Square finding fixture for crosscutting skateboard

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for making the fence or other surface of a woodworking clamp square to the blade of a table saw with which the clamp is used, by providing an adjustable tool that can engage the kerf created by the table saw blade. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to make crosscut slides without the need to use the "fifth cut" method. In various embodiments, the present invention can be used not only to square to the blade, but also to set other angles relative to the blade when different orientations are desired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to woodworking tools, and more particularly to tools for making cross-cutting slides or other woodworking clamps that require a backplate or other surface perpendicular to the saw blade of a table saw to which the cross-cutting slide or other clamp will be used. The invention also relates to related methods of use. Background Technology

[0002] Woodworking is a discipline that demands meticulous precision, especially in angled cuts, where the required accuracy is even higher. In joinery, fine furniture making, and precision framing, the accuracy of right-angle cuts is paramount. A common woodworking fixture is the cross-cutting slide, which slides along the bevel of a table saw and includes a backstop perpendicular (i.e., orthogonal) to the saw blade direction. A common method for ensuring the cross-cutting slide's right angle is the "five-cut method." This method is renowned for its effectiveness in calibrating the cross-cutting slide or any woodworking fixture requiring precisely right-angled cuts. However, implementing the five-cut method is a tedious and time-consuming process.

[0003] The traditional five-cut method involves initial setup, where the user adjusts the cross-cutting slide's baffle to achieve an orthogonal relationship with the saw blade. This alignment typically relies on basic tools like a woodworking square or visual estimation methods. The core process involves performing four sequential cuts, rotating the workpiece after each cut to allow each side to be trimmed. The climax of the method is the final fifth cut, which cuts a thin strip from the last side; the difference in width between the two ends of this strip serves as an indicator of the slide's angular deviation. The user then performs complex triangulations based on the measured strip length differences to determine the required baffle adjustment. This process may need to be repeated several times to achieve an acceptable deviation. Despite various attempts to improve the five-cut method, an unmet need remains in the market for a simpler, more efficient method for achieving perfectly orthogonal baffles in woodworking fixtures.

[0004] Efforts to innovate and simplify the five-cut method have been multifaceted, but have not been successful in addressing its inherent complexity and time-consuming nature. Fixture designs with incrementally adjustable baffles aim to reduce initial alignment errors, but still require subsequent fine-tuning and recalibration. While digital measuring tools offer superior accuracy compared to traditional methods, they do not eliminate the need for manual calculations and slide adjustments. Specialized right-angle ruler tools, while beneficial in facilitating initial setup, typically require multiple iterations to achieve the desired level of accuracy. Furthermore, while the availability of educational resources has benefited skills development, the focus has been primarily on technological improvements rather than providing breakthrough solutions to the fundamental challenges of alignment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a market need for an apparatus or method that simplifies the process of positioning the baffle or other surface of a woodworking fixture perpendicular to the table saw blade. To meet this need, embodiments of the present invention provide a novel method that utilizes a direct physical reference from the saw blade kerf, eliminating the need for complex triangulation and iterative adjustments. This method not only simplifies the process but also significantly improves accuracy, efficiency, and user experience in woodworking practice, marking a major advancement in the field of precision woodworking. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for aligning a baffle or other surface in a woodworking jig at a right angle relative to the saw blade of a table saw used with the jig, by providing an adjustable tool capable of engaging with a kerf produced by the table saw blade. The tools of the present invention include their own baffles that are precisely perpendicular (i.e., orthogonal) to the flat side of the tool. The flat side of the tool includes a plurality of tabs designed to fit into the kerf produced by the table saw blade. Adjusting at least one tab allows the tool to securely engage with the kerf and perfectly align the flat side with the kerf. Because the plane of the kerf created using the table saw's beveling groove is parallel to the plane of the table saw blade that cuts the kerf, when the tool's tabs engage in the kerf, the tool's own baffle is perpendicular to both the plane of the kerf and the plane of the table saw blade. This allows the tool's own baffle to be used to position new baffles or other surfaces of the woodworking jig at a right angle (perpendicular) to the plane of the table saw blade or the cutting direction.

