Eastwood 31668 User manual

ELECTRIC
RECIPROCATING SAW
INSTRUCTIONS
Item #31668

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The EASTWOOD ELECTRIC RECIPROCATING SAW is great for use on virtually all metals including
steel, aluminum, brass and more. The powerful 9 Amp motor goes though bar stock or tubing cleanly
and with ease. Cuts wood, fiberglass and other materials equally well. Features a “plugged–in”
indicator lamp for safety and a “lock-on” trigger for convenience.
INCLUDES
(1) Reciprocal Saw
(1) Metal Blade
(1) Wood Blade
(1) 4mm Hex Key
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Input Amperage: 9 Amps
Plug Type: 2-prong, polarized
Cord Length: 7’- 6”
Certification: ETL
No-Load Speed: 2500 Strokes Per Minute
Stroke Length: 1-1/8”
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The following explanations are displayed in this manual, on the labeling,
and on all other information provided with this product:

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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 all of the warnings listed below refers to your
mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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 cord. Never use the cord 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 cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
NOTE: Use a minimum 14 gauge insulated cord, no longer than 25’ in length.

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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 a power tool 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 safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Safety equipment such as dust mask,
non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will
reduce personal injuries.
c) Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before plugging in.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in 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 jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry 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 these devices 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
power 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 tools operation. If damaged, have the power
tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
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 and
in the manner intended for the particular type of power tool, 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.

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5) SERVICE
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.
SHOCK HAZARD!
• Never operate or store Saw in damp or wet conditions.
• Plug into a minimum 15 amp circuit. If using an extension cord, it must be
AWG 16 or greater, no longer than 25’.
• If cutting into wall or other blind areas, first check for the presence of
electrical or other utility lines.
HEALTH AND INJURY HAZARDS!
• Dust and fine particles are generated while cutting which can contain
hazardous or toxic substances. Breathing this dust can cause many serious
respiratory health conditions. Always use NIOSH approved respiratory
protection while using this Saw.
• This Saw will eject particles, dust and sparks at high velocity during
operation. Wear approved eye and skin protection at all times while operating.
• Cutting with this Saw can generate excessive noise. Wear appropriate hearing
protection while using.
• The moving blade of this Saw can quickly catch loose clothing, long hair or
jewelry causing serious personal injury. Keep all loose clothing, long hair and
jewelry away from operating Saw.
• This Saw can quickly start up when handling while plugged in to electrical
supply causing serious personal injury. Always unplug the tool from the
electrical supply before changing blades or performing maintenance.
• Sharp metal edges can cut. Always wear protective work gloves while
handling.
• Moving blades can quickly cut flesh. Keep hands and fingers away from
moving blade.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION

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ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION
HEALTH AND INJURY HAZARDS!
• This Saw can quickly and violently kick back or twist while operating causing
severe hand and or wrist injury. Do not apply excessive force to Saw while
in use. Always make sure the workpiece or material being cut is securely
clamped or anchored to allow two handed operation of the Saw.
• Damaged blades can break at high speed causing personal injury or property
damage. If excessive vibration is felt, discontinue use immediately and
disconnect tool from electrical supply. Inspect blade and Saw for damage.
Do not resume use until resolution is found.
• This Saw will eject a trail of sparks at high speed which can ignite flammable
materials or injure others nearby. Do not operate in the vicinity of flammable
materials and keep all persons and pets away from the work area.
BLADE INSTALLATION
• Rotate the Spring-Loaded Blade Retainer 90° Clockwise (As viewed from the front end of the
Saw) and hold it in that position (FIG 1).
• Place the keyed end of the Blade into the slot on the end of the Saw Shaft (FIG 2) until it fully
is seated.
• Release the Spring-Loaded Blade Retainer.
This Saw can quickly start up when handling while plugged in to electrical
supply causing serious personal injury. Always unplug the Saw from the
electrical supply before changing blades or performing maintenance.
Sharp blade edges can cut. Always wear protective work gloves while handling.
The Blade can be inserted with teeth up or teeth down as the need demands.

