Hand-held band saw

Abstract

A hand-held band saw is provided for one-hand operation. The band saw has a frame and a handle extending from a longitudinal edge of the frame at an acute angle and opposite an edge containing a throat for receiving the work piece. The orientation of the handle centers the mass of the saw below the hand and positions the cutting section of the blade in a vertical plane so it will engage a work piece at a preferred angle selected by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention concerns hand-held power tools and particularly an improved cut-off or band saw designed for one-handed operation.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art

[0005] Vertical band saws were traditionally the tool of choice for cutting conduit, pipe and a variety of other materials. However, the size of such saws make it difficult to easily transport vertical band saws to the job site. As a result, portable band saws were designed for use on the job site by electricians and pipe fitters. The portable band saw design, exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,937, is still a substantial piece of equipment and requires two-handed operation to support the saw above the work piece. As a result of the two-handed operation, and the weight of the tool, operators often find themselves standing in awkward and physically detrimental positions to make the appropriate cut. The manner in which the saw needs to be manipulated requires the work piece be fixed in some manner such as by clamp or vise. This process is sometimes cumbersome because of the length or weight of the stock and also results in lower back injuries because of the awkward posture in making the cut.

[0006] The instant invention overcomes all of the disadvantages of the prior portable band saw designs since the invention is lightweight, can be easily held in one hand, and is balanced so as not to require awkward postures in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is a purpose of this invention to provide a user a lightweight and portable ban d saw for cutting materials traditional cut by hand using a hack saw.

[0008] It is another purpose of this invention to provide a user with a portable band saw that can comfortably be held and operated with a single hand so the other hand can control the stock being cut.

[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide a portable band saw that naturally orients the cutting section of the blade in a plane normal to the work piece to make a clean cut.

[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide a band saw with a safety feature that breaks a blade before it can be dangerous and injure the user.

[0011] In furtherance of the objects and goals of the invention, a hand-held band saw is provided for cutting a work piece. The band saw includes in its most rudimentary form a frame assembly having a handle assembly extending at an acute angle from a longitudinal edge of the frame assembly. The frame assembly receives a motor assembly proximate one end, having a shaft extending through the frame assembly. A drive wheel is connected to the free end of the shaft. A driven wheel is mounted on the frame assembly distant from the drive wheel and together supports a continuous loop cutting blade.

[0012] According to another form of the invention, a hand-held band saw is provided including a deck and a handle extending from a longitudinal edge of the deck at an acute angle. The deck also provides a base for a motor assembly at one end connected to a drive wheel and a tensioning member at an opposite end of the deck and connected to a driven wheel. A continuous loop blade is mounted to the drive and driven wheels with a section of the cutting blade deflected at an angle about equal to the acute angle of the handle so the user can better align the continuous loop blade to make the cut.

[0013] According to yet another object of the invention, the hand-held band saw includes a frame assembly, a handle assembly extending at an acute angle from a longitudinal edge of the frame assembly, a motor assembly mounted to the frame assembly and connected to a drive wheel, a driven wheel connected to a tensioning assembly, and a battery pack detachably coupled to an end of the handle assembly distant from the motor assembly to provide a balance feel to the user when the saw is grasped by the handle.

[0014] According to the other objects of the invention, the band saw includes a guide assembly attached to the frame assembly to orient a section of the blade at an angle approximating the acute angle of the handle.

[0015] Yet another form of the invention includes a hand-held band saw having a frame or chassis assembly and a cam assembly disposed within a portion of the frame or chassis assembly and connected to a driven wheel for allowing the driven wheel to move relative to the drive wheel.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the above features or aspects of the invention, a fence is provided for supporting the work piece and aiding in making an accurate cut. Moreover, appropriate gearing reduction is provided between the motor and the drive wheel to control the maximum rotation of the cutting blade.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method for operating a hand-held portable band saw is provided including grasping the band saw by a handle extending at an acute angle from a longitudinal edge of the saw frame, orienting a work piece to be cut by the saw, resting the work piece against a fence depending from a frame of the saw, and energizing the saw to cause the blade to cut through the work piece along a predetermined path.

