Clarke Contractor CON750 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC11/22 - Rev 4
JIG SAW
MODEL NO: CON 750
PART NO: 6462180

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE jigsaw.
Before attempting to use this product, please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can look forward to your purchase
giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
By purchasing this product, the customer is taking on the obligation to
deal with its safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.
If disposing of this product or any damaged components, do not dispose of
with general waste. This product contains valuable raw materials. Metal
products should be taken to your local civic amenity site for recycling of metal
products.

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GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
1) WORK AREA SAFETY
a. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite
accidents.
b. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2) ELECTRICAL SAFETY
a. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any
way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric
shock.
b. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
c. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a
power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
d. Do not abuse the cable. Never use the cable for carrying, pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of
electric shock.
e. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable
for outdoor use. Use of a cable suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk
of electric shock.
f. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a
residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces
the risk of electric shock.
WARNING: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS LISTED BELOW MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE AND/
OR SERIOUS INJURY. THE TERM “POWER TOOL” IN THE WARNINGS REFERS
TO YOUR MAINS-OPERATED JIGSAW.

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3) PERSONAL SAFETY
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use while you are tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
b. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Protective equipment such as dust mask, safety shoes, or hearing
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position
before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or
carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or
energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on.
A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool
may result in personal injury.
e. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use
of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
a. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it was designed.
b. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any
power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and
must be repaired.
c. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack
from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the tool or these instructions to operate the
power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the
power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.

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f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with
these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the
work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different
from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5) SERVICING
a. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power
tool is maintained.
6) SPECIFIC WARNINGS FOR JIGSAWS
1. ONLY sharp saw blades in perfect working condition should be used;
cracked or bent saw blades should be discarded and replaced at once.
2. ALWAYS ensure that the blade is securely fixed.
3. ALWAYS use the appropriate blade for the material being cut.
4. ALWAYS use a cooling agent when cutting metals, i.e. cutting oil.
5. ALWAYS allow sufficient clearance beneath the work to ensure the blade
does not come into contact with the floor, table etc.
6. ALWAYS check for hidden electrical wires or water pipes etc.
7. ALWAYS keep the mains cable well away from the machine and ensure an
adequate electrical supply is close at hand so that the operation is not
restricted by the length of the cable.
8. When cutting wood, ensure any nails have been removed beforehand.
Nails will damage the wood saw blade.
9. NEVER allow the ventilation slots in the machine to become blocked.
10. NEVER attempt to stop the saw blade with your fingers.
11. NEVER put the saw down on a table or work bench unless switched off. The
saw blade will keep running briefly after the tool has been switched off.
12. DO NOT cut material above the specified thickness.
13. DO NOT cut through walls or cavities before checking for hidden electrical
wires or water pipes etc.
14. DO NOT touch the blade immediately after use, allow time for it to cool.
15. DO NOT attempt to saw extremely small workpieces.
16. Wherever possible, use clamps and vices to fasten the workpiece securely.

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
This product is provided with a standard 13 amp, 230 volt (50Hz), BS 1363 plug,
for connection to a standard, domestic electrical supply. Should the plug
need changing at any time, ensure that a plug of identical specification is
used.
If the colours of the wires in the power cable of this product do not correspond
with the markings on the terminals of your plug, proceed as follows.
•TheBlue wire must be connected to the terminal marked Nor
coloured Black.
•TheBrown wire must be connected to the terminal marked Lor
coloured Red.
We strongly recommend that this machine is connected to the mains supply
via a Residual Current Device (RCD)
If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any repairs
yourself.
This symbol indicates that this is a Class II product, and does not require
an earth connection.
WARNING: READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS
SUPPLY.
WARNING: THE WIRES IN THE POWER CABLE OF THIS PRODUCT ARE
COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE:
BLUE = NEUTRAL BROWN = LIVE
Plug must be BS1363/A approved.
Always fit a 13 Amp fuse.
Ensure that the outer sheath of the cable is firmly held by the clamp
Neutral
(Blue)
Live
(Brown)

