Clarke CONTRACTOR CON850B Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
DL 0122
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
850W (230V) RECIPROCATING SAW
MODEL NO: CON850B
PART NO: 6459015

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE 850W Reciprocating Saw.
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 PROTECTION
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the 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

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Before switching the product on, make sure that the voltage of your electricity
supply is the same as that indicated on the rating plate. This product is
designed to operate on 230VAC 50Hz. DO NOT connect it to any other power
source.
This product may be fitted with a non-rewireable plug. If it is necessary to
change the fuse in the plug, the fuse cover must be refitted. If the fuse cover
becomes lost or damaged, the plug must not be used until a suitable
replacement is obtained.
If the plug has to be changed because it is not suitable for your socket, or due
to damage, it should be cut off and a replacement fitted, following the wiring
instructions shown below. The old plug must be disposed of safely, as insertion
into a mains socket could cause an electrical hazard.
If the colours of the wires in the power cable of this product do not correspond
with the terminal markings of your plug, proceed as follows.
• The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal
marked Nor coloured Black.
•The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal
marked Lor coloured Red. L.
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.
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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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WORK AREA
1. ALWAYS keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas
invite accidents.
2. DO NOT operate power tools in explosive atmospheres such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gasses or heavy dust. Power tools create
sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.
3. ALWAYS keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Power tools must match the power outlet. NEVER modify the plug in any
way. DO NOT use adaptor plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
Correct plugs and outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.
2. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Any water entering
power tools will increase the risk of electric shock.
3. DO NOT abuse the electrical cable. NEVER use the cable for pulling or
unplugging the power tool. Keep the cable away from sources of heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or tangled cables increase the risk
of electric shock.
4. If working outdoors, use outdoor extension leads, always use an approved
cable extension suitable for the power rating of this tool (see
specifications). The conductor size should also be at least the same size as
that on the machine, or larger. We strongly recommend that this machine
is connected to the mains supply via a Residual Current Device (RCD).
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when you
are operating a power tool. DO NOT operate a power tool when you are
tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
2. Wear personal protective equipment including eye protection. Safety
equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid shoes and hearing protection
used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries. Use a face or
dust mask if operation is particularly dusty. Wear ear protectors/defenders
as the noise level of this machine can exceed 85dB (A).
3. DO NOT over-reach. Keep a proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

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4. Concentrate on the job in hand, no matter how trivial it may seem. Be
aware that accidents are caused by carelessness due to familiarity.
5. Dress appropriately. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry which may get
caught in moving parts. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
For best footing, wear rubber soled footwear. Keep floor clear of oil, scrap
wood, etc.
6. AV O I D accidental starting of the machine. Ensure the switch is in the off
position and the locking button disengaged before plugging the machine
in to the power supply. Carrying power tools around with your finger on the
trigger or plugging in power tools that are switched on invites accidents.
7. Switch the machine OFF immediately after the task is completed.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
1. DO NOT force the machine. Use the correct power tool for your
application. It will do a better and safer job at the rate for which it was
designed.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the power tool from the power supply before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. These measures will
reduce the risk of the power tool starting accidentally.
4. Store power tools out of the reach of children and DO NOT allow persons
unfamiliar with these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are
potentially dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Use recommended accessories. The use of improper accessories could be
hazardous.
6. DO NOT allow the ventilation slots in the machine to become blocked with
dust.
7. Check the power tool for damage before using the machine each time.
Any damaged part should be inspected to ensure that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mountings, and any other condition that may
affect the machine’s operation. Any damage should be properly repaired
or the part replaced. If in doubt, DO NOT use the machine. Consult your
local CLARKE dealer.
SERVICE
1. When necessary, have your power tools serviced or repaired by a qualified
person using identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of
the power tool is maintained.