[0007] For example, but not limited to, the tool of embodiments of the present invention can be used to fabricate a cross-cutting slide, in which case the tool can be used to determine the precise position for attaching a backstop to the slide such that the backstop has a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction of the table saw blade. The tool of embodiments of the present invention can be used to fabricate other fixtures that require a surface to be perpendicular to the saw blade direction, such as fixtures on a CNC engraving machine table, fixtures on a miter saw, etc. The method of embodiments of the present invention provides steps for establishing the position of the backstop or other fixture surface of a cross-cutting slide using such a tool, without using the five-cut method.

[0008] The tool of this invention may include a body having a flat side with tabs that fit into a kerf created by a table saw blade. In some embodiments, two fixed tabs are arranged along the straight flat side of the tool, each tab aligned with the other. These two tabs may be positioned at opposite ends or near the flat side of the tool for creating large clamps such as cross-cutting slides, or they may be placed closer together for creating smaller clamps. At least one adjustable tab is provided between the two fixed tabs. One or more such additional tabs may be provided near the center of the flat side of the tool. The tool body is connected to its own baffle in a manner perfectly perpendicular to the flat side of the tool.

[0009] It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the position of the tool's own baffle can be set not only perpendicular to the side of the tool (and the saw blade), but also at other angles relative to the side of the tool (saw blade and kerf) in case different positioning is required. In these embodiments, the tool baffle can be attached to the tool at any suitable angle relative to the side of the tool, including but not limited to 90°, 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 15°, 11.25° and / or other desired settings between 0° and 90°. It should be understood that in embodiments of the invention, the angle of the tool baffle relative to the side of the tool can be any angle between 0° and 180°, including any standard settings between these angles.

[0010] In use, the table saw blade cuts a narrow kerf into the wood. This kerf should be within the edge of the wood and not extend to either end to maintain the strength of the wood itself. The width of the tabs in this embodiment should be smaller than the width of the kerf cut by the table saw blade. All three tabs can then be inserted into the kerf. The two end tabs can be held against the near edge of the kerf, and then the adjustable middle tab can be extended outwards until it is firmly pressed against the far edge of the kerf. This securely engages the tool with the kerf in the wood, fixing the tabs precisely aligned with the kerf. This results in the flat side being precisely parallel to the kerf, and the tool's baffle being precisely perpendicular to the kerf. Since the kerf is created by the table saw blade, and its plane is parallel to the table saw blade plane or cutting direction, the tool's baffle is now perpendicular to that plane. Therefore, the tool's baffle can be used to establish the position of a surface on a woodworking fixture that is perpendicular (orthogonal) to the table saw blade plane or direction, such as the back baffle of a cross-cutting slide.

[0011] In some aspects, embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for making a woodworking jig, the woodworking jig having a member having a surface at a defined angle relative to the plane of a table saw blade, the apparatus comprising: a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongated, straight, flat side surface defining a first plane between the ends; a flat member attached to the distal end of the tool body to define a second plane, the second plane being oriented at a defined angle relative to the first plane of the side surface; a groove disposed at a central location on the side surface of the tool body, the groove being adapted to receive a movable member having a first tab at one end extending along the side surface of the tool body; a second tab attached along the side surface between the groove and the proximal end of the tool body; and a third tab attached along the side surface between the groove and the distal end of the tool body, wherein the second and third tabs are aligned with each other along the first plane of the side surface.

[0012] In related aspects, the defining angle of the second plane can be perpendicular to the first plane, or the defining angle of the second plane relative to the first plane can be selected from a group consisting of 90°, 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 15°, and 11.25°. In other aspects, the defining angle of the second plane relative to the first plane is between 0° and 90°, or the defining angle of the second plane relative to the first plane can be between 0° and 180°.

[0013] In other aspects, embodiments of the invention may include a fixed bracket attached to the tool body over the groove, the bracket having a lip thereon adapted to retain a movable member in the groove. In other aspects, embodiments of the invention may include a spring disposed between the lip of the bracket and the movable member for pushing the movable member inwardly into the groove towards the tool body. In other aspects, the bracket of the invention may include a through hole and may also include a shaft adapted to be movably inserted into the hole of the bracket, and a knob attached to one end of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in which one end of the shaft engages one end of the movable member and pushes the movable member out of the groove, and in the retracted position, the one end of the shaft does not contact the movable member, such that the spring pushes the movable member inwardly into the groove. In some embodiments, a helical thread may be provided along the shaft, and a complementary helical thread may be provided within the hole. In some embodiments, the woodworking fixture to be produced is a cross-cutting slide, and the member having a surface perpendicular to the plane of the table saw blade is a backstop of the cross-cutting slide.

