Plunge saw with cut indicator and method of operating a plunge saw

Abstract

The plunge saw (10) includes a motor (90) and an arbor (100) configured to operably mount a circular saw blade (200) to the plunge saw (10) and receive torque from the motor (90). The plunge saw (10) also includes a base plate (304) and a base plate pivot (316). The plunge saw (10) further includes a plunge mechanism (380) configured to be selectively actuated by a user during active use of the plunge saw (10) to cut the workpiece (98) to transition (532) the plunge saw (10) from a stored orientation (54) to a lowered orientation (52) and lower the circular saw blade (200) into the workpiece (98). The plunge saw (10) also includes a cut indicator configured to project a line of light (516) onto the workpiece (98) to visually indicate the location (504) of the edge of the circular saw blade (200) on the workpiece (98).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 044,034, filed June 25, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to a plunge saw having a cut indicator and / or a method of operating a plunge saw. [Background technology]

[0003] A plunge saw is a type of portable circular saw in which a plunge assembly, including and / or operably attached to a circular saw blade, rotates relative to a base plate to lower a region of the circular saw blade beyond the base plate and / or onto a workpiece. In some examples, a plunge saw may be utilized such that the circular saw blade initiates contact with an edge of the workpiece. In some examples, a plunge saw may be utilized such that the circular saw blade initiates contact with a central region, i.e., a flat surface, of the workpiece. In both examples, when a circular saw blade is utilized to cut a workpiece, it may be difficult for a plunge saw user to visually see the leading edge of the circular saw blade and / or the trailing edge of the circular saw blade. As a result, it may be difficult for a plunge saw user to make an accurate cut, especially when the accurate cut ends at the central region of the workpiece and / or does not extend throughout the entirety of the workpiece. Thus, there is a need for an improved plunge saw with a cut indicator and / or an improved method of operating a plunge saw. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A plunge saw having a cut indicator and a method of operating the plunge saw are disclosed herein. The plunge saw includes a motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation, and an arbor configured to operably mount a circular saw blade to the plunge saw and receive torque from the motor as the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation. The plunge saw also includes a base plate defining an arbor facing side and an arbor opposing side, and a base plate pivot operably mounting the arbor to the arbor facing side of the base plate. The plunge saw further includes a plunge mechanism configured to be selectively actuated by a user of the plunge saw during active use of the plunge saw to cut a workpiece to transition the plunge saw from a stored orientation to a lowered orientation and lower the circular saw blade onto the workpiece. The transition is via rotation of the arbor and the base plate about the base plate pivot relative to one another. The plunge saw also includes a cut indicator configured to project a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade on the workpiece.

[0005] The method includes activating a switch on the plunge saw and, in response to the activation, commencing rotation of a circular saw blade of the plunge saw and commencing projection of a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate on the workpiece the location of an edge of the circular saw blade. The method also includes lowering the circular saw blade onto the workpiece while the circular saw blade is rotating and also while the line of light is projected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a plunge saw including a cut indicator according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example of a plunge saw including a cut indicator according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the plunge saw in a lowered orientation; [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic side view illustrating the plunge saw of FIG. 2 in a retracted orientation. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic top view illustrating an example of a region of a plunge saw that includes a cut indicator according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a less schematic top profile view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a less schematic right side view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a less schematic left side view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is another less schematic left side view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is another less schematic left side view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a less schematic front view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a less schematic rear view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a less schematic top view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a less schematic bottom view of an example plunge saw according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating a plunge saw according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Figures 1-13 provide examples of plunge saws 10 and components thereof according to the present disclosure. Elements serving similar or at least substantially similar purposes are labeled with the same numbers in each of Figures 1-13, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of Figures 1-13. Similarly, not all elements are labeled in each of Figures 1-13, but the reference numbers associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and / or features discussed herein with reference to one or more of Figures 1-13 may be included in and / or utilized in conjunction with any of Figures 1-13 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] In general, elements that tend to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated with solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated with dashed lines, however, elements shown with solid lines may not be essential to all embodiments and may be omitted in some embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a plunge saw 10 including a cut indicator 500 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a plunge saw 10 including a cut indicator 500 according to the present disclosure, illustrating the plunge saw in a lowered orientation 52, while Figure 3 is a schematic side view illustrating the plunge saw of Figure 2 in a stowed orientation 54. Figure 4 is a schematic top view illustrating an example of a region of a plunge saw 10 including a cut indicator 500 according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figures 5-13 are less schematic views of an example plunge saw 10 according to the present disclosure. More specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a top profile view of plunge saw 10, and Figure 6 illustrates a right side view of plunge saw 10. Figure 7 illustrates a left side view of plunge saw 10 illustrating the plunge saw in a lowered orientation 52, Figure 8 illustrates a left side view of plunge saw 10 illustrating the plunge saw in a stowed orientation 54, and Figure 9 illustrates the left side view of Figure 8 with some covers removed. Figure 10 is a front view of plunge saw 10, Figure 11 is a rear view of plunge saw 10, Figure 12 is a top view of plunge saw 10, and Figure 13 is a bottom view of plunge saw 10.

