Arbortech AS170 User manual

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INstructIoN MaNual
Double Insulation used throughout, no
provision for earthing.
MaDE IN australIa
rev 070512
Please read this manual carefully to ensure correct operation
and care of the machine. If you use the AS170 correctly, it will
provide you with years of reliable service saving you time and
money.
TM

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eNGLISH 1
taBlE oF coNtENts
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 2
2. GENERAL SAFETY RULES 2
3. SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES 3-4
4. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 4
4.1 Tool Description 4
4.2 Blade Description 4
5. ASSEMBLY 5-6
6. OPERATION 7
6.1 Setup 7
6.2 Operation 7-9
7. MAINTENANCE 9
7.1 Motor 9
7.2 V-Belt and Pulleys 9-10
7.3 Blade Mount Bolts and Threads 10
7.4 Top Handle and Rubber Bushes 10
8. ACCESSORIES 10
8.1 Dust Extraction 10
9. SPECIFICATIONS 10-11
10. WARRANTY AND SERVICE 11
11. TROUBLESHOOTING 12-13
Please read these instructions before you use your AS170 Brick + Mortar Saw

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1. INTRODUCTION
The Arbortech AS170 is designed and manufactured
in Australia, using only the highest quality
components and manufacturing processes.
The unique patented orbital cutting action of two
reciprocating blades, allows cutting of brick, mortar
and masonry faster than traditional reciprocating
saws.
This cutting action also produces minimal amounts
of airborne dust, offering a safe and controllable
operation, with the ability to cut to a depth of 120mm
(4 3/4”), cut square corners, and make variable width
cuts. The AS170 is ideally suited to a variety of tasks
including:
• removalofmortarfor“tuckpointing”ofbrick
walls.
• removalofsinglebricksfromwalls.
• cuttingofbrickswithoutdamagetoadjacent
 areasor“blow-out”.stitching,keyingortoothing
 ofbrickwalls.“chasing”cutsforconduitsand
similar items into walls.
• cuttingholesinwallsorothersurfaces.
• nishingcornercutsinwalls.
• cuttingindirtywood.
• cuttingwoodintheground.
• treerootremoval.
• pruningtrees.
The tool can be tted with a range of blades to
best suit different applications.
Denitions: Safety Guidelines
Thedenitionsbelowdescribethelevelofseverity
for each signal word. Please read the manual and
pay attention to these symbols.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if notavoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in property damage.
Denotes risk of electric shock.
IMPORTANT INCORRECT USE OF THE
AS170 MAY LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR AND/
OR DAMAGE. PLEASE READ THESE USER
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USE TO
ENSURE CORRECT OPERATION.
2. GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all
instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below,mayresultinelectricshock,reand/or
seriouspersonalinjury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1) Work area
• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
ammableliquids,gasesordust.Power
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
• Keepbystanders,children,andvisitors
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2) Electrical Safety
• DoubleInsulatedtoolsareequippedwith
apolarizedplug(onebladeiswiderthan
theother.)Thisplugwilltinapolarized
outletonlyoneway.Iftheplugdoesnott
fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
doesnott,contactaqualiedelectrician
to install a polarized outlet. Do not change
the plug in any way. Double Insulation
eliminates the need for the three wire
grounded power cord and grounded power
supply system.
• Avoidbodycontactwithgroundedsurfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is grounded.
• Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
• Donotabusethecord.Neverusethecord
to carry the tools or pull the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately. Damaged cords increase
the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outside, use
an outdoor extension cord marked ”W- A”or
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“W.” These cords are rated for outdoor use
and reduce the risk of electric shock.
3) Personal Safety
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the
inuenceofdrugs,alcohol,ormedication.
A moment of inattention while operating power
toolsmayresultinseriouspersonalinjury.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your
hair, clothing, and gloves away from
moving parts.Looseclothes,jewelry,orlong
hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch
isoffbeforepluggingin. Carrying tools with
yourngerontheswitchorpluggingintools
that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Removeadjustingkeysorwrenchesbefore
turning the tool on. A wrench or a key that is
left attached to a rotating part of the tool may
resultinpersonalinjury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
andbalanceatalltimes. Proper footing and
balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
• Usesafetyequipment.Alwaysweareye
protection.Dustmask,non-skidsafetyshoes,
hard hat, or hearing protection must be used
for appropriate conditions.
