Craftex B2397 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
B2397 LEFT TILTING 10” CONTRACTOR’S TABLE SAW

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Page 3
Features Page 4
Shipping Carton Contents Page 5
Base Assembly Page 6
Saw Assembly Page 7
Align-A-Rip Fence Assembly Page 8
Aligning the Align-A-Rip Fence Page 9
Final Assembly Page 10
Final Assembly Continued Page 11
Replacing the Saw Blade Page 12
Operation Instructions Page 13
Table Saw Tips
Making a Push Stick Page 14
Avoiding Kick-Back Page 15
Basic Cutting Techniques
Ripping Page 16
Bevel Ripping, Ripping Small Pieces, Cross Cutting Page 17
Bevel Cross Cutting, Mitering, Compound Mitering Page 18
Maintenance Page 19
Grounding Page 20
Extension Cord Use & Voltage Information Page 21
Electrical Diagram Page 22
Extra Blades Page 23
Troubleshooting Page 24
Schematics & Part Listings
Machine Diagram & Parts List Page 25
Cabinet & Table Assembly Page 26
Cabinet & Table Parts List Page 27
Rail Assembly Page 28
Rail Assembly Parts List Page 29
Stand Assembly & Parts List Page 30
Trunnion Assembly Page 31
Trunnion Assembly Parts List Page 32
Elevation Mechanism Assembly & Parts List Page 33
Miter Gauge Assembly & Parts List Page 34
Spreader Assembly & Parts List Page 35
Motor Assembly & Parts List Page 36
Warranty Information Page 37

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GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED IN OPERATING ALL POWER TOOLS. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL, BE
FAMILIAR WITH ITS OPERATION. READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL AND PRACTICE SAFE USAGE PROCEDURES
AT ALL TIMES.
CONNECT your machine ONLY to the matched and specified power source.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RESPIRATORS, HEARING PROTECTION and SAFETY
SHOES when operating this machine.
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewellery when operating machinery.
A Safe Environment is important. Keep the area free of dust, dirt and other debris
in the immediate vicinity of the machine.
BE ALERT! Do Not Use prescription or other drugs that may affect your ability or
judgement to safely use this machine.
DISCONNECT the power source when changing, blades or doing any maintenance
and or repairs.
NEVER leave an operating tool unattended.
NEVER reach over the table when the tool is in operation.
NEVER make crosscuts with the rip fence in place.
NEVER attempt cut material that is warped or twisted.
ALWAYS keep blades, knives or bits sharp and properly aligned.
ALWAYS keep all safety guards in place and ensure their proper function.
ALWAYS use push sticks and featherboards to safely feed your work through the
machine.
ALWAYS make sure that any tools used for adjustments are removed before
operating the machine.
ALWAYS secure your work with the appropriate clamps or vises.
ALWAYS keep bystanders safely away while operating machinery.
THINK SAFETY. WORK SAFELY. Never attempt a procedure if it does not feel safe
or comfortable.

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B2397 10” LEFT TILTING TABLE SAW
As part of the growing line of Craftex woodworking equipment, we are proud to
offer the B2397. The Craftex name guarantees Craft Excellence. By following the
instructions and procedures laid out in this owner’s manual, you will receive years of
excellent service and satisfaction. The B2397 is a professional tool and like all power
tools, proper care and safety procedures should be adhered to.
FEATURES
The B2397 is a 10” Contractor’s Style Table Saw with a 2HP Induction
Motor and a Left-Tilting Arbor.
Power Supply: 220V
Full Ball Bearing 5/8” Arbor.
Large Alloy Blade Raising and Tilting Wheels.
Arbor Lock.
Belt-Driven Arbor.
Table Saw Height: 36 1/2”
Overall Table Dimensions: 27” x 48”.
Maximum Rip to Right of Blade: 30”.
Precision Ground Cast-Iron Table.
Precision Ground Open Grid Table Extensions.
Shrouded Blade and Arbor for Efficient Dust Control.
High-Mounted Safety Power Switch with Removable Key.
Maximum Cut Depth at 90 Degrees: 3 3/8”.
Maximum Cut Depth at 45 Degrees: 2 1/2”.
Sheet Metal Open Stand.
Extremely Accurate Align-A-Rip ‘T’ Fence with Optical Cursors and Micro-
Adjustments.
‘T’ Slot Miter Gauge.
Shipping Weight 120 kg.