[0011] As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 1, the plunge saw 10 includes a motor 90 including a motor shaft 92 configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation 94. The plunge saw 10 also includes an arbor 100 configured to receive torque from the motor 90 as the motor shaft 92 rotates about the shaft axis of rotation. As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-3 and in solid lines in FIGS. 4, 6-11, and 13, the plunge saw 10 may also include a circular saw blade 200. When present, the circular saw blade 200 may be operably attached to the plunge saw via the arbor 100 and / or may be configured for rotational movement therewith. In other words, the arbor 100 may be configured to operably attach the circular saw blade 200 to the plunge saw 10 and / or to rotate the circular saw blade in response to receiving torque from the motor 90. Rotation of the circular saw blade 200 may facilitate cutting of a workpiece 98 with the circular saw blade, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 1-4.

[0012] As illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 5-13, the plunge saw 10 also includes a base plate 304. The base plate 304 defines an arbor-facing side 308 and an arbor-opposite side 312. As illustrated in Figures 1-3, 7-9, and 13, the plunge saw 10 further includes a base plate pivot 316. The base plate pivot 316 operably mounts the motor 90 and / or the arbor 100 to the arbor-facing side 308 of the base plate 304. In some examples, the motor 90 and the arbor 100 may form part of the plunge assembly 84, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, or may be referred to herein as forming part of the plunge assembly 84. In some such examples, the base plate pivot 316 may be referred to herein as operatively attaching the plunge assembly 84 to the base plate 304 and / or enabling rotation of the plunge assembly 84 relative to the base plate 304, for example, about the pivot axis 318 of the base plate pivot.

[0013] 1-3, the plunge saw 10 includes a plunge mechanism 380. The plunge mechanism 380 may include any suitable structure that may be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to be selectively actuated by a plunge saw user during active use of the plunge saw to cut a workpiece 98. The selective actuation may enable and / or cause the plunge saw to transition from, for example, a stored orientation 54 illustrated in FIG. 3 to, for example, a lowered orientation 52 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The transition may be via a rotation of the arbor 100 and the base plate 304 relative to one another about the base plate pivot 316 and / or about a pivot axis 318 of the base plate pivot. In other words, in some examples, the transition may be via a rotation of the plunge assembly 84 and the base plate 304 relative to one another about the base plate pivot and / or about a pivot axis. This rotation may cause the circular saw blade 200 to rotate, move, extend, and / or lower over the arbor-opposing side 312 of the base plate 304 and / or into the workpiece 98.

[0014] In other words, the arbor 100 may be configured to pivot relative to the base plate 304 through a range of relative orientations or angles, which may be bounded by a fully lowered orientation and a fully retracted orientation. For each relative orientation in this range of relative orientations, the circular saw blade 200 may extend on the arbor opposite side 312 by a corresponding amount, thereby providing a corresponding maximum cutting depth for the circular saw.

[0015] As perhaps best illustrated in Figures 1-4, the plunge saw 10 also includes a cut indicator 500. As illustrated in Figures 1-2 and 4, the cut indicator 500 is configured to project a line of light 516, or at least one line of light 516, onto the workpiece 98. The line of light, or the location of the line of light on the workpiece, visually indicates the location 504 of an edge of the circular saw blade 200, such as the leading edge and / or trailing edge of the circular saw blade, on the workpiece.

[0016] When the plunge saw 10 is utilized to cut a workpiece 98, as discussed in further detail herein with respect to the method 1000 of FIG. 14, the switch 65 may be actuated, which may enable and / or facilitate the supply of electrical current to the motor 90 and / or at least one other structure of the plunge saw, such as the cut indicator 500. Actuation of the switch 65 and / or receipt of electrical current may cause the motor 90 to rotate the motor shaft 92, which may in turn rotate the circular saw blade 200, for example, via rotation of the arbor 100. Actuation of the switch 65 may also initiate the projection of a line of light 516 by the cut indicator 500 onto the workpiece 98, the location of the line of light on the workpiece visually indicating to a user of the plunge saw the location 504 of at least one edge of the circular saw blade. In other words, the plunge saw 10 including the cut indicator 500 may provide additional information to a user and / or may make it easier for a user to identify the location 504 of the edge of the circular saw blade 200. This may enable and / or facilitate improved, i.e., more accurate, cuts within the workpiece 98 and / or may allow a user to make accurate cuts within the workpiece 98 without the user having to directly view the edge of the circular saw blade.

[0017] In some examples, the cut indicator 500 may include and / or be a leading edge cut indicator 501, which may be configured to project a line of light 516 in the form of a leading edge line of light 517, as perhaps best illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. The leading edge cut indicator 501 and / or its leading edge line of light 517 may be configured to visually indicate a location 504 in the form of a location 505 forward of the leading edge of the circular saw blade 200 on the workpiece 98, for example proximate the leading edge region 305 of the base plate 304. In some such examples, the leading edge cut indicator 501 may be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to project a line of light 516 in the form of a leading edge line of light 517 on the workpiece 98 when the plunge saw 10 is in both the lowered orientation 52 and the retracted orientation 54. In other words, the leading edge cut indicator 501 may illuminate a leading edge line of light 517 onto the workpiece 98 regardless of the rotational orientation between the base plate 304 and the arbor 100 about the base plate pivot 316 and / or its pivot axis 318.

