Portable Band Saw

Abstract

A portable band saw includes a serviceable/replaceable bumper system for allowing the band saw to be easily repaired if damaged from being dropped. An auxiliary handle is adjustably mounted to the band saw and is releasable from its position if subjected to a large force so as to avoid damage to the handle and tool housing. An adjustable guide shoe includes a toolless adjustment. The front and rear section of the band saw are disposed on opposite sides of a polymeric field case. Compression rods are used to isolate compression forces from the polymeric field case. An electric box assembly including a plastic component box is disposed between the field case and a front section of the band saw. A crash guard is mounted adjacent to the field case and includes a sight guide along an edge thereof and a rear blade guard formed integrally therewith.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable band saw, comprising:
 a housing including a front section and a rear section;   a blade extending between said front section and said rear section; and   a shoe body adjustably attached to said housing and including a blade passage for receiving said blade therein, said shoe body being secured to said housing by a toolless adjustment mechanism that adjustably engages a toothed block on said shoe body.   
     
     
         2 . The portable band saw according to  claim 1 , wherein said toolless adjustment mechanism includes a lever engaging a threaded stud that adjustable engages said toothed block. 
     
     
         3 . The portable band saw according to  claim 1 , wherein said toothed block is slidably disposed in a slot in said housing.