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CARTON CONTENTS
Check to see that all of these components are in your carton.
Your B2397 Left Tilting Table Saw carton contains all of the components
necessary to provide you with years of quality service, including a quality carbide
tipped blade. The individual components will be explained later in this Owners
Manual.
Base Parts Table Extensions
Misc. Components, Details in Manual Table Extension Fence Rail Support
Fence Rails & Power Switch Connectors Blade Elevation Lock
Hex Bolts & Lock Washers for
Extentions
Allen Wrenches

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BASE ASSEMBLY
Remove all Sheet Metal Components from the box and set aside.
Remove the large plastic bag containing
miscellaneous small parts and remove
the small bag containing the zinc plated
nuts, washers and bolts.
Select the round head carriage bolts,
washers and nuts. The shorter
stretchers are for the top support of the base and have dents to fit them to the
legs. Use 1 carriage bolt, 1 washer and 1 nut in each of the square holes that
match the leg and stretcher. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
Set the base on a level floor and using a spirit level, make sure that the top
surfaces of the steel base are level, commence tightening of the base nuts.
Select the black washers and nuts for use with the adjustable leveller feet and
install them on the base legs. Install 1 nut on the foot before inserting it in the leg.
Install a washer and the second nut but hand tighten only. Use a spirit level;
adjust all base feet by raising or lowering the bottom nut on the leg until the base
assembly is sitting level. Tighten the top nut down to secure the base legs.
You will be left with 4 zinc plated bolts, 8 washers
and 4 hex nuts. Set these aside for mounting the
table-saw to the base.

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B2397 SAW ASSEMBLY
Remove cast-iron saw table extensions from the carton and set aside.
Remove the table saw from the carton and discard all packing materials
from the cavity of the saw.
Un-wrap the power cord and power switch assembly.
Clean all cast-iron parts with mineral spirits to remove the protective
coating. Thoroughly dry and apply a coat of paste wax and polish.
Carefully mount the saw on the assembled base using the 4 zinc plated
bolts, 8 washers and 4 nuts. The Craftex label on the base should be
facing the front of the saw.
The power cord and on/off switch should be fed down through the top of
the base to be attached to the rip-
fence rail later.
Assemble the two cast-iron extension
tables using the 8 bolts and lock
washers illustrated.
The cast-iron extension tables have holes in the end
edges to accept hangers for the rip-fence front and rear
rail assemblies. Select the 4 large tapered-head philips-
drive machine screws, 4 washers and 4 nuts and attach
the hangers. DO NOT TIGHTEN AT THIS TIME.
Select the 2 hand-wheels from the parts container, one is for the saw
blade elevation and one is for the blade bevel
adjustment. The blade elevation wheel is fitted with a
shaft bearing and a height lock. Install the bearing, hand-
wheel, lock knob, washer and bolt to the axle and tighten
the bolt.
Install the blade bevel hand-wheel using a machine
screw found in the parts bag.
A separate lock for the bevel angle will be found already
installed above the blade elevation wheel.

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B2397 ALIGN-A-RIP FENCE ASSEMBLY
Your CRAFTEX Table Saw is equipped with the precision Align-A-Rip fence and
when assembled, will provide you with years of precise cutting.
There are 5 basic components to the fence assembly, 2 front rail halves, 2
rear rail halves and the rip fence itself.
Select the 2 front halves with the measurement scale
on them.
From the parts bag, select the square-head bolts,
washers and nuts. You will find a channel in the
extrusion of the fence into which these bolts will slide.
Slide 3 of these bolts into the right side portion of the
front fence and position them so that they will fit into
the holes in the front edge of the saw table. One of
the bolts will fit into the hanger strap. Install a washer
and nut and leave loose. Repeat the procedure with
the left side front fence extrusion.
Slide the two halves together so that the plastic sleeve makes a snug fit.
Repeat the above procedure for the rear fence rails and you may hand-
tighten all of the nuts at this point.
Using the smaller machine bolts and nuts, install the
power switch as pictured on the front fence rail and
tighten.
Install the auxiliary fence support/tool shelf on the
extreme right end of both front and rear rails using
the remaining 4 square-head bolts, washers and
nuts.
Install the Align-A-Rip fence by placing the front of it
on the front rail and pushing down on the back
portion to engage in the rear rail. The rails should
still be loose at this point so some jiggling may be
required.

