Craftsman 172.10853 User manual

Owner's Manual
71/4-in. CIRCULAR SAW
Model No.
172.10853 (13 Amps)
CAUTION: Read, understand and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions
in this manua_ before using this product,
• SAFETY
•OPERATION
•MAINTENANCE
• ESPANOL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Warranty .................................................... Page 2
Safety Instructions ..................................... Pages 3-10
Safety Symbols ......................................... Page 10
Description ................................................ Page 11
Assembly ................................................... Pages 12-13
Operation ................................................... Pages 14-22
Maintenance .............................................. Pages 23-24
Accessories ............................................... Page 24
Service Numbers ....................................... Page 26
ONE FULL YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN
CIRCULAR SAW
Ifthis product fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from
the date of purchase, RETURN ITTOTHE NEAREST SEARS
STORE INTHE UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace it, free
of charge.
If this product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this
warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
2

/_ WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1, ALWAYS keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and
dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
I
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized
outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
2. Double insulation D eliminates the need for the three-wire grounded power
cord and grounded power supply system, Applicable only to Class II
(double insulated) tools,
3. Before plugging in the too!, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is
within the voltage marked on the tool's data plate, DO NOT use "AC only"
rated tools with a DC power supply.
4. ALWAYS 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.
5. If operating the power tool in damp locations is unavoidable, ALWAYS
use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to your tool.
ALWAYS wear electrician's rubber gloves and footwear in
damp conditions.
6. DO NOT expose power toots to rain or wet conditions. Water entering
a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
7. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tools or pull
the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
3

ELECTRICALSAFETYcont.
8. When operating a power tool outside, ALWAYS use an outdoor extension
cord marked "W-A" or "W". These cords are rated for outdoor use and
reduce the risk of electric shock.
NOTE: The extension cord must have adequate wire size AWG
(American Wire Gauge) for safe, efficient use. Smaller gauge wires
have greater capacity (16 gauge w re has more capacity than 18 gauge wire),
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. ALWAYS 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 Influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. ALWAYS dress properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Pull
back long hair. Reep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
3. ALWAYS avoid accidental starting. BE SURE switch is in the "Off"
position before plugging in. DO NOT carry tools with your finger on the
switch. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that
have the switch in the "On" position invites accidents.
4. ALWAYS 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.
5. DO NOT overreach. ALWAYS keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6. ALWAYS use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, or hearing protection must be used for
appropriate conditions.
4

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY
1. ALWAYS use clamps or other practical ways 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 lossof control,
2. DO NOT force tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application.
The correct tool and blade will do the job better and safer at the rate for which
itis designed,
3. 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.
4. ALWAYS 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.
5. ALWAYS store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained
persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users,
6. ALWAYS 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.
7. ALWAYS check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. If
damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.
IZ_ WARNING: USE OF ACCESSORIES THAT ARE NOT
RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THIS TOOL MAY CREATE
A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. I
8. ALWAYS use only accessories that are recommended for this tool.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.
SERVICE SAFETY
1. If any part of this saw is missing or should break, bend, or fail in
any way; or should any electrical component fall to perform properly:
ALWAYS shut off the power switch and remove the saw plug from the power
source and have the missing, damaged or failed part replaced BEFORE
resuming operation,
2. Tool service must be performed only at a Sears Service Center.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in
a risk of injury.
5

