resulting from dry cutting of the workpiece, and a communicating element (<NUM>) configured to communicate the first channel (<NUM>) with an extraction system for extracting the dry residue from the first channel (<NUM>) when the collecting element (<NUM>) is in the first mode, characterised in that an elongated second channel (<NUM>) extends into the collecting element (<NUM>) from the second external face (<NUM>) thereof and longitudinally along the collecting element (<NUM>), and the collecting element (<NUM>) is selectively and alternately releasably engageable in the main channel (<NUM>) in the first mode and in a second mode with the second channel (<NUM>) configured to receive wet residue resulting from wet cutting of the workpiece.