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ALIGNING THE ALIGN-A-RIP FENCE
The Align-A-Rip fence should now be aligned and this is best done before further
assembly, however, a 10” saw blade should now be installed.
Select the type of saw blade that you will be using on a continual basis.
(Disconnect the machine from the power source)
Loosen the screw on the table insert with a phillips
screwdriver and set the insert to one side.
Your CRAFTEX table saw comes complete with 2 double-
ended blade wrenches. One end is for the arbor nut while the other fits
over the arbor and engages in slots that will lock the arbor.
Raise the saw arbor to its highest point
Engage the arbor lock and using the wrench, remove the blade bolt and
washer.
Install the blade, the washer (with the flat side facing the saw blade) and arbor
nut and tighten. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
Replace the saw table blade insert a make the screw only snug and sitting just
below the surface. Set the saw bevel to ‘0’ so that the blade is vertical and lock
the bevel with the lever above the blade height wheel. Raise the blade.
Slide the Align-A-Rip fence over to the right of the saw blade
and check the fence cursor to the left of the fence. The cursor
line should be at the ‘0’ mark or first line of the right side of the
scale. To adjust the front fence rail use a rubber mallet to ‘tap’
the rail assembly either left or right until this is attained. The
rear fence rail should be similarly adjusted.
When the fence is tight to the saw blade and the left cursor is at ‘0’, the rear
fence should be “squared” with the front fence.
Lock the fence down by pushing down on the fence-locking lever.
Now you may tighten all of the nuts supporting the front and rear fence rails
including the auxiliary support/tool shelf. Tighten the machine screws and nuts on
the hangers as well.

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B2397 FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINE TUNING
Select the 4 plastic fence rail end caps and 4 self-tapping screws and install at
the ends of the Align-A-Rip fence rails.
Select the 90 degree sawdust port and install it under the
saw table. This fitting ‘snaps’ into place and then will rotate
freely when connected to a sawdust collector.
Lower the saw blade to its lowest position and remove the saw table blade insert
by loosening the front screw.
Loosen the 2 bolts through the metal plates at the rear of
the opening and attach the saw blade guard, pawls and
kerf splitter. The slots on the rear plate of the splitter will fit
over the bolts. There are 3 positions for it to fit. Raise the
saw blade slightly so that it is about an inch above the
table surface. Use a straightedge to align the blade with
the splitter to ascertain the correct position. Tighten the bolts securely.
Thoroughly clean the ‘T’ miter slots to remove any grease and insert the miter
gauge. This is best achieved by having the tail of the gauge
slightly beyond the rear of the saw table and then drawing it
back. There are three positive stops on the miter gauge that
have been pre-set at the factory, 0 degrees, 45 degrees left and
45 degrees right. Any further adjustments may be done with an
allen wrench by loosening or tightening the screws under the gauge.
The saw table insert has four adjustable levelling screws to
ensure that it sits flush with the tabletop and to prevent any
possible wobble. They are accessible from the top of the
insert and may be adjusted with an allen wrench.
Your CRAFTEX B2397 table saw is a precision tool with versatility. Your Align-A-
Rip fence may be used to the left or right of the saw blade by either lifting it off
the rails or lowering the saw blade and simply sliding it over to the left or right
side of the saw blade.
The Align-A-Rip fence has ‘T’ slots on the faces that will allow you to add a
sacrificial auxiliary rip fence. You must however, compensate for the thickness of
this added fence when using the cursor.

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FINAL ASSEMBLY AND FINE TUNING CONTINUED
There is a yellow plastic insert in the saw table top and this is used for making a
pencil line to indicate the cut-line of the particular saw blade that you have
installed in the saw.
The on/off switch has a removable key to prevent unauthorized persons from
using it. The yellow portion of the switch may be pulled out and stored in a safe
place when the tool is in the off position.

