Miter saw and method of adjusting the fence of a miter saw

Abstract

A miter saw and a method of adjusting a fence of a miter saw are disclosed. The miter saw includes a workpiece support defining a workpiece support surface. The miter saw also includes a user drive assembly and an assembly attachment structure operatively attaching the user drive assembly to the workpiece support. The assembly attachment structure includes a blade bevel angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a blade bevel angle of a miter saw blade. The miter saw also includes a fence defining a fence surface extending away from the workpiece support surface. The fence includes a first fence portion and a second fence portion. The first fence portion and the second fence portion define a blade receiving gap therebetween, and the fence further includes a gap adjustment mechanism configured to automatically adjust the blade receiving gap based at least in part on the blade bevel angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a miter saw and a method for adjusting the fence of the miter saw. Background Technology

[0002] A miter saw can be used to create a beveled kerf within a workpiece using a miter saw blade. Miter saws typically use a table and attached guardrails to support the workpiece relative to the miter saw blade. The guardrails can extend on both sides of the miter saw blade, supporting the workpiece on either side. These guardrails generally define the blade receiving gap, which is configured to receive the miter saw blade, allowing it to cut completely through the workpiece. To help create mitered kerfs with various bevel angles, the blade receiving gap can be relatively wide compared to the thickness of the circular saw blade. In some miter saws, the guardrails can be configured to allow for limited manual adjustment of the blade receiving gap. However, these adjustments are complex, and miter saw users typically do not perform such adjustments, thus reducing the cutting quality of the miter saw and / or increasing the probability of the miter saw blade getting stuck in the workpiece. Therefore, there is a need to improve miter saws and / or improve methods for adjusting the miter saw's guardrails. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses a miter saw and a method for adjusting the fence of the miter saw. The miter saw includes a workpiece support that defines a workpiece support surface configured to support a first side of a workpiece. The miter saw also includes a user drive assembly comprising a motor and a spindle. The motor includes a motor shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, and the spindle is operatively attached to the motor shaft and configured to receive a miter saw blade. The miter saw also includes an assembly attachment structure operatively attaching the user drive assembly to the workpiece support and configured to allow the user drive assembly to perform restricted movement relative to the workpiece support surface and / or relative to the fence. The assembly attachment structure includes a saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the saw blade miter angle relative to the workpiece support surface. The miter saw also includes a fence that defines a fence surface extending away from the workpiece support surface and is configured to support a second side of the workpiece. The fence includes a first fence portion and a second fence portion. The first fence portion and the second fence portion define a saw blade receiving gap therebetween. The saw blade receiving gap is configured to receive the miter saw blade during operational use of the miter saw to form a miter cut in the workpiece, and the enclosure also includes a gap adjustment mechanism configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap at least in part based on the saw blade miter angle.

[0004] In one example, the miter saw blade is attached to and / or driven by the spindle.

[0005] The method includes changing at least one of the beveling angle of the beveling saw blade and the severing angle of the beveling saw blade. The method also includes at least partly based on changing the blade receiving gap of an automatically adjusting fence. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a view of an example of a bevel saw in a transverse cutting configuration according to the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of an example of a bevel saw in a transverse cutting configuration according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of an example of a bevel saw in a bevel construction according to the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of an example of a bevel saw in a transverse cutting configuration according to the present invention.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of an example of a bevel saw with a beveled structure according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a beveled and / or compound beveled configuration according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a transverse and / or oblique cut configuration according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a less schematic rear view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a beveled and / or compound beveled configuration according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a less schematic rear view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a transverse and / or oblique cut configuration according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a bevel saw with a bevel cutting configuration and / or a composite cutting configuration according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a side view of an example of a beveling saw according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The bevel saw along Figure 11 The sectional view taken from line 12-12.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a schematic front view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a beveled and / or compound beveled configuration according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 14This is a schematic front view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a transverse and / or oblique cut configuration according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a less schematic rear view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a beveled and / or compound beveled configuration according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 16 This is a less schematic rear view of an example of a fence with a beveled saw in a transverse and / or oblique cut configuration according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for adjusting the fence of a bevel saw according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1-17 Examples of a miter saw 10, components of the miter saw 10, and / or a method 500 for adjusting the miter saw's guardrail according to the invention are provided. Elements for similar or at least substantially similar purposes are also provided. Figure 1-17 Each of the reference numerals has the same reference numerals, and these elements may not be referenced herein. Figure 1-17 Each of these will be discussed in detail. Similarly, all components may not be present. Figure 1-17 Each of these is marked, but for consistency, the corresponding figure labels may be used in this document. References in this document Figure 1-17 One or more of the elements, components, and / or features discussed herein may be included without departing from the scope of the invention. Figure 1-17 Any of the elements in the diagram and / or used with it. Generally, elements that may be included in a particular embodiment are indicated by solid lines, while optional elements are indicated by dashed lines. However, elements indicated by solid lines may be optional for all embodiments and may be omitted in some embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1-16 Examples of miter saws 10 and / or components thereof according to the invention are shown. The miter saw 10 may be configured to form and / or define cross cuts, bevel cuts, oblique cuts and / or compound cuts in a workpiece 90.

[0025] In the following discussion, reference is made to various cuts that can be formed on the workpiece 90 by the miter saw 10 according to the invention. For illustrative purposes, these cuts are described in the context that the workpiece 90 is a rectangular prism (i.e., all faces are rectangular and intersecting faces extend perpendicularly to each other).

[0026] In this context, "cross-cut kerf" refers to a cut made within workpiece 90 by the miter saw 10, such that the exposed face of the workpiece during the formation of the cross-cut kerf extends perpendicularly to all surfaces of workpiece 90. For example, Figure 1-2 The constructions shown in 1, 4, 7, 9, 13 and 16 can be used to form a cross-cut kerf within a workpiece and can be referred to herein as the cross-cutting construction of the miter saw 10.

[0027] In this context, "bevel cut" refers to a cut made within a workpiece 90 by a bevel saw 10, such that the exposed portion of the workpiece during the bevel cut extends perpendicular to the front and / or rear surfaces of the workpiece, but along the top and / or bottom surfaces of the workpiece at an angle not equal to 90 degrees. For example, Figure 3 , 6 The configurations shown in 8, 10, 13, and 15 can be used to form a bevel cut within a workpiece, wherein the bevel cut extends perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of workpiece 90 (e.g., perpendicular to the second side 92 of the workpiece) and relative to the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece (e.g., relative to the first side 91 of the workpiece, possibly optimally at...). Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) it extends with a saw blade bevel angle 112 that is not equal to 90 degrees. This configuration may be referred to herein as the bevel configuration of the bevel saw 10.

[0028] In this context, "bevel cut" and "mitered cut" refer to a cut made within a workpiece 90° by a miter saw 10, such that the exposed portion of the workpiece during the bevel cut extends perpendicularly to the top and / or bottom surfaces of the workpiece, but extends along the front and / or rear surfaces of the workpiece at an angle not equal to 90 degrees. For example, Figure 5 , 7 The configurations shown in 9, 14, and 16 can be used to form a bevel cut within a workpiece, wherein the bevel cut is perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of workpiece 90 (e.g., perpendicular to the first side 91 of the workpiece) and relative to the front and rear surfaces of the workpiece (e.g., relative to the second side 92 of the workpiece, possibly optimally at...). Figure 5 (As shown in the figure) it extends with a saw blade bevel angle 122 that is not equal to 90 degrees. This configuration may be referred to herein as the bevel configuration of the miter saw 10.

[0029] In this context, "compound cut" refers to a cut produced within the workpiece 90 by the miter saw 10, such that the exposed portion of the workpiece during the formation of the compound cut extends along the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces of the workpiece at angles not equal to 90 degrees. In other words, in a compound cut, neither the saw blade beveling angle 112 nor the saw blade chopping angle 122 is equal to 90 degrees. This configuration may be referred to herein as the compound cutting configuration of the miter saw 10, and... Figure 3 ,6 Examples of structures that can be used to form compound cuts in a workpiece are shown in 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0030] It is known to those skilled in the art that workpieces with other shapes can be used, and the shape of the workpiece can affect the orientation of a particular facet formed for a particular surface of the workpiece. With this in mind, in this document, the term "cross-cut kerf" additionally or alternatively refers to a kerf where both the saw blade bevel angle 112 and the saw blade chamfer angle 122 are equal to 90 degrees. Additionally, the term "bevel kerf" additionally or alternatively refers to a kerf where the saw blade bevel angle 112 is not equal to 90 degrees but the saw blade chamfer angle 122 is equal to 90 degrees. Similarly, the term "chamfer cut" additionally or alternatively refers to a kerf where the saw blade chamfer angle 122 is not equal to 90 degrees but the saw blade bevel angle 112 is equal to 90 degrees. Furthermore, the term "compound kerf" additionally or alternatively refers to a kerf where neither the saw blade bevel angle 112 nor the saw blade chamfer angle 122 is equal to 90 degrees.