4) Tool Use and Care
• Use clamps or other practical way to secure
andsupporttheworkpiecetoastable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against
your body is unstable and may lead to loss of
control.
• Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application. The correct tool will do the
jobbetterandsaferattherateforwhichitis
designed.
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on
or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with
the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source
beforemakinganyadjustments,changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
• Store idle tools out of reach of children
and other untrained persons. Tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools
sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools,
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control.
• Checkformisalignmentorbindingof
movingparts,breakageofparts,and
any other condition that may affect the
tools operation. If damaged, have the tool
servicedbeforeusing. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Use only accessories that are
recommendedbythemanufacturerforyour
model. Accessories that may be suitable for
one tool, may become hazardous when used
on another tool.
5) Service
• Toolservicemustbeperformedonly
byqualiedrepairpersonnel. Service
ormaintenanceperformedbyunqualied
personnelcouldresultinariskofinjury.
• When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the Maintenance section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow
Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electricshockorinjury.
3. SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when
performing an operation where the cutting tool
may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
Contactwitha“live”wirewillmakeexposedmetal
partsofthetool“live”andshocktheoperator.
2. Remove adjusting tools such as Allen & Ian
keys and wrenches before operating the tool.
3. Do not operate the tool with any attachment
other than those recommended in this instruction
manual.
4. Only use the tool with the correct voltage, as
speciedinthetoollable.
5. Never start a tool under load. Start the tool before
engaging the work piece.
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6.Neverstartoroperatethetoolwithngersor
otherobjectsthroughtheholesintheblades.
7. Use care when handling blades during and
after use. The blades and some areas of the tool
become hot in use.
8. Always ensure that before cutting there are no
hazards such as electrical wiring, pipes or insulation
in the area to be cut.
9. Allow for resting periods to ease the effect of
the vibration of the tool. Use work gloves to minimise
vibration effect on the body.
10. Ensure the dust extraction equipment is
connected and properly used.
11. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease.
12. If the guard or other part appears to be
damaged, it should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function.
13. The use of any accessory or attachment other
than those recommended in this instruction manual
maypresentariskofpersonalinjury.
14. Do not force the tool. It is designed to operate
with moderate effort. Overheating of the drive
system and motor can occur if the tool is overloaded.
15.Alwaysoperatethetoolholdingitwithboth
hands.
SYMBOLS The following show the symbols used
in this manual
Class 2 Construction (Double
Insulation used throughout, no
provision for earthing.)
VAC volts alternating current
A amperes
Hz hertz
W watt
N0no load speed
rpm revolutions per minute
dB decibels
Nm newton meters
m meters
m/s meters per second
mm millimeters
SYMBOLS The following show the symbols used
in this manual
kg-m kilogram meters
ft-lb foot pounds
4. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
4.1 AS170 TOOL DESCRIPTION
The AS170 is designed to cut rigid materials such
asmortar,clayredbricks,plasterboard,breboard,
weatherboard and wood. The AS170 uses a variety
of blades to suit the material being cut. Blades may
also be changed to suit the required depth or length
of cut.
The blades are driven via conrods and a camshaft,
whichisbelt-driven.TheV-beltisdesignedtoallow
someslipincaseofthebladesjamming.The belt
tension must be checked after the rst 5 hours
of use. It is easily tightened by removing the plastic
coverandistensionedusingtheadjustableidler
pulley (see section 7.2).Blades are mounted to the
conrods using high tensile Allen™ head bolts.
A replaceable metal guard is provided to limit the
maximum cutting depth and prevent the blade
mounts from damaging the surface of the material
being cut. Shock and vibration to the operator are
reducedbyarubber-mountedtophandle.Thetop
handle is also designed for comfort when used in a
variety of cutting orientations. The rubber bushes on
the top handle can be replaced if they become worn
or damaged.
4.2 BLADE DESCRIPTION
The AS170 uses a variety of blades to cut different
materialsanddifferentproles.
General Purpose blades use Tungsten
Carbide teeth and are suited for working
general masonry and “in the ground” cutting.
General Purpose blades are designed to cut
to a depth of 115mm (4 1/2”).
Plunge blades use Tungsten Carbide teeth
and have a maximum cutting depth of
120mm (4 3/4”). Mortar plunge blades can cut
slots of 75mm (3”) in length.