[0018] In some such examples, the leading edge line of light 517 may indicate the location of the leading edge of the circular saw blade when the plunge saw is in a fully lowered orientation or only when the plunge saw is in a fully lowered orientation. In other words, the location of the leading edge of the circular saw blade within the workpiece may vary with the relative orientation between the base plate and the arbor. However, the location of the leading edge line of light 517 on the workpiece may not change with this relative orientation. However, this is not necessary in all embodiments, and it is within the scope of this disclosure that the location of the leading edge line of light 517 on the workpiece 98 may vary with the relative orientation between the base plate and the arbor, for example, to indicate the location of the leading edge of the circular saw blade regardless of the relative orientation between the base plate and the arbor and / or throughout the range of motion between the base plate and the arbor.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the cut indicator 500 may include and / or be a trailing edge cut indicator 502, which may be configured to illuminate a line of light 516 in the form of a trailing edge line of light 518, as perhaps best illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. The trailing edge cut indicator 502 and / or its trailing edge line of light 518 may be configured to visually indicate a location 504 on the workpiece 98 in the form of a location 506 rearward of the trailing edge of the circular saw blade 200, for example, proximate the trailing edge region 306 of the base plate 304. In some such examples, the trailing edge cut indicator 502 may be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to project a line of light 516 in the form of a trailing edge line of light 518 onto the workpiece 98 when the plunge saw 10 is in the lowered orientation 52, only when the plunge saw is in the lowered orientation, only when the plunge saw is in the fully lowered orientation, and / or only when the plunge saw is in the fully lowered orientation. In other words, the trailing edge cut indicator 502 may not project a trailing edge line of light 518 onto the workpiece 98 when the plunge saw is not in the lowered or fully lowered orientation. In some such examples, the light source projecting the trailing edge line of light 518 onto the workpiece may be blocked except when the plunge saw is in the lowered or fully lowered orientation.

[0020] The cut indicators 500, including the leading edge cut indicator 501 and / or the trailing edge cut indicator 502, may utilize lines of light 516 to indicate the location 504 in any suitable manner. By way of example, and perhaps best illustrated in Figure 4, the cut indicator 500 may project one or more lines of light 516 in a direction that is perpendicular or at least approximately perpendicular to the blade face 202 within which the circular saw blade 200 may be configured to rotate.

[0021] The cut indicator 500 may include any suitable structure. By way of example, the cut indicator 500 may include a light source 520, which may be configured to generate, emit, and / or illuminate the line of light 516. Examples of light source 520 include at least a cut indicator laser and / or a cut indicator light emitting diode (LED).

[0022] The cut indicator 500 and / or its light source 520 may project the line of light 516 in any suitable manner. As an example, the light source 520 may be configured to project collimated light 524, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4, which may define the line of light 516. In another example, the light source 520 may be configured to project an arc of light 526, as shown by the textured region in FIG. 4. In some such examples, the line of light 516 may be defined by a portion of the arc of light that is incident on the workpiece 98. In some such examples, the light source 520 may be configured to project light or an arc of light beyond the circular saw blade 200. In such examples, a first portion of light 528 may be incident on the circular saw blade 200 and a second portion of light 530 may be incident on the workpiece 98. In some examples, the second portion of light may define the line of light 516. In some examples, the location 504 may be indicated on the workpiece 98 by a transition 532 from the shadow of the circular saw blade to a line of light.

[0023] The contemplated plunge saw 10 may include a switch 65, which may be configured to selectively provide and / or pass current to at least one other component of the plunge saw, such as the motor 90 and / or the cut indicator 500. In some examples, the cut indicator 500 may be configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade via illumination of a line of light 516 when, or only when, the switch selectively passes current to at least one other component of the plunge saw. Alternatively, in some examples, the cut indicator may be configured to begin illuminating the line of light 516 when the switch selectively passes current to at least one other component of the plunge saw. In some such examples, the cut indicator may also be configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade via illumination of the line of light 516 for at least a threshold indication time. This may include indicating the location for at least a threshold indication time regardless of the actuation state of the switch 65. Such an arrangement may provide a user with information regarding the location of the edge of the circular saw blade even when the switch 65 is not actuated and / or pressed, or is not continuously actuated and / or pressed. Examples of threshold display times include times of at least 5 seconds, at least 10, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at most 60 seconds, at most 50 seconds, at most 40 seconds, at most 30 seconds, at most 20 seconds, and / or at most 10 seconds.

[0024] In some examples, the switch 65 may include an initial actuation position and a subsequent actuation position. When the switch is in the initial actuation position, the switch may apply current to the cut indicator and / or the cut indicator may indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade on the workpiece. When the switch is in the subsequent actuation position, the switch may apply current to the cut indicator and the motor. Such a configuration may allow a user to determine the location of the edge of the circular saw blade prior to rotation of the circular saw blade.

[0025] The switch 65 may form part of the plunge assembly 84. In other words, the switch 65 may be operably attached to the base plate 304 via the base plate pivot 316 and / or may be configured to pivot about the base plate pivot with the plunge assembly and / or relative to the base plate. Such a configuration may enable and / or facilitate improved control of the plunge saw and / or actuation of the switch by a user.

[0026] In contrast, at least a portion of the cut indicator 500, such as the portion of the cut indicator 500 that emits the line of light 516, and / or the light source 520, may be operably attached to and / or form a part of the base plate 304. In other words, at least a portion of the cut indicator 500 may be operably attached to the arbor 100, to the motor 90, and / or to the plunge assembly 84 via a base plate pivot. In some examples, the light source 520 may be operably attached to the base plate 304. In some such examples, the cut indicator 500 may also include an electrical conductor 540, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, which may extend between the plunge assembly 84 and the light source 520, for example, to provide power to the light source. In some examples, the light source 520 may be operably attached to the plunge assembly 84. 2-3 , the cut indicator 500 may also include a fiber optic cable 542 that may extend between the plunge assembly 84 and its light source 520 and project a line of light 516 onto the workpiece 98. Such a configuration may enable and / or facilitate projection of the line of light 516 from an area of ​​the plunge saw 10 (e.g., base plate 304) near and / or adjacent to the workpiece 98.

