A power tool having an integrated control system includes a workpiece supporting surface, a cutting instrument extendable above the workpiece supporting surface, a guard assembly securable above the workpiece supporting surface for covering at least a portion of the cutting instrument, a motor coupled with the cutting instrument, and a power switch operable for starting the motor for driving the cutting instrument. The power tool includes a control system in communication with the guard assembly for determining if the guard assembly is installed. Before the motor is started, the control system automatically disables the motor if it determines that the guard assembly is not installed. The control system includes a bypass switch for enabling starting of the motor when the guard assembly is not installed.

A power tool having an integrated control system includes a workpiece supporting surface, a cutting instrument extendable above the workpiece supporting surface, a guard assembly securable above the workpiece supporting surface for covering at least a portion of the cutting instrument, a motor coupled with the cutting instrument, and a power switch operable for starting the motor for driving the cutting instrument. The power tool includes a control system in communication with the guard assembly for determining if the guard assembly is installed. Before the motor is started, the control system automatically disables the motor if it determines that the guard assembly is not installed. The control system includes a bypass switch for enabling starting of the motor when the guard assembly is not installed.

A table saw includes a table, a saw unit movably coupled underneath the table, a riving knife extending through the table, and a quick-release assembly selectively coupling the riving knife to the table. The quick-release assembly includes a mounting plate coupled to the table and a clamping plate movable relative to the mounting plate between a clamping position, in which the riving knife is clamped between the mounting plate and the clamping plate to secure the riving knife to the table, and a release position, in which the riving knife is releasable from the table. The quick-release assembly further includes a pin coupled for movement with the clamping plate and a handle pivotably coupled to the pin. The pin has a cam portion engageable with the saw unit. The clamping plate is movable between the clamping position and the release position in response to pivoting movement of the handle.

A table saw includes a table, a saw unit movably coupled underneath the table, a riving knife extending through the table, and a quick-release assembly selectively coupling the riving knife to the table. The quick-release assembly includes a mounting plate coupled to the table and a clamping plate movable relative to the mounting plate between a clamping position, in which the riving knife is clamped between the mounting plate and the clamping plate to secure the riving knife to the table, and a release position, in which the riving knife is releasable from the table. The quick-release assembly further includes a pin coupled for movement with the clamping plate and a handle pivotably coupled to the pin. The pin has a cam portion engageable with the saw unit. The clamping plate is movable between the clamping position and the release position in response to pivoting movement of the handle.

A table saw including a table, an opening in the table through which a saw blade extends, and a throat plate receivable within the opening. The throat plate includes a top surface that is co-planar with a top surface of the table. The table saw further includes an anti-kickback pawl disposed above the throat plate and a wear plate coupled to the throat plate in facing relationship with the anti-kickback pawl, where at least a portion of the wear plate is sub-flush with the top surface of the throat plate.

A table saw including a table, an opening in the table through which a saw blade extends, and a throat plate receivable within the opening. The throat plate includes a top surface that is co-planar with a top surface of the table. The table saw further includes an anti-kickback pawl disposed above the throat plate and a wear plate coupled to the throat plate in facing relationship with the anti-kickback pawl, where at least a portion of the wear plate is sub-flush with the top surface of the throat plate.

A table saw includes a table, a saw unit movably coupled underneath the table, a riving knife extending through the table, and a quick-release assembly selectively coupling the riving knife to the table. The quick-release assembly includes a mounting plate coupled to the table and a clamping plate movable relative to the mounting plate between a clamping position, in which the riving knife is clamped between the mounting plate and the clamping plate to secure the riving knife to the table, and a release position, in which the riving knife is releasable from the table. The quick-release assembly further includes a pin coupled for movement with the clamping plate and a handle pivotably coupled to the pin. The pin has a cam portion engageable with the saw unit. The clamping plate is movable between the clamping position and the release position in response to pivoting movement of the handle.

A table saw includes a table, a saw unit movably coupled underneath the table, a riving knife extending through the table, and a quick-release assembly selectively coupling the riving knife to the table. The quick-release assembly includes a mounting plate coupled to the table and a clamping plate movable relative to the mounting plate between a clamping position, in which the riving knife is clamped between the mounting plate and the clamping plate to secure the riving knife to the table, and a release position, in which the riving knife is releasable from the table. The quick-release assembly further includes a pin coupled for movement with the clamping plate and a handle pivotably coupled to the pin. The pin has a cam portion engageable with the saw unit. The clamping plate is movable between the clamping position and the release position in response to pivoting movement of the handle.

Blade guards for power tools such as table saws are disclosed. The blade guard may include a guard that pivots up and down to allow a workpiece to move past the guard, a dust collection channel, and a pivot mechanism which maintains the dust collection channel in an operable condition as the guard pivots up or down. The guard may also function as a wood stop and it may include anti-kickback pawls. The blade guard may be part of a dust collection system and may be connected to a vacuum system by a conduit such as a flexible hose.

Elevation and blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The elevation and tilt mechanisms may include an indexable position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the blade relative to the table in discrete increments. Such table saws may also include a trunnion assembly with an elevation carriage slideably mounted to front and rear brackets, the brackets being tiltable with the elevation carriage relative to the table, and the elevation carriage being adapted to maintain the tilt of each bracket relative to the other bracket in a fixed orientation.