Switch Box blades use Tungsten Carbide
teeth and have a maximum cutting depth of
120mm (4 3/4”). Suitable for installing small
electrical switch boxes into plaster, brick/
masonry walls.
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PARTS
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
1 Screw - Belt Cover , M4 X 12 4
2 Screw - Blade , M6 X 10 4
3 Brush - Cover 2
4Washer - Step 1
5 Nut - Nyloc M6 1
6 Brush - Carbon 2
7 Clip - Internal 2
8 Pin 2
9 Pulley - Tension including Bearing - 6961
10 Pulley - Power 1
11 Pulley - Drive 1
12 Belt 1
13 Bush 4
14 Guard 1
15 Handle - Top1
16 Cover - Belt 1
17 Housing 1
18 Motor - (Regional) 1
29 ELECTRICAL PLUG (REGIONAL) 1
20 Boot - Dust Extraction Funnel 1
21 Bracket - Dust Extraction Fitting1
22 Switch - (Regional) 1
23 Cover - Vent 1
24 General Purpose Blades1
TM
ALLSAW™ 160

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PARTS
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
1 Screw - Belt Cover , M4 X 12 4
2 Screw - Blade , M6 X 10 4
3 Brush - Cover 2
4Washer - Step 1
5 Nut - Nyloc M6 1
6 Brush - Carbon 2
7 Clip - Internal 2
8 Pin 2
9 Pulley - Tension including Bearing - 6961
10 Pulley - Power 1
11 Pulley - Drive 1
12 Belt 1
13 Bush 4
14 Guard 1
15 Handle - Top1
16 Cover - Belt 1
17 Housing 1
18 Motor - (Regional) 1
29 ELECTRICAL PLUG (REGIONAL) 1
20 Boot - Dust Extraction Funnel 1
21 Bracket - Dust Extraction Fitting1
22 Switch - (Regional) 1
23 Cover - Vent 1
24 General Purpose Blades1
TM
ALLSAW™ 160
1 Screw - Belt Cover , M4 X 12 4
2 Screw - Blade , M6 X 10 4
3 Brush - Cover 2
4 Washer - Step 1
5 Nut - Nyloc M6 1
6 Brush - Carbon 2
7 Clip - Internal 2
8 Pin 2
9 Pulley - Tension including Bearing - 696 1
10 Pulley - Power 1
11 Pulley - Drive 1
12 Belt 1
13 Bush 4
14 Guard 1
15 Handle - Top 1
16 Cover - Belt 1
17 Housing 1
18 Motor - (Regional) 1
19 ELECTRICAL PLUG (REGIONAL) 1
20 Boot - Dust Extraction Funnel 1
21 Bracket - Dust Extraction Fitting 1
22 Switch - 1
24 General Purpose Blades 1

Headjoint blades are shortened blades
used for headjoint mortar removal
without damaging surrounding brick
work. Maximum cutting depth of 35mm
(1 3/8”).
Heritage blades are similar to Headjoint
blades but with a reduced cutting width
of 3mm (1/8”), designed for thin joints
(butterjoints). Maximum cutting depth of
35mm (1 3/8”).
XL General Purpose blades Cutting depth
up to 170mm (6 3/4”) without overcutting.
Depth: 170mm Width: 7.2mm
XL Wood blades Efcient and safe cutting of
wood and composite materials.
Depth: 170mm Width: 7.2mm
Caulking Blades
Ideal to remove caulking between concrete
panels. E.g Tilt up, parking lots.
*Available in 3 widths. 1/2” 1” 2”
NOTE: ALL blades can be re-
sharpened. If not excessively worn.
6. OPERATION
6.1 Setup
The AS170 is supplied ready for operation. However
in some cases the blades may need to be changed
to suit the application.
Before changing
blades, the guard
around the blade
mounts must be levered
gently out of its groove
at the front of the tool
and swung away to
give access to the cap
screws. (See Fig.1) Guard
Fig.1
Use the “Ian key”
supplied to loosen and
remove the cap screws
securing the blades,
then remove the blades
as shown in g.2.
Ian Key
Fig.2
Hold near
end
Torque
indicator
coil
Select the correct blades for the cutting task and
mounteachwiththeircapscrews.Verifythatthe
surfaces of the blade mounts, conrod thread and
screws are clean and free of grit or lubricant before
tting.Ensuretheguardcanbeclosedbeforexing
thebladestotheconrod(Seeg.2).
NOTE: Always use matched pairs of blades.
