Cutting tool assembly including a release mechanism

An arbor assembly for connecting a cutting tool to a power tool, the arbor assembly comprising:

• a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having an end portion configured to couple to the cutting tool;
• a plate surrounding a portion of the shaft adjacent to the end portion, the plate having a first surface configured to engage the cutting tool when the cutting tool is coupled to the shaft and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface, the plate movable relative to the shaft in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis;
• a wedge member adjacent to the second surface of the plate and defining an opening to receive a portion of the shaft, at least a portion of the wedge member being tapered such that a thickness of the wedge member decreases from a first end to a second end, the wedge member substantially inhibiting movement of the plate in the first direction away from the end portion;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the wedge member, the actuator operable to move the wedge member relative to the shaft and the plate in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein movement of the wedge member in the second direction allows movement of the plate in the first direction.

A cutting tool assembly comprising:

• a cutting tool;
• and
• an arbor assembly including
• a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having an end portion coupled to the cutting tool,
• a first plate substantially surrounding a portion of the shaft adjacent to the end portion, the first plate having a first surface engaging the cutting tool and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface, the first plate movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the shaft,
• a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and surrounding a portion of the shaft, the second plate having a first surface facing away from the first plate and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface,
• a wedge member positioned between the second surface of the first plate and the second surface of the second plate and defining an opening to receive a portion of the shaft, at least a portion of the wedge member being tapered such that a thickness of the wedge member decreases from a first end to a second end, the wedge member movable relative to the first plate and the second plate from a first position, in which the first plate is inhibited from moving along the longitudinal axis away from the cutting tool, to a second position, in which the first plate is movable along the longitudinal axis away from the cutting tool, and
• an actuator coupled to the wedge member, the actuator operable to move the wedge member from the first position to the second position.