[0031] It is known to those skilled in the art that setting multiple surfaces and / or angles of the miter saw 10 to be exactly equal to corresponding values ​​and / or orientations is time-consuming and / or unnecessary. With this in mind, it should be understood that a given angle or orientation may deviate from “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and / or from a specified angle value by a amount less than a threshold angle variable, and may still be considered “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and / or equal to the specified angle value within the context of this invention. Examples of threshold angle variables include variables less than 5 degrees, less than 4 degrees, less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, less than 1 degree, less than 0.5 degrees, less than 0.25 degrees, or less than 0.1 degrees.

[0032] Overall, as Figure 1-16 As shown, for more specific reference Figure 1-5 The miter saw 10 includes a workpiece support 30, which defines a support surface 32 configured to support a first side 91 of a workpiece 90. Perhaps optimally as... Figure 2-3 As shown, the saw blade beveling angle 112 can be defined between the support surface 32 and the beveling saw blade 80 of the beveling saw 10. The beveling saw 10 also includes a user drive assembly 40, which includes a motor 50 and a spindle 56. The motor 50 includes a motor shaft 52 configured to rotate about a rotation axis 54. The spindle 56 is operatively attached to the motor shaft 52 and configured to receive the beveling saw blade 80 to operatively interconnect the beveling saw blade with the motor shaft and / or to rotate the beveling saw blade in response to rotation of the motor shaft.

[0033] The miter saw 10 also includes a component attachment structure 100 that operatively attaches the user drive component 40 to the workpiece support 30. The component attachment structure 100 is configured to allow restricted movement of the user drive component 40 relative to the workpiece support surface 32 to allow and / or assist in cutting the workpiece by the miter saw. The component attachment structure 100 includes a saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism 110, which is configured to adjust or allow adjustment of the saw blade miter angle 112 of the miter saw blade 80 relative to the workpiece support surface 32.

[0034] The miter saw 10 also includes a guardrail 200. The guardrail 200 defines a guardrail surface 260 extending away from the workpiece support surface 32 and / or configured to support a second side 92 of the workpiece 90. The guardrail 200 includes a first guardrail portion 210 and a second guardrail portion 230. The first guardrail portion 210 and the second guardrail portion 230 define a saw blade receiving gap 250 therebetween. The saw blade receiving gap 250 is configured to receive the miter saw blade 80 during operational use of the miter saw 10 to cut the workpiece and / or form a miter kerf in the workpiece.

[0035] The fence 200 also includes a gap adjustment mechanism 270. The gap adjustment mechanism 270 is configured to automatically adjust, change, and / or adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 in response to a change in the saw blade bevel angle 112, at least in part based on the saw blade bevel angle 112, and / or to make the shape of the saw blade receiving gap 250 correspond to and / or be based on the saw blade bevel angle 112.

[0036] During operation of the miter saw 10, and as discussed in more detail herein, the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism 110 can be used to change, adjust, and / or adjust the saw blade miter angle 112, thereby allowing and / or assisting in forming the desired miter cut within the workpiece 90. Perhaps best as Figure 2 The structure shown is Figure 3 As shown in the transformation between the configurations, a change in the beveling angle 112 can result in a significant change in the position of the beveling saw blade 80 relative to the fence 200 and / or relative to the blade receiving gap 250. As mentioned above, and in conventional beveling saws, the corresponding conventional blade receiving gap 250 can be quite wide to ensure that the beveling saw blade 80 does not contact the fence or is at least spaced a threshold distance from it as the beveling saw blade moves within the entire permissible range of the corresponding beveling angle and / or beveling break angle. While this configuration effectively avoids contact between the beveling saw blade and the fence, it increases the risk of workpiece damage and / or the beveling saw becoming entangled and / or jammed with the workpiece. With this in mind, the beveling saw 10 according to the invention, comprising a fence 200 with a gap adjustment mechanism 270, automatically adjusts the blade receiving gap 250 based on the beveling angle 112 and / or in response to changes in the beveling angle. This is achieved by... Figure 2 The saw blade receiving gap 250 shown is constructed to Figure 3 The change in the construction of the saw blade receiving gap 250 is schematically shown.

[0037] This adjustment can be performed in any suitable manner and with any suitable structure, as discussed in more detail herein. For example, the fence 200 and / or the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 simultaneously with and / or in response to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle 112. As another example, the fence 200 and / or the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 before and / or after the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle 112. In some such examples, the adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250 can be in response to receiving user input. As another example, the fence 200 and / or the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to mechanically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250. As yet another example, the fence 200 and / or the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to electrically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250. Specific examples of the gap adjustment mechanism 270 are discussed in more detail herein.

[0038] Within the scope of this invention, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap in any suitable manner and have any suitable structure. For example, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap, the shape of the saw blade receiving gap, and / or the opening leading to the saw blade receiving gap in a bevel angle plane extending parallel to or within the fence surface 260. Additionally or alternatively, the bevel angle plane may extend perpendicular to the workpiece support surface 32.

[0039] As another example, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to change the shape of the saw blade receiving gap 250, for example by... Figure 2-3 , Figure 6-7 , Figure 8-9 , Figure 13-14 and / or Figure 15-16 The transitions between the configurations shown are illustrated. As another example, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to change the gap bevel angle 272 of the saw blade receiving gap 250, as also shown in the transitions between the corresponding pairs in the above figures. The gap bevel angle 272 can be defined as the angle between the longitudinal axis of the saw blade receiving gap 250 and the workpiece support surface 32 and can be defined in a plane extending within the fence surface 260.

[0040] In some examples, the clearance adjustment mechanism 270 may include and / or serve as a linkage 290, possibly optimally in Figure 2-3As shown in Figures 6-10, link 290 is operatively connected to saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 and / or configured to, in response to activation, adjustment, and / or movement of saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110, and / or simultaneously drive, adjust, and / or move gap adjustment mechanism 270. For example, in response to adjustment of saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110, link 290 may be configured to apply a force to adjust saw blade receiving gap 250, thereby adjusting the corresponding gap shape and / or the corresponding gap beveling angle 272. As another example, it may be best to... Figure 10 As shown, link 290 can extend between saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 and clearance adjustment mechanism 270, thereby providing a power-applied mechanical connection. When present, link 290 can include any suitable structure. Examples of link 290 include one or more rigid links, link arms, cams, gears, flexible links, offset links, and / or rotary shafts.

[0041] In some examples, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may include and / or serve as an electrically operated gap adjustment actuator 330, possibly optimally in Figure 1-7 As shown in 11-14. When present, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 based at least in part on the saw blade bevel angle 112 and / or at least in part on the adjustment of the saw blade bevel angle.

[0042] For example, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may include a saw blade angle detector 300 in the form of a saw blade beveling angle detector 304. The saw blade angle detector may be configured to detect the angle of the beveling saw blade and generate a saw blade angle output 302 representing the angle of the beveling saw blade. When the saw blade angle detector 300 includes or is a saw blade beveling angle detector 304, the saw blade beveling angle detector may generate a saw blade angle output 302 in the form of a saw blade beveling angle output 306 representing a saw blade beveling angle 112, possibly optimally in... Figure 2-3 As shown in the figure. When the gap adjustment mechanism 270 includes the saw blade bevel angle detector 304, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 at least in part based on the saw blade bevel angle output 306 and / or in response to a change in the saw blade bevel angle output.

[0043] The saw blade angle detector 300 may additionally or alternatively include, or serve as, a saw blade bevel angle detector 308, which may be configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle 122 and / or generate a saw blade bevel angle output 310 representing the saw blade bevel angle. This can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the saw blade bevel angle detector 308 may be configured to measure the saw blade bevel angle. As another example, the motion and / or relative adjustment of the electric clearance adjustment actuator 330 may be calculated, stored, measured, and / or quantified to allow and / or aid in determining the saw blade bevel angle.