[0018] The instant invention provides significant advantages of the prior band saws. Foremost is the ability to easily transport the band saw to any location. The weight of the saw is comparable to other single-handed operation tools rendering it easily carried on a belt or by hand. The form of the invention using a rechargeable battery as a source of power no longer requires an AC source. This aspect expands the range of operational environments. The instant invention also provides the advantage of saving time since it can be used at the very spot where the user is currently working. No longer does the user need to measure, mark, and transport the work piece to another location to have it cut. A unique feature of this method is the manner is which the saw body is automatically oriented at an acute angle relative to the handle to properly position the saw blade in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the handle to that the cut can be easily controlled by the user. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the advantage the invention provides is the ability of the user to hold the saw in one hand in a balanced, naturally vertical orientation such the saw blade is oriented normal to the work piece. The orientation does not cause the user to assume irregular or awkward postures while cutting that could lead to back or other physical disorders. These and other advantages will become readily apparent when viewing the attached drawing figures described in greater detail in this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0019] FIG. 1 is an oblique end view of a saw embodying the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the invention shown on FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an oblique side of the invention shown on FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the invention shown on FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another form of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 is an opposite side elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 5;

[0025] FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the invention shown in FIG. 6;

[0026] FIG. 8 is an opposite elevation view of the end invention shown in FIG. 6;

[0027] FIGS. 9 a and 9b are exploded views of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0028] For purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives or formatives of such terms shall relate to the invention as oriented in each of the respective drawing figures. The invention may assume various alternative orientations and embodiments, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following text, are simply one embodiment of the concept. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics of the invention are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise as being crucial. It is also the inventor's intention the terms “wheel,” “pulley,” “roller,” or “rotary actuator” may be used interchangeably to refer to components capable of rotating, pivoting or swiveling, fully or partially, about a predetermined axis to convert rotary motion to linear motion to an associated or connected component.

[0029] One form of the inventive band saw 10 is illustrated in various orientations in FIGS. 1-4. The band saw 10 as shown is made from a variety of assembled components, including a C-shaped frame assembly 12 depending angularly from a centrally located handle assembly 14. FIGS. 1 and 2 best illustrate the location of the handle assembly 14 intermediate the extreme ends of the C-shaped frame assembly 12.

[0030] The frame assembly 12 includes a first end 16 interconnected to a second opposite end 18 by a laterally offset longitudinal member (LOLM) 20 which establishes the general framework for the cut-off saw 10. Handle assembly 14 is connected to frame assembly 12 at various locations including the LOLM 20 and medial portions of the first end 16 such that the center of gravity of the cut-off saw 10 is disposed centrally below handle assembly 14.

[0031] Journaled to the underside of the first end 16 of frame assembly 12 is a drive pulley 22 of predetermined diameter coupled via a transmission 24 to an electric motor 26, both respectively shown extending from the upper surface of first end 16. A driven pulley 28 is journaled to the underside of the second end 18 of the frame assembly 12 by way of a tensioning assembly (not shown) mounted to the frame assembly 12. The tensioning assembly may take on any one of a number of configurations to translate driven pulley 28 relative to drive pulley 22 for retaining a continuous loop blade 30 mounted on pulleys 22 and 28.

[0032] Extending toward the parallel section of the continuous loop blade 30 opposite that of the LOLM 20, and mounted on the medial portions of end members 16 and 18, are brackets 32 and 34, respectively. Roller bearing assemblies 36 and 38 disposed at the end of each bracket 32, 34 are intended to engage opposing sides of blade 30 and cause the blade 30 to twist a predetermined angle relative to the tangent of the pulleys 22 and 28. Orienting that portion of the blade 30 in the “throat” area 40 between ends 16 and 18 provides the greatest cutting depth for the blade. A stop plate or fence 41 extends from bracket 34 for receiving the work piece and provides stability.

[0033] As briefly mentioned earlier, one of the advantages provided by the invention is the one-handed balanced operation. This is achieved by locating the handle intermediate the drive and driven pulleys 22, 28, respectively, rather than outboard as in previous designs. Moreover, it is intended to suspend the frame assembly 12 at a point below the handle assembly 14 such that the saw, under the effect of gravity, hangs naturally when gripped by the operator.