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REPLACING THE SAW BLADE
1. Disconnect the machine from the power source
2. Turn the saw blade raising the hand wheel to raise the blade approximately 20mm (0.79”) above
the table surface
3. Remove the throat plate by loosening the cross-head screw at the front of the plate and lifting the
plate out.
4. Place one blade wrench onto the flats of the blade arbor. Place the other wrench onto the arbor
nut. Remove the arbor nut and flange from the saw arbor by turning counter-clockwise. Move the
saw blade to the highest position and remove it.
5. Ensure that the spindle and washer are clean of dust and debris. Place the new saw blade onto
the spindle and make sure the blade teeth point down towards the front of the table. Put the
washer and arbor nut on the spindle and tighten the arbor nut as much as possible by hand. Make
sure that the new saw blade is against the inner flange and the large washer diameter is against
the blade.
6. Lower the blade and place one blade wrench onto the flats on the blade arbor. Place the other
blade wrench onto the arbor nut. Tighten the arbor nut by turning it clockwise.
7. Different saw blades will make different sizes of kerf. Check the adjustment of the rip fence pointer
and the blade guard splitter after changing blades.

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OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
The two basic kinds of cuts on a table saw are cross cutting and ripping. In general, cutting with the
grain is ripping and cutting against the grain is cross cutting. However, with composite materials this
distinction may be difficult to make, or not apply at all. In these cases, cutting the wood lengthwise is
ripping and across the shorter dimension is cross cutting. Do not perform either operation freehand.
Use the fence for ripping and the mitre gauge for cross cutting.
Before using your saw, check the following (with power disconnected):
1. Make sure the blade is tight and secure
2. Bevel angle and height lock knobs are tight
3. If ripping, make sure the fence lock lever is tight and the fence is parallel to the blade.
4. If cross cutting, make sure the mitre gauge is tight.
5. Make sure safety glasses/goggles are worn at all times.
6. Make sure the blade is properly ground and attached and that the anti-kickback pawls are
functioning.
Failure to check these points may result in serious injury

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MAKING A PUSH STICK
In order to operate your table saw safely, you must use a push stick whenever the size o
r
shape of the work piece will cause your hands to be within 6” of the saw blade. Make sure the
push stick is long and sturdy enough to apply a noticeable amount of pressure.
A length of 14” is recommended with a notch that fits against the edge of the work piece to
prevent slipping. It is a good idea to have several push sticks of the same length (14”) with
different sized notches for work pieces of different thickness.
Below is a sample pattern of a typical push stick. The shape will vary depending on your
needs/requirements. The main purpose of the push stick is to keep your hands away from the
blade. Making the push stick out of hardwood or plywood is ideal. Ensure that it is less than or
equal to the width of the work piece to be cut.

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KICKBACK – HOW TO AVOID IT AND PROTECT YOURSELF
The dangers of kickback cannot be overstated. Most often it is caused by the work peice
binding against the blade. The result is that the work piece can rapidly move in a direction opposite to
the feed direction. During kickback, the work piece can be thrown back towards the operator and can
be very dangerous. It can also drag the operator’s hand towards the blade if the operator’s hand is in
the wrong place. To prevent kickback, please try and follow these guidelines and remember, one can
never be too safe.
1. Always use the guard, and continue to check that it is in in good working order. The
guard’s splitter helps prevent binding and the anti-kickback pawls on each side of the splitter
minimize the possibility of kickback. .
2. Do not saw warped, bowed or cupped wood. The work piece should have one straight
smooth side to go against the rip fence or mitre gauge.
3. Do not cut “freehand”. Always use either the rip fence or the mitre gauge. Never use
both.
4. Use extra care when the guard assembly cannot be used. (During dadoing)
5. Support large pieces carefully. Allowing them to sag or drop can be dangerous.
6. Make sure the rip fence is parallel to the saw blade.
7. Use a push stick for short pieces. Plastic and composite materials such as hardboard
can be cut on this table saw. However, as you know these materials are hard and usually
slippery and the anti-kickback pawls may not prevent kickback in all cases. Therefore, use
extra caution in cutting procedure when cutting these types of materials.

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BASIC CUTTING TECHNIQUES
RIPPING
1. Lock the rip fence by pressing the fence lock lever down. Remove the mitre gauge.
2. Raise the blade so that it is about 3.2mm (0.13”) higher than the top of your work piece.
3. Hold the work piece flat on the table against the rip fence. Keep the work piece about
25mm away from the blade
4. Turn the saw on and allow the blade to come up to speed. Both hands can be used in
starting the cut. When there is approximately 305mm (12”) left to be ripped, use a push
stick to finish the cut to avoid any accidents with your near hand.
5. Keeping the work piece against the table and fence slowly feed the work piece rearward
all the way through the saw blade. Continue pushing the work piece until it is clear of
the guard and it falls off the rear of the table. Do not overload the motor.
6. NEVER try to pull the work piece back with the blade moving. Turn the power switch off,
wait for the blade to stop fully turning, raise the anti-kickback pawls if necessary and
slide out the work piece.
7. When sawing materials of great length or panels, always use a work support. A
sawhorse, roller or outfeed assembly can provide adequate support for long work
pieces. Make sure that the work support is the same height as the table saw.
8. NEVER push or hold onto the “free” or “cut off” portion of the work piece.