[0044] The saw blade beveling angle 122 can be adjusted via the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 120 of the component attachment structure 100. When the gap adjustment mechanism 270 includes a saw blade beveling angle detector 308, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 and / or adjust the width of the saw blade receiving gap, at least in part based on and / or in response to changes in the saw blade beveling angle output 310.

[0045] As another example, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may include a saw blade distance sensor 320, which may be optimally positioned at... Figure 2-7 As shown in Figures 11-14. When present, the saw blade distance sensor 320 can be configured to detect the saw blade-fence distance 322 between the miter saw blade 80 and the fence 200, possibly optimally in... Figure 2-3 As shown in the diagram. The saw blade distance sensor 320 can also be configured to generate a saw blade distance output 324 representing the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence. In this configuration, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 based at least in part on the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence, at least in part on the saw blade distance output 324, and / or in response to changes in the saw blade distance output. As discussed in more detail herein, the saw blade distance sensor 320 can detect the saw blade fence distance 322 while the miter saw blade 80 is positioned within the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0046] When the gap adjustment mechanism 270 includes the saw blade distance sensor 320, within the scope of the invention, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 at any suitable time relative to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle 112 and / or relative to the adjustment of the saw blade chamfer angle 122. For example, the adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250 can be responsive to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle 112 and / or the adjustment of the saw blade chamfer angle 122. As another example, the adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250 can be responsive to user input, such as in response to... Figure 1-3 The user input device 380 of the miter saw shown in the figure is activated and received.

[0047] More generally turning Figure 1-16The fence surface 260 may include a first fence surface 261 and a second fence surface 262. The first fence surface 261 may be defined by a first fence portion 210, and the second fence surface 262 may be defined by a second fence portion 230. The first fence surface 261 and the second fence surface 262 may extend parallel to each other or may extend within the fence surface plane of the fence surface 260. The fence 200 may be configured to change and / or alter the saw blade receiving gap 250 and / or its gap beveling angle 272 by changing the shape of the first fence surface 261 and / or changing the shape of the second fence surface 262.

[0048] For example, and as Figure 1-7 Schematic illustration and as shown Figure 8-10 As less schematically shown, the first fence portion 210 may include a plurality of first fence portion translation elements 212 and / or the second fence portion 230 may include a plurality of second fence portion translation elements 232. The first fence portion translation elements 212 may define a first fence surface 261 and / or may be configured to operatively translate relative to each other, for example, in the plane of the fence surface and / or along a first translation axis 214, to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 or a first side of the saw blade receiving gap. Similarly, the second fence portion translation elements 232 may define a second fence surface 262 and / or may be configured to operatively translate relative to each other, for example, in the plane of the fence surface and / or along a second translation axis 234, to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 or a second side of the saw blade receiving gap. The first translation axis 214 and the second translation axis 234 may be parallel to each other, may extend together, and / or may extend in the same plane.

[0049] The operational translation can be relative to the workpiece support surface 32, can be within the plane of the fence surface, and / or can be in response to the activation of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110. This is achieved through... Figure 6 The structure shown is Figure 7 The transformations and / or between the structures shown Figure 8 The structure shown is Figure 9 The transformation between the structures is illustrated. As shown, the operative translation of the first fence portion translation element 212 and / or the second fence portion translation element 232 can be used to adjust the shape of the saw blade receiving gap 250, adjust the gap beveling angle 272 of the saw blade receiving gap 250, and / or make the shape of the saw blade receiving gap conform to the beveling angle of the beveling saw blade. When the fence 200 includes a plurality of first fence portion translation elements 212 and / or a plurality of second fence portion translation elements 232, the gap beveling angle 272 can be defined as the angle between the workpiece support surface 32 and a line extending in the plane defined by the fence surface 260 and along the longitudinal axis of the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0050] Multiple first fence portion translation elements 212 can be stacked one on top of the other so that the multiple first fence portion translation elements are progressively spaced apart above the workpiece support surface. Similarly, multiple second fence portion translation elements 232 can be stacked one on top of the other so that the multiple second fence portion translation elements are progressively spaced apart above the workpiece support surface. This configuration allows and / or facilitates adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250 within the fence surface plane.

[0051] Multiple first fence partial translation elements 212 may at least partially, at least substantially, or completely define the first fence surface 261. Similarly, multiple second fence partial translation elements 232 may at least partially, at least substantially, or completely define the second fence surface 262. This configuration may allow and / or assist in supporting the workpiece via the first and / or second fence partial translation elements.

[0052] Within the scope of this invention, the plurality of first fence portion translation elements and / or the plurality of second fence portion translation elements may comprise any suitable number of translation elements. Examples of the number of translation elements include at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, up to 10, up to 8, up to 6, and / or up to 4 first and / or second fence portion translation elements. Further examples of the number of translation elements include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 first and / or second fence portion translation elements. A first number of first fence portion translation elements may be equal to a second number of second fence portion translation elements. The number of translation elements may be selected, for example, based on the desired adjustment amount of the saw blade receiving gap shape.

[0053] The plurality of first fence partial translation elements and / or the plurality of second fence partial translation elements may have and / or define any suitable shape. For example, the plurality of first fence partial translation elements may include and / or be a plurality of elongated first fence partial translation elements, a plurality of at least partially rectangular first fence partial translation elements, and / or a plurality of at least partially cuboid first fence partial translation elements. Similarly, the plurality of second fence partial translation elements may include and / or be a plurality of elongated second fence partial translation elements, a plurality of at least partially rectangular second fence partial translation elements, and / or a plurality of at least partially cuboid second fence partial translation elements.

[0054] Within the scope of this invention, the first translation axis 214 and the second translation axis 234 may extend parallel to each other, parallel to the fence surface 260, and / or collinear with each other. This configuration allows for adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250 while maintaining a planar or at least substantially planar fence surface 260.

[0055] The gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to translate both or simultaneously a plurality of first fence portion translation elements and a plurality of second fence portion translation elements. This can include simultaneous translation in the same direction and / or at the same distance to maintain the distance between corresponding first and second fence portion translation elements, and / or simultaneous translation in opposite directions and / or at different distances to change the distance between corresponding first and second fence portion translation elements. This configuration allows and / or facilitates the use of varying gap widths for different saw blade beveling angles and / or different saw blade cut angles, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0056] For example, and as Figure 8-9 As shown, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 is operatively interconnected with both a plurality of first fence portion translation elements and a plurality of second fence portion translation elements. Additionally or alternatively, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may be configured to cause both the plurality of first fence portion translation elements 212 and the plurality of second fence portion translation elements 232 to translate within the fence surface plane of the fence surface 260.

[0057] like Figure 6-9 As shown, a plurality of first fence portion translation elements and a plurality of second fence portion translation elements can be configured as corresponding pairs of translation elements, wherein one translation element in a given pair originates from a plurality of first fence portion translation elements and one translation element in a given pair originates from a plurality of second fence portion translation elements. In this configuration, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to translate each corresponding pair in the same or at least substantially the same direction. Additionally or alternatively, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to translate each corresponding pair by the same or at least substantially the same distance. This configuration allows the width of the saw blade receiving gap 250 between corresponding pairs of translation elements to be constant or at least substantially constant.

[0058] As another example, such as Figure 1-7 As shown in Figures 11-14, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may include an electrically operated gap adjustment actuator 330. The electrically operated gap adjustment actuator 330 may be configured to operatively translate at least one first guard portion translation element 212 relative to the workpiece support surface 32. Additionally or alternatively, the electrically operated gap adjustment actuator 330 may be configured to operatively translate at least one second guard portion translation element 232 relative to the workpiece support surface 32. This configuration allows the gap adjustment mechanism 270 to electrically change the position, orientation, and / or shape of the saw blade receiving gap 250 upon activation of the electrically operated gap adjustment actuator 330.

[0059] The electric gap adjustment actuator 330 may include any suitable structure that can be modified, configured, designed and / or constructed to electrically drive and / or electrically translate or move at least one first fence portion translation element 212 and / or at least one second fence portion translation element 232. Examples of the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 include rotary actuators, linear actuators, electric actuators, electric motors, servo motors and / or stepper motors.