[0014] Some aspects of the invention include a method for establishing a position perpendicular to the plane of a table saw blade, comprising the steps of: aligning a pair of tabs along a first plane of a straight, flat side surface of a tool body, the side surface having a centrally located groove therein; attaching a flat member to one end of the tool body such that the flat member defines a second plane oriented perpendicular to the first plane of the side surface; retracting a shaft from a hole in a bracket attached to the tool body above the groove in the side surface, the bracket having a movable member disposed in the groove, the movable member having... One end has a tab, and due to the retraction of the shaft, the movable member is pushed towards the tool body by a biasing member; a table saw blade is used to cut a kerf in a portion of the wood, the kerf being aligned with the table saw's beveling guide; the pair of tabs are inserted into the kerf, abutting against the proximal side of the kerf; the shaft is inserted into the hole to push the movable member out of the slot, such that the tab at one end of the movable member firmly engages the distal side of the kerf, thereby temporarily securing the tool to the kerf, such that a flat member at said one end of the tool body is perpendicular to the kerf. In other aspects, the method may include the additional steps of clamping a second piece of wood to the flat member at one end of the tool body and attaching the second piece of wood to the first piece of wood.

[0015] Other aspects of the invention may include a tool for making a woodworking jig, the woodworking jig having a member having a surface perpendicular to the plane of a table saw blade, the tool comprising: a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongated, straight, flat side surface defining a first plane between the ends; a flat member attached to the distal end of the tool body to define a second plane, the second plane being oriented perpendicular to the first plane of the side surface; a groove disposed at a central location on the side surface of the tool body, the groove being adapted to receive a movable member having a first tab extending along the side surface of the tool body at one end; and a fixing bracket attached above the groove to the tool body. The tool body includes a support having a lip thereon adapted to retain a movable member in the groove, the support having a hole extending through from top to bottom; a spring disposed between the lip of the support and the movable member for pushing the movable member inwardly into the groove into the tool body; a shaft adapted to be movably inserted into the hole of the support; and a knob attached to one end of the shaft; a second tab attached along a side surface of the tool body between the groove and a proximal end of the tool body; and a third tab attached along a side surface of the tool body between the groove and a distal end of the tool body, wherein the second and third tabs are aligned with each other along a first plane of the side surfaces.

[0016] Other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and disclosure provided herein.

[0017] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide tools for making woodworking jigs that establish a position for the baffle or other surface of the jig being made, such that it is perpendicular to the direction of the table saw blade that will use the jig being made.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool for making a cross-cutting slide, the tool positioning the back panel of the slide such that the back panel is perpendicular to the table saw blade that will use the cross-cutting slide.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a woodworking fixture having a baffle or other surface perpendicular to the direction of a table saw blade that will use the fixture being manufactured, without using the five-cut method.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cross-cutting slide having a backstop perpendicular to the direction of the table saw blade that will use the cross-cutting slide, without using the five-cut method.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing woodworking clamps that are perpendicular to the worktable of a carving machine and the cutting tools on a miter saw.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing woodworking fixtures having a defined angle in the range of 0° to 180° relative to a cutting tool on a carving machine table, including but not limited to standard settings such as 90°, 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 15°, and 11.25°.

[0023] Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and claims.

[0024] The above-described objects, advantages, and features of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as their organization and operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have like reference numerals in the various drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the tool in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the tool in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a side view of a partially constructed transverse skateboard with beveled slats on its bottom surface.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A perspective view of a partially constructed cross-section of a skateboard.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 The saw kerf was cut to Figure 3 The view of the cross-section of the skateboard is partially constructed.

[0031] Figure 7 The embodiments of the present invention and Figure 6 A view of the saw kerf joint of a cross-section skateboard.