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RECIPROCATING SAW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: ONLY USE THE SAW AS DESCRIBED IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
HAND VIBRATION
All hand held power tools vibrate to some extent, and this vibration is
transmitted to the operator via the handles. Operators who are regularly
exposed to vibration may suffer from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS),
which includes ‘dead hand’, ‘dead finger’, and ‘white finger’. These are
painful conditions and are widespread in industries where vibrating tools are
used. If you feel numbness or pain in hands or arms, STOP using the tool and
take a rest. If symptoms persist seek medical advice.
CHANGING BLADES (PAGE 9)
1. Unplug the saw before changing blades, and take care to prevent
entrapment of fingers between the blade and the shoe. Ensure the blade is
secure before use.
2. Use the appropriate saw blade for the material being cut. Different blades
are available from your CLARKE dealer.
3. Only use saw blades in perfect working condition. Discard and replace any
cracked or bent saw blades.
WHEN SAWING (PAGE 12)
1. Keep the mains cable well away from the saw blade and ensure an
adequate electrical supply is close at hand so that the operation is not
restricted by the length of the cable.
2. Working on the bench. Allow sufficient clearance beneath the workpiece
to ensure the blade does not come into contact with the floor, bench etc.
3. Switching off. NEVER place the saw on a table or bench if it has not
completely stopped. The saw blade will continue to reciprocate for a short
time after the trigger has been released to stop the saw.
4. DO NOT cut material above the specified thickness.
5. Cutting into walls. DO NOT cut through walls or cavities before checking for
hidden electrical wires or water pipes etc.
6. Finishing cutting. DO NOT remove the tool from the work until the blade has
completely stopped and allow time for it to cool before touching the
blade immediately after use.
7. Use clamps & vices wherever possible to secure the workpiece.

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8. Cutting sheet materials. DO NOT cut workpiece less than at least twice the
pitch of the saw blade. i.e. at least two teeth must be in contact with the
workpiece at all times.
9. Beware of foreign objects. When cutting pre-used wood, ensure all nails
have been removed beforehand. Nails will damage the wood saw blade.
10. Cooling agents. When cutting metals, ALWAYS use a cooling agent i.e.
cutting/soluble oil.
11. DO NOT attempt to saw very small objects including those which cannot
be properly secured. Always hold the saw with both hands.
Please keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
ALWAYS: Read this manual and make sure that all warnings
and instructions are clear before you use this reciprocating
saw.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection.
WARNING: Always wear protective gloves.
WARNING: Always wear ear protection.
WARNING: Always wear a dust mask.
WARNING: Risk of injury. Sharp blade.

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OVERVIEW
The CLARKE CON850B is a variable-speed reciprocating saw fitted with a lock-
on button for continuous operation. The saw is equipped with a 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 tool was originally purchased. This
CON850B Reciprocating Saw is supplied with the following components:
The saw is also supplied with the following cutting blades:
• 2 x 130mm Wood Cutting Blade
• 1 x 80mm Metal Cutting Blade

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BEFORE USE
INSTALLING/CHANGING BLADES
1. Twist the quick release chuck a
1/4 turn anti-clockwise and hold
open.
2. Insert or remove the blade while
keeping the chuck open.
• Never use cracked, blunt or
otherwise damaged blades.
3. Release the chuck when the
blade is fully inserted in position,
making sure the teeth of the
blade are pointing downwards.
The blade will now be locked in
place.
4. Pull the blade to check that it is
secure. If it does not pull out, it is
correctly fitted.
CAUTION: USE ONLY RECIPROCATING SAW BLADES WITH THE CORRECT
FITTING AS SHOWN BELOW. ALWAYS ENSURE THE SAW IS DISCONNECTED
FROM THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE INSTALLING/REMOVING THE BLADE.