[0060] In a specific example, and perhaps best as Figure 11-12 As shown, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 may include a gap adjustment electric motor 340 and a rack and pinion assembly 350 that may include a rack 360 and a gear 370. The gap adjustment electric motor 340 may be configured to rotate the gear 370. The gear 370 may mesh with the rack 360, thereby generating linear motion of the rack 360 in response to the activation of the gap adjustment electric motor 340. This linear motion can be used to adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0061] As a more specific example, and perhaps best exemplified by Figure 12 As shown, the gap-adjusting electric motor 340 may include a first gap-adjusting electric motor 341 and / or a second gap-adjusting electric motor 342. Similarly, the rack and pinion assembly 350 may include a first rack and pinion assembly 351 having a first rack 361 and a first gear 371, and a second rack and pinion assembly 352 having a second rack 362 and a second gear 372. In this configuration, the first rack is operatively attached to at least one first guard section translation element 212, and the first gap-adjusting electric motor is operatively attached to the workpiece holder. Additionally or alternatively, the second rack is operatively attached to at least one second guard section translation element 232, and the second gap-adjusting electric motor is operatively attached to the workpiece holder. This configuration allows and / or assists in independent and / or coordinated movement of at least one first guard section and at least one second guard section, thereby allowing adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0062] Another example of the fence 200 according to the invention is... Figure 13-16 As shown in the figure. In these examples, the first guardrail portion 210 may include a first guardrail portion rotatable element 216, which may be configured to rotate relative to the workpiece support surface 32 and / or in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism 110 to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250. The first guardrail portion 210 may also include a first guardrail portion fixing element 220, which may be located at the distal end of the saw blade receiving gap 250 relative to the first guardrail portion rotatable element 216 and / or may be configured to maintain a fixed position and / or orientation relative to the workpiece support surface 32.

[0063] The first fence portion rotating element 216 and / or the first fence portion fixing element 220 may at least partially define the first fence surface 261, and the first fence portion rotating element 216 may be configured to rotate within the fence surface plane of the fence surface 260. This may include rotation about a first fence portion rotation axis 218 that may extend parallel to the workpiece support surface 32, parallel to the miter saw blade 80, and / or perpendicular to the fence surface 260. The first fence portion rotation axis 218 may be defined by a first pivot 217 that may be configured to facilitate operative rotation of the first fence portion rotating element relative to the workpiece support. The first fence portion rotating element 216 may be disposed in a first recess 222 of the first fence portion fixing element 220 to form or retain a planar or at least substantially planar fence surface 260. The first fence portion rotating element 216 may have and / or define any suitable shape. For example, the first fence portion rotating element 216 may include and / or be a first fence rotating portion that is at least partially rectangular, at least partially circular, and / or at least partially fan-shaped. As another example, the first fence section rotating element 216 may tilt away from the first pivot 217 and / or may tilt within the plane of the fence surface.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the second fence portion 230 may include a second fence portion rotatable element 236, which may be configured to rotate relative to the workpiece support surface 32 and / or in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism 110 to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250. The second fence portion 230 may also include a second fence portion fixing element 240, which may be located at a distal end of the saw blade receiving gap 250 relative to the second fence portion rotatable element 236 and / or may be configured to maintain a fixed position and / or orientation relative to the workpiece support surface 32. The second fence portion rotatable element 236 and / or the second fence portion fixing element 240 may at least partially define the second fence surface 262, and the second fence portion rotatable element 236 may be configured to rotate within a fence surface plane of the fence surface. This may include rotation about a second fence portion rotation axis 238 that may extend parallel to the workpiece support surface 32, parallel to the miter saw blade 80, perpendicular to the fence surface 260, and / or parallel to the first fence portion rotation axis 218. The rotation axis 238 of the second enclosure section may be defined by a second pivot 237 which can be configured to help the rotating element of the second enclosure section operably rotate relative to the workpiece support.

[0065] The second fence portion rotating element 236 may be disposed in the second recess 242 of the second fence portion fixing element 240 to form or retain a planar or at least substantially planar fence surface 260. The second fence portion rotating element 236 may have and / or define any suitable shape. For example, the second fence portion rotating element 236 may include and / or be a second fence rotating portion that is at least partially rectangular, at least partially circular, and / or at least partially fan-shaped. As another example, the second fence portion rotating element 236 may be tilted away from the second pivot 237 and / or may be tilted in the plane of the fence surface.

[0066] Within the scope of this invention, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 can be configured to cause the first fence portion rotating element 216 and the second fence portion rotating element 236 to rotate simultaneously or independently. For example, and possibly optimally as follows: Figure 15-16 As shown, link 290 is operatively interconnected with both the first fence section rotating element 216 and the second fence section rotating element 236, thereby allowing and / or assisting in the simultaneous rotation of the first and second fence section rotating elements. As another example, and perhaps best described as follows... Figure 13-14 As shown, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be used to rotate the first fence section rotating element 216 and / or the second fence section rotating element 236.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the electric gap adjustment actuator 330 can be used to operatively translate the first fence section rotating element 216 and / or the second fence section rotating element 236 relative to each other, for example, toward and / or away from each other, and / or operatively translate the first fence section fixing element 220 and / or the second fence section fixing element 240 relative to each other, for example, toward and / or away from each other. This configuration allows and / or helps adjust the gap width of the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0068] Within the scope of this invention, the miter saw 10 may include and / or be any suitable saw including a saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism 100 and a guardrail 200 including its gap adjustment mechanism 270. Examples of the miter saw 10 include, for example, a fixed miter saw 12 that may be configured to be mounted and held in a given position and / or a semi-fixed miter saw 14 that may be configured to move from one position to another and be supported by the ground and / or a table during its operational use. Further examples of the miter saw 10 include a miter saw 16, a sliding miter saw 18, and / or a compound miter saw 20. The miter saw blade 80 may also be referred to herein as and / or may be used as a circular saw blade 80.

[0069] In light of the above, the component attachment structure 100 may include any suitable structure that can be modified, configured, designed, and / or constructed to operatively attach the user drive component 40 to the workpiece support 30, which may allow movement of the user drive component relative to the workpiece, and may include a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 and / or a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 120. The specific construction of the component attachment structure 100 may be changed along with the construction of the miter saw 10.

[0070] In some examples, and such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the component attachment structure 100 and / or its saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 may include a beveling adjustment lock 280. The beveling adjustment lock 280 can be configured to selectively switch between an unlocked state, in which the beveling adjustment lock allows adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 and / or the gap adjustment mechanism 270, and a locked state, in which the beveling adjustment lock prevents adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism and / or the gap adjustment mechanism. This configuration allows the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism to be adjusted to a desired saw blade beveling angle and subsequently maintained at the desired saw blade beveling angle for cutting the workpiece during the operational use of the beveling saw.

[0071] In some examples, the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110 may be configured to allow and / or assist a user of the beveling saw 10 to manually adjust the saw blade beveling angle. In this configuration, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250 in response to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle, for example, by and / or using the linkage 290. For example, manual adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism may generate a force that pushes the linkage 290 to cause a corresponding adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0072] In other examples, the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism may include an electrically driven beveling actuator 390, which may be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade beveling angle, for example, in response to user input via user input device 380. In this configuration, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may include an electrically driven gap actuator 274, which may also be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250, at least in part, based on user input. Additionally or alternatively, the electrically driven beveling actuator 390 may generate power to push the linkage 290 to cause a corresponding adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0073] As described above, the component attachment structure 100 may include a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 120, which may be configured to adjust the saw blade beveling angle 122. This adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle 122 may be within a beveling angle plane that extends parallel to and / or within the workpiece support surface 32. In some examples, the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 120 may be configured to allow and / or assist a user of the miter saw 10 to manually adjust the saw blade beveling angle. In other examples, the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 120 may include an electric beveling actuator 395, which may be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade beveling angle, for example, in response to user input via user input device 380. In this configuration, the gap adjustment mechanism 270 may also be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap 250, at least in part, based on user input.

[0074] In some examples of the miter saw 10, the component attachment structure 100 may also include a user-driven component pivot 130. The user-driven component pivot 130 may be configured to allow the user-driven component 40 to pivot and / or rotate relative to the workpiece support 30 about a pivot axis 132, possibly preferably as follows: Figure 2-5 As shown. The pivot axis 132 may extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the spindle 56 and / or perpendicular to the plane in which the miter saw blade 80 rotates. This configuration allows the user-driven assembly 40 to pivot toward and / or away from the workpiece support 30 to allow and / or assist in cutting the workpiece by the miter saw blade.