SAFETY RULES FOR CIRCULAR SAWS
IZ_ DANGERI Keep hands away from cutting area and blade, I
I
Keep your second hand on the auxiliary handle or motor housing. I
If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade,
1. ALWAYS keep your body positioned to either side of the saw blade, but
not in line with the saw blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump
backwards.
(See Kickback...What Causes It and Ways to Prevent It on pages 7-8).
2. DO NOT reach underneath the work. The guard cannot protect you from
the blade beneath the work.
3. ALWAYS check lower guard for proper closing BEFORE each use.
DO NOT operate the saw if the lower guard does not move freely and
close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard in the open position.
If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent. Raise the
lower guard with the retracting handle. Make sure that it moves freely and
does not touch the blade or any other part in all angles and depths of cut.
4. ALWAYS check the operation and condition of the lower guard spring.
If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they MUST be
serviced before use. The lower guard may operate sluggishly, due to
damaged parts, gummy deposits, or abuildup of debris.
5. The lower guard should be retracted manually ONLY for making special
cuts, such as pocket or compound cuts. ALWAYS raise the lower guard
by retracting the handle. As soon as the blade enters the material, the
lower guard MUST be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard
should operate automatically.
6. ALWAYS make sure that the lower guard Is covering the blade BEFORE
placing the saw down on a work bench or floor. An unprotected moving
blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path.
Make note of the time it takes for the blade to stop spinning after the
switch is released.
7. NEVER hold the piece being cut In your hands or across your legs.
It is important to support the work properly in order to minimize body
exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
8. ALWAYS 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 the exposed metal parts of
the tool "live" and shock the operator.
9. When ripping, ALWAYS use arip fence or straight edge guide. This
improves the accuracy of the cut and reduces the chance of the blade binding.
10. ALWAYS use blades that have the correct size and shape (diamond
vs. round) arbor holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware
of the saw will run erratically and will cause loss of control.
6

SAFETYRULESFORCIRCULARSAWScont.
11.ALWAYSBESUREthatalladjustingscrews and the blade holder are
fastened tightly BEFORE making a cut. Loose adjusting screws and holders
can cause the toolor blade to slip and loss of control may result.
12. When removing the blade from the tool, ALWAYS avoid contact with skin
and ALWAYS wear protective gloves when grasping the blade or accessory.
Accessories may be hot after prolonged use.
KICKBACK...WHAT CAUSES IT AND WAYS TO PREVENT IT
The Causes of Kickback
1. Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, bound or misaligned saw blade,
which causes the uncontrolled saw to liftup and out of the workpiece and
towards the operator.
2. When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by the kerr closing down, the
blade stalls and the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back towards
the operator.
3. If the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back
edge of the blade can dig into the top surface of the wood.This causes the
blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back towards the operator.
4. Kickback is a resultof tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or
conditions.Itcan be avoided by taking the proper precautions,as listedbelow.
Ways to Prevent Kickback
1. ALWAYS maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and position
your body and arms to allow you to resist KICKBACK forces.
KICKBACK forces can be controlled by the operator, if the proper
precautions are taken.
2. If the blade is binding, or when you are interrupting a cut for any
reason, ALWAYS release the trigger and hold the saw motionless in
the material until the blade comes to a complete stop. NEVER attempt
to remove the saw from the work or pull the saw backward while the
blade is in motion or KICKBACK may occur. ALWAYS check and be
ready to take corrective action to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
3. When restarting the saw in the workpiece, ALWAYS center the blade
in the kerf and check to be sure that the saw teeth are not engaged
into the material. If the saw blade is binding, it may walk up or KICKBACK
from the workpiece when the saw is restarted.
4. ALWAYS support large panels to minimize the risk of blade pinching
and KICKBACK. Large panels tend to sag under their own weight.
Supports MUST be placed under the panel on both sides, near the line
of cut and near the edge of the panel.
7