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BASIC CUTTING TECHNIQUES Cont….
BEVEL RIPPING
Bevel ripping is performed the same as ripping but with the saw blade set at an angle not
perpendicular with the table surface. After changing the bevel angle, check the alignment of
the guard and splitter and make sure there is clearance with the saw blade.
RIPPING SMALL PIECES
Bevel ripping is performed the same way as ripping but with the saw blade set at an angle
not perpendicular with the table surface. After changing the bevel angle, check the
alignment of the guard and splitter and make sure there is clearance. Any action that brings
the operator’s hand near the saw blade are hazardous. When a small width is to ripped ,
use one or more push sticks to push the work piece past the saw blade.
CROSS CUTTING
1. Remove the rip fence and place the miter gauge in the slot on the table surface
2. Adjust the blade height so that the blade is about 3.2mm (0.13”) higher than the top
work piece.
3. Hold the work piece firmly against the miter gauge with the path of the blade in line with
the desired cut location. Keep the work piece approximately 2.45cm (1”) infront of the
blade. Keep both hands away from the blade and out of the cutting line.
4. Start the saw motor and allow the blade to come up to speed.
5. Using both hands to keep the work piece against the face of the mitre gauge and
holding the work piece flat on the table, slowly push the work piece through the blade.
6. NEVER try to pull the work piece back while the blade is still turning. Turn the power off
and allow the blade to stop fully turning and carefully slide out the work piece.
7. NEVER touch or hold onto the “free” or “cut off” portion of the work piece.

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BASIC CUTTING TECHNIQUES Cont….
BEVEL CROSS CUTTING
This operation is the same as cross cutting except that the bevel angle is set to an angle
other that 0°. After changing the bevel angle, check the alignment of the guard and splitter
and make sure there is clearance with the saw blade.
MITERING
This operation is the same as cross cutting, except that the miter gauge is locked to an
angle other than 0°. Hold the work piece firmly against the miter gauge and feed the work
piece slowly in to the blade to prevent it from moving during the cut.
COMPOUND MITERING
This is a combination of bevel cross cutting and mitering. It is infrequently used. Follow the
instructions for both bevel cross cutting and mitering.

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MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
Proper care and maintenance should be give to your B2397 to ensure a longer life.
Use only mild soap and a damp cloth the clean to the tool. Do not allow liquid to enter the machine.
Do not immerse any part of the table saw in liquid.
Keep the table surface free of rust. If you notice rust spots after some time, treat them immediately.
To lubricate the saw, first use a stiff brush to clean any dust and debris from the gears and worms.
Remove and pitch or resin that has accumulated. Use a light solvent if necessary. Apply grease to the
gears. Paste wax can be used if the grease is attracting too much dust. Keep all spray lubricants
away from the upper guard. After long term use, the saw table mechanisms may require lubrication.
For maximum safety and reliability, major repairs and maintenance should be performed at an
authorized service center.
MAINTANING THE RIP FENCE
The rip fence should always slide freely. If it requires excessive force to slide it, or if it feels rough,
wipe the rails and fence head gliding surface with a cloth. Check the movement again. If it is still
rough, clean the fence head with a mild solvent. Coat the rail with a heavy coat of paste wax or a light
oil. Slide the fence back and forth several times to coat the rail and fence. Wipe off any excess wax or
oil from the rail. If the fence still does not move freely, adjust the fence tension.

20
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides the path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This tool is equipped with a power cord, which has an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug.
The plug should be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and
grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. Do not modify the
plug provided – if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a
qualified electrician.
Improper connection of the grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric
shock. Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-
hole receptacles that accept the tools plug.
If the power cord becomes damaged or worn, replace it immediately.
The CRAFTEX B2397 table saw is intended for use on a circuit with an outlet for
the grounding pin on the plug. If a three-prong to two-prong adapter is used, then
make sure the grounding lug on the adapter is grounded properly.