[0032] Figure 8A This is a top view of the tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional end view of the tab adjustment mechanism in the extended position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional end view of the tab adjustment mechanism of the present invention in a partially retracted position.

[0035] Figure 8D This is a cross-sectional end view of the tab adjustment mechanism of the present invention in the fully retracted position.

[0036] Figure 9A The tool of the embodiment of the present invention is placed in Figure 7 The image shows an end view of the environment in cross-section on a transverse sliding plate, with the tool's tabs in the retracted position.

[0037] Figure 9B The tool of the embodiment of the present invention is placed in Figure 7 The image shows an environmental cross-sectional end view on a transversely cut skateboard, with the tool's tabs in the extended position.

[0038] Figure 10 The embodiments of the present invention and Figure 7 The diagram shows a partial view of the saw kerf of the cross-cutting slide and the engagement of the rear baffle of the cross-cutting slide.

[0039] Figure 11 Is with Figure 10 A bottom view of the tool of this embodiment of the invention, which involves the engagement of a transverse sliding plate.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The bottom perspective view of the transverse cutting slide after the tool of the embodiment of the present invention has been removed.

[0041] Figure 13A This is an exploded view of the tab adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13B This is a perspective view of the tab adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13C This is a cross-sectional side view of the tab adjustment mechanism of the present invention in the retracted position.

[0044] Figure 13D This is a cross-sectional side view of the tab adjustment mechanism of the present invention in the extended position. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described with reference to these embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Specific details are provided in the following disclosure to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without all the specific details provided. For example, but not limited to, although embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the making of cross-cutting slides, embodiments of the invention may also be used to make other woodworking jigs, such as vertical tenon jigs, jigs for cutting half-lap joints, and / or jigs for cutting box joints, which require a baffle (or backing) or other surface perpendicular to the direction of the table saw blade from which these jigs will be used.

[0046] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the illustrated embodiment of the invention includes a tool body 21 having a flat, straight surface 23 along one side defining a first plane, a proximal end 25, and a distal end 27. A baffle 31 is mounted to the distal end 27 of the tool body 21 such that a second plane defined by the baffle is precisely perpendicular to the first plane of the side surface 23. The baffle 31 can be attached to the body 21 in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, extensions 33, 35 on the baffle 31 can be fitted into slots 22, 24 in the body 21, and the extensions can be held in the slots using fasteners 37, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, a slot 51 for receiving the centrally positioned adjustable tab assembly 61 is located at the center of the side surface 23. A pair of tabs 41, 43 are located on opposite sides of the slot 51. Figure 2 and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, a first tab 41 is disposed on a side surface 23 near the proximal end 25 of the body 21; a second tab 43 is disposed on a side surface 23 near the distal end 27 of the body 21. Tabs 41 and 43 can be attached along the side surface 23 at any suitable location, provided that tabs 41 and 43 are aligned with each other, with one tab 41 located between the tab assembly 61 and the proximal end 25 of the side surface 23, and the other tab 43 located between the tab assembly 61 and the distal end 27 of the side surface 23. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that tabs 41 and 43 are attached to the side surface 23 using fasteners 45 that adapt to the opening 47. It should be understood that in different embodiments, tabs 41 and 43 can be attached to the side surface 23 in other suitable ways to allow these tabs to be aligned along the surface 23.

[0048] Lugs 41 and 43 can be attached along the side surface 23 at alternative locations, as reflected in the different positions of the openings 47 thereon. The positions of lugs 41 and 43 will depend on the length of the kerf they will be inserted into. For example, but not limited to, when lugs 41 and 43 are to be inserted into a longer kerf, they can be used... Figure 2 and 5 The positions shown are as indicated; however, if tabs 41 and 43 are to be inserted into shorter kerfs (e.g., when the tool of an embodiment of the invention is used to make a smaller jig), one or both tabs 41 and 43 can be moved closer to the center slot 51 and tab assembly 61.