[0027] 2-3 , the base plate pivot 316 may operably mount the trailing edge region 86 of the plunge assembly 84 to the trailing edge region 306 of the base plate 304. In other words, the base plate pivot 316 may be configured to allow the leading edge region 85 of the plunge assembly 84 to move toward and / or away from the leading edge region 305 of the base plate 304 via rotation about the base plate pivot.

[0028] In some examples of plunge saw 10, perhaps best illustrated in Figures 1-3, plunge mechanism 380 may include a plunge release mechanism 87. The plunge release mechanism 87, when present, may be configured to be biased and / or actuated by a user to enable transition of the plunge saw from a retracted orientation to a lowered orientation. Examples of plunge release mechanisms 87 include any suitable mechanical pivot, mechanical switch, linkage, and / or surface that may be configured to accept an actuation force from a user.

[0029] As also illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , the plunge mechanism 380 may include a stored orientation lock 88. The stored orientation lock 88 may be configured to selectively hold the plunge saw 10 in a stored orientation when present. In such a configuration, the plunge release mechanism 87 may be configured to selectively actuate to release the stored orientation lock and / or to allow transition of the plunge saw from the stored orientation to the lowered orientation. Examples of stored orientation locks 88 include any suitable catch, catch, mechanical lock, and / or one or more structures that may be configured to resist rotation about the base plate pivot 316 when the plunge release mechanism 87 is not actuated by a user and / or to allow rotation about the base plate pivot when the plunge release mechanism is actuated by a user.

[0030] The plunge saw 10 may include any suitable type or style of plunge saw adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to utilize a circular saw blade 200 to cut a workpiece. Examples of plunge saws 10 include a portable plunge saw 12 and / or a track saw 40, as illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-3. In some examples, the plunge saw 10 may include structures and / or features from both of the saws described above and / or may incorporate the functionality of both of the saws described above. By way of example, a given plunge saw 10 may be a portable plunge saw 12 and / or a track saw 40 and / or may incorporate the functionality of a portable plunge saw 12 and / or a track saw 40, as discussed in more detail herein. Thus, a plunge saw 10 according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the features disclosed herein, but a plunge saw 10 need not include all of the features disclosed herein.

[0031] The motor 90 may include any suitable structure capable of providing motive power for rotation of the motor shaft 92 and / or for rotation and / or operation of the circular saw blade 200. Examples of the motor 90 include an electric motor, an AC electric motor, a DC electric motor, a brushless DC motor, a variable speed motor, and / or a single speed motor.

[0032] As illustrated in dashed lines in Figures 1-3 and solid lines in Figures 5, 7-9 and 11-12, plunge saw 10 may include a gripping area 60 configured to be grasped and / or held by a user while operating the plunge saw. Gripping area 60, when present, may be referred to herein as and / or may be a handle or hand grip.

[0033] As also illustrated by dashed lines in FIGS. 1-3 and solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 7-9, the plunge saw 10 may include at least one switch 65. As described, the switch 65, when present, may be configured to be selectively actuated by a user of the plunge saw, such as to enable and / or permit providing current to at least one other component of the plunge saw and / or to permit powering of that at least one other component of the plunge saw. By way of example, selective actuation of the switch 65 may be utilized to enable operation of a motor controller of the plunge saw, selectively provide and / or apply current to the motor 90, enable the motor controller to selectively apply current to the motor, and / or permit or direct the motor to provide motive force for rotation of the motor shaft. In some examples, the current may be utilized to power or directly power at least one other component of the plunge saw, such as the motor 90. In some such examples, the current may also be referred to herein as a power signal. In some examples, the electrical current may be an electrical data signal that is sent to at least one other component of the plunge saw, such as a motor controller for the plunge saw. In some such examples, the electrical current may also be referred to herein as a data signal and / or an electrical data signal. Examples of switch 65 include an electrical switch, a normally open electrical switch, a momentary electrical switch, and / or a latching momentary electrical switch.

[0034] The plunge saw 10 may include any suitable power source and corresponding power structure 70 to power the motor 90. Examples of power structures include a cord 72 and / or a battery 74, as illustrated in Figures 1-3.

[0035] As also illustrated in dashed lines in Figures 1-3 and solid lines in Figures 5-13, the plunge saw 10 may include a blade guard 80. When present, the blade guard 80 may be configured to cover, encase, and / or contain at least a region of the circular saw blade 200, such as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact between a user and the circular saw blade.

[0036] In some examples, as discussed, the plunge saw 10 may be a track saw 40. In an example of the plunge saw 10 that is a track saw 40, the base plate 304 may include a rib receiving channel 324 that may be configured to receive the raised elongated rib 44 of the track 42, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 1. The track 42, sometimes referred to herein as an elongated track 42, may be formed from one or more elongated track sections or track portions 46, which may be operably attached relative to one another to define any suitable track length. During operation of the track saw 40, the track 42 may be operably attached or fastened to the workpiece 98 such that the edges of the track correspond to the cut line desired for the track saw. The track saw may then be positioned relative to the track such that the raised elongated rib 44 is positioned within the rib receiving channel 324, and the track saw may then be translated along at least a portion of the length of the elongated track, thereby producing a straight cut along the desired cut line.

