Altocraft 240-2087 User manual

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You will need this manual for safety instructions, operating procedures and warranty.
Put it and the original sales receipt in a safe dry place for future reference.
Operator’s Manual
240-2087
8-1/4 INCH COMPOUND MITER SAW

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electric tools, machines or equipment, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of re, electric
shock, and personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS TOOL
1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas can cause injuries.
2. CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT. Don’t use power tools in damp,
wet, or poorly lit locations. Don’t expose tools to the rain. Keep the work area
well lit. Don’t use tools in the presence of ammable gases or liquids.
3. KEEP CHILDREN AND BYSTANDERS AWAY. All children should be kept
away from the work area. Don’t let them handle machines, tools or extension
cords.
Bystanders can be a distraction and can be injuried.
4. GROUNDED TOOLS must be plugged into an outlet that is properly
installed and grounded. Grounding provides a low-resistance path to carry
electricity to the ground away from the operator, should the tool malfunction elec-
-
trically. Do not remove the grounding prong from the plug or alter the plug in
any way. If in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded according
to code, check with a qualied electrician.
5. OBSERVE PROPER PRECAUTIONS REGARDING DOUBLE INSULA-
TION. This tool is double insulated. It is equipped with a polarized plug.
One blade is wider than the other, so it will t into a polarized outlet only one
way. If you have difculty inserting the plug, try reversing it. If it still doesn’t
t , do not alter the plug; have a qualied electrician install a polarized outlet.
6. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK. Prevent body contact with grounded
surfaces: pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures. When your
body is grounded the risk of electric shock increases. When working wher-
ever “live” electrical wires may be encountered, try to ascertain whether
there is a danger of shock. DO NOT TOUCH ANY METAL PARTS
OF THE TOOL while using it. Hold the tool only by the plastic grip to prevent
electric shock if you contact a live wire.
7. DO NOT MISUSE THE CORD.
Never carry your tools by the cord or pull on
the cord to unplug it. Protect the cord from potential sources of damage:
heat, oil & solvents, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged cords
immediately.
8. WHEN WORKING OUTDOORS, USE AN OUTDOOR-RATED EXTENSION
CORD. An extension cord rated for outdoor use must be marked “W-A” or
“W”.
9. DO NOT EXPOSE ELECTRICAL POWER TOOLS TO MOISTURE. Rain or
wet conditions can cause water to enter the tool and lead to electric shock.
10. ENSURE THE EXTENSION CORD YOU USE IS OF SUFFICIENT GAUGE
!
FOR ITS LENGTH.
11. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. Store equipment in a dry area to inhibit rust.
Equipment also should be in a high location or locked up to keep out of
reach of children.
12. DON’T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and more safely at the
rate for which it was intended.
13. USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Don’t force a small tool or attachment to do the
work of a larger industrial tool. Don’t use a tool for a purpose for which it was
not intended.
14. DRESS PROPERLY. Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry; they can be
caught in moving parts. Protective, non-electrically conductive gloves, protective
eyewear and non-skid footwear are recommended. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair and keep yourself from harm.
Recommended Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cords
Amps from Tool Nameplate 25’ length 50’ length 75’ length 100’ length 150’ length 200’ length
0-5 amps 16 ga. 16 ga. 16 ga. 14 ga. 12 ga. 12 ga.
5.1-8 amps 16 ga. 16 ga. 14 ga. 12 ga. 10 ga. Do Not Use
8.1-12 amps 14 ga. 14 ga. 12 ga. 10 ga. Do Not Use Do Not Use
12.1-15 amps 12 ga. 12 ga. 10 ga. 10 ga. Do Not Use Do Not Use
15.1-20 amps 10 ga. 10 ga. 10 ga. Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
15. USE EYE PROTECTION. Use a full-face mask if the work you’re doing
produces metal lings, dust or wood chips. Goggles are acceptable in other
situations. Wear a clean dust mask if the work involves creating a lot of ne
or coarse dust.
16. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold the work, this frees both
hands to operate the tool.
17. DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not
reach over or across machines that are running.
18. MAINTAIN TOOLS. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
For safe performance. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
19. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Be sure the switch is in the OFF posi-
tion before plugging in.
20. ALWAYS CHECK AND MAKE SURE TO REMOVE ANY ADJUSTING KEYS
OR WRENCHES before turning the tool on. Left attached, these parts can y
off a moving part and result in injury.
21. DO NOT USE THE TOOL IF IT CANNOT BE SWITCHED ON OR OFF.
Have your tool repaired before using it.
22. DISCONNNECT THE PLUG FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE MAKING
ANY ADJUSTMENTS.
Changing attachments or accessories can be dangerous
if the tool could accidentally start.
23. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing & use common sense. Don’t operate
any tool when you are tired.
24. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Before using this tool, any part that is
damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate prop-
erly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mountings, and other conditions
that may affect its operation. Inspect screws and tighten any ones that are
loose. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in the in-
struction manual. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service
center. Don’t use the tool if switch does not turn it on and off properly.
25. REPLACEMENT PARTS. When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts.
26. SERVICE AND REPAIRS should be made by qualied repair technicians at
an authorized repair center. Improperly repaired tools could cause serious
shock or injury.
1.
2. WOOD ONLY. The saw is designed for woodcutting only.
3.
DAMAGED OR WARPED SAW BLADES should not be used. They are out
of balance and could cause further damage to the saw and possible personal
injury.
4.
USE ONLY WITH GUARD IN PLACE. The guard protects the operator
from cutting debris as well as from broken pieces of the blade, should it break
in use.
5.
REPLACE THE TABLE INSERT WHEN WORN. Excessive tear-out increases
the likelihood of injury from ying debris. When setting the saw at a new angle,
check that the blade does not cut into the table insert, rear fence, or another
part of your saw.
6. ALWAYS USE THE BLADE WRENCH to tighten the saw blade onto the arbor.
7.
CONNECT YOUR MITER SAW TO A DUST COLLECTING DEVICEif pos-
sible. If not, use the dust bag that comes with the tool and empty it regularly.
USE A SAWBLADE SUITED TO THE CUTTING JOB AND MATERIAL TO BE
CUT.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR COMPOUND MITER SAW