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OVERVIEW
The CLARKE CON750 is a 750W variable-speed jigsaw fitted with a lock-on
button for continuous operation. It is fitted with a dust extract port for
connection to a vacuum system and is supplied with 1.8 metres of cable with
plug. The jigsaw is equipped with a T-shank SDS type quick-release blade
retention system for convenient replacement of saw blades.
When unpacking, check for damage or shortages etc. Any found should be
reported to your CLARKE dealer where the appliance was originally
purchased. This CON750 Jigsaw is supplied with the following components:
•1xJigsaw
• 1 x Wood Cutting Blade
• 1 x Dust Extract Connector
• 1 x 3mm Hex Key
• 1 x Parallel Fence
• 1 x Instruction Manual (this document)

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INSTALLING/CHANGING BLADES
1. Use only jigsaw blades with the
correct T-shank.
2. With the jigsaw disconnected
from the power supply, raise the
blade guard and press the blade
retainer to the right hand side.
3. Select the appropriate blade for
the job in hand, and insert it into
the blade holder as far as it will go
with the teeth facing forwards.
4. Release the blade retainer, ensuring that the blade remains as far into the
retainer as it will go, pressing against the resistance of the internal spring.
5. Pull the blade to check that it is secure before restoring the power supply.
• Take care never to use cracked, blunt or damaged blades.
OPERATION
IMPORTANT: DO NOT plug in to the mains, unless you have ensured the
jigsaw is switched OFF. To do this, squeeze the trigger fully upwards, then
release it. The trigger is located under the grip.
1. Ensure that the workpiece being cut is securely held in place and that the
cut line is clearly marked.
2. Connect the vacuum extractor port to an extract system where possible.
• The jigsaw is provided with a dust extract facility, where a vacuum
extractor may be connected to the rear of the machine. Please
note however, that this does not preclude the user from wearing a
face mask to prevent the inhalation of dust particles.
3. Place the sole-plate on the workpiece taking care that the blade is vertical
and correctly positioned in relation to the cut line without touching it. Push
the clear plastic blade guard down fully.
4. Ensure the blade is not striking anything below the workpiece and that the
power cable is well away from the moving blade before starting the saw.
• If cutting out an aperture it will be necessary to drill a suitably sized
hole in the workpiece for use as a starting point.
• Note that the blade should emerge from the workpiece at every
point of the cut.

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5. To start the jigsaw, squeeze the
trigger. Wait until the blade is
running at speed before
attempting to cut the workpiece.
6. Maintain the saw at constant
speed by pressing in the lock-on
button.
• You can then release your
finger pressure on the trigger.
7. To stop the jigsaw if the lock-on
button is used, squeeze the trigger fully in, then release it and the motor will
stop.
USING THE JIGSAW
1. Place the sole-plate on the workpiece and squeeze the trigger to run the
jigsaw up to its working speed before letting the blade touch the cut line.
To make your cut, move the saw slowly forward along the cutting line.
2. Adjust the speed controller to suit the material being cut using the following
suggested settings as a starting point. However, the optimum speed will be
determined with practice.
• Plastic 1 - 3
• Steel 2 - 4
• Hardboard 3-4
• Ceramic, aluminium, non-ferrous metals 3-6
• Timber, plywood & chipboard 4-6
3. Take extra care when cutting curves - move the blade slowly to avoid stress
on the blade.
4. When sawing, hold the jigsaw in front of you but do not put unnecessary
pressure on the blade and avoid applying lateral pressure.
5. Let the blade work through the workpiece, ensuring the sole plate is flush
with the workpiece.
ADJUSTING THE PENDULUM
The pendulum moves the blade away from the cut on the down (non-cutting)
stroke. The pendulum can be particularly useful when cutting thicker, denser
materials.
1. Adjust the control to suit the material being worked, and try to balance its
use with adjustments to the speed of the saw to achieve the optimum
setting for the job.

