Three axis adjustable disc sander

Claim 1

In combination with a horizontal support of a desired elevation on which a workpiece may rest to slide in a first direction thereon when in contact with an elongate guide that occupies a fixed position relative to said support, a device that permits a power-driven sander disc to be adjusted laterally, vertically and angularly relative to said guide to contact said workpiece as the latter is moved in said first direction, said device including: a. a horizontal base disposed at a fixed position adjacent said support; b. a pair of spaced parallel rails disposed above said base and normal relative to said guide; c. first and second spaced crosspieces secured to said base and supporting said pair of rails therebetween; d. first and second parallel cross members slidably supported on said rails; e. first means that are manually operated for moving said first cross member on said rails, with said first means when not operated holding said first cross member at a desired fixed position on said rails; f. second means that are manually operated for moving said second cross member on said rails; g. two sets of first and second elongate members that extend upwardly from said base to define an ''''X'''', each of said first and second members having first and second end portions, with said first end portions of said first members being connected to opposite ends of said first cross member, and said second end portions of said second members being pivotally connected to opposite ends of said second cross member, with each of said sets of said first and second members having aligned centrally disposed bores formed therein; h. third means that engage said aligned bores for pivotally connecting said first and second members in each of said sets; i. a pair of spaced parallel side walls that have first and second end portions, with said first end portion having elongate horizontal slots formed therein; j. fourth means slidable in said slots and pivotally connected to said first end portions of said second members; k. fifth means that pivotally connect said second end portions of said side walls; l. at least one horizontal plate that connects the longitudinal edges of said side walls most adjacent said base; m. a cradle pivotally supported between said side walls and above said plate; n. an electric motor supported in a fixed position in said cradle, said motor including a stub drive shaft; o. sixth means for removably securing said sander disc to said drive shaft; p. seventh means that are manually operated for pivoting said crable, motor and sander disc to a desired angular relationship relative to said horizontal plate; q. eighth means for visually indicating the vertical angle of said sander disc; and r. first and second stops that extend towards one another from said first and second cross members, with said first and second cross members, said two sets of first and second members, said side pieces, said plate, said cradle, and said motor and sander disc being moved as a unit laterally on said pair of rails when said first means is operated, and said first and second members pivoting relative to one another to raise or lower said sander disc when said second means is operated, and with said motorsupporting cradle being at a maximum elevation relative to said base when said first and second stops are in abutting contact.