[0034] The handle assembly 14 includes a pistol grip 42 having a trigger assembly 44 for controlling the cutting speed of the motor 26. Integral with the grip 42 is a receptacle intended to slidably receive, or otherwise connect to a rechargeable battery pack 46, providing power to the motor 26 via the trigger. The location and dimension of the battery pack 46 is designed to offset and substantially balance the weight of the cantilevered components so the saw feels well balanced within the user's grip. Appropriate connections and locks are to be provided to receive and hold the battery pack 46 in place.

[0035] The cut-off saw 10 shown in the drawing figures illustrates a skirt 48 extending generally downward around the blade 30 and fastened at intervals to the frame assembly 12. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt extends substantially around the saw except around the portion of the blade traversing the throat area 40. Clearly, the absence of the skirt in this area permits the blade 30 to engage the work piece.

[0036] In a more sophisticated embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated the chassis including the frame assembly 12 and handle assembly 14 may be integrally formed from machined metal or molded polymeric material described in greater detail below. Likewise, the battery case and battery receptacle in the handle may be formed from a molded polymeric material. The protective covers surrounding the motor 26 as well as the undersides of the drive and driven pulleys 22, 28 may also be shrouded or enclosed by machined aluminum or molded polymeric covers. Of course, it is understood metallic or polymeric materials are not the only materials from which a majority of the cutoff saw components are manufactured. Certainly other materials such as bronze or other metals could be used to produce this invention.

[0037] FIGS. 5-9b illustrate yet another embodiment of the inventive cut-off saw manufactured using one of the aforementioned machining or molding techniques. In essence, the configuration of the embodiment of the cut-off saw 50 is substantially similar to that of the saw 10 described above. However, in this particular embodiment, the chassis 52 defined by the saw deck 54 and one half of the handle assembly 56 are formed as a unitary and integral unit as illustrated in FIG. 9a In one embodiment, the chassis 52 may be machined from a billet of aluminum. Preferably, the saw deck 54 and portion of the handle assembly 56 are formed by a process of plastic injection molding.

[0038] In this embodiment, the saw deck 54 in plan view has a substantially oval configuration defining a first end 58 and an opposite and second end 60. The deck assembly 54 includes a deck 62 having a generally C-shaped configuration wherein the gap 64 along one margin or edge of the oval deck 62 forms a throat 64 for receiving the work piece. The deck 62 may be reinforced and made substantially rigid by the integral downwardly depending skirt 66 depending from the periphery of deck 62 as well as ribs, bulkheads or flanges 68 depending from the underside of deck 62 and around throat 64. In its most rudimentary form, the deck 62 includes a cylindrical motor mount 70 terminating in a floor 72 and breached by centrically disposed hole 74. The cylindrical mount 70 and associated structure is adapted to receive a motor assembly 76 described in greater detail below. Proximate the first end 58 of the deck 52 is a second recess 78 terminating in a floor 80 and having an oval hole 82 formed therein. The recess 78 is intended to receive a tensioning assembly generally identified by reference number 84 in FIG. 9a described in greater detail below.

[0039] In one embodiment, deck 62 and supporting structure may be manufactured from a polymeric material using plastic injection molding techniques. In this instance, rib and bulkheads may be formed as an integral part of the deck 62 to provide a rigid structure. In another embodiment as described above, the deck 62 may also be machined from aluminum or other metal.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, one half 90 or other fraction of a handle assembly 92 may be integrally formed with the chassis 52 or deck 62. The handle assembly 92 includes a mating handle shell 94 adapted to mate with handle portion 90. Using the same injection molding method contemplated in the preferred method, appropriate mounting surfaces and structures can be formed in the handle assembly 92 to receive a safety switch and a variable speed trigger 96. In the preferred embodiment, handle assembly 92 is angled relative to deck 62. Most preferably, the plane normal or perpendicular to deck 62 is disposed at an acute angle to a plane substantially parallel to the handle assembly 92. With the handle in this orientation, the center of gravity of the saw is located below the handle and properly positions the saw blade parallel to the handle. In this way, the natural orientation of the user's hand greatly assists in providing better control of the cut.

[0041] The handle assembly 92 also includes a slide receiver 98 for receiving a battery 99 thereon (FIG. 5). In the preferred embodiment, the battery receiver 98 is positioned at an end of the handle assembly 92 opposite that proximate the motor assembly 76 described below to balance the weight distribution as much as possible. This may be accomplished by altering the moment or length of the battery receiver 98 relative to the handle assembly 92. Anyone of a number of different locking mechanisms may be used to keep the battery 99 on the receiver.