[0075] In some examples of the miter saw 10, the component attachment structure 100 may include a user-driven component linear translation structure 140. The user-driven component linear translation structure 140 may be configured to allow the user-driven component 40 to translate relative to the workpiece support 30 and / or along a linear translation axis 142. The linear translation axis 142 may extend parallel to the workpiece support surface 32. This configuration allows the miter saw 10 to cut relatively wide workpieces 90 via the user-driven component and the miter saw blade along the linear translation axis 142 and relative to the workpiece.

[0076] Within the scope of this invention, the miter saw 10 may include one or more additional components commonly found in conventional miter saws. For example, the miter saw 10 may include a grip portion 60 configured to be gripped by a user of the miter saw during operation to form a miter cut in the workpiece. As another example, the miter saw 10 may include a switch 70 configured to be selectively activated by a user to selectively apply current to at least one other component of the miter saw. As yet another example, the miter saw 10 may include a miter saw blade 80 operatively attached to the miter saw via a spindle 56.

[0077] As another example, the miter saw 10 may include a controller 400, such as Figure 2-3 As shown. Controller 400 can be programmed to control the operation of at least one other component of miter saw 10 to receive inputs to at least one other component of miter saw 10 and / or provide outputs to at least one other component of miter saw 10. For example, when present, controller 400 can be programmed to control the operation of electric clearance adjustment actuator 330. When present, such control can be based at least in part on saw blade miter angle output 306, saw blade chamfer angle output 310, and / or saw blade distance output 324. As another example, controller 400 can be programmed to perform any suitable one and / or more steps of method 500 discussed in more detail herein.

[0078] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 500 for adjusting the fence of a miter saw according to the present invention. Method 500 includes changing the angle at 510 and automatically adjusting the saw blade receiving gap at 520. An example of a miter saw is referenced herein. Figure 1-16 The miter saw 10 is disclosed. An example of a fence is referenced in this article. Figure 1-2 Fence 200 is disclosed herein. Examples of angles are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade beveling angle 112 and saw blade chamfering angle 122. Examples of saw blade receiving gaps are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade receiving gap 250.

[0079] Changing the angle at 510 may include changing the beveling angle of the miter saw blade and / or changing the cut angle of the miter saw blade. In some examples, the change at 510 may include manually adjusting the beveling angle and / or the cut angle of the saw blade. As a more specific example, the miter saw may include a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism 110, and the change at 510 may include manually driving the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism. As another more specific example, the miter saw may include a saw blade cut angle adjustment mechanism, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade cut angle adjustment mechanism 120, and the change at 510 may include manually driving the saw blade cut angle adjustment mechanism.

[0080] In some examples, the miter saw may include an electric miter actuator that can be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade miter angle in response to user input and / or an electric cut-off actuator that can be configured to automatically adjust the saw blade cut-off angle in response to user input. In these examples, the change at 510 may include changing the saw blade miter angle and / or the saw blade cut-off angle in response to receiving user input. Examples of electric miter actuators are disclosed herein with reference to electric miter actuator 390. Examples of electric cut-off actuators are disclosed herein with reference to electric cut-off actuator 395. User input may be received via a user input device, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to user input device 380.

[0081] Automatic adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap at 520 may include automatic adjustment of the saw blade receiving gap, which may be defined by a fence, based at least in part on a change at 510. Automatic adjustment at 520 may be achieved by any suitable means and any suitable structure. For example, a change at 510 may include a drive link, and automatic adjustment at 520 may be responsive to and / or attributable to the drive of the link. An example of a link is disclosed herein with reference to link 290.

[0082] As another example, the miter saw may include an electrically adjustable clearance actuator, and the change at 520 may include the use, by, and / or utilization of the electrically adjustable clearance actuator. Examples of electrically adjustable clearance actuators are disclosed herein with reference to electrically adjustable clearance actuator 330.

[0083] When the miter saw includes an electrically operated clearance adjustment actuator, the automatic adjustment at 520 can be in response to or immediately in response to a change at 510. For example, method 500 may include detecting the saw blade beveling angle and / or saw blade cut-off angle, for example, by a saw blade angle detector of the miter saw, and the automatic adjustment at 520 may be based on and / or in response to this detection. Examples of saw blade angle detectors are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade angle detector 300, saw blade beveling angle detector 304, and / or saw blade cut-off angle detector 308.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment at 520 may follow a change at 510 and / or may be in response to receiving user input via an electric clearance adjustment actuator. For example, receiving user input for a miter saw may indicate that the user desires to adjust the saw blade receiving clearance, and the miter saw may be configured to adjust the saw blade receiving clearance after receiving the user input. As another example, method 500 may also include detecting the saw blade fence distance between the miter saw blade and the fence, and the automatic adjustment at 520 may be based at least in part on this saw blade fence distance. The saw blade fence distance can only be detected when the miter saw blade is positioned and / or extended within the saw blade receiving clearance, and the user input can be used to indicate for the miter saw that the miter saw blade is positioned within the saw blade receiving clearance and / or to indicate that the saw blade fence distance has been detected.

[0085] The detection of the saw blade fence distance can be achieved by any suitable means and any suitable structure. For example, the detection of the saw blade fence distance can be performed by and / or using a saw blade distance sensor of a miter saw. Examples of saw blade distance sensors are disclosed herein with reference to saw blade distance sensor 320. In some examples, the detection of the saw blade fence distance may include, for example, by moving the fence relative to the miter saw blade and / or by changing and / or adjusting the saw blade receiving gap to bring the saw blade into contact with the saw blade distance sensor. In these examples, automatic adjustment at 520 may include subsequently withdrawing the fence from the miter saw to define a desired saw blade fence distance. The saw blade receiving gap can be adjusted by any suitable means and any suitable structure. For example, adjustment at 520 may include adjusting the saw blade fence distance to a desired saw blade fence distance. As another example, adjustment at 520 may include adjusting or changing the position of the saw blade receiving gap relative to the miter saw blade, adjusting the distance between the first fence portion and the second fence portion and / or adjusting the first fence portion and the second fence portion relative to each other and / or based on the saw blade beveling angle and / or saw blade chamfer angle. As another example, adjustments at 520 may include, for example, adjusting or changing the shape of the saw blade receiving gap by adjusting the orientation of the saw blade receiving gap, adjusting the gap bevel angle of the saw blade receiving gap, and / or adjusting the gap width of the saw blade receiving gap. In some such examples, the gap width may be adjusted and / or changed at least in part based on the saw blade bevel angle and / or saw blade chamfer angle. This configuration may allow and / or facilitate the use of improved and / or optimized saw blade fence distances, especially when the saw blade bevel angle and / or saw blade chamfer angle are substantially not equal to 90 degrees. Examples of gap bevel angles are disclosed herein with reference to gap bevel angle 272.

[0086] In this invention, numerous illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and / or provided within the context of flowcharts or work diagrams illustrating and describing the methods in a series of blocks or steps. Unless otherwise stated in the appended specification, the order of blocks may vary relative to the order shown in the flowcharts within the scope of this invention, including two or more blocks (or steps) occurring in different orders and / or simultaneously. Within the scope of this invention, blocks or steps may also be implemented as logic, which can also be described as implementing blocks or steps as logic. In some applications, blocks or steps may represent expressions and / or actions performed by functionally equivalent circuitry or other logic devices. The blocks shown may, but need not, represent executable instructions that cause a computer, processor, and / or other logic device to respond by performing actions, changing states, generating output or displaying, and / or making decisions.

[0087] In this context, the word “and / or” between the first entity and the second entity refers to (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) one of the first and second entities. Multiple entities listed by “and / or” should be interpreted in the same way, i.e., “one or more” of these entities are combined in this way. Entities other than those specifically indicated by the “and / or” clause may optionally exist, and may be related to or unrelated to those specifically indicated. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the reference to “A and / or B”, when combined with open-ended language such as “including,” can in one embodiment mean only A (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment mean only B (optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another embodiment mean both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities can represent elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

[0088] In its use herein, the term "at least one" in relation to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in such a list, but not necessarily including at least one of every entity specifically listed in the list, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list. This limitation also allows for the optional presence of entities other than those specifically indicated in the list of entities referred to by the term "at least one," which may be related to or unrelated to those specifically indicated entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B," or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") may in one embodiment mean at least one, optionally including more than one A (and optionally including entities other than B) when B is absent; in another embodiment mean at least one, optionally including more than one B (and optionally including entities other than A) when A is absent; and in yet another embodiment mean at least one, optionally including more than one A and at least one, optionally including more than one B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are operationally related and transitional open-ended expressions. For example, the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “one or more of A, B and C”, “one or more of A, B or C” and “A, B and / or C” can each mean only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above combined with at least one other entity.