[0049] Lugs 41 and 43 are attached to the body 21 such that they are aligned along a plane defined by a flat, straight side surface 23, which is perpendicular to the plane of the tool stop 31. It can be seen that each lug 41 and 43 is slightly lower than the bottom surface 26 of the body 21 to fit into the kerf 71 cut by the saw blade, as described below.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 13, the tab assembly 61 includes a movable member 62 having a tab 63 at one end. The movable member 62 is fitted into a groove 51 such that the tab 63 extends downward along the side surface 23 of the body 21. A retaining bracket 65 with a lip 66 is provided for retaining the movable member 62 in the groove 51. The bracket can be attached to the body 21 using any suitable fastener, such as a screw 64. A spring 67 can be provided between the lip 66 and the movable member 62 for biasing the movable member 62 inward toward the body 21, such as... Figure 8C As shown. A knob 69 is provided having a shaft 68 that extends into a bracket 65. In some embodiments, the shaft 68 may include a helical thread, and the hole 60 in the bracket 65 may have a complementary helical thread, such that the knob 69 can be rotated in one direction to insert the shaft 68 into the hole 60, and in the opposite direction to remove the shaft 68 from the hole 60. When the shaft 68 is in Figure 8D In the retracted position shown, spring 67 causes tab 63 to be flush with side surface 23. (As shown) Figure 8A As shown, inserting the shaft 68 into the hole 60 (which can be achieved by turning the knob 69) causes the tab 63 to extend. As described below, extending the tab 63 in conjunction with the tabs 41 and 43 allows the tool to engage securely with the kerf 71 cut into the sheet metal.

[0051] Embodiments of the invention can be used by first ensuring that the baffle 31 is attached to the body 21 precisely perpendicular to the side surface 23, and that the tabs 41 and 43 are aligned with each other along the side edge 23 of the tool body. The positions of the tabs 41 and 43 should then be determined based on the length of the kerf 71 into which they will be inserted. If the kerf 71 is short, the tabs 41 and 43 should be closer together, while still located on opposite sides of the slot 51 and assembly 61. If the kerf 71 is long, the tabs 41 and 43 can be further away from the slot 51 and assembly 61. The knob 69 should first be turned or removed so that the movable member 62 and the tab 63 are fully retracted by the push of the biasing member 67. The kerf 71 is then cut in the wood 70 using the table saw's miter rail (not shown) such that the kerf is parallel to the saw blade. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching a pair of slide rails 72 to the bottom of the wood piece, fitting them into parallel bevel guides, and then using a saw blade 79 to cut a kerf 71 in the wood piece as the slide rails slide within the bevel guides. An example of this kerf 71 is shown as part of the fabrication of a cross-cutting slide. Figure 6 Once the saw kerf 71 is cut, the protrusions 41 and 43 of this embodiment can be inserted into the saw kerf 71, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. The tabs 41 and 43 engage the proximal side 77 of the saw kerf 71, as... Figure 9A As shown. Then rotate or otherwise move the knob 69 downwards, causing the shaft 68 to press against the movable member 62. The downward movement of the shaft 68 causes a tab 63 at one end of the movable member 62 to extend into the kerf 71. This movement continues until the tab 63 is firmly pressed against the distal side 78 of the kerf 71, as shown. Figure 9B As shown. This strong pressure results in the tool of the present invention being firmly engaged with the saw kerf 71.

[0052] Once the tool of this embodiment engages with the saw kerf 71 of the wood, the plane of the tool side 23 will be parallel to the plane of the saw kerf 71, such that the plane of the tool baffle 31 will be perpendicular to both the saw kerf 71 and the saw blade 79 that cuts it, as shown. Figure 7As shown. This is because the plane of the kerf 71 is parallel to the slide rail 72, and the slide rail 72 is parallel to the bevel guide rail of the saw blade 79 that cuts the kerf. In the illustrated example of the cross-cutting slide, the position of the vertical baffle 75 of the slide is determined by the position of the tool baffle 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide baffle 75 can then be glued to the slide body 70 and held in place using a clamp or other device 78, such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. After drying, the clamp 78 can be removed, and the saw kerf 71 of the slide can be completed, as shown. Figure 12 As shown.

[0053] It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any kerf cut by a table saw blade into a piece of wood to establish another surface in a perpendicular position relative to the kerf and the saw blade.

