Straight edge cutting guide for router and circular saw

Claim 1

Guide apparatus for a tool having a cutting blade, including routers, circular saws, sabre saws and the like, comprising in combination: a straight edge assembly on which a bearing block assembly is movable including: a substantially straight hardwood bar; a substantially straight L-shaped metal angle iron track having a horizontal flange firmly attached along the entire length of said hardwood bar and having a vertical flange extending upwards at a uniform distance from said hardwood bar such that said L-shaped metal angle iron forms an open channel parallel to the longitudinal edge of said hardwood bar to receive a cam follower bearing; clamping means on each end of said straight edge assembly for securing said straight edge assembly to a workpiece; a movable bearing block assembly including: a main bearing block; two cam follower bearings positioned within machined recess in the vertical face of said bearing block, each of said cam follower bearings having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the bearing block assembly and having rolling surfaces extending equidistant forward of the vertical face of said bearing block; an outrigger bearing support arm mounted transversely to the top surface of said bearing block, extending forward of the vertical face of said bearing block, and having adjustment slots for alignment; a third cam follower bearing suspended vertically downward from the forward overhanging end of said outrigger bearing support arm, having an axis of rotation parallel to the axes of rotation of said first two cam follower bearings, being positioned forward of and between said first two cam follower bearings; said third cam follower bearing being positioned to move in said channel in said straight edge assembly, its rolling surface being positioned to grip the interior side of the vertical flange of said L-shaped metal angle iron; said first two cam follower bearings having their rolling surfaces being positioned to grip the exterior surface of said L-shaped metal angle iron; an adapter plate means fastened securely to said bearing block and extending outward therefrom for mounting a tool to said bearing block assembly; said bearing block assembly with said adapter plate secured thereto being able to move lengthwise along said straight edge assembly by means of said cam follower bearings such that a tool affixed to said adapter plate will make a straight cut.