Power tool with automatic feathering mode

A power tool comprising:

• a housing;
• a motor disposed in the housing;
• an output spindle configured to be driven by the motor;
• an input switch moveable in a first range of positions between a preset deactivated position and a first preset intermediate position and in a second range of positions between the first preset intermediate position and a preset actuated position, the first intermediate position between the deactivated position and the actuated position;
• and
• a controller configured to control power being delivered to the motor, wherein the controller is operable in one of:
• (a) a normal mode where the controller causes continuous electric power to be delivered to the motor during actuation of the input switch in the first range of positions;
• and (b) a feathering mode where the controller causes discontinuous electric power to be delivered to the motor during actuation of the input switch in the second range of positions to simulate feathering the input switch.

A method of operating a power tool coupled to a source of electric power and having a motor, a controller, and an input switch, the method comprising:

• determining, in the controller, a position of the input switch that is moveable in a first range of positions between a preset deactivated position and a preset actuated position and in a second range of positions between a first preset intermediate position and the preset deactivated position, the first preset intermediate position between preset deactivated position and the preset actuated position;
• delivering continuous electric power to the motor when the determined position of the input switch is within the first range of positions, the continuous electric power causing continuous rotation of the motor;
• and
• delivering discontinuous electric power to the motor when the determined position of the input switch is within the second range only after being in a position between the first intermediate position and the actuated position, the discontinuous power causing discontinuous rotation of the motor to simulate feathering the input switch.