[0054] It should be understood that variations, modifications, arrangements, and uses of the embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations disclosed herein, or any combination of components or steps, and that the invention covers many other combinations of the various features disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications to suit a particular intended use. Although reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that these drawings are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for making a woodworking clamp, the woodworking clamp having a component having a surface at a defined angle relative to the plane of a table saw blade, the apparatus comprising: a. A tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongated, straight, flat side surface defining a first plane between said ends; b. A flat member, which is adjustablely attached to the distal end of the tool body to define a second plane, the orientation of which is set at a defined angle relative to a first plane of the side surface; c. A groove provided at the center of a side surface of a tool body, the groove being adapted to receive a movable member having a first tab at one end thereto, the tab extending along the side surface of the tool body. d. A second protrusion, which is attached along the side surface between the groove and the proximal end of the tool body; and e. A third tab, which is attached along the side surface between the groove and the distal end of the tool body. The second and third tabs are aligned with each other along the first plane of the side surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the defined angle of the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the defined angle between the second plane and the first plane is selected from the group consisting of 90°, 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 15° and 11.25°.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the defined angle between the second plane and the first plane is between 0° and 90°.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the defined angle between the second plane and the first plane is between 0° and 180°.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further includes a retaining bracket attached to the tool body above the groove, the bracket having a lip thereon adapted to retain a movable member in the groove.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 further includes a spring disposed between the lip of the support and the movable member for pushing the movable member inward into the groove into the tool body.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a through hole therethrough, and the device further includes a shaft adapted to be movably inserted into the hole of the bracket, and a knob attached to one end of the shaft.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the shaft is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position, one end of the shaft engages one end of a movable member and pushes the movable member out of the groove, and in the retracted position, the one end of the shaft does not contact the movable member, such that the spring pushes the movable member inward into the groove.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a helical thread is provided along the axis and a complementary helical thread is provided in the hole.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the woodworking clamp is a cross-cutting slide, and the member having a surface perpendicular to the plane of the table saw blade is the backstop of the cross-cutting slide.

12. A method for establishing a position perpendicular to the plane of a table saw blade, comprising the following steps: a. Align a pair of tabs along a first plane of a straight, flat side surface of the tool body, wherein the side surface has a centrally located groove; b. Attach a flat member to one end of the tool body such that the flat member defines a second plane, the orientation of which is perpendicular to the first plane of the side surface; c. Retract the shaft from the hole in the bracket, which is attached to the tool body above the groove in the side surface, in which a movable member is deployed, the movable member having a tab at one end, the movable member being pushed toward the tool body by a biasing member due to the retraction of the shaft; d. Using a table saw blade, cut a kerf in a portion of the woodwork, the kerf being aligned with the table saw's beveling guide; e. Insert the pair of tabs into the saw kerf, so that they abut against the proximal side of the saw kerf; f. Insert the shaft into the hole to push the movable member out of the slot, such that a tab at one end of the movable member securely engages the distal side of the kerf, thereby temporarily securing the tool to the kerf, such that a flat member at one end of the tool body is perpendicular to the kerf.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the additional steps of clamping the second piece of wood to a flat member at said one end of the tool body and attaching the second piece of wood to the first piece of wood.

14. A tool for making a woodworking clamp, the woodworking clamp having a component having a surface perpendicular to the plane of a table saw blade, the tool comprising: a. A tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongated, straight, flat side surface defining a first plane between said ends; b. A flat member, which is adjustablely attached to the distal end of the tool body to define a second plane, the orientation of which is perpendicular to the first plane of the side surface; c. A groove located at the center of a side surface of a tool body, the groove being adapted to receive a movable member having a first tab at one end extending along the side surface of the tool body. d. A fixed bracket attached to the tool body above the groove, the bracket having a lip thereon adapted to hold a movable member in the groove, the bracket having a through hole extending from top to bottom; e. A spring disposed between the lip of the bracket and the movable member for pushing the movable member inward into the groove into the tool body; f. A shaft adapted to be movably inserted into the hole of the bracket; And a knob, which is attached to one end of the shaft; g. A second protrusion, which is attached along the side surface of the tool body between the groove and the proximal end of the tool body; and h. A third tab, which is attached along the side surface of the tool body between the groove and the distal end of the tool body. The second and third tabs are aligned with each other along the first plane of the side surface.

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