Ways to Prevent Kickback cont.
5. DO NOT use a dull or damaged blade. Unsharpened or improperly set
blades produce narrow kerr which causes excessive friction, blade
bindingand KICKBACK.
6. ALWAYS be sure that the blade depth and adjusting locking levers are
bght and secure BEFORE making a cut. If blade adjustment shiftswhile
cutting, it may cause binding and KICKBACK.
7. ALWAYS use extra caution when making a "Pocket Cut" into existing
walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that
can cause KICKBACK.
8. ALWAYS have saw blade at full speed before contacting workpiece.
9. ALWAYS hold tool by Insulated grtpping surfaces when performing an
operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or Its own
cord. Contact with a 'live" wire will make the exposed metal parts ofthe tool
"live" and shock the operator.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
I_WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow al! instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.
1. Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn the
applications and hmitations, as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool. Followingthis rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire or serious injury.
2. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this saw.
Everyday eye.glasseshave only impact-resistant lenses; they are
NOT safety g=asses. Followingthis rule will reduce the riskof serious
personal injury.
3. ALWAYS protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
4. ALWAYS protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
5. ALWAYS inspect the tool cords periodically and if damaged have them
repaired at your nearest Sears Service Center or other Authorized
Service Facility. ALWAYS be aware of the cord location.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION cont.
6. ALWAYS check for damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a
dguard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
etermine if it will operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check for mlsalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged, should be properly repaired or replaced at
a Sears Service Center. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire or serious injury.
7. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tool or pull
the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock or fire.
8. ALWAYS make sure that your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord be sure to use one that is heavy enough
to carry the current that your tool will draw. Awire gauge (AWG) of at
least 14 is recommended for an extension cord 25 feet or less in length.
When working outdoors ALWAYS use an extension cord that is suitable for
outdoor use. The cord's jacket will be marked WA. Smaller gauge wires,
have greater capacity (16 _,auge wire has more capacity than 18 gauge
wire). An undersized cord w=llcause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss
of power and overheating.
9. ALWAYS inspect and remove all nails from lumber before sawing.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
10. DO NOT use the tool while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or any medication. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire or serious personal injury.
11. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them
to instruct others who may use this tool. If someone borrows this tool,
make sure they have these instructions also.
Z_ WARNING: The operation of any circular
saw can result in foreign objects being thrown into your
eyes. which can result in severe eye damage. Before
beginning power tool operation, ALWAYS wear safety
goggles or safety glasses with side shield and a full
face shield when needed. We recommend AWide
Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or
standard safety glasses with side shield, available at
Sears Retail Stores,

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIONcont.
/_ WARNING: Some dust particles created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction jobs contains
chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
•Lead from lead-based paints.
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
' Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do
this type of work, To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
•Work in awell-ventilated area,
•Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V ..................................................... Volts
A.................................................... Amperes
Hz .................................................. Hertz
W................................................... Watts
min ................................................ Minutes
'_, .................................................. Alternating current
................................................. Direct current
no .................................................. No-load speed
[] .................................................. Class II construction
.../min ............................................ Revolutions or Strokes per minute
z_ ................................................ Indicates dancler, warn ng or caut on
It means attention! Your safety is involved.
IMPORTANT! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
10

Before attempting to use any tool, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the
operating features and safety instructions.
KNOWYOUR SAW (See Fig. 1)
Your circular saw has many built-in convenience features for fast, efficient
cutting. These features include easy to operate adjustments for depth-of-cut
and bevel cutting.
Electrical Connection
Your circular saw has a precision-built electric motor and it should only be
connected to a 120-volt, 60-Hz. power supply (normal household current).
DO NOT operate on direct current (DC). This large voltage drop will cause a
loss of power that will overheat the motor. If your saw does not operate when
plugged into an outlet, check the power supply.
Trigger Switch
To turn on the saw, push lock button with your thumb, then squeeze trigger
switch. Release switch to shut it off.
Spindle
ustrnent Knob
Blade Wrench Storage Area
Scale
Input
Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor
Cutting Depth at 90o
Cutting Depth at 450
Rating
No Load Speed
13 Amps
7 1/4in. (184mm)
5/8-in. (16mm)
2 7/16in. (61.97ram)
1 13/16in. (47.24mm)
120 volts, 60 Hz AC
5200 RPM
11

