MLCS 9661 User manual

4-1/2" CIRCULAR SAW (MLCS #9661)
Owner’s Manual
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating:
120 VAC, 60 Hz
Motor Amperage:
5.8 Amps
Speed:
3,500 RPM (no load)
Blade diameter:
4-1/2" (114.3 mm)
Arbor:
3/8" (9.5 mm)
Depth of cut @ 90°:
1-11/16" (42.9 mm)
Depth of cut @ 45°:
1-1/8" (28.6 mm)
Copyright © 2018 MLCS, All Rights Reserved

2
Product specifications ………….………………………………………………………………...
1
Table of contents ……………………………………………………………………..................
2
General safety warnings …………………………………………………………………………
3–4
Eye, ear & lung protection ……………………………………………………………………….
3–4
Electrical safety …………………………………………………………………………………...
4
Power tool safety ……………………………………………………………………..................
5–6
General warning ………………………………………………………………………………….
5
Work area ………………………………………………………………….……………………...
5
Electrical safety …………………………………………………………………………………...
5
Personal safety …………………………………………………………………………………...
5
Power tools use and care ………………………………………………………………………..
6
Service …………………………………………………………………………………………….
6
Specific safety rules ……………………………………………………………………………...
7–9
Causes and operator prevention of kickback ………………………………………………….
7–8
Additional specific safety rules ………………………………………………………………….
8–9
Extension cord safety …………………………………………………………………………….
10
Symbols ……………………………………………………………………………………………
11
Know your circular saw …………………………………………………………………………..
12
Assembly and operating …………………………………………………………………………
13–18
Removing and installing a blade ………………………………………………………………..
13
Setting the cutting depth …………………………………………………………………………
13
Setting the bevel cutting angle ………………………………………………………………….
14
Setting the "zero" bevel angle for accurate 90° cutting ………………………………………
14
Installing the edge guide …………………………………………………………………………
14–15
Installing the vacuum adaptor …………………………………………………………………..
15
Lock-off button and trigger switch ………………………………………………………………
15–16
Laser ON/OFF switch ……………………………………………………………………………
16
Materials you can cut …………………………………………………………………………….
16
General cutting ……………………………………………………………………………………
16–17
Plunge cutting …………………………………………………………………………………….
17
Cutting using the edge guide ……………………………………………………………………
17
Changing the laser batteries …………………………………………………………………….
18
General maintenance …………………………………………………………………………….
19
Lubrication ………………………………………………………………………………………...
19
Exploded view …………………………………………………………………………………….
20
Parts list ………………………………………………………………………….........................
21–23
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
EYE, EAR & LUNG PROTECTION
This instruction manual includes the following:
•General Safety Rules
•Specific Safety Rules and Symbols
•Functional Description
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•
Accessories
!
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION THAT CONFORMS WITH CSA
REQUIREMENTS or ANSI SAFETY STANDARD Z87.1
FLYING DEBRIS can cause permanent eye damage. Prescription
eyeglasses ARE NOT a replacement for proper eye protection.
WARNING: Non-compliant eyewear can cause serious injury if
broken during the operation of a power tool.
WARNING: Use hearing protection, particularly during extended
periods of operation of the tool, or if the operation is noisy.
!
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING: Before using this tool or any of its accessories, read this
manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions. The important
precautions, safeguards and instructions appearing in this manual are not
meant to cover all possible situations. It must be understood that common
sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into the product.
!

4
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
WARNING: To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards or damage to the
tool, use proper circuit protection.
This tool is wired at the factory for 120V AC operation. It must be
connected to a 120V AC, 15 AMP circuit that is protected by a time-delayed
fuse or circuit breaker. To avoid shock or fire, replace power cord
immediately if it is worn, cut or damaged in any way.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
WEAR A DUST MASK THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE USED WHEN
OPERATING A POWER TOOL IN A DUSTY ENVIRONMENT.
WARNING: Dust that is created by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activities may contain chemicals that are
known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other genetic abnormalities. These
chemicals include:
Lead from lead-based paints
Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
The level of risk from exposure to these chemicals varies, according to how
often this type of work is performed. In order to reduce exposure to these
chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and use approved safety
equipment, such as a dust mask that is specifically designed to filter out
microscopic particles.
!

WARNING: Read all safety warnings
and instructions. Failure to follow the warnings
and instructions may result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future
reference.
Work area safety
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or
dark areas invite accidents.
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.
Keep children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control.
Electrical safety
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.
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.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
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.
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.
If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a residual current device
(RCD) protected supply. Use of a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) reduces the risk of
electric shock.
Personal safety
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.
Use personal protective equipment. Always
wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or battery
pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energizing power tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.
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.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better
control of the power tool in unexpected
situations.
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.
If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly
used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-
related hazards
POWER TOOL SAFETY
!
5

6
Power tool use and care
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maintain power tools. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts and any other condition
that may affect the power tool’s operation. If
damaged, have the power tool repaired
before use. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Hold power 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 exposed metal parts of the tool
"live" and shock the operator.
Use clamps or another practical way to
secure and support the workpiece to a stable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against
your body leaves it unstable and may lead to
loss of control.
Service
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.
POWER TOOL SAFETY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE

7
WARNING: Know your circular saw. Do
not plug the tool into the power source until
you have read and understand this
Instruction Manual. Learn the tool’s
applications and limitations, as well as the
specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock, fire, or serious injury.
Always wear eye protection. Any
power tool can throw foreign
objects into your eyes and cause
permanent eye damage.
ALWAYS wear safety goggles (not glasses) that
comply with ANSI safety standard Z87.1.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant
lenses. They ARE NOT safety glasses.
WARNING: Glasses or goggles not in
compliance with ANSI Z87.1 could cause
serious injury when they break.
Always keep hands out of the path of the saw
blade. Avoid awkward hand positions where a
sudden slip could cause your hand to move into
the path of the saw blade.
DANGER: Keep hands away from
cutting area and the blade. Keep your
second hand on the tool. If both hands are
holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the
blade.
Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The
guard cannot protect you from the blade below
the workpiece.
Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of
the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the
blade teeth should be visible below the
workpiece.
Never hold piece being cut in your hands or
across your leg. Secure the workpiece to a
stable platform. It is important to support the
work properly to minimize body exposure, blade
binding, or loss of control.
Hold power 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 also make exposed metal parts of the
power tool "live" and shock the operator.
When ripping always use the rip fence or
straight edge guide. This improves the
accuracy of cut and reduces the chance of the
blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and
shape (diamond versus round) of arbor
holes. Blades that do not match the mounting
hardware of the saw will run eccentrically,
causing loss of control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade
washers or bolt. The blade washers and bolt
were specially designed for your saw, for
optimum performance and safety of operation.
Never use abrasive blades with this circular
saw.
CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF
KICKBACK
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched,
bound or misaligned saw blade, causing an
uncontrolled saw to lift up and out of the
workpiece toward the operator;
When the blade is pinched or bound tightly by
the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and the
motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back
toward the operator.
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 causing
the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back
toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions and
can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below:
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
!
!
!

8
CAUSES AND OPERATOR PREVENTION OF
KICKBACK – cont’d
Maintain a firm grip on the saw and position
your arms to resist kickback forces. Position
your bodyto the left or right side of the
blade, but not in line with the blade. Kickback
could cause the saw to jump backwards, but
kickback forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions aretaken.
When the blade isbinding, or when
interrupting a cut for anyreason, release the
trigger and hold the saw motionless inthe
material until the blade comes toa complete
stop. Never attempt toremove the saw from
the work or pull the saw backward while the
blade is in motion or kickback may occur.
Investigate and take corrective actions to
eliminate the cause of blade binding.
When restarting a saw inthe workpiece,
center the saw blade inthe kerf and check
that saw teeth are not engaged into the
material. If the saw blades are binding, it may
walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the
saw isrestarted.
Support large panels tominimize the risk of
blade pinching andkickback. 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.
Do not use dull or damaged blades.
Unsharpened or improperly set blades produce
narrow kerf causing excessive friction, blade
binding and kickback.
Blade depth andbevel adjusting locking
levers must betight andsecure before
making cut. If blade adjustment shifts while
cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when making a "plunge
cut" into existing walls or other blind areas.
The protruding blade may cut objects that can
cause kickback.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Check the 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 ortie the lower
guard into the open position. If the saw is
accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be
damaged. Raise the lower guard with the
retracting handle and make sure it moves freely
and does not touch the blade or any other part
in all depths of cuts.
Check the operation 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 a build-up of debris.
The lower guard should be retracted
manually only for special cuts such as
"plunge cuts" and "compound cuts". Raise
lower guard byretracting handle and as
soon as the blade enters the material, the
lower guard must be released. For allother
sawing, the lower guard should operate
automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is
covering the blade before placing sawdown
on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting
blade will cause the saw towalk backwards,
cutting whatever isin its path. Be aware of the
time ittakes for the blade to stop after the switch
is released.
Never operate the saw while it is being
carried toanother location. The blade guard
may be open and potentially cause serious
injury.
If the switch fails to turn the saw ON or OFF
properly, stop using itimmediately and have the
saw switch repaired.
Always allow the saw toreach full speed
before beginning the cut.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

9
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES –
cont’d
Never use the side of the blade for cutting.
When making horizontal cuts, make sure the
weight of the tool is not forcing the side of the
blade to do the cutting. This will reduce the risk
of kickback.
Make sure there are no nails or foreign
objects in the area of the workpiece to be
cut.
Never lay workpiece on hard surfaces like
concrete, stone, etc. The protruding blade may
cause tool to jump.
DANGER: To avoid injury from
accidental starting, always remove the plug
from the power source before making any
adjustments and before installing or
removing a saw blade.
When replacing the blade, make sure the
replacement blade is 3⅜" in diameter and is
rated for at least 3,500 RPM. Installing an
incorrect blade will result in possible injury and
poor cutting action.
After changing a blade or making
adjustments, make sure the blade clamp
screw is securely tightened. Loose blades
and adjustment devices will be violently thrown.
Never touch the blade during or immediately
after use. After use the blade is too hot to be
safely touched with bare hands.
!
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

10
WARNING: Keep the extension cord
clear of the working area. Position the cord so
it will not get caught on the workpiece, tools or
any other obstructions while you are working
with the power tool.
Make sure any extension cord used with this
tool is in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one of heavy
enough gauge to carry the current the tool will
draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in
line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating.
The table at right shows the correct size to use
according to cord length and nameplate ampere
rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number the heavier the
cord.
Be sure your extension cord is properly wired
and in good condition. Always replace a
damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a
qualified electrician before using it. Protect your
extension cord from sharp objects, excessive
heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your power
tools. This circuit must not be less than 14
gauge wire and should be protected with either
a 15 AMP time delayed fuse or circuit breaker.
Before connecting the power tool to the power
source, make sure the switch is in the OFF
position and the power source is the same as
indicated on the nameplate. Running at lower
voltage will damage the motor.
WARNING: Repair or replace damaged
or worn extension cords immediately.
Select the appropriate extension cord gauge
and length using the chart below.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use
an outdoor extension cord marked "W-A" or
"W". These cords are rated for outdoor use and
reduce the risk of electric shock.
WARNING: Keep the extension cord
clear of the working area. Position the cord
so it will not get caught on the workpiece,
tools or any other obstructions while you are
working with the power tool.
MINIMUM GAUGE (AWG)
EXTENSION CORDS (120V use only)
Amperage
rating
Total length
More
than
Not
more
than
25'
(7.5 m)
50'
(15 m)
100'
(30 m)
150'
(45 m)
0
6
18
16
16
14
6
10
18
16
14
12
10
12
16
16
14
12
12
16
14
12
Not Applicable
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY
!
!
!

11
This symbol designates that this tool is listed
with
Canadian requirements by
ETL Testing Laboratories, Inc.
C
onforms to UL Std. 60745-1 and 60745-2-5.
3042597
JD3525U
V
Volts
A
Amps
Hz
Hertz
W
Watts
kW
Kilowatts
Microfarads
L
Liters
kg
Kilograms
H
Hours
N/cm2
Newtons per square
centimeter
Pa
Pascals
OPM
Oscillations per minute
Min
Minutes
S
Seconds
or a.c.
Alternating current
Three-phase alternating
current
Three-phase alternating
current with neutral
Direct current
No load speed
Alternating or direct
current
Class II construction
Splash-proof
construction
Watertight construction
Protective grounding at
grounding terminal,
Class I tools
Revolutions or
reciprocations per
minute
Diameter
Off position
Arrow
Warning symbol
Wear your safety
glasses
Wear a dust mask
Wear hearing protection
SYMBOLS
WARNING: Some of the following symbols may appear on the circular saw. Study
these symbols and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will
allow for more efficient and safer operation of this tool.
!

12
KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW
Motor
vents
Laser
Blade
guard
Main
handle
Adjustable
vacuum
adapter
ON/OFF
Trigger switch
Edge guide
locking screw
Edge guide
Lock-off
button
Hex key
Blade
guard lever
Bevel
adjustment
lever
4-1/2" x 3/8"
24TCT blade or
60T HSS blade
Depth
adjustment
lever
Bevel
adjustment
stop
Shaft locking
button
Laser ON/OFF
switch

13
Fig. 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
REMOVING AND INSTALLING A BLADE
WARNING: Always remove the plug from
the power source before removing the blade or
adjusting the saw in any way.
WARNING: Use caution when handling the
blade. It is sharp and can easily cut your hand.
1. Press inward on the shaft locking button (1)
(Fig. 1).
2. Insert the 5mm hex key (2) into the blade
screw (3). While pressing inward on the shaft
locking button, rotate the hex key clockwise
until the shaft locking button engages with the
blade shaft. Continue turning the hex key
clockwise and remove the blade screw and
the outer blade flange (4).
NOTE: The blade screw is a left hand thread.
3. Rotate the blade guard lever (5) counter
clockwise as far as it will go.
4. If there is already a blade installed on the
saw, lift the blade off the spindle (6) and slide
it out through the slot in the sole plate.
5. To reinstall a blade, reverse the above
procedure.
NOTES:
a) Make sure the blade teeth are pointing
forward at the bottom of the blade.
b) When re-installing the outer flange nut
make sure the flats of the flange nut fit over
the flats on the spindle.
c) Turn the blade screw counter clockwise to
thread it into the spindle. Make sure the
screw is not cross threaded.
6. When the new blade, outer flange and blade
screw are in place, press the spindle locking
button and fully tighten the blade screw.
7. When the blade screw is fully tightened,
carefully rotate the blade to ensure it does not
wobble. If it wobbles, remove and reinstall the
blade making sure it is installed correctly.
SETTING THE CUTTING DEPTH
The cutting depth of the blade should be set to
suit the thickness of the material being cut. The
cutting depth should be approximately 1/8"
(3 mm) greater than the thickness of the
material being cut.
1. Rotate the cutting depth locking lever (1)
counter clockwise (Fig. 2).
2. Lower the sole plate to the desired depth.
NOTE: Align the desired depth on the depth
control scale (2) with the alignment mark (3)
on the saw housing.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
!
!
Fig. 2
1
2
3
NOTE: For illustrative purposes, some
drawings show the vacuum adaptor
installed on the saw. The vacuum adaptor
does NOT have to be installed if a vacuum
is not being used.

14
SETTING THE BEVEL CUTTING ANGLE
The sole plate can be set to perform bevel cuts
up to 45°.
1. Rotate the bevel angle locking lever (1)
counter clockwise (Fig. 3).
2. Rotate the sole plate (2) to the desired angle.
NOTES:
a) Align the desired angle on the bevel scale
(3) with the alignment mark (4)on the sole
plate housing.
b) Always make a test cut on a scrap
workpiece and check tomake sure the bevel
angle is correct.
SETTING THE "ZERO" BEVEL ANGLE FOR
ACCURATE 90° CUTTING
Before making any cuts, it is important to make
a test cut on a scrap workpiece and adjust the
bevel angle stop if necessary to ensure that the
"zero" bevel adjustment provides accurate 90°
cuts.
1. Loosen the bevel locking lever (1) and rotate
the sole plate toward the 0° mark as far as it
will go and tighten the bevel angle locking
lever (Fig 4).
2. Make a test cut on a scrap workpiece and
check the cut with a carpenters’ square to
verify that the saw is cutting at 90°.
3. If the test cut is not at 90°, turn the zero
adjustment lock nut (2) counter clockwise
approximately ¼ turn using a 7mm wrench.
4. Use a #2 screwdriver to turn the zero
bevel adjusting screw (3) in or out until the
saw is cutting at 90° when the sole plate is
contacting the adjusting screw.
5. Tighten the lock nut while using the
screwdriver to prevent the adjusting screw
from turning.
NOTE: When the final adjustment is made
and the locknut tightened, recheck the cutting
angle on a scrap workpiece.
INSTALLING THE EDGE GUIDE
The edge guide can be used to facilitate
accurate cutting when ripping pieces up to 5"
wide.
1. Loosen the edge guide locking screw (1)
counter clockwise approximately 2 turns using
the 5mmhex key (Fig. 5).
2. Slide the edge guide mounting rod (2) into the
mounting slots (3) in the sole plate.
3. Align the desired cutting width on the scale
(4) with the 0° cutting mark (5) in the sole
plate.
4. Tighten the edge guide locking screw to lock
the edge guide into position.
NOTE: Do not over tighten as you may strip
the threads.
5. Make a test cut on a scrap workpiece to verify
the edge guide setting. Adjust asneeded, if it
is slightly off.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
Fig. 3
1
2
3
4
Fig. 4
1
2
3

15
INSTALLING THE EDGE GUIDE – cont’d
INSTALLING THE VACUUM ADAPTER
Aworkshop vacuum can be attached to the
circular saw to collect much of the dust created
from cutting.
1. Placethe small end of the vacuum adaptor
(1) over the vacuum port(2) on the blade
housing (Fig. 6).
NOTE: Rotate the adaptor slightly while
pushing it ontothe vacuum port.
2. Attach a workshop vacuum hose tothe
large end of the adaptor.
NOTE: Not allof the cutting dust will be
captured by the vacuum as some will be
thrown beyond the vacuum range.
LOCK-OFF BUTTON AND TRIGGER SWITCH
The lock-off button (1) is a safety device
designed to reduce the possibility of accidentally
starting the saw (Fig. 7). This button must be
depressed before the trigger switch (2) can be
depressed.
1. To turn the saw ON, depress the lock-off
button with your thumb.
2. While holding the lock-off button in the
depressed position, squeeze the trigger
switch to start the saw.
3. Once the saw starts, release the lock-off
button. The saw will remain running until the
trigger switch is released.
4. To turn the saw OFF, release the trigger
switch.
NOTE: The lock-off button must be
depressed again to restart the saw.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
For safety reasons, the operator must
read the sections of this Owner’s Manual
entitled "GENERAL SAFETY
WARNINGS", "POWER TOOL SAFETY",
"SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES",
"EXTENSION CORD SAFETY" and
"SYMBOLS" before using this circular
saw.
Verify the following every time the
circular saw is used:
1. Correct blade is installed for the
material being cut.
2. Blade is in good condition and is
properly installed.
3. Blade guard is in place and is in
good working order.
4. Workpiece is properly secured.
5. Safety glasses, dust mask and
hearing protection are being worn.
Failure to observe these safety rules will
significantly increase the risk of injury.
WARNING
!
Fig. 5
1
2
3
3
4
5
Fig. 6
1
2

16
Fig. 8
1
2
Fig. 7
1
2
LOCK-OFF BUTTON AND TRIGGER SWITCH
–cont’d
LASER ON/OFF SWITCH
This saw is equipped with a laser guidance
system for more precise cutting.
DANGER: Never allow the laser beam to
shine into a person’s eyes. Serious eye damage
could result.
To turn the laser ON, press the left side of the
laser switch (1) (Fig. 8). To turn the laser OFF,
press the right side of the laser switch.
MATERIALS YOU CAN CUT
The circular saw is a versatile saw that allows
you to cut many different types of materials.
Some of the materials include:
•Wood products such as lumber, hardwood,
plywood, composition board and paneling
•Masonite and plastic
NOTE: There are several different types of
blades available. Generally, blades with carbide-
tipped teeth cut better and stay sharp longer.
Tooth count and configuration are also
important. High tooth counts cut slower and are
best suited for making smooth cuts on thinner
materials such as paneling or plywoods and
laminates.Use the correct blade for your
application.
GENERAL CUTTING
NOTE: Always make a test cut on a scrap
workpiece to verify that all settings are correct.
1. Make any adjustments to the saw before
plugging it into the power source.
Adjustments include cutting depth, bevel
cutting angle and edge guide (if installed).
2. Clearly mark the workpiece to locate the
position of the cut.
3. Hold a smaller workpiece with a vise. Clamp
a larger workpiece to a work bench or table.
DANGER: Any workpiece that is not
adequately clamped in place or properly
supported for cutting may come loose or jamb
the blade, causing serious injury. Never hold the
workpiece in your hand.
4. Make sure there are no nails, screws, clamps
or foreign materials in the path of the saw
blade.
5. Turn the laser ON.
6. Place the front edge of the sole plate on the
workpiece.
7. While firmly gripping the saw, and with the
blade NOT in contact with the surface to be
cut, start the saw by depressing the lock-off
button and then the trigger switch.
8. Once the saw has reached full speed,
gradually bring the moving blade into contact
with the workpiece at the appropriate location.
NOTE: To align the saw blade with the cutting
mark, use the guide marks on the front of the
sole plate (Fig. 9). Use the 0° cutting mark (1)
and the laser line (2) for right angle cuts. Use
the 45° mark (3) for 45° bevel cuts. The 45°
mark will allow for the extra material needed for
the angle cut. Always make a test cut on a scrap
workpiece before cutting the new material.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
!
!

17
Fig. 9
1
2
3
GENERAL CUTTING – cont’d
WARNING: Do not force the circular saw.
Use only enough force to keep the blade cutting
at full speed. Excessive pressure on the blade
will cause it to slow down and overheat,
resulting in poor cut quality and damage to the
motor.
9. Turn laser OFF.
PLUNGE CUTTING
WARNING: To avoid loss of control,
damage to the blade or damage to the
workpiece, always use extreme caution when
making plunge cuts. It is not recommended to
plunge cut any material other than wood.
1. To plunge cut inside the edges of a
workpiece, clearly mark the cutting line on the
workpiece.
2. Set the depth (Fig. 2) and set the bevel angle
at 0° (Fig. 3).
3. Set the saw on the workpiece so the front
edge of the sole plate (1) is flat on the
workpiece (Fig. 10).
4. Open the blade guard by rotating the blade
guard lever (2) forward.
5. Align the saw blade with the cutting line (3)
using the 0° cutting mark on the sole plate
and the laser line.
NOTE: Make sure the saw blade is inside the
area to be cut out.
6. Start the saw and slowly lower the blade onto
the workpiece while holding the blade guard
lever forward to allow the blade to cut into the
workpiece.
7. Continue lowering the blade into the
workpiece until the full cutting depth has been
achieved. Continue sawing and complete the
cut as required.
CUTTING USING THE EDGE GUIDE
Whenever possible, install the edge guide on
the left hand side of the sole plate (Fig. 11). This
will place the majority of the tool weight on the
larger portion of the workpiece, making it easier
to control the tool. If necessary, the edge guide
may be installed from the opposite side, but the
edge guide mounting rod MUST engage both of
the edge guide slots in the sole plate.
!
!
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
Fig. 10
12
3
Fig. 11

18
CHANGING THE LASER BATTERIES
The batteries that operate the laser will have to
be replaced after considerable use of the laser.
1. Turn the laser switch OFF.
2. Remove the laser cover screw (1) using a
#2 screwdriver (Fig. 12).
3. Lift the laser cover (2) off the top of the laser
assembly (Fig. 13).
4. Remove the two old batteries (3).
DANGER: Never allow the laser beam to
shine into a person’s eyes. Serious eye damage
could result. Make sure the laser switch is OFF
and the laser is NOT pointing toward you while
replacing the laser batteries and when checking
the laser function.
5. Insert two new batteries.
NOTES:
a) Use two 1.5V LR 44 batteries
b) Install the batteries with the "+" side (4) of
the batteries facing the rear of the tool.
6. Re-install the laser cover and fasten it in
place with the laser cover screw.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
!
Fig. 12
1
2
3
4
Fig. 13

19
GENERAL
WARNING: When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts. The use of any
other part may create a hazard or cause
product damage.
DO NOT use solvents when cleaning plastic
parts. Plastics are susceptible to damage from
various types of commercial solvents and may
be damaged by their use. Use a clean cloth to
remove dirt, dust, oil, grease etc.
WARNING: Do not allow brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products,
penetrating oils, etc. to come into contact
with plastic parts. They contain chemicals
that can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.
DO NOT abuse power tools. Abusive practices
can damage the tool and the workpiece.
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to modify
tools or create accessories. Any such
alteration or modification is misuse and
could result in a hazardous condition leading
to possible serious injury. It will also void
the warranty.
It has been found that electric tools are
subjected to accelerated wear and possible
premature failure when they are used on
fiberglass boats and sports cars, wallboard,
spackling compounds or plaster. The chips and
grindings from these materials are highly
abrasive to electric tool parts such as bearings,
brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, it is
not recommended that this tool be used for
extended work on any fiberglass material,
wallboard, spackling compounds or plaster.
During any use on these materials it is
extremely important that the tool is cleaned
frequently by blowing it out with an air jet.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles
or safety glasses with side shields during all
cutting operations. It is critical that you also
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields and a dust mask while blowing
dust out of the circular saw with an air jet.
Failure to take these safety precautions
could result in permanent eye or lung
damage.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with
a sufficient amount of high-grade lubricant for
the life of the unit under normal conditions.
Therefore, no further lubrication is required.
MAINTENANCE
!
!
!
!

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