[0037] 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 1000 of operating a plunge saw according to the present disclosure, such as the plunge saw 10 of FIGS. 1-13. The method 1000 includes activating a switch at 1010 and initiating rotation at 1020. The method 1000 also includes initiating illumination at 1030 and may include maintaining illumination at 1040. The method 1000 may further include ceasing activation at 1050 and may include lowering the circular saw blade at 1060.

[0038] Activating the switch at 1010 may include activating any suitable switch of the plunge saw. This may include activating the switch to selectively pass or provide current to at least one other component of the plunge saw. Examples of the at least one other component of the plunge saw are disclosed herein. Examples of switches are disclosed herein with reference to switch 65.

[0039] In some examples of method 1000, actuating at 1010 may include actuating the switch to an initial actuation position. In some such examples, starting at 1030 may be responsive to actuating the switch to the initial actuation position. In some such examples, actuating at 1010 may further include actuating or subsequently actuating the switch to a subsequent actuation position different from the initial actuation position. In some such examples, starting at 1020 may be responsive to actuating the switch to the subsequent actuation position.

[0040] Initiating rotation at 1020 may include initiating rotation of a circular saw blade of the plunge saw. This may include applying torque to the circular saw blade with a motor of the circular saw via a motor shaft of the motor and / or via an arbor of the circular saw. An example of a motor is disclosed herein with reference to motor 90. An example of a motor shaft is disclosed herein with reference to motor shaft 92. An example of an arbor is disclosed herein with reference to arbor 100. Initiating at 1020 may be responsive to a result of actuating at 1010, may be at least partially responsive to a result of actuating at 1010, may be subsequent to a result of actuating at 1010, and / or may be a result of actuating at 1010.

[0041] Initiating illumination at 1030 may include initiating illumination of a line of light on the workpiece. This may include initiating illumination of a line of light that indicates or visually indicates the location of the edge of the circular saw blade on the workpiece and / or to a user of the circular saw, for example, to enable and / or facilitate improved cutting accuracy at the workpiece and / or with the circular saw blade. Examples of lines of light are disclosed herein with reference to line of light 516, leading edge line of light 517, and / or trailing edge line of light 518. Initiating at 1030 may be responsive to, at least partially responsive to, subsequent to, and / or a result of operating at 1010. Additionally or alternatively, initiating at 1030 may be performed prior to initiating rotation of the saw blade and / or at 1020, during initiating rotation of the saw blade and / or at 1020, and / or at least partially simultaneously with initiating rotation of the saw blade and / or at 1020.

[0042] In some examples, starting at 1030 may include initiating projection of a leading edge line of light onto the workpiece. In some examples, starting at 1030 may include initiating projection of a trailing edge line of light onto the workpiece. In some such examples, initiating projection of a trailing edge line of light onto the workpiece may be responsive to and / or a result of lowering at 1060.

[0043] In some examples, projecting the line of light includes projecting light past the circular saw blade. This may include projecting a first portion of the light so that it is incident on the circular saw blade and / or a second portion of the light so that it is projected past the circular saw blade and / or is incident on the workpiece. In some such examples, the second portion of the light defines the line of light. In some such examples, the location of the edge of the circular saw blade may be indicated on the workpiece by a transition from the shadow of the circular saw blade to the line of light.

[0044] Maintaining illumination at 1040 may include maintaining illumination of the line of light on the workpiece for at least the threshold display time. This may include maintaining illumination regardless of the state of actuation of the switch. In other words, ceasing actuation at 1050 may include ceasing actuation of the switch during the maintaining at 1040. In yet other words, maintaining at 1040, when performed, may include maintaining subsequent to ceasing at 1050. Examples of threshold display times are disclosed herein.

[0045] Lowering the circular saw blade at 1060 may include lowering the circular saw blade onto the workpiece. The lowering at 1060 may be performed during rotation of the circular saw blade and / or during projection of the line of light onto the workpiece such that, at least following the lowering at 1060, the line of light visually indicates on the workpiece the location of the edge of the circular saw blade of and / or within the workpiece.

[0046] In some examples, lowering at 1060 may include rotating a plunge assembly of the plunge saw relative to a base plate of the plunge saw and / or about a base plate pivot of the plunge saw. Examples of plunge assemblies are disclosed herein with reference to plunge assembly 84. In some such examples, rotating may include rotating a leading edge of the plunge assembly toward a leading edge of the base plate.

[0047] In this disclosure, several illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and / or depicted in terms of flow diagrams or flowcharts in which a method is shown and described as a series of blocks or steps. Unless otherwise stated in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the order of the blocks may differ from the order illustrated in the flow diagrams, including that several blocks (or steps) occur in different orders and / or simultaneously.

