Workbench

Details Workbench Workbench

1999-11-04

2001-09-11

Bray, W Donald (Department: 3725)

Cutting

By tool reciprocable along elongated edge

With work-support and means to vary relationship between...

C144S286100, C269S295000, C269S901000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286405

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional workbench comprises a pair of elongate vice beams which form a working surface and which can be shifted relative to one another in the manner of a vice by means of a pair of independently operable vice operating screws. This known workbench is capable of clamping workpieces of different shapes and sizes between the two vice beams, such that the workpiece is firmly gripped whilst it is worked upon.
In order for a workpiece to be cut or sawn the workpiece is clamped between the vice beams and the end of the workpiece to be cut protrudes beyond the working surface, a cut is then made through the protruding end. As the cut is made the sawn off end of the workpiece drops to the floor. This has the disadvantage that as the sawn off piece is removed the weight of that piece rips through the final part of its attachment to the remaining workpiece, which can cause splintering or a rough edge to the required piece of the workpiece, This leads to additional time for the user to repair the damage, or waste of the actual workpiece if the damage cannot be repaired. In order to overcome this problem either a second person is required to hold steady the protruding end or an additional clamp for holding the protruding end at a point remote from the workbench. This has the disadvantage that it requires either additional personnel or additional equipment in order to make the cut. Also even when such is used a large number of rough or splintered workpieces still arise because the workpiece is not directly supported beneath the cutting area, thereby the workpiece can flex causing the saw to stick as it is drawn backwards and forwards through the workpiece. Furthermore the forced non uniform movements of the saw together with the metal teeth can give rise to a jagged, uneven edge to the cut surface. It is also found that splintering to the workpiece can still occur, especially if an angled or mitred cut is required.
SUMMARY AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the above described disadvantages.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a workbench comprising a stand and a work surface supported on the stand, the work surface having means to clamp a workpiece on the workbench, wherein the work surface comprises a cutter guide.
Preferably the work surface is adapted to clamp a workpiece at either side of its cutter guide. This has the advantage that a workpiece is fully supported and the sawn-off piece does not drop, reducing splintering of the workpiece.
Preferably the cutter guide is a gap within the surface of the work surface. More preferably the gap is adjustable. This has the advantage that a cutter, for example saw can pass through the gap in the surface of the work surface providing easier access to the workpiece. Preferably a recess is provided between the work surface and stand in the vicinity of the gap.
In a preferred embodiment a support tray is provided in the recess, beneath the gap, preferably the position of the tray is adjustable. This has the advantage that a piece of rough wood can be selectively placed in the tray and the workpiece supported thereon in the vicinity of its area to be cut, thereby the cutter can bear down through the workpiece, pressing the workpiece onto the rough wood further reducing flexing of the workpiece.
Preferably the workbench comprises a mitre guide for guiding a cutter through a workpiece. Preferably the mitre guide is an angled gap within the surface of the work surface. In a preferred embodiment the mitre guide is an attachment to the work surface, more preferably it is adjustable to provide complex angles to the cut.
In a preferred embodiment the cutter guide is a mitre guide.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4154435 (1979-05-01), Alessio
patent: 4155386 (1979-05-01), Alessio
patent: 4909491 (1990-03-01), Cheng
patent: 6058990 (2000-05-01), Kent

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