SPECIFICATIONS
= Voltage: 120 volts AC, 60Hz.
= Current rating: 10 amps
= No-load speed: 4800 rpm
= 8-1/4” (210mm) 24 tooth carbide tipped saw blade
= 5/8” (16mm) arbor
= Bevel cuts up to 45° left
= Miter cuts up to 45° left & right
with detents at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45° left and right
Included:
1 dust bag
1 blade wrench
2 table side extensions
1 hold-down clamp
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
1.
2. Switch
3. Brush cover
5. Saw blade
6. Dust bag
7. Bevel lock lever
8.
Movable guard
Tabble extension
10.
11. Handle Miter scale
9.
4.
Hold-down clamp assembly
Tabble extension lock screw
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
10
11
8. ALWAYS USE TABLE EXTENSIONS AND CLAMPS to support the material
when sawing long work pieces.
9. THE MATERIAL SHOULD BE PLACED FIRMLY AGAINST THE FENCE AND
TABLE. The turning of the saw blade should force it down against the table
and rearward against the fence during the cut. Movement of the workpiece
during the cut may cause the blade jam and create a kickback. When this
happens, the cutting head may jump out of your hand or the workpiece may
fly loose and cause serious injury.
10. DO NOT START THE SAW WITH THE BLADE IN CONTACT WITH ANY
SURFACE. This may cause the saw to bounce or kick back violently and could
cause injury.
11. IF MAKING A CUT USING ONE HAND TO HOLD THE SAW, ensure the free
hand is clear of the cutting area.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR COMPOUND MITER SAW