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ADJUSTING THE GUIDE SHOE
WARNING: ALWAYS ENSURE THE SAW IS
DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER
SUPPLY BEFORE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.
1. To adjust the shoe, unlock by
releasing the locking lever on the
side of the saw. Adjust the shoe to
the desired position and then
push the locking lever back into
position.
• Note that the shoe can slide
fully in and out of the saw body.
2. The head of the shoe will adapt to the surface of the workpiece you are
working on with an inclination of up to 30o.
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE
The handle can be rotated 90oleft or
right of centre so as to give a better
angle of attack on the workpiece.
1. Slide handle locking switch back.
2. Rotate handle 90oleft or right,
depending on angle of attack
needed.

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3. Slide handle locking switch
forward to lock the handle into
place.
OPERATION
IMPORTANT: DO NOT plug into the mains, unless you have ensured the saw
is switched OFF. To do this, squeeze the trigger fully, then release it.
NOTE: The LED work light will be illuminated once the tool is plugged into the
mains. There is no standalone on/off switch for the light.
PRIOR TO CUTTING
1. Ensure that the workpiece is securely held in place and that the cut line is
clearly marked.
2. 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.
• Let the blade work naturally. If cutting out an aperture, it will be
necessary to drill a suitably sized hole in the workpiece to use as a
starting point.
• The blade should emerge from the work at every point of the cut.
3. Check that any previously used timber being sawn does not contain any
nails or other metal objects which would damage the blade.

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STARTING & STOPPING
1. To start the saw, squeeze the
trigger.
2. Maintain the saw at a constant
speed by pressing in the lock
button.
• You can then release your
finger pressure on the trigger.
3. To stop the saw if the lock button is
used, squeeze the trigger fully in,
then release it and the motor will
stop. Always switch off before unplugging.
USING THE SAW
1. Place the shoe fully against the
work-piece and squeeze the
trigger to run the saw before
letting the blade touch the cut
line on the work piece. To make
your cut, move the saw slowly
along the cutting line.
2. Take care not to allow the saw to
bounce on the workpiece. Ensure
the shoe remains in contact with
the workpiece.
3. Always hold the saw with both hands on the body and handle.
4. Take extra care when cutting curves - move slowly to avoid stress on the
blade.
5. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the blade and avoid applying
lateral pressure. Let the blade work naturally.
6. Never try to start the saw if the blade becomes jammed in the workpiece.
7. If the blade becomes blunt in one section of its cutting edge, reposition the
shoe to utilise a sharper, unused portion of the blade. Page 10 shows the
adjustable shoe which can be positioned close to the blade holder and
then extended to optimise the use of the blade & extend its useful life.

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CUTTING DIFFERENT MATERIALS
Adjust the speed controller wheel 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: Slow - Medium
• Steel: Slow - Medium
•Hardboard:Medium
• Ceramics: Medium - Fast (max)
• Aluminium: Medium - Fast (max)
• Wood: Medium - Fast (max)
CUTTING WOOD
PLUNGE CUTTING IN WOOD
• Rest the saw shoe on the workpiece in such a position that the blade
forms an appropriate angle for the plunge cut.
• Switch the saw on and slowly feed in the blade. Make sure that the
saw shoe remains in contact with the workpiece at all times.
POCKET CUTS IN WOOD
• Measure and mark out the pocket cut. Using a narrow blade, rest
the bottom of the shoe on the workpiece ensuring the blade is on
the cutting line. If necessary, e.g. in confined spaces, use the outer
edge of the shoe as your guideline.
CUTTING METAL
• Choose the correct blade for cutting metal. Support the workpiece
with wooden blocks on either side.
• Apply a thin film of lubricant along the cutting line to prevent the
tool from overheating.
CUTTING PLASTICS
• Always work at reduced speed and carry out a test cut to see if the
material is sensitive to heat or vibration.