UNPACKING
Your circular saw has been shipped completely assembled, except for the blade,
which is packed unassembled, inspect the saw carefully to make sure that no
breakage or damage has occurred during shipping. If any parts are damaged or
missing, return the saw to your nearest Sears Store to have it replaced.
I_WARNING; IF ANY PARTS ARE MISSING, DO NOT OPERATE THIS
SAW UNTIL THE MISSINNG PARTS ARE REPLACED. FAILURE TO DO
SO COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
MOUNTING THE BLADE TO SAW
Carefully remove the blade from its packing and thoroughly inspect it to be
sure that it is not cracked or damaged.
I_WARNING: Your saw should NEVER be connected to the power
source when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or
removing blades, cleaning or when it is not in use. Disconnecting the saw
will prevent accidental starting, which could cause serious personal injury.
,_WARNING: A 7 1/4-in, blade is the maximum blade capacity for your
saw. NEVER use a blade that is too thick to allow the outer blade washer to
engage with the flat side of the spindle. Larger blades will come into contact
with the blade guards, and thicker blades will prevent the blade screw from
securing the blade on the spindle. Either of these situations could result in
serious personal injury.
Your saw has a spindle lock button for locking the spindle on your saw in a
stationary position. Push and hold the spindle lock button when mounting,
changing or removing the blade.
1. Remove btade wrench from shoe.
2. Place saw on its side on a flat surface.
3. Use blade wrench to loosen blade screw by turning it in a counterclockwise
direction. Completely remove blade screw (See Fig. 2).
4. Remove outer "D" washer (See Fig. 2).
5. The part remaining is the inner bushing (See Fig. 2). It does not need to
be removed.
6. Wipe a drop of oit onto the inner bushing and outer "D" washer where they
will touch blade.
7, Place the saw blade inside the lower blade guard, onto the spindle and
against the inner bushing (See Fig. 2).
NOTE: The teeth of the blade should point upward at the front of the saw
as shown in Fig. 2.
8. Place saw on the edge of a flat surface so the blade is not in
contact with anything.
12

MOUNTING THE BLADE TO SAW cont.
9. Raise lower blade guard usingthe blade guard handle and hold it in the raised
position for the next steps.
10. Replace the "D" washer (See Fig. 2).
11. Firmly holddown spindle lock button as you replace blade screw and hand
tighten it in a clockwise direction (See Fig. 2). Then use blade wrench to
tighten blade screw thoroughly.
12. Place blade wrench back in shoe.
NOTE: Always place angled portion of blade wrench upwards.
IMPORTANT: NEVER use a blade that is too thick to allow the "D" washer to
engage with the flat side of the spindle,
REMOVING THE BLADE
1. Unplug the saw.
IZ_ WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental I
starting causing possible serious personal injury.
2. Raise the lower blade guard using the guard handle, hold down the
spindle lock button.
3. Follow Steps 1 through 4 on Mounting Blade to Saw.
4. Carefully remove blade.
13

/1 CAUTION: DO NOT let familiarity with your saw make you I
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is suff=cient I
to cause severe injury.
SAW BLADES
All saw blades need to be kept clean, sharp and properly set in
order to cut efficiently. Using a dull blade places a heavy load on the saw
and increases the danger of kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so sharp
blades are always available. Gum and wood pitch hardened on the blade
slows the saw down. Use gum and pitch remover, hot water or kerosene to
remove them. DO NOT use gasoline.
BLADE GUARD SYSTEM
The lower blade guard, attached to your circular saw, is there for your
protection and safety. It should NEVER be altered for any reason. If it
becomes damaged or begins to return slowly or sluggishly, DO NOT
operate your saw until the damage has been repaired or replaced. ALWAYS
leave the guard in its correct operating position when using the saw.
/_ DANGER: When sawing through aworkpieee, the lower blade guard I
does not cover the blade on the underside of the workpiece. Since the blade I
is exposed on the underside of the workpiece, ALWAYS keep your hands and
fingers away from the cutting area. Any part of your body coming in contact
with the moving blade will result in serious injury (see Fig. 3).
Z_ CAUTION: NEVER use the saw when the guard is not operating
properly.The guard should be checked for correct operation before each use.
If you drop your saw, check the lower blade guard and bumper for damage at
all depth setting before using. NOTE: The guard is operatingproperly when it
moves freely and then readily returns to the closed position. If, for any reason.
your lower blade guard does not close freely, take it to your nearest Sears
Repair Center for service before using it.
14