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FIG. 1
FIG. 2
90°
90°

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NOSE GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
To properly operate the Saw, the front of the Saw must be fully supported by the Nose Guide and is
adjustable to accommodate the thickness of the material being cut.
• Using the included 4mm Hex Key, loosen the 2 Set Screws located at the underside of the
Saw Nose (FIG 3).
• With a selected blade installed and properly seated and with the blade at the “In” Stroke,
measure the distance the blade extends beyond the pivoting face of the Nose Guide and
compare that dimension with that of the material to be cut thickness (FIG 4).
• Pull out Nose or retract Nose Guide as required.
• Re-tighten the 2 Set Screws.
The Nose Guide MUST be adjusted to allow the blade to protrude farther than
the thickness of the material to be cut. Failure to do so will result in kickback,
blade jamming and breakage.
Never allow the depth of the material to be cut to exceed blade length or
serious damage and personal injury can occur.
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
✓
“In” Stroke
Adjust
Adjust
✓
✓
✓
✓

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OPERATION
• While holding the Saw securely in two hands, depress the Trigger located at the upper,
inner edge of the Saw body handle (FIG 5).
• To begin cutting, allow several seconds for the motor to reach full speed then gently feed the
leading edge of the blade into the workpiece.
• Slowly and steadily allow the blade to do the cutting.
• When the cutting is complete, release trigger and allow blade to stop reciprocating before
pulling the blade away from the workpiece.
Always operate the Saw with two hands. Failure to do so could cause
serious personal injury.
The Saw features a convenient power supply indicator located at the top of the
“D” handle which illuminates amber whenever the power cord is plugged in.
This Saw is equipped with a Variable Speed Trigger Control.
The motor speed will increase the farther the Trigger is pressed.
DO NOT force the Saw or kickback could quickly occur causing severe injury!
To avoid hand fatigue, this Saw features a Trigger Position Lock which
functions on full speed only. To engage it, depress the Trigger fully then push
in the Trigger Lock Button located on the left side of the “D” handle adjacent
to the Trigger (Fig 5). To release it, simply depress the Trigger once again.
FIG. 5
✓
✓
Trigger
Lock
Button
Trigger

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MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following maintenance should be performed before each use:
• Inspect Blade for cracks, damage or premature wear.
• Clean dirt and debris from motor air cooling slots.
• Clean dirt and debris from Blade Mounting Shaft.
BRUSH REPLACEMENT
NOTE: If motor fails to start as trigger is depressed after extensive use, the Motor Brushes likely need
to be replaced.
• Remove the Brush Caps (one each at top and bottom of motor housing) with a medium
screwdriver (FIG 6).
• Pull Brush from socket (FIG 7).
• Inspect Brush.
NOTE: Brushes are considered worn if less than 1/8” of carbon is remaining.
• Replace with new brush.
NOTE: The carbon contact goes in first and is keyed to the rectangular socket.
• Replace Brush Caps and tighten.
FIG. 6
FIG. 7

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Does Not Run
When Switch
is Depressed
No Electric
Power to Saw
Check 120 VAC input plug connection.
Check for tripped circuit breaker.
Motor Brushes
Worn Replace Motor Brushes.
Motor Runs
Too Slow/
Develops Low
Power
Undersized or
Too Long of an
Extension Cord
Use only 14 gauge or larger cord.
Limit length to 25’
Excessive
Noise and/or
Vibration
Blade is
Damaged
WARNING: This is an extremely dangerous
condition! Stop use and replace Blade!
Motor
Overheats
Excessive
Pressure Being
Applied to
Blade
Allow Blade to cut by reciprocation alone.
Do Not force!
Dirt and Debris
Buildup in
Motor Cooling
Air Slots
Use a brush or compressed air to remove debris.
TROUBLESHOOTING

© Copyright 2017 Easthill Group, Inc. 1/17 Instruction item #31668Q Rev 1
If you have any questions about the use of this product, please contact
The Eastwood Technical Assistance Service Department: 800.343.9353 >> email: [e-mail]
PDF version of this manual is available online >> eastwood.com/31668manual
The Eastwood Company 263 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown, PA 19464, USA
US and Canada: 800.343.9353 Outside US: 610.718.8335
Fax: [phone] eastwood.com
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