Guarded power circular saw assembly

A guarded power saw assembly ( 10 ) that ensures that a blade ( 58 ) is always positioned out of reach of the operator is disclosed. The assembly ( 10 ) includes: a base ( 30 ) for supporting a work-piece; a circular saw blade ( 58 ); a drive motor operatively connected to the saw blade ( 58 ); a head ( 20 ) supporting both the drive motor and the saw blade ( 58 ), with the head mounted to the base for movement through an arc about a primary pivot axis from a raised position above the base to a lowered position engaging the base; an arm ( 50 ) having an end mounted to the head ( 20 ) for movement through an arc about a secondary pivot axis and another end supporting the blade ( 58 ); a locking means operatively interposed between the head ( 20 ) and arm ( 50 ), the locking means having a locked condition in which the arm ( 50 ) is locked to the head ( 20 ) so as to keep the saw blade ( 58 ) enclosed by the head ( 20 ) and an unlocked position in which the arm ( 50 ) is pivotally movable with respect to the head ( 20 ) to allow a portion of the blade ( 58 ) to exit the head ( 20 ); and a handle ( 40 ) extending from the head ( 20 ) and operatively connected to the arm ( 50 ). The handle ( 40 ) is movable to first rotate the locked together head ( 20 ) and arm ( 50 ) with respect to the base ( 30 ) towards the work-piece and, after the head ( 20 ) has engaged the base ( 30 ), to then pivot the arm ( 50 ) with respect to the head ( 20 ) such that the blade ( 58 ) exits the head ( 20 ) to cut the work-piece.