5
OPERATING PROCEDURES
2. Engage the spindle lock by pressing the pin located between the
handle and the xed guard.
CAUTION: Never press the spindle lock pin while the saw is running!
3. Using protective gloves, rotate the blade by hand while pressing the pin until it
engages a slot in the arbor.
4. While holding the spindle lock pin in, and using the supplied wrench, unscrew
the arbor screw, remove the outside saw blade ange, and the saw blade.
6. Be sure that when mounting the new saw blade, the direction arrows on the
blade correspond with the arrow on the guard.
5. When replacing the blade, apply the above procedure in reverse.
CLAMPING WORKPIECE:
WARNING: For safe and accurate cuts, affix workpiece firmly into cutting position
1. Mount the hold-down clamp on one side of the fence. Insert the shaft of the hold-down
clamp into the mounting hole and tighten the hold-down clamp retainer screw
to affix the shaft of the hold-down clamp.
2. Adjust position of the hold-down clamp bracket according to the workpiece thickness
and shape. Tighten the screw to affix the bracket in place.
MOUNTING AND REMOVING THE BLADE
CAUTION! Be sure the saw is disconnected from its power source before making
1. Loosen the movable guard release screw and rotate the guard
center plate to expose the saw blade arbor screw.
any repaires or performing maintenance!
3. Make sure that when the handle is lowered, bevelled or angled in any position,
no part of the tool contacts the hold-down clamp.
START UP
USING YOUR SAW
After unpacking, reading the instructions, attaching the machine to the workbench,
and checking that all attachments are correctly installed, you can use your saw. Be
sure to wear the appropriate protective equipment.
WARNING: Before plugging in saw, confirm that the trigger is working properly. If
the locking button is not depressed, do not pull the trigger with force as this may
cause severe damage to the switch.
1. Check to ensure everything is correctly attached, screws are fastened, and all
adjusting keys and wrenches are removed.
2. Connect the saw to a power source.
3. Unlock the saw from its various storage and shipping positions.
4. Pressing the trigger lock button, then squeezing the trigger switch in the
handle, while holding the trigger lock button down, will start the saw
The cutting head should be in the raised position and the blade fully enclosed
in the guard before starting the miter saw.
REMEMBER:
Before use, release the head lock button and raise the handle.
Before turning on, confirm that the saw blade does not touch the work piece or
the vise at any position.
When cutting, press the handle down slowly. DO NOT force the handle,
as this may cause damage to your saw.
Before starting to cut, conrm that the saw blade has attained full speed. After
cutting is complete wait until the rotation of the blade STOPS completely be-
fore lifting the handle to its top position.
For your safety, remove chips, small pieces, etc. from the table top before
operation.
For best performance, ALWAYS keep saw blade clean and sharp.
with hold-down clamp, otherwise the tool and workpiece may be damaged.

5. To begin cutting, lower the cutting head. The movable guard opens automati-
cally.
6. After cutting, allow the head to come back up. The guard will close automati-
cally.
7. The saw will stop when you release the trigger switch.
MODES OF USE
Chop cut:
The head is locked in the upright position. The table rotation is locked at 0°.
This is a good setting for simple 90° crosscuts.
Miter cut:
The head is locked in the upright position. To unlock the table rotation, unscrew the
locking handle and press on the miter detent spring lever
with your thumb Move the table rotation to the left or right up to 45° left & 52° right.
The miter detent spring lever, if released, will stop the table at detents
at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45° left and right. Use the locking handle to
lock the table at the desired angle, especially those in between the detents.
Bevel cut:
To unlock the head angle (bevel) adjustment, loosen the bevel lock handle
at rear of the saw. Lock it when the blade is tilted at the desired angle.
The table rotation is locked at 0°.
Compound cut:
Unlock and move the table rotation to the left or right as in miter cuts above. Using
the lever at the back of the saw, unlock the head and bevel it to any position from
0° – 45° left, then lock it in place.
NOTE: At extreme positions, the hold-down clamp should be moved to the right
side of the table to prevent interfering with the movement of the cutting head.
Always check before making the cut if there is any potential interference from the
clamp or any other part of the machine.
OPERATING PROCEDURES
MAINTENANCE
NOTE: ven though the angles are marked on the machine, it is always a good
idea to check them by making a trial cut. See Aligning Miter and Bevel, be-
low.
Inspect the cord regularly and have it replaced by an authorized repair facility if
it is damaged.
Check the brushes occasionally (after about 50 hours of use) and replace if
worn. The brushes can be replaced by removing the motor cap.
The brushes and their springs could jump out of the holders- be careful
not to lose them. Inspect the brushes. If the contact surface is not
smooth, or it is worn or heavily used, replace both brushes. Insert the new
brushes and springs in their holders and re-fasten the cap.
The plastic kerf plate table insert should be replaced if damaged to reduce the
risk of chips lodging in the slot and catching in the blade.
Keep the vents clear of dust and debris. This will help prevent possible electri-
cal shorts and ensure proper cooling.
Keep the tool housing and handle clean and free of oil and grease by using mild
soap and a damp (not wet) cloth.
6
E