[0042] Mounted to the deck 62 of the chassis 52 is the motor assembly 76 briefly described earlier. As better shown in FIG. 9b, the motor assembly 76 is what drives a drive wheel assembly 100 positioned below deck 62. The motor assembly 76 includes a bracket 102 attached to the underside of deck 62 and provides a mounting base for fixing the motor assembly 76 to the chassis 52. The motor assembly 76 also includes a motor 104 attached to a reduction gear transmission 106 which is mounted to the bracket 102. The transmission 106 includes an output shaft 108 fixed to a gear 110. Once the motor assembly 76 is fixed to the bracket 102, the motor assembly cover 112 is slipped over motor 104 and transmission 106 and coupled to the upper surface of deck 62.

[0043] The drive wheel assembly 100 briefly mentioned above includes a drive wheel 114 having an internal gear 116 formed around the interior of the wheel hub and adapted to engage gear 110 fixed to output shaft 108. The pitch or tooth count of internal gear 116 is preferably greater than that of gear 110 even though the reduction of output shaft 108 has been substantially reduced from the rpm output of the motor 104. More specifically, the gear ratio between internal gear 116 to gear 110 is to drive wheel 114 at a speed to obtain the best cutting solution. The drive speed of wheel 114 may be controlled using other methods to obtain the best performance. Examples of alternate methods and structures would include variable speed motor, different gear ratios between the internal gear 116 and gear 110, and a clutch arrangement between the output shaft 108 and drive wheel 114. However, in this embodiment it is preferred the drive wheel 114 be journaled to a post 118 extending from bracket 102, and fixed by a cap screw or other fastener 120 and appropriate spacers/washers 122. When journaled on post 118, internal gear 116 is spaced appropriately from drive gear 110 to cause drive wheel 114 to spin in a counter clockwise direction.

[0044] The driven wheel assembly 124 mounted toward the opposite end of the chassis 52 includes a pulley or wheel 126 journaled to a post 128 extending from the carriage 130 of the tensioning assembly 84 disposed in sliding position within the generally rectangular recess 78. A fastener 132 and spacers/washers 134 are used to retain the driven wheel 126 in free spinning engagement on the tensioning assembly 84.

[0045] The driven wheel 126 can be rotated or otherwise translated between a first and a second position relative to the drive wheel 114 through the tensioning assembly 84 located at one end of the saw. The tensioning assembly 84 includes the carriage 130 resting within the rectangular recess 78. The post 128 extends through the oval slot 82 formed in the recess floor 80 in order to receive the driven wheel. The carriage 130 also includes a structure 136 at one end which is intended to stabilize the relative position of one end of a compression spring or other biasing mechanism 138. The opposite end of the biasing mechanism 138 engages the wall 140 of opening 78 in order to urge carriage 130 toward the opposite end. The position of the carriage 130 may be changed with the aid of a cam pin 142 extending from cam shaft 144. The cam shaft 144, carriage 130 and biasing member 138 are retained within the recess 78 by a cover plate 146 which is fastened to deck 62, and contains a port through which the upper end of cam shaft 144 extends to be attached to a cam handle 148. Rotation of the cam handle 148 rotates cam shaft 144 and engages or disengages the cam pin 142 with carriage 132 and translating the carriage 132 toward or away from the biasing member 138.