Never mix used blades with new blades. Use
only the bolts supplied with the tool.
Use the “Ian key” (see
g.2), to tighten the
blade mounting screws
until the torque indicator
coil deects sufciently
so that the sides meet.
The “Ian Key” will
tighten the bolts to the
required 16Nm (11.5
ft lb).
Fig.3
NOTE: Blades are a wearing part. In normal
operation, blade life may vary with the hardness
of materials cut.
CAUTION:
Do not operate the tool
if the blades are loose.
Operation with loose
blades will severely
damage the blade
mount & bolts requiring
repair.
Check that the teeth of
the blades are lightly
contacting, or within
approximately 1.5 mm
(1/16”) of contacting
each other (fig.4).
Fig.4
90o1mm Max
(1/16”)
If the gap between the blades is too large, remove
andgentlybentinwardtoadjustthegap.
Ensure that both blades are aligned vertically to the
tool(Seeg.4).
CAUTION: If the blades rub against each
other anywhere other than within 25 mm/1”
of the cutting edge, or contact force is high,
it is possible to overload the tool and cause
premature belt wear.
Swing the guard to its groove at the front of the
tool and snap it into place. (See g.1)
6.2 Operation
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CAUTION: During
operation the AS170
may cause hand-arm
vibration, which can result
in fatigue or discomfort
after long periods of
continuous use. Vibration
will increase with the
hardness of material.
Do not operate the
tool if discomfort is
experienced, and ensure
that sufcient rest periods
are taken during cutting.
For further information,
contact the manufacturer.
Fig.5
Fig.6
Before attempting to operate the tool, please ensure
that the safety section of this manual has been
consulted.
Apply protective hearing, breathing, eyes and body
protection as appropriate.
With the blades secured and the tool switch OFF,
plug the tool into the power socket.
CAUTION:
Do not block the
cooling intake vents
or ingest dust or
debris at the rear of
the motor as this may
cause the motor to
overheat. If working
in dusty conditions, it
is recommended that
the vents be regularly
cleaned with an air
blast. (See fig.7)
Fig.7
Hold the tool by both the top handle and the motor
housing. (Fig.5 & 6)
Tostartthecut,holdthetoolrmlyinyourhands
and apply the middle of the blade cutting edge to
the work, keeping in mind that the direction of cut is
towards the rear of the blades.
While cutting, move the tool and blade in a slow
“sawing”motion,whichimprovesthecutrate,
reducesconcentratedheatbuild-upandevensthe
wearontheblades.(Seeg.8&9)
Direction of cut
Fig.8
Direction of cut
Fig.9
CAUTION: Do Not allow the forward or rear end
of the blades to hammer onto hard surfaces
(shown in gs: 10,11 & 13) as this will damage
the blades and tool. If unintentional hammering
occurs, stop the tool or withdraw it from the cut
immediately.
When using any of the blade types, avoid
hammering of the ends of the blades into the ends
of the cut by using a slow rocking and sweeping
motion. For best performance try to ensure that the
teeth are the only part of the blade in contact with
the workpiece.
CAUTION: Take care when setting the tool down
to avoid chipping the tungsten carbide teeth.
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Fig.10
“Hammering!”
Fig.11
“Hammering!”
Clearance
each end
Fig.12
When using the Mortar Plunge blades, the cut
should have enough clearance on each end (shown
ing:12),toensurethatnohammeringoftheblade
endsoccurs(asshowning.13).
“Hammering!”
Fig.13
7. MAINTENANCE
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious
personal injury, turn the tool off and disconnect
tool from the power source before making any
adjustments or removing/installing attachments
or accessories.
Before reconnecting the tool, depress and release
the trigger switch to ensure that the tool is turned off.
To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY,
repairs,maintenanceandadjustment(including
brush inspection and replacement) should be
performed by an ARBORTECH authorised service
center. Always use identical replacement parts.
7.1 Motor
Cleaning
CAUTION: Blowing dust and grit out of the
motor and switch actuator using clean,
dry compressed air is a necessary regular
maintenance procedure. Dust and grit particles
often accumulate on interior surfaces and can
cause premature failure. Not regularly cleaning
the AS170 will affect the tools warranty.
CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
when using or cleaning this tool.
Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for
cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. Use a
clean, dry cloth only.
Lubrication
ARBORTECH tools are properly lubricated at the
factory and are ready for use.
Accessories
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