[0089] Where any patent, patent application or other reference is incorporated herein by reference and (1) defines words in an inconsistent manner and / or (2) in other ways, the unincorporated portion of the invention or any other incorporated reference is examined, and the words or incorporated disclosure therein shall be examined only in relation to the reference in which the word and / or the incorporated disclosure originally existed.

[0090] In this document, the terms “modify” and “configuration” refer to an element, component, or other subject matter being designed and / or used to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms “modify” and “configuration” should not be construed as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject matter is merely “capable” of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing that function. Furthermore, elements, components, and / or other described subject matter that are described as modified to perform a particular function within the scope of this invention may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0091] In this document, the terms "for example," "for instance," and / or simply "example" are used to express, when referring to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the invention, illustrative and non-exclusive examples of the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the invention. Therefore, the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods described are not selective, essential, or exclusive / extensive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods that are structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent are also within the scope of this invention.

[0092] In its use herein, "at least substantially" when modifying a degree or relation may include not only the degree or relation described as "substantially," but also the entire range of the degree or relation described. The basic quantity of the described degree or relation may include at least 75% of the described degree or relation. For example, an object formed at least substantially of a material includes an object in which 75% of the object is formed of that material and also includes an object formed entirely of that material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes a first length within 75% of the second length and also includes a first length that is as long as the second length.

[0093] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the miter saw, its components, and the method according to the invention are provided in the following enumerated paragraphs. Within the scope of the invention, individual steps of the method described herein, including those in the following enumerated paragraphs, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a “step” for performing the described action.

[0094] A1. A miter saw configured to form a miter cut in a workpiece, the miter saw comprising:

[0095] A workpiece support that defines a workpiece support surface configured to support a first side portion of a workpiece;

[0096] The user-driven component includes a motor having a motor shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and a spindle operatively attached to the motor shaft and configured to receive a miter saw blade.

[0097] A component attachment structure operatively attaches a user-driven component to a workpiece support and is configured to allow the user-driven component to perform restricted movement relative to a workpiece support surface, wherein the component attachment structure includes a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the beveling angle of the beveling saw blade relative to the workpiece support surface; and

[0098] A fence defining a fence surface extending away from a workpiece support surface and configured to support a second side of the workpiece, wherein the fence includes a first fence portion and a second fence portion, wherein the first fence portion and the second fence portion define a saw blade receiving gap therebetween, wherein the saw blade receiving gap is configured to receive a miter saw blade to form a miter cut in the workpiece during operative use of a miter saw, and wherein the fence includes a gap adjustment mechanism configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap at least in part based on the saw blade miter angle.

[0099] A1.1. A miter saw according to paragraph A1, wherein the miter saw blade is attached to and / or driven by a spindle.

[0100] A2. A miter saw according to paragraph A1 or A1.1, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap in a miter angle plane extending in at least one of the cases parallel to the fence surface and perpendicular to the workpiece support surface.

[0101] A3. According to the miter saw in paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0102] (i) Change the shape of the saw blade receiving gap; and

[0103] (ii) Change the bevel angle of the saw blade receiving gap.

[0104] A4. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism includes a link operatively interconnected with the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0105] A5. According to paragraph A4, the miter saw, wherein the linkage is configured to apply power to the corresponding gap miter angle to adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to the adjustment of the saw blade miter angle by means of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0106] A6. According to paragraph A4 or A5, the miter saw, wherein the linkage is configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to the adjustment of the saw blade miter angle by means of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0107] A7. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A4-A6, wherein the linkage is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap while the gap adjustment mechanism adjusts the saw blade receiving gap through the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0108] A8. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism includes an electric gap adjustment actuator configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade miter angle.

[0109] A9. The miter saw according to paragraph A8, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade miter angle detector configured to detect the saw blade miter angle and generate a saw blade miter angle output representing the saw blade miter angle, and wherein an electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap at least in part based on the saw blade miter angle output.

[0110] A10. A miter saw according to paragraph A8 or A9, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade bevel angle detector, which is configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle and generate a saw blade bevel angle output representing the saw blade bevel angle, and wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0111] (i) Adjusting the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade cutoff angle output; and

[0112] (ii) Adjust the width of the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade cut angle output.

[0113] A11. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A8-A10, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade distance sensor configured to detect the saw blade-fence distance between the miter saw blade and the fence and generate a saw blade distance output representing the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence, and wherein an electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence.

[0114] A12. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the fence surface includes a first fence surface defined by a first fence portion and a second fence surface defined by a second fence portion.

[0115] A13. According to the bevel saw of paragraph A12, wherein the first fence surface and the second fence surface extend in the fence surface plane of the fence surface.

[0116] A14. A miter saw according to paragraph A12 or A13, wherein the first enclosure portion includes a plurality of first enclosure portion translation elements configured to operatively translate relative to the workpiece support surface and selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0117] A15. According to the miter saw of paragraph A14, a plurality of first fence portion translation elements are stacked one on top of the other to form a plurality of first fence portion translation elements that are progressively spaced apart above the workpiece support surface.

[0118] A16. According to the beveling saw of paragraph A14 or A15, a plurality of first fence section translation elements are configured to operatively translate within one / the plane of the fence surface.

[0119] A17. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A14-A16, wherein a plurality of first fence portion translation elements at least partially, optionally at least substantially and further optionally completely define the first fence surface.

[0120] A18. According to any one of paragraphs A14-A17, each of the plurality of first fence portion translation elements is configured to translate along one or a single first translation axis parallel to the first fence surface.

[0121] A19. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A14-A18, wherein the plurality of first fence portion translation elements include at least one of the following:

[0122] (i) at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 translational elements of the first fence section;

[0123] (ii) at most 10, at most 8, at most 6, or at most 4 translational elements for the first fence section; and

[0124] (iii) Two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight first fence section translation elements.

[0125] A20. According to any one of paragraphs A14-A19, the miter saw, wherein the plurality of first fence portion translation elements perform at least one of the following:

[0126] (i) defining at least partially defining a plurality of elongated first fence portion surfaces; and

[0127] (ii) includes multiple first fence portion translation elements that are at least partially rectangular.

[0128] A21. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism includes one / the electric gap adjustment actuator and at least one first guardrail portion translation element, wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to operatively translate at least one first guardrail portion translation element relative to the workpiece support surface.

[0129] A22. The miter saw according to paragraph A21, wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator includes a first gap adjustment electric motor, and wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism includes a first rack and pinion assembly.

[0130] A23. The miter saw according to paragraph A22, wherein the first rack and pinion assembly includes a first rack and a first gear, wherein a first clearance adjusting electric motor is configured to rotate the first gear, wherein the first rack is operatively attached to at least one first fence portion translation element, and wherein the first clearance adjusting electric motor is operatively attached to a workpiece support.

[0131] A24. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A12-A23, wherein the second enclosure portion includes a plurality of second enclosure portion translation elements configured to operatively translate relative to the workpiece support surface and selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism.

[0132] A25. According to the miter saw in paragraph A24, a plurality of second fence portion translation elements are stacked one on top of the other to form a plurality of second fence portion translation elements that are progressively spaced apart above the workpiece support surface.

[0133] A26. According to the beveling saw in paragraphs A24 or A25, a plurality of second fence section translation elements are configured to operatively translate within one / the plane of the fence surface.

[0134] A27. A bevel saw according to any one of paragraphs A24-A26, wherein a plurality of second fence partial translation elements at least partially, optionally at least substantially and further optionally completely define the second fence surface.

[0135] A28. According to any one of paragraphs A24-A27, each of the plurality of second fence portion translation elements is configured to translate along one or a single second translation axis parallel to the surface of the second fence.

[0136] A29. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A24-A28, wherein the plurality of second fence section translation elements include at least one of the following:

[0137] (i) at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 second fence section translation elements;

[0138] (ii) at most 10, at most 8, at most 6, or at most 4 second fence section translation elements; and

[0139] (iii) Two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight second fence section translation elements.