[0048] As used herein, the term "and / or" placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so combined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entity specifically identified by the "and / or" phrase, whether related to the specifically identified entity or not. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" may refer in one embodiment to only A (optionally including entities other than B), in another embodiment to only B (optionally including entities other than A), and in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, acts, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" in reference 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 the list of entities, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every entity specifically listed in the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows for entities other than those specifically identified in the list of entities to which the phrase "at least one" refers, may optionally be present, whether or not related to the specifically identified 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 refer, in some embodiments, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, in the absence of B (and optionally including entities other than B); in other embodiments, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, in the absence of A (and optionally including entities other than A); and in yet other embodiments, to 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 phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of 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" may mean A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, as well as any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0050] If any patent, patent application, or other reference is incorporated herein by reference, (1) defines a term in a manner that is inconsistent with either the unincorporated portions of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference, and / or (2) otherwise inconsistent with either the unincorporated portions of this disclosure or any other incorporated reference, the unincorporated portions of this disclosure shall control and the term herein or the incorporated disclosure shall control only with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and / or in which the incorporated disclosure was originally located.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that an element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, use of the terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be interpreted to mean 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, generated, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is within the scope of this disclosure that elements, components, and / or other listed subject matter that are listed as adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0052] As used herein, the phrases "for example," "as an example," and / or simply the term "example," when used in reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods are illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods are not intended to be limiting, necessary, or exclusive / exhaustive, and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, including structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] As used herein, "at least substantially" may include not only the "substantial" degree or relationship listed, but also the entire range of the degree or relationship listed when modifying the degree or relationship. A substantial amount of the listed degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the listed degree or relationship. For example, an object at least substantially formed from a material includes an object in which at least 75% of the object is formed from the material, and also includes an object formed entirely from the material. In another example, a first length that is at least substantially the same length as a second length includes a first length that is within 75% of the second length, and also includes a first length that is the same length as the second length.

[0054] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of plunge saws and methods according to the present disclosure are presented in the enumerated paragraphs below: It is within the scope of this disclosure that the individual steps of the methods recited herein, including the enumerated paragraphs below, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as "steps for" performing the recited action.

[0055] A1. A motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation; an arbor configured to operably mount the circular saw blade to the plunge saw and to receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation; a base plate defining an arbor facing side and an arbor opposing side; a base plate pivot for operatively mounting the arbor to the arbor-facing side of the base plate; a plunge mechanism configured to be selectively actuated by a user of the plunge saw during active use of the plunge saw to cut a workpiece, to transition the plunge saw from a stowed orientation to a lowered orientation and lower the circular saw blade into the workpiece via rotation of the arbor and the base plate about a base plate pivot relative to one another; a cut indicator configured to project a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate on the workpiece the location of the edge of the circular saw blade; A plunge saw equipped with

[0056] A2. The plunge saw of paragraph A1, wherein the cut indicator includes a leading edge cut indicator and further wherein the line of light is a leading edge line of light configured to visually indicate on the workpiece a location forward of the leading edge of the circular saw blade.

[0057] A3. The plunge saw of paragraph A2, wherein the leading edge cut indicator is configured to project a line of light onto the workpiece when the plunge saw is in both the stowed and lowered orientations.

[0058] A4. The plunge saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the cut indicator includes a trailing edge cut indicator and further wherein the line of light includes a trailing edge line of light configured to visually indicate on the workpiece a location rearward of the trailing edge of the circular saw blade.

[0059] A5. (i) When the plunge saw is in the lowered orientation: (ii) only when the plunge saw is in the lowered orientation; (iii) the plunge saw is in a fully lowered orientation; and (iv) Only when the plunge saw is in the fully lowered orientation The plunge saw of paragraph A4, wherein in at least one of the cases, the trailing edge cut indicator is configured to project a line of light onto the workpiece.

[0060] A6. The plunge saw of paragraphs A4 or A5, wherein the cut indicator includes a trailing edge cut indicator and a leading edge cut indicator.

[0061] A7. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the cut indicator is configured to project a line of light in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to a blade plane in which the circular saw blade is configured to rotate.

[0062] A8. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the cut indicator includes a light source configured to project a line of light.

[0063] A9. The plunge saw of paragraph A8, wherein the light source includes or is a cut indicator LED configured to emit a line of light.

[0064] A10. The plunge saw of paragraphs A8 or A9, wherein the light source is configured to emit collimated light, the collimated light defining a line of light.

[0065] A11. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A8-A10, wherein the light source is configured to project an arc of light, and further wherein the line of light is defined by a portion of the arc of light that is incident on the workpiece.

[0066] A12. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A8-A11, wherein the light source is configured to shine light beyond the circular saw blade such that a first portion of the light is incident on the circular saw blade and a second portion of the light is incident on the workpiece, the second portion of the light defining a line of light.

[0067] A13. The plunge saw of paragraph A12, wherein the location of the edge of the circular saw blade is indicated on the workpiece by a transition from the shadow of the circular saw blade to a line of light.

[0068] A14. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the plunge saw includes a switch configured to selectively supply current to at least one other component of the plunge saw.

[0069] A15. The plunge saw of paragraph A14, wherein the cut indicator is configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade when the switch selectively passes current to at least one other component of the plunge saw.

[0070] A16. The plunge saw of paragraph A15, wherein the cut indicator is configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade for at least a threshold indication time, and optionally the threshold indication time is at least one of at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at most 60 seconds, at most 50 seconds, at most 40 seconds, at most 30 seconds, at most 20 seconds, and at most 10 seconds.

[0071] A17. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A14-A16, wherein at least one other component of the plunge saw includes a motor.

[0072] A18. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A14-A17, wherein at least one other component of the plunge saw includes a cut indicator.

[0073] A19. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A14-A18, wherein the switch includes an initial actuation position in which the switch passes current to the cut-off indicator and a subsequent actuation position in which the switch passes current to the cut-off indicator and the motor.

[0074] A20. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A14-A19, wherein the switch is operably attached to the base plate via a base plate pivot.

[0075] A21. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the cut indicator is operably attached to the base plate.

[0076] A22. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the cut indicator is operably attached to the arbor via a base plate pivot.

[0077] A23. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the motor is operably attached to the base plate via a base plate pivot.