[0046] As suggested in the foregoing text, the saw of this invention is a hand-held band saw. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous loop blade 150 may be changed to accommodate substantially any material ranging from steel or iron, plastics, or woods. The distance between the drive wheel and driven wheels is reduced by adjusting the biasing member 128. The desired blade is placed at least partially around the drive and driven wheels and the biasing member 138 is released to place the blade in tension. To properly orient the section of the continuous loop blade 150 at the proper angle as it traverses throat 64, bearings 152 and 154 are mounted at the distal ends of brackets 156 to engage the side of the blade 150. Although not shown, spacers may be used to adjust the position of the bearings 152 and 154. The brackets 156 are preferably “dog-legged” at a predetermined angle such that the bearings 152, 154 at the end engage opposite sides of the continuous loop blade and deflect the section of the blade 150 traversing the throat to the desired angle. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the blade 150 traversing the throat may be substantially parallel to the plane of the handle assembly 92.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, provision is made to break worn-out or defective blades in order to reduce the risk of injury to a user as a result of the weakened blade. This is accomplished with the aid of a blade break assembly 160 mounted to the underside of deck 62 just ahead of the up-take portion of the drive wheel 114. In cases where a worn or cracked blade is running on the invention, the blade will tend to wander over the surface of the drive and driven wheels in large part because of a minor change in the blade length. As the blade migrates, it will eventually engage the blade break assembly before a substantial portion of the toothed edge of the blade exceeds the height of the skirt 66. When the blade engages the break, the worn portion is stressed by the break 160 more than any other section and leading to an intentional failure. It is envisioned the blade break 160 may assume different configurations. In one embodiment, the blade break may take the form of a bearing mounted on a post positioned to engage the cutting edge of the blade as it migrates from the wheels. Other structures may also be used to intentionally stress the blade and cause it to release to prevent any injury or damage.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention includes a fence 162 extending from one side of the throat 64 to aid the user in stabilizing the saw and making a more precise cut. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle the fence extends downwardly from deck 52 is substantially parallel to the orientation of the blade section traversing the throat and the plane of the handle.

[0049] As suggested earlier in this description, an important object of the invention is providing the capability of the cutting power of a band saw literally in one hand of a user. With this invention, the user can easily carry the saw to essentially any location to cut certain types of stock to length. The invention was originally intended to cut metal conduit but it can easily be adapted to cut other material. In order to function as desired, the only limitation is that the stock should fit within the throat area. In most instances, it is envisioned the user will grasp the saw in one hand and position or stabilize the stock with the other hand. The user will depress the safety switch and then depress the trigger to turn on the saw. The user may pre-align the blade before starting the cut, or align the blade after starting the blade rotation to initiate the cut. To stabilize the stock or work piece, the user can rest the stock against the fence while the blade is cutting the stock.

[0050] In operation, the instant invention is used in a manner which is ergonomically much more natural than prior band saws. First the operator is able to easily hold the saw using a single hand rather than prior band saws where the handle is positioned at an extreme end of the saw body. This one-handed operation is not merely attributable to scale, but to the position and orientation of the handle assembly along the upper end of the saw so the user can keep the saw close to the user's body as compared to previous devices requiring support away from the user's body. Moreover, an offset of the mass of the motor assembly by the mass of the battery pack naturally orients and balances the saw in an appropriate and ergonomically comfortable position. This aspect also naturally orients the throat area 64 of the saw to engage the work piece.

[0051] The method of using the inventive saw having a throat along one edge for receiving the work piece and traversed by a continuous loop blade includes grasping the handle extending from an upper edge of the saw opposite the throat area with one hand. The user is then free to orient or stabilize the work piece with the other hand. The user may also fix the work piece with clamps or the like before hand without the need to later stabilize the free hand. The user activates or energizes the saw by first depressing the safety switch disposed in the handle assembly, and then depressing the trigger also located in the handle assembly. This provides power to the motor and results in rotation of the continuous loop blade to pass through the throat area. The user is then able to engage the work piece by the blade to make the cut. To help in the cutting operation, the user can permit the work piece to be restrained by the fence to make a better cut. Because of the position of the center of gravity is generally in a line passing through the user's hand and forearm, the user is able to easily orient the saw to make cuts in a vertical or overhead position. This alignment of the center of gravity is closer to the axis of the user's forearm and hand making it more ergonomic to control. This also frees the second hand of the user to orient, adjust or stabilize the position of the work piece to complete the cut in a smooth and efficient manner.

[0052] The method of using the instant invention also includes the manner for driving the continuous loop blade. The motor assembly 76 described above includes a reduction gear attached to one end of the motor. As suggested by the comparent name, the reduction gear or transmission changes the rpm of the output shaft from the rpm produced by the motor. In this particular application, rpms produced by the transmission are less than that of the motor. The gear 110 attached to the end of the transmission engages the internal gear 116 on the interior of the drive wheel 114. The gear ratios are such that the desired blade speed is achieved. If desired, a variety of gear combinations can be provided using different reduction combinations. Alternatively and as anticipated in one form of the invention, the speed of the cutting blade can be varied using a variable speed trigger assembly as is used in other tools.