KICKBACK
Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw is driven
back towards you. Blade stalling iscaused by any action which pinches
the blade in the wood.
IMPORTANT:The best guard against kickback is to avoid
dangerous practices.
I _ DANGER: ALWAYS release trigger switch immediately ifthe blade
binds or the saw stalls. Kickback could cause you to lose control of the saw.
Loss of control can lead to serious injury. I
rig.4
i
Blade is Set Too Deep
Kickback is Caused By:
1. Incorrect Blade Depth Setting (See Fig. 4),
2. Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece,
3. Twisting the blade while making a cut.
4. Making a cut with a dull, gummed up,
or improperly set blade.
5. Not providing proper support for
workpiece (See Fig. 5),
6. Forcing a cut.
7. Cutting warped or wet lumber.
8. Tool misuse or incorrect operating
procedures.
9. Contacting the workpiece with blade
at less than full speed,
To Lessen the Chance of Kickback:
1. ALWAYS use the correct blade depth
setting. The correct blade depth setting
for all cuts should not be more than
1/4-inch below the material to be cut
(see Fig. 6). Correct Blade Depth Setting =
Blade Exposed 1/4-in. or less
on underside of workpiece
15

To Lessen the Chance of Kickback: cont,
2. ALWAYS Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails BEFORE beginning to
cut, NEVER saw into a knot or nail,
3. Make straight cuts. ALWAYS use a straight edge guide when rip cutting.
This will help prevent twisting the blade in the cut.
4. ALWAYS use clean, sharp and
properly set blades. NEVER Fig. 7
make cuts with dull blades.
5. ALWAYS properly support the workpiece
before beginning acut. This will help you
avoid pinching the blade. The right and
wrong ways to support large workpieces
are shown in Figures 5 and 7.
6. ALWAYS use steady, even pressure
when making a cut. NEVER force the cut. Right
7. DO NOT cut wet or warped lumber,
8. ALWAYS hold the saw firmly with both
hands and keep your body in a balanced
position.This will help you resist the forces of kickback, should it occur.
IMPORTANT: When using your saw, ALWAYS stay alert and exercise control.
DO NOT remove your saw from the workpiece, while the blade is moving.
DEPTH-OF-CUT ADJUSTMENT
ALWAYS use the correct blade depth setting. The correct blade depth setting
for all cuts should not be more than 1/4-inch below the material being cut.
Allowing more depth witt increase the chance of kickback and cause the cut to
be rough.Your saw is equipped with a depth-of-cut scale on the upper blade
guard that will provide increased depth-of-cut accuracy (See Fig, 8).
To Raise
To Lower
16

TOADJUSTBLADE DEPTH
1.Unplugthesaw.
I WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental Istarting causing possible serious personal injury, I
2. Raise depth adjust lever to loosen. (See Fig. 8).
3. Determine the desired depth of cut.
4, Locate the depth-of-cut scale on the back of the upper blade guard.
5. Hold the base of saw fiat against the workpiece and then raise or lower the saw
until the indicator mark on the bracket aligns with the notch on the blade guard.
6. Lower depth adjust lever to tighten.
STARTING A CUT
1. ALWAYS use your saw with your hands positioned correctly (See Fig. 9).
I WARNING: ALWAYS maintain proper control of the saw to make
sawing safer and easier. Loss of control of the saw could cause an accident
resulting in possible serious injury.
NEVER use the saw with your
hands positioned as shown
in Fig. 10!
TO HELP MAINTAIN CONTROL
1. ALWAYS support the workpiece
near the cut.
2. ALWAYS support the workpiece so
the cut will be on your right.
3. ALWAYS clamp the workpiece
so it will not move during the cut.
Place the workpiece with the good
side down.
NOTE: The good side is the side
where appearance is important.
Before starting acut, draw aguideline
along the desired line of cut.Then place
the front edge of the saw base on that
part of the workpiece, that is solidly
supported (See Fig. 9).
4.NEVER place the saw on the part of
the workpiece that will fall off when
the cut is made (see Fig. 10).
5.ALWAYS keep the cord away from the
)
Right
s
cutting area. ALWAYS place the cord so it does not hang up on the
workpiece when making a cut.
17