[0078] A24. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the plunge saw includes a plunge assembly, the plunge assembly including an arbor and a motor, and is operably attached to the base plate via a base plate pivot.

[0079] A25. The disconnect indicator is (i) an electrical conductor extending between the plunge assembly and the light source of the cut indicator; and (ii) a fiber optic cable operatively attached to both the plunge assembly and the base plate and configured to project a line of light; The plunge saw of paragraph A24, further comprising at least one of:

[0080] A26. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein a base plate pivot operably mounts a trailing edge region of the plunge assembly to a trailing edge region of the base plate.

[0081] A27. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the plunge mechanism includes a plunge release mechanism configured to be selectively actuated by a user to enable transition of the plunge saw from a retracted orientation to a lowered orientation.

[0082] A28. The plunge saw of paragraph A27, wherein the plunge mechanism further includes a stored orientation lock configured to selectively hold the plunge saw in the stored orientation, and the plunge release mechanism is configured to selectively actuate to release the stored orientation lock and enable transition of the plunge saw from the stored orientation to the lowered orientation.

[0083] A29. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein the motor comprises an electric motor.

[0084] A30. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the plunge saw further includes a gripping area configured to be gripped by a user of the plunge saw during operation of the plunge saw to cut a workpiece.

[0085] A31. The plunge saw of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the plunge saw further includes a blade guard configured to prevent contact between a user and the saw blade.

[0086] A32. Plunge saw, (i) a power cord configured to provide electrical current to the plunge saw; and (ii) a battery configured to provide electrical current to the plunge saw; The plunge saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A31, further comprising at least one of:

[0087] A33. The plunge saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A32, wherein the plunge saw is a portable plunge saw.

[0088] A34. The plunge saw of any one of paragraphs A1-A33, wherein the plunge saw is a track saw.

[0089] A35. The plunge saw of paragraph A34, wherein the base plate further includes a rib-receiving channel configured to receive the raised elongated rib of the track.

[0090] A36. The plunge saw of paragraph A35, wherein the track saw further includes a track, the track including a raised elongated rib.

[0091] B1. A method of operating a plunge saw, comprising: activating a plunge saw switch; initiating rotation of a circular saw blade of the plunge saw in response to the actuation; in response to actuating, commencing projection of a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate on the workpiece the location of the edge of the circular saw blade; While the circular saw blade is rotating and while the light beam is being irradiated, the circular saw blade is lowered onto the workpiece. A method comprising:

[0092] B2. The method of paragraph B1, wherein initiating illumination includes initiating illumination of a leading edge line of light onto the workpiece.

[0093] B3. The method of paragraphs B1 or B2, wherein initiating illumination in response to lowering further comprises initiating illumination of a trailing edge line of light onto the workpiece.

[0094] B4. The method of any one of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein applying the line of light includes applying light beyond the circular saw blade such that a first portion of the light is incident on the circular saw blade and a second portion of the light is incident on the workpiece, the second portion of the light defining the line of light.

[0095] B5. The method of paragraph B4, in which the location of the edge of the circular saw blade is indicated on the workpiece by a transition from the shadow of the circular saw blade to a line of light.

[0096] B6. The method of any one of paragraphs B1-B5, further comprising maintaining illumination of the line of light on the workpiece for at least a threshold indication time, optionally wherein the threshold indication time is at least one of at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at most 60 seconds, at most 50 seconds, at most 40 seconds, at most 30 seconds, at most 20 seconds, and at most 10 seconds.

[0097] B7. The method of paragraph B6, further comprising ceasing to activate the switch during the maintaining.

[0098] B8. The method of any one of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein activating the switch includes activating the switch to an initial actuated position, and initiating irradiation is responsive to activating the switch to the initial actuated position.

[0099] B9. The method of paragraph B8, wherein following actuating the switch to a first actuated position, actuating the switch further includes actuating the switch to a subsequent actuated position, and initiating the rotation is responsive to actuating the switch to the subsequent actuated position.

[0100] B10. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B9, wherein the lowering includes rotating a plunge assembly of the plunge saw, including the circular saw blade, relative to a base plate of the plunge saw and about a base plate pivot of the plunge saw.

[0101] B11. The method of paragraph B10, wherein the rotating includes rotating a leading edge of the plunge assembly toward a leading edge of the base plate.

[0102] B12. The method of any one of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein the plunge saw comprises any suitable configuration of any of the plunge saws described in any one of paragraphs A1-A36.

[0103] Industrial Applicability The plunge saw disclosed herein can be utilized in the power tool industry.

[0104] The present disclosure above is believed to encompass multiple separate inventions with independent utility. Each of these inventions is disclosed in a preferred form, but the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be taken in a limiting sense, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of the invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, when a claim recites "a" or "first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be understood to include combinations of one or more of such elements, without requiring or excluding a plurality of such elements.