[0053] Modifications in addition to those outlined above may occur to those skilled in the art or to those who make or use the invention. Such modifications may include substitution of the battery with a power cord for connecting to an AC source. The change in power source will also require a change in the electrical components so they are compatible. Other modifications may change the blade tensioning mechanism from one that is naturally relaxed to one that is naturally in the extended position. Additional modifications to the instant invention may also include the ability to quickly adjust the deflection angle of the continuous loop blade. The range of adjustment may vary from small adjustments to much larger scale changes. One example for doing so may be by providing a pivoting arm on the guide assembly or bracket 156 such that the angle of the bearings may be adjusted. This may be advantageous if the center of gravity is altered by using batteries of different mass or the user wishes to increase the depth of the throat area by changing the natural cutting angle of the saw. Thus the embodiment described above is merely illustrative.

Claims

1. A hand-held power saw for cutting a work piece, comprising in combination: a frame assembly; a handle assembly extending from a longitudinal edge of said frame assembly and oriented at an acute angle relative to said frame assembly; a motor assembly having a drive shaft and mounted to said frame assembly; a drive wheel assembly connected to said drive shaft of said motor assembly; a driven wheel assembly journaled to said frame assembly distant from said drive wheel, said drive wheel and said driven wheel adapted to support a continuous loop blade thereon; and a blade break assembly mounted to said frame assembly.

2. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, further comprising a battery pack detachably coupled to the hand-held power saw for providing power to said motor assembly.

3. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, further comprising a guide assembly attached to said frame for orienting a section of the continuous loop blade at an angle within five degrees of said acute angle said handle assembly is relative to said frame assembly.

4. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, further comprising a cam assembly connected to said driven wheel assembly for translating said driven wheel assembly between a first and a second position relative to said drive wheel assembly.

5. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, further comprising a fence depending from said frame assembly for resting against the work piece being cut.

6. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, further comprising a switch assembly operably interconnecting said battery pack to said motor assembly.

7. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly comprises a first and a second end, and a throat area intermediate said first and second end along a longitudinal edge opposite said handle assembly.

8. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle assembly comprises an integral portion of said frame assembly.

9. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle assembly comprises a D-shaped handle attached to said frame assembly.

10. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle assembly comprises an L-shaped member attached to said frame assembly.

11. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said handle assembly further includes a cantilevered structure adapted to receive a battery pack.

12. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said motor assembly comprises: a motor housing; a motor disposed within said housing and having an output shaft; a transmission coupled to said output shaft of said motor and having a drive shaft; and a gear assembly attached to a free end of said drive shaft.

13. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said drive wheel assembly comprises: a pulley journaled to said frame assembly; and a driven gear connected to said pulley and adapted to be engaged by said motor assembly.

14. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 3, wherein said guide assembly comprises a first and a second guide arm each having a first end attached to said frame assembly and a second end proximate said section of the continuous loop blade; at least one bearing member attached to said second end of each of said first and second guide arm adapted to engage at least one side of the continuous loop blade.

15. The hand-held power saw as defined in claim 4, wherein said cam assembly comprises a carriage slidably disposed within said frame assembly and journaled to said driven wheel assembly; a biasing member disposed between an end of said carriage and said frame assembly for urging said carriage toward one end of said frame assembly; a cam member engaging an end of said carriage opposite that engaging said biasing member; and a handle attached to said cam for rotating said cam and moving said carriage between a first and a second position

16. A saw for cutting a work piece using a continuous loop blade, comprising: a frame having a first and a second end; a throat defined within said frame intermediate said first end and said second end; a driven wheel journaled to said frame; a drive wheel journaled to said frame and spaced from said driven wheel, said drive wheel supporting the continuous loop blade; a motor mounted to said frame; a transmission interconnecting said motor to said drive wheel; and a handle assembly extending from said frame intermediate said first and said second ends, and substantially opposite said throat, said handle assembly oriented at an angle relative to said frame such that a section of the continuous loop blade spanning said throat lies in a plane generally parallel to said handle assembly.

17. The saw as defined in claim 16, further comprising a power supply coupled to said handle assembly.

18. The saw as defined in claim 16, further comprising at least one blade guide assembly mounted within said throat for orienting said section of the continuous loop blade generally parallel to said handle assembly.

