Apparatus for adjusting the relative positions of two components of a power tool

A tool for carrying out forming operations on a workpiece, the tool comprising:

• a first component for engaging the workpiece;
• a second component disposed vertically relative to said first component;
• one of said first and second components movable relative to the other of said first and second components, said one of said first and second components including an aperture having a plurality of internal threads;
• a workpiece forming element attached to one of said first and second components;
• a drive rod interconnecting said first and second components, said drive rod including a plurality of external threads in engagement with said plurality of internal threads, said drive rod rotatable in a first direction for vertical translation of said second component to toward said first component;
• and
• a biasing member in constant biasing engagement with said one of said first and second components.

A planing machine for planing a surface of a workpiece, the planing machine comprising:

• a carriage assembly including a casting and at least one rotatable cutting blade, said casting having a boss portion defining an aperture with a plurality of internal threads;
• a workpiece support member disposed vertically relative to said carriage assembly so as to define a selectively adjustable workpiece opening therebetween;
• a plurality of vertical support columns interconnecting said carriage assembly and said workpiece support member;
• one of said carriage assembly being slidably mounted to said plurality of support columns for selective bi-directional movement along a path of travel and said workpiece support member slidably mounted to said plurality of support columns for selective bi-directional movement along a path of travel;
• a first drive rod including a plurality of external threads in meshing engagement with the plurality of internal threads;
• and
• a biasing member in constant biasing engagement with said carriage assembly such that constant outboard engagement of said internal threads and said external threads is maintained as said first drive rod is rotated.