TO HELP MAINTAIN CONTROL cont.
IZ_ DANGER: If the cord hangs up on the workpiece dunng a cut release
the trigger switch immediately. Unplug the saw and move the cord to prevent
it from hanging up again.
IDANGER, Using the saw with a damaged cord could result in serious
injury or death. If the cord has been damaged, have it replaced before using
the saw again.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands
(See Fig. 11).
Squeeze the trigger switch to start the
saw. ALWAYS let the blade reach full
speed before you begin the cut into
the workpiece.
I Z_ WARNING: If the blade comes in contact with the workpiece before it
reaches full speed, it could cause the saw to kickback towards you, resulting I
in serious injury.
When making a cut, ALWAYS use steady, even pressure. Forcing the saw
causes rough cuts and could shorten the life of the saw or cause kickback.
/_ DANGER: When sawing through the workplece, the lower blade I
guard does not cover the blade.The blade is exposed on the under side I
of the workplece. ALWAYS keep your hands and fingers away from the
cutting area. Any part of your body coming in contact with the moving
blade will result In serious injury.
After completing your cut, release the trigger switch and allow the blade to
come to a complete stop. DO NOT remove the saw from the workpiece while
the blade is moving.
IZ_ CAUTION: Whenever you lift your saw from the workp ece the blade
is exposed on the under side of the saw until the lower blade guard closes. I
ALWAYS MAKE SURE that the lower blade guard is closed before setting
the saw down on work surface.
18

MAKING CROSS CUTS OR RIP CUTS
1. When making cross or rip cuts, align
your line of cut with the outer blade
_suidenotch on the base of the saw
ee Fig. 12).
2. Since blade thicknesses vary, ALWAYS
make a trial cut in scrap material along
the guideline to determine how much,
ifany the guideline must be offset to
get an accurate cut.
MAKING BEVEL CUTS
1. Your saw can be adjusted to cut at any
angle between 0° and 45 °. When
making 45 ° bevel cuts, there is a notch
in the saw base to help you line up the
blade with the line of cut (See Fig. 13).
2. Align your line of cut with the inner
blade guide notch on the base of the
saw when making 45 ° bevel cuts.
3. Since blade thicknesse can vary and
different angles require different settings,
ALWAYS make a trial cut in scrap
materials along a guideline to determine
how much you should offset the guideline
on the board to be cut.
4. When making abevel cut ALWAYS hold
your saw firmly with both hands
(See Fig. 14).
5. Rest the front edge of the base on the
workpiece. Then squeeze the trigger
switch to start the saw. ALWAYS let the
blade reach full speed, then guide the
saw into the workpiece.
Align Inner Blade GuideNo_ch on
Shoe with Line of Cut (as shown)
When Making 45 °Bevel Cuts
I Z_ WARNING: If the blade comes in contact with the workpiece before it I
reaches full speed, it could cause the saw to kickback towards you, resu t ng i
in serious injury.
After completing your cut, release the trigger switch and allow the blade to come
to a complete stop. DO NOT remove the saw from the workpiece while the
blade is moving.
19

TO ADJUSTTHE BEVEL SETTING
1. Unplug the saw.
IA_ WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental I
starting causing possible serious personal injury. I
2. Loosen Knob (See Fig. 15).
3. Raise the motor housing end of the saw until you reach the desired angle
setting on the bevel scale See Fig. 15).
4. Tighten Knob securely.
I_WARNING: Attempting a bevel cut without the knob being securely I
tightened can result in serious injury. I
POSITIVE 0° BEVEL STOP (See Fig. 15)
Your saw has apositive 0° bevel stop, it was adjusted at the factory to assure 0°
angle of the saw blade for 90 ° cuts. However shipping can cause misalignment.
To Check
1. Unplug the saw.
IZ_ WARNING: Failure t° unplug the saw c°uld result in accidental I
starting causing possible serious personal injury.
2. Place saw in an upside down position on workbench (See Fig. 15).
3. Use a carpenter's square to check the squareness of the saw blade to
the shoe on your saw.
Fig. 15 __aw Blade
__/Car_nte_s
Square
J(l
Knob
Positive 0°
Bevel Stop
Adjustment Screw.
)
ex
ut
To Adjust
1. Unplug the saw.
I!t_ WARNING: Failure to unplug the saw could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious personal injury.
2. Loosen knob.
3. Loosen hex nut securing adjustment screw.
4. Turn screw and adjust shoe until square with saw blade.
5. Tighten hex nut and knob securely.
I
IZ_ WARNING: Attempting to make cuts without knob securely tightened I
can result in serious injury. I
2O