19. The saw as defined in claim 16, further comprising a blade tensioning assembly connecting said driven wheel to said frame.

20. The saw as defined in claim 16, further comprising a skirt depending substantially around said frame.

21. The saw as defined in claim 16, further comprising a fence connected to one portion of said throat for engaging the work piece.

22. The saw as defined in claim 17, wherein said power supply comprises at least one of a battery pack and an electrical cord.

23. The saw as defined in claim 18, wherein said at least one blade guide assembly comprises a bracket attached to said frame, and at least one bearing attached to an end of said bracket for engaging a side of the continuous looped blade.

24. The saw as defined in claim 19, wherein said blade tensioning assembly comprises a carriage for translating said driven wheel along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said frame.

25. The saw as defined in claim 18, where said at least one blade guide assembly comprises two blade guide assemblies spaced from each other at opposite ends of said throat for engaging at least one side of the continuous looped blade and twisting the continuous looped blade a predetermined angle relative to said frame.

26. A hand-held band saw, comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end and a length greater than a width which is greater than a height, and having a throat extending inwardly of said frame from a first longitudinal side intermediate said first and second ends; a tensioning assembly mounted in sliding engagement to said first end of said frame; a first wheel journaled to said tensioning assembly adapted to engage a portion of a continuous loop blade to be mounted thereon; a transmission assembly mounted to a second end of said frame; a second wheel journaled to said second end of said frame and coupled in drive relationship to said transmission assembly adapted to engage said portion of the continuous loop blade to be mounted thereon; an electric motor coupled to said transmission assembly for providing power through said transmission assembly to said second wheel; a handle extending from a second longitudinal side of said frame intermediate said first and second ends and at an angle relative to said frame; and a battery having a battery housing, said battery housing being removably attached to and disposed on said handle with provision for electrically coupling said battery to said electric motor.

27. The saw as defined in claim 26, further comprising a first and a second blade guide mounted on opposite sides of said throat for twisting a segment of the continuous loop blade to a predetermined angle.

28. The saw as defined in claim 26, further comprising a fence attached to said frame within said throat for engaging a work piece.

29. The saw as defined in claim 26, further comprising a skirt depending around substantially all of said frame but for said throat to permit the continuous loop blade to engage a work piece.

30. The saw as defined in claim 26, wherein said frame is fixed at a predetermined angle relative to said handle.

31. The saw as defined in claim 26, wherein said battery housing is coupled to said handle proximate said first end of said frame.

32. The saw as defined in claim 26, wherein said battery is rechargeable having a chemistry selected from the group of nickel cadmium, nickel metal hybride, lithium, and lead-acid.

33. A portable cordless band saw comprising: a C-shaped frame having a length greater than a width which is greater than a height and having a first and a second ends; a primary handle extending from a longitudinal edge of said C-shaped frame intermediate said first and second ends and disposed at an angle relative to said C-shaped frame; a battery pack detachably coupled to said handle; a drive assembly attached to one end of said C-shaped frame, and operably coupled to said battery pack; and a longitudinally translatable driven assembly attached to an opposite end of said C-shaped frame; wherein said drive and driven assemblies are adapted to receive a continuous loop blade thereon such that a portion of the continuous loop blade traverses across a throat area defined by said C-shaped frame.

34. A method for cutting a work piece, comprising the steps of: providing a saw body having a throat defined along one edge for receiving the work piece and a handle extending from an edge of said body at an angle relative to said body and opposite said throat area, providing a continuous-loop blade along one side of said saw body such that a section of said continuous-loop blade traverses said throat; grasping the handle of the saw with one hand such that the body of the saw lies at said angle relative to said handle; energizing the saw to cause the cutting blade to rotate; directing the saw to locate the throat adjacent the work piece; and engaging the work piece with said cutting blade along a predetermined line to be cut.

35. The method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of orienting a section of said cutting blade traversing said throat to lie in a plane about parallel to a plane of said handle.

36. The method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of automatically breaking said cutting blade when said cutting blade is fatigued.

37. The method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of breaking said cutting blade when said cutting blade is displaced a predetermined distance.

37. The method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of depressing a safety switch prior to energizing the band saw.

38. The method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of engaging the work piece with a fence depending from said body of said saw to stabilize the work piece.