[0140] A29.1. According to any one of paragraphs A24-A29, the first number of one or more first fence section translation elements is equal to the second number of multiple second fence section translation elements.

[0141] A30. According to any one of paragraphs A24-A29.1, the miter saw, wherein the plurality of second fence section translation elements perform at least one of the following:

[0142] (i) defining at least partially defining a plurality of elongated second fence portion surfaces; and

[0143] (ii) Includes multiple second fence portion translation elements that are at least partially rectangular.

[0144] A31. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A23-A30, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism includes an electric gap adjustment actuator and at least one second guardrail portion translation element, wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to operatively translate at least one of the second guardrail portion translation elements relative to the workpiece support surface.

[0145] A32. The miter saw according to paragraph A31, wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator includes a second gap adjustment electric motor, and wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism includes a second rack and pinion assembly.

[0146] A33. The miter saw according to paragraph A32, wherein the second rack and pinion assembly includes a second rack and a second gear, wherein a second clearance adjusting electric motor is configured to rotate the second gear, wherein the second rack is operatively attached to at least one second fence portion translation element, and wherein the second clearance adjusting electric motor is operatively attached to a workpiece support.

[0147] A34. According to any one of paragraphs A24-A33, one of the plurality of second fence portion translation elements of the second fence portion / the second translation axis is parallel to one of the plurality of first fence portion translation elements / the first translation axis.

[0148] A35. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A24-A34, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to cause a plurality of second fence section translation elements and one / more than one first fence section translation element to translate simultaneously, optionally in at least one of the following cases:

[0149] (i) in the same direction;

[0150] (ii) in the opposite direction;

[0151] (iii) Same distance; and

[0152] (iv) Different distances.

[0153] A36. According to paragraph A34 or A35, the beveling saw wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to cause a plurality of second fence section translation elements and one or more first fence section translation elements to translate within one / the plane of the fence surface.

[0154] A37. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A24-A36, wherein a plurality of second fence portion translation elements and one / more than one first fence portion translation element are disposed in a corresponding translation element pair, and wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0155] (i) translate each corresponding pair in the same or at least substantially the same direction; and

[0156] (ii) Translate each corresponding pair by the same or at least substantially the same distance.

[0157] A38. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A12-A37, wherein the first guard portion includes a first guard portion rotating element configured to operatively rotate relative to the workpiece support surface and in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap.

[0158] A39. According to paragraph A38, the miter saw, wherein the first fence portion further includes a first fence portion fixing element, which is located at the far end of the saw blade receiving gap relative to the first fence portion rotating element.

[0159] A40. According to paragraph A39, the beveling saw, wherein the first fence portion rotating element at least partially defines the first fence surface.

[0160] A41. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A38-A40, wherein the first fence portion rotating element is configured to rotate within one of the fence surface planes.

[0161] A42. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A38-A41, wherein the first fence portion rotating element is configured to rotate about a first fence portion rotation axis extending parallel to the workpiece support surface.

[0162] A43. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A38-A42, wherein the rotating element of the first fence portion includes at least one of the following:

[0163] (i) At least part of the first fence rotation portion of the triangle;

[0164] (ii) at least a partially circular first rotating section of the fence; and

[0165] (iii) At least part of the first fence rotating section in a fan shape.

[0166] A44. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A38-A43, wherein the first fence portion further includes a first pivot configured to assist the rotational element of the first fence portion in operative rotation relative to the workpiece support.

[0167] A45. According to paragraph A44, the bevel saw, wherein the first fence portion rotating element is tilted away from the first pivot in one / the plane of the fence surface.

[0168] A46. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A12-A45, wherein the second guard portion includes a second guard portion rotating element configured to operatively rotate relative to the workpiece support surface and in response to activation of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism to selectively change the saw blade receiving gap.

[0169] A47. According to paragraph A46, the miter saw, wherein the second fence portion further includes a second fence portion fixing element located at the distal end of the saw blade receiving gap relative to the second fence portion rotating element.

[0170] A48. According to the beveling saw of paragraph A47, wherein the rotating element of the second fence portion at least partially defines the surface of the second fence.

[0171] A49. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A46-A48, wherein the second fence portion rotating element is configured to rotate within one of the fence surface planes.

[0172] A50. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A46-A49, wherein the second fence portion rotating element is configured to rotate about a second fence portion rotation axis extending parallel to the workpiece support surface.

[0173] A51. According to the beveling saw of paragraph A50, wherein the axis of rotation of the second fence portion is parallel to one of the axes of rotation of the first fence portion / the first fence portion extends.

[0174] A52. A beveling saw according to any one of paragraphs A46-A51, wherein the rotating element of the second fence portion includes at least one of the following:

[0175] (i) At least part of the triangular second fence rotation portion;

[0176] (ii) at least a partially circular rotating portion of the second fence; and

[0177] (iii) At least part of the fan-shaped second fence rotating section.

[0178] A53. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A46-A52, wherein the second fence portion further includes a second pivot configured to assist the rotating element of the second fence portion in operatively rotating relative to the workpiece support.

[0179] A54. According to the beveling saw of paragraph A53, the second fence portion rotating element is tilted away from the second pivot in one / the plane of the fence surface.

[0180] A55. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A46-A54, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to optionally rotate a second fence section rotating element and / or a first fence section rotating element simultaneously in response to adjustment of the saw blade miter angle.

[0181] A56. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the saw blade miter angle in one of the miter angle planes extending in at least one of the cases of being parallel to the fence surface and perpendicular to the workpiece support surface.

[0182] A57. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A56, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism further includes a miter adjustment lock configured to selectively switch between an unlocked state in which the miter adjustment lock allows adjustment of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism and the gap adjustment mechanism and a locked state in which the miter adjustment lock prevents adjustment of the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism and the gap adjustment mechanism.

[0183] A58. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A57, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism is configured to assist the user of the miter saw in manually adjusting the saw blade miter angle.

[0184] A59. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A58, wherein the saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism includes an electric miter actuator configured to automatically adjust the saw blade miter angle in response to user input, and wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on user input.

[0185] A60. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A59, wherein the component attachment structure further includes a saw blade miter angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust one / saw blade miter angle relative to the workpiece support.

[0186] A61. According to paragraph A60, the beveling saw wherein the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the saw blade beveling angle in a beveling angle plane extending parallel to the workpiece support surface.

[0187] A62. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A61, wherein the component attachment structure further includes a user-driven component pivot, which is configured to allow the user-driven component to pivot relative to the workpiece support about a pivot axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the spindle.

[0188] A63. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A62, wherein the component attachment structure further includes a user-driven component linear translation structure configured to allow the user-driven component to translate relative to the workpiece support along a linear translation axis extending parallel to the workpiece support surface.

[0189] A64. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A63, wherein the miter saw is at least one of the following:

[0190] (i) a fixed miter saw; and

[0191] (ii) Semi-fixed miter saw.

[0192] A65. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A64, wherein the miter saw includes at least one of the following:

[0193] (i) Oblique cutting saw;

[0194] (ii) Sliding bevel saw; and

[0195] (iii) Composite oblique cut saw.

[0196] A66. Based on any one of paragraphs A1-A65, the beveling saw blade is a circular saw blade.

[0197] A67. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A66, wherein the miter saw further includes a grip portion configured to be gripped by the user of the miter saw during operation of the miter saw to form a miter cut in the workpiece.

[0198] A68. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A67, wherein the miter saw further includes a switch configured to be selectively activated by a user to selectively apply current to at least one other component of the miter saw.

[0199] A69. A miter saw according to any one of paragraphs A1-A68, wherein the miter saw further includes a miter saw blade, wherein the miter saw blade is operatively attached to the miter saw via a spindle.

[0200] B1. A method for adjusting the fence of a miter saw, the method comprising:

[0201] Changing at least one of the beveling angle of the beveling saw blade and the severing angle of the beveling saw blade; and

[0202] At least in part, this is based on changing the saw blade receiving gap of the automatically adjusting fence.

[0203] B2. According to the method in paragraph B1, the change includes manually adjusting at least one of the saw blade beveling angle and the saw blade chopping angle.

[0204] B3. The method according to paragraph B1 or B2, wherein the miter saw includes at least one electric mitering actuator configured to automatically adjust the mitering angle of the saw blade in response to receiving user input and an electric mitering actuator configured to automatically adjust the mitering angle of the saw blade in response to receiving user input, and wherein the change includes automatic change in response to receiving user input.