ALIGNING MITER AND BEVEL
Miters and bevels have been set at the factory. However, use may effect settings.
Please use the following procedures when your tool needs adjustments.
Miter Angle
1. Set the bevel angle at 0 degree.
2. Loosen the locking handle.
3. Depress the miter detent spring lever.
4. Turn the saw table so that the arrow in the kerf plate points to 0 degree, then
move the table slightly clockwise and counter-clockwise and let the miter de-
tent spring lever t into the groove (it doesn’t matter if needle doesn’t indicate 0
degree ).
5. Loosen the four hex bolts behind the fence with the blade socket wrench.
6. Lower the saw head and lock it in place with the head lock button.
7. Use the clear plastic setup triangle to check that the saw blade and the fence
are square. Move the fence a few millimeters to achieve this if
necessary.
8. Tighten the hex bolts in the fence rmly.
9. Confirm that the arrow in the kerf plate points to 0 degree. If not, loosen the
two screws in the bottom of the miter detent spring lever and adjust accord-
ingly.
Bevel Angle
A. Vertical stop: 0 degree adjustment
1. Lower saw head to lowest position and lock it with the head lock button.
2. Loosen the bevel lock handle on the back of the saw.
3. Check that the blade is perpendicular to the table as measured by the clear
plastic setup triangle. If not :
MAINTENANCE
7
a.
b. Turn the bolt counter-clockwise and the 0 point moves left, closing the angle.
Turning it clockwise moves the 0 point to the right, opening the angle.
c. When you have established the vertical stop correctly, tighten the lock nut
to hold the setting.
d. Make sure that the needle points to 0 degree on the scale. If not, loosen
the screws and adjust the needle.
B. Bevel stop: 45 degrees adjustment
1. Lower the saw head to lowest position and lock it with the head lock button.
2. Loosen the bevel lock handle on the back of the saw.
3. Check that the blade is at 45 degrees to the table as measured by the clear
plastic setup triangle. If not :
a. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the hex lock nut at the back left side
b. Turn the bolt clockwise and the 45 degrees point moves left, opening the angle.
Turning it counter-clockwise moves the 45 degrees stop to the right, closing
the angle.
c. When you have established the 45 degrees stop correctly, tighten the lock nut
to hold the setting.
d. Make sure that the needle points to 45 degrees on the scale. If not, loosen the
screws and adjust the needle.
of the table.
Use an open-end wrench to loosen the hex lock nut at the back left side
of the table.

8
PARTS LIST
Please refer to the schematic drawing on page 9.
No. Description No. Description No. Description
1. Cover screw 42. Bearing cover 83. Screw
2. Driving plate 43. Upper handle 84. Nut
3. Ring 44. Locking pole 85. Screw
5. Screw 46. Switch 87. Cushion
7. Spring 48. Switch cover 89. Screw
9. Locating plate 50. Stator 91. Screw
10. Locknut 51. Tapping screw 92. Swivel table
11. Bolt 52. House 93. Nut
16. Semi-circle key 57. Brush holder 98. Spring
17. Screw 58. Carbon brush 99. Steel ball
18. Spring washer 59. Brush holder cap 100. Screw
19. Washer 60. Aluminum protective 101. Screw
21. Bearing 62. Tapping screw 103. Locknut
22. Gear box cover 63. Cable pressboard 104. Finger
23. Big gear 64. Cable clip 105. Bracket
24. Spindle clip 65. Cable 106. Handle
25. Oiled copper sleeve 66. Locking knob 107. Handspike
26. Spindle clip 67. Pin shaft 108. Screw
28. Lock-screw 69. Screw 110. Dust collecting bag
30. Lock-screw 71. Spindle 112. Socket spanner
31. Clamp pole 72. O-ring
32. Screw 73. Knob
35. Rubber ring 76. Washer
36. Screw 77. Spring washer
37. Guard cover 78. Screw
38. Screw 79. Lock-screw
39. Bearing 80. Square bolt
40. Rotor 81. Spindle
6. Lower blade guard 47. Screw 88. Lock-screw
12. Outer blade clamp 53. Washer 94. Base
13. Saw blade 54. Spring washer 95. Screw
14. I nner blade clamp 55. Screw 96. Bracket
15. Gear shaft 56. Tapping screw 97. Screw
27. Washer 68. Sleeve for screw 109. Wire holder
29. Bracket clamp 70. Spring 111. Brand name plate
20. Bearing cover 61. Specification plate 102. Washer
33. Guard cover 74. Saw arm
34. Lock-screw 75. Pivot pen
41. Bearing 82. Arm base
4. Needle bearing 45. Spring 86. Support fence
8. Screw 49. Wind guard 90. Table insert

99
SCHEMATIC DRAWING
!
WARNING Repairs should be made by an authorized repair center. Do not
this power tool . Contact at
for questions regarding this power tool. 1-866-915-8626
open or disassemble