[0105] The following claims are believed to specifically point out certain novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of one of the disclosed inventions. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed through modification of the claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such modified or new claims, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, whether they relate to different or the same invention, are also deemed to be included within the inventive subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. a motor including a motor shaft configured to rotate about a shaft axis of rotation; an arbor configured to operably mount a circular saw blade to a plunge saw and to receive torque from the motor when the motor shaft rotates about the shaft axis of rotation; a base plate defining an arbor facing side and an arbor opposing side; a baseplate pivot enabling the arbor to be operatively attached to the arbor-facing side of the baseplate; a plunge mechanism configured to be selectively actuated by a user of the plunge saw during active use of the plunge saw to cut the workpiece to transition the plunge saw from a stowed orientation to a lowered orientation and lower the circular saw blade into the workpiece via rotation of the arbor and the base plate about the base plate pivot relative to one another; and a cut indicator configured to project a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade on the workpiece; Equipped with the cut indicator includes a light source configured to project the line of light; the light source is configured to project light beyond the circular saw blade such that a first portion of the light is incident on the circular saw blade and a second portion of the light is incident on the workpiece, the second portion of the light defining the line of light; The plunge saw, wherein the cut indicator is configured to project at least a portion of the line of light in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to a blade plane of the circular saw blade.

2. 2. The plunge saw of claim 1, wherein the cut indicator includes a leading edge cut indicator, and further wherein the line of light is a leading edge line of light configured to visually indicate a location on the workpiece forward of a leading edge of the circular saw blade.

3. The plunge saw of claim 2 , wherein the leading edge cut indicator is configured to project the line of light onto the workpiece when the plunge saw is in both the stowed orientation and the lowered orientation.

4. 4. The plunge saw of claim 1, wherein the cut indicator includes a trailing edge cut indicator, and further wherein the line of light includes a trailing edge line of light configured to visually indicate a location on the workpiece rearward of the trailing edge of the circular saw blade.

5. the cut indicator includes a trailing edge cut indicator; (i) when the plunge saw is in the lowered orientation, which is between a fully lowered orientation and a fully retracted orientation; (ii) only when the plunge saw is in the lowered orientation that is between the fully lowered orientation and the fully retracted orientation; (iii) the plunge saw is in a fully lowered orientation; and (iv) only when said plunge saw is in said fully lowered orientation.

3. The plunge saw of claim 1 or 2, wherein the trailing edge cut indicator is configured to project the line of light onto the workpiece in at least one of the following cases:

6. A plunge saw according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cut indicator includes a trailing edge cut indicator and a leading edge cut indicator.

7. The plunge saw of claim 6 , wherein the light source includes or is a cut indicator LED configured to project the line of light.

8. 8. A plunge saw as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the light source is arranged to emit collimated light, the collimated light defining the line of light.

9. 9. The plunge saw of claim 6, wherein the light source is configured to project a fan of light, and further wherein the line of light is defined by a portion of the fan of light that is incident on the workpiece.

10. 10. The plunge saw of claim 9, wherein the location of the edge of the circular saw blade is indicated on the workpiece by a transition from a shadow of the circular saw blade to the line of light.

11. The plunge saw of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the plunge saw includes a plunge assembly, the plunge assembly including the arbor and the motor, and is operably mounted to the base plate via the base plate pivot.

12. The disconnection indicator is (i) an electrical conductor extending between the plunge assembly and the light source; and (ii) a fiber optic cable operatively attached to both the plunge assembly and the base plate and configured to project the line of light; The plunge saw of claim 11 further comprising at least one of:

13. A plunge saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the plunge saw includes a switch configured to selectively supply electrical current to at least one other component of the plunge saw.

14. The plunge saw of claim 13 , wherein the cut indicator is configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade when the switch selectively passes the current to at least one other component of the plunge saw.

15. The plunge saw of claim 14 , wherein the cut indicator is configured to indicate the location of the edge of the circular saw blade for at least a threshold indication time of at least five seconds.

16. A plunge saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the base plate pivot operably mounts a trailing edge region of a plunge assembly to a trailing edge region of the base plate.

17. 17. The plunge saw of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the plunge mechanism includes a plunge release mechanism configured to be selectively actuated by the user to enable transition of the plunge saw from the stowed orientation to the lowered orientation.

18. 18. The plunge saw of claim 17, wherein the plunge mechanism further includes a stored orientation lock configured to selectively hold the plunge saw in the stored orientation, and the plunge release mechanism is configured to be selectively actuated to release the stored orientation lock and enable transition of the plunge saw from the stored orientation to the lowered orientation.

19. A plunge saw according to any preceding claim, wherein the plunge saw is a track saw.

20. 1. A method of operating a plunge saw, comprising: activating a switch on the plunge saw; initiating rotation of a circular saw blade of the plunge saw in response to said actuating; in response to said actuating, commencing projection of a line of light onto the workpiece to visually indicate on the workpiece a location of an edge of the circular saw blade; lowering the circular saw blade onto the workpiece while the circular saw blade is rotating and while the line of light is being applied; Including, the projection of the line of light is configured to project light beyond the circular saw blade such that a first portion of the light is incident on the circular saw blade and a second portion of the light is incident on the workpiece, the second portion of the light defining the line of light; The method of claim 1, wherein the line of light is applied in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to a blade face of the circular saw blade.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein initiating the illumination comprises initiating illumination of a leading edge line of light onto the workpiece.

22. the line of light includes a trailing edge line of light configured to visually indicate a location on the workpiece rearward of a trailing edge of the circular saw blade; 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein initiating said illuminating in response to said lowering further comprises initiating illumination of said trailing edge line of light onto said workpiece.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising maintaining illumination of the line of light on the workpiece for at least a threshold indication time of at least 5 seconds.

24. 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the lowering comprises rotating a plunge assembly of the plunge saw, including the circular saw blade, relative to a base plate of the plunge saw and about a base plate pivot of the plunge saw.

25. The method of claim 24 , wherein said rotating comprises rotating a leading edge of said plunge assembly toward a leading edge of said base plate.

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