[0205] B4. According to any one of paragraphs B1-B3, the change includes driving the linkage, and the adjustment is automatic in response to the drive.

[0206] B5. The method according to any one of paragraphs B1-B4, wherein the miter saw includes an electric clearance adjustment actuator, and wherein automatic adjustment includes automatic adjustment via the electric clearance adjustment actuator.

[0207] B6. According to the method in paragraph B5, the automatic adjustment includes automatic adjustment via an electric gap adjustment actuator in response to the receipt of a user input.

[0208] B7. The method according to paragraph B5 or B6, wherein the method further includes using a saw blade angle detector of a miter saw to detect at least one of the saw blade miter angle and the saw blade chamfer angle, and wherein automatic adjustment is based at least in part on the detection.

[0209] B8. The method according to any one of paragraphs B5-B7, wherein the method further includes using a saw blade distance sensor of a miter saw to detect the saw blade distance between the miter saw blade and the fence, and wherein automatic adjustment is based at least in part on the saw blade distance.

[0210] B9. According to the method in paragraph B8, where automatic adjustment includes adjusting the saw blade fence distance to the desired saw blade fence distance.

[0211] B10. According to the method in paragraph B8 or B9, detecting the saw blade fence distance includes bringing the saw blade distance sensor into contact with the miter saw blade, and the change includes retracting the saw blade distance sensor from the miter saw blade so that the saw blade fence distance becomes a / the desired saw blade fence distance.

[0212] B11. According to the method of any one of paragraphs B1-B10, wherein the miter saw includes any suitable structure of any miter saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A69.

[0213] Industrial applicability

[0214] The miter saw and method disclosed in this article are applicable to the power tool industry.

[0215] The disclosure described above is considered to encompass multiple different inventions with independent practical utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered restrictive, as various variations are possible. The subject matter of these inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Similarly, where a claim expresses a “a” or “first” element or its equivalent, the claim should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding more than two such elements.

[0216] The appended claims are considered to specifically point to particular combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics that are novel and not obvious. Inventions included in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by amendments to the current claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such amendments or new claims, whether referring to different or the same invention, and whether different, broader, narrower, or the same in scope as the original claims, are also considered to be included within the inventive subject matter of this invention.

Claims

1. A miter saw configured to form a miter cut in a workpiece, the miter saw comprising: A workpiece support that defines a workpiece support surface configured to support a first side portion of the workpiece; The user-driven component includes a motor having a motor shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and a spindle operatively attached to the motor shaft and configured to receive a miter saw blade. A component attachment structure operatively attaches the user-driven component to the workpiece support and is configured to allow the user-driven component to perform restricted movement relative to the workpiece support surface, wherein the component attachment structure includes a saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the beveling angle of the beveling saw blade relative to the workpiece support surface. as well as A fence, defining a fence surface extending away from the workpiece support surface and configured to support a second side of the workpiece, wherein the fence includes a first fence portion and a second fence portion, wherein the first fence portion and the second fence portion define a saw blade receiving gap therebetween, wherein the saw blade receiving gap is configured to receive the miter saw blade to form a miter cut in the workpiece during operative use of the miter saw, and wherein the fence includes a gap adjustment mechanism configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap at least partially based on the saw blade miter angle. The gap adjustment mechanism includes an electric gap adjustment actuator configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade beveling angle. The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade bevel angle detector, configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle and generate a saw blade bevel angle output representing the saw blade bevel angle, and wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade bevel angle output, and / or The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade bevel angle detector configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle and generate a saw blade bevel angle output representing the saw blade bevel angle, and the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade bevel angle output, and / or The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade distance sensor configured to detect the saw blade-fence distance between the miter saw blade and the fence and generate a saw blade distance output representing the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence, and wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the distance between the miter saw blade and the fence.

2. The miter saw according to claim 1, wherein, The gap adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap in a plane extending at a bevel angle that extends parallel to at least one of the fence surface and perpendicular to the workpiece support surface, and / or The gap adjustment mechanism is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) Changing the shape of the saw blade receiving gap; and (ii) Change the bevel angle of the saw blade receiving gap.

3. The miter saw according to claim 2, wherein, The gap adjustment mechanism includes a link operatively interconnected with the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism, wherein the link is configured to apply a force to adjust the saw blade receiving gap to the corresponding gap beveling angle in response to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle by the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism.

4. The miter saw according to claim 3, wherein, The linkage is configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to the adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle by the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism.

5. The miter saw according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fence surface includes a first fence surface defined by the first fence portion and a second fence surface defined by the second fence portion.

6. The miter saw according to claim 5, wherein, The first fence portion includes a plurality of first fence portion translation elements configured to operatively translate relative to the workpiece support surface and selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to activation of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism.

7. The miter saw according to claim 6, wherein, The second enclosure portion includes a plurality of second enclosure portion translation elements configured to operatively translate relative to the workpiece support surface and selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap in response to activation of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism.

8. The miter saw according to claim 7, wherein, The second translation axis of the plurality of second fence portion translation elements of the second fence portion is parallel to the first translation axis of the plurality of first fence portion translation elements of the first fence portion.

9. The miter saw according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of second fence portion translation elements and the plurality of first fence portion translation elements are configured as corresponding translation element pairs, and the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) Translate each corresponding pair in the same direction; and (ii) Make each corresponding pair translate at least substantially the same distance.

10. The miter saw according to claim 7, wherein, The gap adjustment mechanism is configured to cause the plurality of second fence portion translation elements and the plurality of first fence portion translation elements to translate simultaneously.

11. The miter saw according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of first fence portion translation elements and the plurality of second fence portion translation elements translate in the following ways: (i) in the same or opposite directions; and / or (ii) Same distance or different distance.

12. The miter saw according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of second fence portion translation elements and the plurality of first fence portion translation elements are configured as corresponding translation element pairs, and the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to perform at least one of the following: (i) Translate each corresponding pair in the same or at least substantially the same direction; and (ii) Translate each corresponding pair by the same or at least substantially the same distance.

13. The miter saw according to claim 5, wherein, The first enclosure portion includes a first enclosure portion rotating element configured to operably rotate relative to the workpiece support surface and in response to activation of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism to selectively adjust the saw blade receiving gap.

14. The miter saw according to claim 13, wherein, The first fence portion also includes a first fence portion fixing element, which is located at the distal end of the saw blade receiving gap relative to the first fence portion rotating element, and / or The first fence portion rotating element is configured to rotate about a first fence portion rotation axis extending parallel to the workpiece support surface, and / or The first fence portion further includes a first pivot configured to facilitate operative rotation of a rotating element of the first fence portion relative to the workpiece support, and the rotating element of the first fence portion is tilted away from the first pivot within the fence surface plane of the fence, and / or The second fence portion includes a second fence portion rotating element configured to operably rotate relative to the workpiece support surface and in response to activation of the saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism to selectively change the saw blade receiving gap, and the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to cause the second fence portion rotating element and the first fence portion rotating element to rotate simultaneously in response to adjustment of the saw blade beveling angle.

15. The miter saw according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The saw blade beveling angle adjustment mechanism includes an electric beveling actuator configured to automatically adjust the saw blade beveling angle in response to user input, and wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the user input.

16. A method for adjusting the fence of a miter saw, the method comprising: Change at least one of the bevel cutting angle of the bevel saw blade and the bevel breaking angle of the bevel saw blade; as well as The saw blade receiving gap of the fence is automatically adjusted using a gap adjustment mechanism, at least in part, based on the changes. The gap adjustment mechanism includes an electric gap adjustment actuator configured to automatically adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade beveling angle. The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade bevel angle detector, configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle and generate a saw blade bevel angle output representing the saw blade bevel angle, and wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade bevel angle output, and / or The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade bevel angle detector configured to detect the saw blade bevel angle and generate a saw blade bevel angle output representing the saw blade bevel angle, and the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the saw blade bevel angle output, and / or The gap adjustment mechanism further includes a saw blade distance sensor configured to detect the saw blade-fence distance between the saw blade of the miter saw and the fence and generate a saw blade distance output representing the distance between the saw blade of the miter saw and the fence, and wherein the electric gap adjustment actuator is configured to adjust the saw blade receiving gap based at least in part on the distance between the saw blade of the miter saw and the fence.

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