Patent ID: 7299730

Claim:
A device for setting a table saw to a desired cutting depth, the table saw having a control handle mounted on a control axle, a material support surface, a cabinet, and a cutting edge lying on the outermost circumference of a saw blade, comprising: a disk defining a passageway configured for the passage of the control axle, the disk comprising: a zero distance mark corresponding to a cutting depth of zero when the cutting edge is flush with the material support surface; and a first distance mark corresponding to a first distance from the cutting edge to the material support surface; an alignment mark in a fixed position relative to the cabinet; and a friction collar adapted to provide a static frictional fit between the axle and the disk so that rotation of the control handle results in rotation of the disk, wherein the static frictional fit is configured to be overcome by rotating the disk while holding the handle still to prevent rotation of the control axle; whereby the disk is aligned by rotating the handle to bring the cutting edge flush with the material support surface and then holding the handle still while rotating the disk until the zero distance mark is aligned with the alignment mark, and whereby rotation of the control handle causes said first distance mark to be brought into alignment with said alignment mark, thereby resulting in said cutting edge being adjusted to a predetermined cutting depth.