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MAINTENANCE
CLEANING
1. To ensure constant air circulation and after use, clean all dust and wood
chippings from the reciprocating saw.
• Clean all of the ventilation slots on the motor housing.
• If possible, use compressed air to clean the machine (Always wear
eye protection when using compressed air).
2. The blade holder should be kept clean and occasionally be lightly oiled.
3. Keep the handle clean and free from oil and grease.
4. Resin and glue on the blade causes poor cutting results. Clean the blade
after use if necessary.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. Check the power cable to ensure it is sound and free from cracks, bare
wires etc. Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts, most plastics
are susceptible to damage from the various types of commercial solvents.
2. Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws remain tight at all times.
• All bearings etc, in this power tool 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 replacement blades specified for this product (consult your
CLARKE dealer).
• Refer to your CLARKE dealer if internal maintenance is required.

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FAULT FINDING
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
Tool will not operate. No power supply. Check power supply.
Switch is faulty. Consult your CLARKE dealer
Fuse blown. Check and replace
Motor is faulty Consult your CLARKE dealer
Motor becomes hot. Unduly heavy use Reduce the force applied
to the tool. Let the tool do
the work.
Air vents have become
blocked.
Clean out the air vents using
compressed air or clean
with a dry cloth
Low supply voltage. Ensure supply voltage is
correct. If an extension
cable is used, ensure it is of
the correct rating & fully
unwound.
Motor runs but blade
does not move.
Blade fastening not tight. Secure blade.
Drive gear broken Consult your CLARKE dealer
Internal sparking Faulty motor Consult your CLARKE dealer
Excessive vibration Blade not mounted
correctly
Check and correct (See
Page 9).
Machine bearings worn Consult your CLARKE dealer

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PARTS DIAGRAM

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PARTS LIST
PART
NO DESCRIPTION PART NO DESCRIPTION
1 Guide Shoe Assembly 31 Stator
2 Chuck Assembly 32 Screw ST4 x 53
3 Screw ST4 x 20 33 Lamp Lense
4 Split Washer 34 LED Lamp PCB
5Baffle 35LeftBodyCasing
6 Split Washer 36 Positioning Sleeve
7 Screw 37 Screw M4 x 6
8 Washer 38 Right Body Casing
9 Lower Slide 39 Guide Shoe Locking Lever
10 Upper Slide 40 Screw ST4 x 16
11 Plate 41 Stator Housing
12 Central Supporter 42 Brush Holder
13 Bearing 608 43 Pressing Plate
14 C Clip 44 Handle Locking Switch
15 Bearing 6000 45 Spring
16 Main Drive Gear Wheel 46 Left Side Handle
17 Gear Shaft 47 Speed Control Switch
18 Small Eccentric Shaft 48 Variable Pressure Plate
19 Axis Guide 49 Capacitor 0.22uf
20 Base Plate 50 Binding Post
21 Cover Plate 51 Power Cable Sheath
22 Clamp Washer 52 13A Plug and Cable
23 Screw M5 x 14 53 Right Side Handle
24 Fan Shroud 54 Carbon Brush
25 Red Fibre Gasket 55 Baffle Plate
26 Dustproof Cushion 56 Screw M5 x 14
27 Bearing 6000 57 Split Washer
28 Motor 58 Split Washer
29 Bearing 607 59 Screw M5 x 10
30 Shockproof Bearing Case 60 Cable Plate

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SPECIFICATIONS
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein, are correct
at the time of going to print. However, CLARKE International reserve the right
to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
MODEL CON850B
Weight 2.70 kg
Dimensions (L x W x H) 475mm x 90mm x 150mm
Voltage 230 V AC, 50Hz
Fuse Rating 13 Amp
IP Rating IPX0
Class II
Motor Power 850 Watts
Speed Control Type Variable
No-load Speed 0-2800 Strokes Per Min
Max Cutting Capacity Wood: 105mm
Mild Steel: 10mm
Effective Blade Length Wood (HCS): 130m
Metal (HSS): 80mm
Sound Pressure Level (LpA) 90.39 dB(A)
Sound Power Level (LWA) 104 dB(A)
Sound Uncertainty Value (K) 3 dB(A)
Max. Vibration 21.22 m/s²
Vibration Uncertainty Value (K) 1.5 m/s²

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY