Performax 241-0924 User manual

Operator’s Manual
18 Volt Cordless Jig Saw
241-0924
IMPORTANT:
WARNING! To reduce the risk of injury, user must read instruction manual.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to flag possible dangers. The safety
symbols and their explanations require the operator’s full understanding. The
safety warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger, nor are they substi-
tute for proper accident-prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to
obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to the operator or to others.
To reduce the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety pre-
cautions.
CHARGE BATTERY
BEFORE FIRST USE

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Symbols ............................................................................... page 3
Safety Instructions .......................................................................... page 4
Description ...................................................................................... page 9
Assembly ......................................................................................... page 10
Operation ......................................................................................... page 11
Maintenance .................................................................................... page 15
Troubleshooting ............................................................................... page 16
Warranty .......................................................................................... page 16
INTRODUCTION
SAVE THESE INSTRUCIONS!
This jig saw has many features for making its use more pleasant and
enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority
in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.

3
SAFETY SYMBOLS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful
attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves,
eliminate any danger. The instructions and warning they give are no substitutes
for proper accident prevention measures.
WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this
manual, including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” “WARNING” and
“CAUTION,” before using this tool. Failure to following all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderately injury.
NOTE: (Without SafetyAlert Symbol) Indicates a situation
that may result in property damage.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by
a qualified service technician at an Authorized Service Center.
WARNING: The operation of any power tool 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 shields and a full-face shield when
needed. We recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for
use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with
side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1

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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Some of these following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them
and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you
to operate the tool better and more safely.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
VVolts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
min Minutes Time
Alternating Current Type of current
Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
.../min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,
orbits, etc., per minute
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
Read The Operator’s Manual
To reduce the risk of injury, user must
read and understand operator’s manual
before using this product.
Eye Protection
Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields and a full face
shield when operating this product.
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the
blade will result in serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the
blade will result in serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the
blade will result in serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the
blade will result in serious personal injury.
Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage,
avoid contact with any hot surface.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
0

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GENRAL SAFETY RULES
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.
The term power tool in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power
tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
1) 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.
2) 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 an RCD reduces the risk of
electric shock.
3) PERSONAL SAFETY
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.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective
equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing

6
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to a 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 these devices
can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) 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 more safely 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 conditions 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, 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.

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5) BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that
is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with
another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any
other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects,
like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that
can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid
contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts
eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may
cause irritation or burns.
6)
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.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR CORDLESS JIG SAW
Use battery only with charger listed.
Battery pack Charger
252-0908 252-0912
252-0900
Hold the 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.
When using the jigsaw, use safety equipment, including safety goggles or shield,
ear defenders, dust mask and protective clothing including safety gloves.
Ensure that the lighting is adequate.
Do not use the saw unless the guards are in place.
Keep the shoe plate on the workpiece.
Do not put pressure on the saw, such that it slows the motor down. Allow the
saw blade to cut without pressure. You will get better results and you will be
taking better care of your tool.

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Keep the area free of tripping hazards.
Do not let anyone under 18 years operate this jigsaw.
Only use blades in good condition.
Before cutting, check that there is sufficient clearance for the blade under the
workpiece.
Do not touch the blade after operation; it will be very hot.
Keep your hands away from under the workpiece.
Never use your hands to remove sawdust, chips or waste close by the blade.
Rags, cloths, cord, string and the like should never be left around the work area.
Avoid cutting nails. Inspect the workpiece and remove all nails and other foreign
objects before beginning sawing.
Never reach over the blade to remove waste or off-cuts.
Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first switching off the machine.
If you are interrupted when operating the saw, complete the process and switch
off before looking up.
Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fasteners are properly tightened.
Do not store materials or equipment above a machine in such a way that they
could fall into it.
Do not secure the jigsaw upside down in a vice or work bench and use it as a
saw bench. This can lead to serious injury.

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DESCRIPTION
KNOW YOUR CORDLESS JIG SAW (Fig. 1)
Before attempting to use this cordless jig saw, familiarize yourself with all of its
operating features and safety requirements.
WARNING! Do not allow familiarity with your cordless jig saw to make you careless.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Motor Voltage 18V DC
No load speed 0-2200 SPM
Blade stroke distance 20mm (25/32”)
Cutting angle range 0-45°
Blade type “T” and “U” shank
Weight (without battery) 3 lb. 9 oz.
Battery Voltage 18 Volt DC
Charger input 120-Volt 60Hz AC only
Compatible batteries: Performax 252-0908 Li-Ion
252-0908 Ni-Cd
charger: Performax 252-0912 Charger
WARNING! The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the
information included on the tool and in this operator’s manual, as well as know-
ledge of the project you are attempting. Before using this product, familiarize
yourself with all operating features and safety rules.
Fig. 1 Lock-off Button
LED Worklight
Blade Guard
Tool-less Blade Clamp
Blade Roller Guide
Hex Key
(Storage in tool)
Cutting Angel
Guide
Orbital Control
Lever
Shoe Plate
Trigger Switch

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TOOL-LESS BLADE CHANGE SYSTEM
The saw has a blade clamp design that does not require the use of a tool (blade
wrench) when installing or removing the blade. Pivot the blade clamp lever to
install or remove the saw blade.
VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER SWITCH
The variable-speed trigger switch delivers higher speed with increased trigger
pressure and lower speed with decreased trigger pressure.
LED WORKLIGHT
The LED worklight illuminates cutting area.
ELECTRIC BRAKE
The saw has an electric brake to quickly stop the blade from rotating.
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
The lock-off button reduces the possibility of accidental starting. The button can
be used on either the left or right of the trigger switch.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
The design of the saw allows proper two-hand control when cutting. It has been
designed to be comfortable and easy to grasp.
HEX KEY STORAGE
The hex key is conveniently stored on shoe plate.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING! If any part is broken or missing, DO NOT attempt to plug in the
power cord or operate the cordless jig saw until the broken or missing part is
replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible serious injury.
WARNING! Do not attempt to modify this cordless jig saw or create acces-
sories not recommended for use with this cordless jig saw. Any such alteration
or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to
possible serious injury.
WARNING! To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal
injury, always remove the battery pack from the jig saw when assembling parts.
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the box. Make sure that
all items listed in the packing list are included.
Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred
during shipping.

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Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and
satisfactorily operated the tool.
PACKING LIST
Cordless Jig Saw, 3 pc Blades, Hex Key and Operator’s Manual.
OPERATION
TO ATTACH BATTERY PACK (Fig. 2)
Align the raised rib on the battery
pack (available separatley) with the
grooves on the bottom of the jig saw
and then attach the battery pack to
the jig saw.
NOTE: Make sure that the latch on
the battery pack snaps into place
and the battery pack is secured to
the tool before beginning operation.
TO DETACH BATTERY PACK
(Fig. 2)
1. Depress the battery-release
button located on the front of the battery pack to release battery pack.
2. Pull the battery backward and remove it from the tool.
SWITCHING ON AND OFF (Fig. 3)
To turn the jig saw ON, keep the lock-off button depressed and squeeze the
trigger switch. To turn it OFF,
release the trigger switch.
CAUTION! Allow the blade to
come to a complete stop before set-
ting the jigsaw down.
Fig. 2
DETACH
ATTACH
Fig. 3

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VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER SWITCH (Fig. 3)
This tool has a variable speed switch that delivers higher speed with increased
trigger pressure. Speed is controlled by the amount of switch trigger depression.
NOTE: Do not continuously operate the tool at different speeds. It may damage
the switch.
ELECTRIC BRAKE
To stop the jig saw, release the trigger switch and allow the tool to come to
a complete stop. The electric brake quickly stops the saw-blade stroke. This
feature engages automatically when you release the trigger switch.
LED WORKLIGHT (Fig. 4)
The LED worklight, located above
the tool-less blade clamp, provides
additional lighting on the surface
of the workpiece for operation in
lower-light areas. The LED worklight
will come on automatically when the
trigger switch is depressed, and it
will turn off when the trigger switch
is released.
INSTALLING SAW BLADE
(Fig. 5)
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Turn the tool upside down, press
the blade clamp lever as far
as it can go; the lever will not
rebound back.
3. Insert the blade into the slot until
it locks into place.
REMOVING SAW BLADE (Fig. 5)
CAUTION: Allow the blade to cool
after use. The blade can become
dangerously hot.
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Press down the blade clamp
lever to remove the blade.
3. The clamp stays open when the blade is removed; it automatically locks when
you push in another blade, providing for very easy one-hand blade change.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
LED
worklight

13
BLADE SELECTION
To obtain the best performance from the saw, it is important to select the
correct blade for the particular application and type of material you wish to cut.
By doing this, you will get a smoother, faster cut and prolong blade life.
ORBIT ADJUSTMENT (Fig. 6)
The jigsaw has orbital action
whereby the blade roller guide
moves back and forth to make the
blade swing slightly as it cuts.
Orbital action increases the speed
of cut but may result in a rougher
finish to the cut in some materials.
Set the orbit control lever to one
of the four settings according to
degree of orbit action required:
0. No orbit action
1. Minimal orbit action
2. Medium orbit action
3. Maximum orbit action for the most aggressive action, for quick cutting
plywood or soft material.
Experiment on a piece of scrap material to determine the optimum orbit action
setting.
ADJUSTING THE SHOE FOR ANGULAR CUTTING (Fig. 7&8)
CAUTION: Always ensure that the jigsaw is switched off and the battery pack
is removed before making any adjustments.
1. Loosen the hex screw located on
the underside of the tool using
hex key.
2. Move the shoe plate backwards
so that the teeth on the plate no
longer engage with the retaining
teeth and the shoe can be tilted
to the left or right.
3. If the required angle is 15°, 30°
or 45° to the left or right or 0°, push the shoe plate forward so that the teeth
on the plate mesh with the retaining teeth.
4. Retighten the hex screw.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

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The angle selected can be read on
the cutting angle guide on the shoe
plate.
For accurate work it may be
necessary to make a trial cut,
measure the work and reset the
angle as instructed in instructions
1-3.
Repeat the trial cut and reset the
angle setting until the correct setting
is achieved.
MAKING A CUT
Turn on the jigsaw and allow the
blade to reach maximum speed.
Slowly guide the jigsaw forward.
Using both hands, and keeping
the shoe plate flat against the
workpiece.
NOTE: Use only enough pressure to
keep the blade cutting. Do not force
the cutting; allow the blade and the
saw to do the work.
STRAIGHT CUTING (Fig. 9)
A straight cut can be made by
clamping a piece of wood or a straight
edge to the workpiece and guiding the
edge of the saw against it. Make the cut from one direction only. NEVER cut halfway
and then complete the cut from the opposite end.
The straight cut can be also made by using a parallel guide (available
separately).
Fig. 9
Fig. 8

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PLUNGE CUTTING (Fig. 10)
Plunge cutting is useful and time-
saving for making rough openings
in soft materials. It makes it
unnecessary to drill a hole for an
inside or pocket cut.
1. Draw lines for the opening you
want to cut.
2. Hold saw firmly and tilt it
forward so the toe of the saw
foot rests on the workpiece and
the blade is not in contact with
the workpiece.
3. Make sure that the blade is well
clear of the workpiece.
4. Start the saw and then slowly pivot the saw downward until the blade
pierces the workpiece, then cuts through the workpliece and the base rests
flat on the workpiece.
5. Begin sawing in the usual manner along the cut line.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING! When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any
other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
CAUTION: Before performing maintenance or cleaning, remove the battery
pack from the jig saw.
1. The tool may be cleaned most effectively with compressed dry air. Always
wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.
2. Use a small brush or the air discharge of a small vacuum cleaner brush to
clear dust or debris from the air vents on the motor housing.
3. Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are
susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents. Use clean
cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
4. Lubricate the roller guide from time to time with a drop of oil. It will extend
the life of the roller.
Fig. 10

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TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
The saw does not work
No battery pack attached Attach a battery pack
Battery pack is depleted Charge the battery pack
Cutting is difficult. Saw blade is worn Replace the saw blade
WARRANTY
If, during normal use, this PERFORMAXTM power tool breaks or fails due to a
defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of original
purchase, simply bring this tool and its sales receipt back to your nearest
Menards®retail store for a free equivalent replacement within those two years.
The warranty:
(1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades, bits, light
bulbs, and/or batteries;
(2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial or/and rental purposes; and
(3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/properties, or costs. This
warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
*SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. Your warranty is void without them. For help, please call
to our customer center, toll free number: 1-866-858-2664.