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2. Adjust the pendulum control to
suit the material being cut using
the following suggested settings
as a starting point if required.
NOTE: Do not use the pendulum
action for cutting ceramics or
metals.
• Ceramics 0
• Metal 0
• Plywood, plastics 1-2
• Timber, fibreboard & chipboard 1-3
CUTTING DIFFERENT MATERIALS
CUTTING WOOD
Check that any previously used timber being sawn does not contain any nails
or other metal objects which would damage the blade.
CUTTING METAL
Having chosen a suitable blade for cutting metal it is recommended to
lubricate the material and blade with cutting oil to prevent the tool from
overheating. Support the workpiece with wooden blocks on either side.
ADJUSTING THE SOLE PLATE
The sole-plate is adjustable so that bevels of up to 45° may be cut. Loosen the
two socket head screws under the sole-plate before adjusting it to the desired
angle and re-tightening the screws.

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. Check that the power cable is free from cracks, bare wires etc. Avoid using
solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to
damage from solvents.
2. Ensure all screws remain tight to ensure the jigsaw is in safe working
condition.
• All bearings etc, in this machine are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the tools lifetime under normal
operating conditions, therefore no further lubrication is required.
• Only use the replacement blades specified for this product
available from your CLARKE dealer.
3. After use, clean all dust and wood dust from the saw. To ensure constant
air circulation, always keep air vents clear of blockages, (use compressed
air to clean the machine if possible. (Wear PPE when using compressed
air).
4. Keep the sole plate free from dirt and grime. Regularly clean to prevent
scratches and scores on the surface.
5. Resin and glue on the blade causes poor cutting results. If necessary clean
the blade after use.
6. Refer to your CLARKE dealer if internal maintenance is required.
REPLACEMENT BLADES
Replacement blades are available from your CLARKE dealer as follows:
Wood - 6462188
Metal - 6462190
WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE TASKS ENSURE THE
PLUG HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
SPECIFICATIONS
Problem Cause Solution
Jigsaw does not operate Damaged cable or fuse. Inspect and have
repaired or replaced.
Blade jambs, binds or
burns the wood
Wrong blade for the
material.
Blade is worn out
Incorrect operation
Use correct blade for
the material being cut.
Replace blade.
Refer to Cutting Proce-
dures on page 10
Motor overheats Motor air vents blocked Clean jigsaw see page
11.
Blade cannot be fitted
or removed
Blade clamp blocked
with compacted dust
Clean clamp with brush
and/or compressed air
FEATURE SPECIFICATION
Voltage 230 V AC @ 50Hz
Input power 750 Watts
No-load speed 0–3100 strokes per min
Weight 2.2 kg
Dimensions (L x H x W) 218 x 217 x 67 mm
Max cutting capacity Wood 80mm/Metal 10mm
Blade type SDS quick release
Dust extraction port size 23.6 mm int/35.8 ext
Sound Pressure Level (LPA) 87.5 dB(A)
Sound Power Level (LWA) 98.5 dB(A)
Vibration 6.6 m/s² (wood) 7.2 m/s² steel

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DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY

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COMPONENT PARTS DIAGRAM

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COMPONENT PARTS LIST
No Description No Description
1 Pendulum switch 31 Washer
2 Spring 32 Circlip
3Screw 33Drivebush
4 Casing (LH) 34 Hiinge ball
5 Hinge pin 35 Blade carrier
6 Spring 36 Guide block
7 Pendulum 37 Base plate
8Spiggot 38Spring
9 Speed controller 39 Retainer boss
10 Trigger 40 Washer
11 Cable clamp 41 Ball
12 Screw 42 Return spring
13 Power cable 43 Blade retainer
14 Mains plug 44 Circlip
15 Clip 45 Blade guide
16 Motor stator 46 Sleeve
17 Motor bearing 47 Screw
18 Brush retainer 48 Guard arm
19 Carbon brush 49 Plastic guard
20 Brush holder 50 Retaining plate (R)
21 Motor armature 51 Retaining plate (L)
22 Drive gear 52 Sole plate
23 Drive bearing 53 Retainer plate
24 Support block 54 Socket screw
25 Bush 55 Casing (RH)
26 Pin 56 Screw
27 Actuating plate 57 Screw
28 Drive cage 58 Screw
29 Locator 59 O-ring
30 Drive spur 60 Dust nozzle