Porter-Cable 748 User manual

Instruction
manual
IMPORTANT
Please make certain that the person who
is to use this equipment carefully reads
and understands these instructions before
starting operations.
Double Insulated Variable
Speed TIGER SAW® All-
Purpose Saws
MODEL 748 with
Dual Cutting Action,
Keyless Quik-Change™
Blade Clamp,
Keyless Quik-Change™
Guide Shoe
MODEL 746 with
Keyless Quik-Change™
Blade Clamp,
Keyless Quik-Change™
Guide Shoe
MODEL 745
®

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling,
and other construction activities contains chemicals known (to the
State of California) 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 on how often you do this type
of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety equipment, always wear NIOSH/OSHA
approved, properly fitting face mask or respirator when using such tools.
indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided,could result in death or serious injury.
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided,may result in minor or moderate injury.
used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The
information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and
PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help
you recognize this information.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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.
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.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES

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 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.
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.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES continued

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. 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.
2. Use clamps or other practical way 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 loss of control.
3. Keep blades sharp. Sharp blades will do the job better and safer.
4. Keep hands away from cutting area. When sawing never reach
underneath or behind the material being cut for any reason.
5. When you have finished a cut be careful not to come into contact with
the blade. Turn off the motor immediately.
6. Exercise extreme caution when blind cutting. Be certain that there are no
foreign objects such as electrical wire, conduit, plumbing pipes, etc., that
may come into contact with the blade.
7. Wear eye and hearing protection. Always use safety
glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. USE CERTIFIED
SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Eye protection equipment should comply with ANSI
Z87.1 standards. Hearing equipment should comply with ANSI S3.19
standards.
8. Use of this tool can generate and disburse dust or other
airborne particles, including wood dust, crystalline silica dust and
asbestos dust. Direct particles away from face and body. Always operate
tool in well ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal. Use dust
collection system wherever possible. Exposure to the dust may cause
serious and permanent respiratory or other injury, including silicosis (a
serious lung disease), cancer, and death. Avoid breathing the dust, and
avoid prolonged contact with dust. Allowing dust to get into your mouth
or eyes, or lay on your skin may promote absorption of harmful material.
Always use properly fitting NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection
appropriate for the dust exposure, and wash exposed areas with soap and
water.

SYMBOL DEFINITION
V ....................... volts
A ....................... amperes
Hz ....................... hertz
W ....................... watts
kW ....................... kilowatts
F ....................... farads
µF ....................... microfarads
l ....................... litres
g ....................... grams
kg ....................... kilograms
bar ....................... bars
Pa ....................... pascals
h ....................... hours
min ....................... minutes
s ....................... seconds
n
0....................... no-load speed
…/min or …min-1....... Revolutions or reciprocations per minute
or d.c. ................ direct current
or a.c. ................ alternating current
2....................... two-phase alternating current
2N ....................... two-phase alternating current with neutral
3....................... three-phase alternating current
3N ....................... three-phase alternating current with neutral
....................... rated current of the appropriate fuse-link in amperes
....................... time-lag miniature fuse-link where X is the symbol
for the time/current characteristic, as given in IEC 60127
....................... protective earth
....................... class II tool
IPXX ....................... IP symbol
MOTOR
Many Porter-Cable tools will operate on either D.C., or single phase 25 to 60
cycle A.C. current and voltage within plus or minus 5 percent of that shown on
the specification plate on the tool. Several models, however, are designed for
A.C. current only. Refer to the specification plate on your tool for proper voltage
and current rating.
Do not operate your tool on a current on which the voltage is not
within correct limits. Do not operate tools rated A.C. only on D.C.
current. To do so may seriously damage the tool.

If an extension cord is used, make sure the conductor size is large enough to
prevent excessive voltage drop which will cause loss of power and possible
motor damage. A table of recommended extension cord sizes will be found in
this section. This table is based on limiting line voltage drop to 5 volts (10 volts
for 230 volts) at 150% of rated amperes.
If an extension cord is to be used outdoors, it must be marked with the suffix W-
A or W following the cord type designation. For example – SJTW-A to indicate it
is acceptable for outdoor use.
RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD SIZES FOR USE WITH PORTABLE ELECTRIC TOOLS
Length of Cord in Feet
115V 25 Ft. 50 Ft. 100 Ft. 150 Ft. 200 Ft. 250 Ft. 300 Ft. 400 Ft. 500 Ft.
230V 50 Ft. 100 Ft. 200 Ft. 300 Ft. 400 Ft. 500 Ft. 600 Ft. 800 Ft. 1000 Ft.
0-2 18 18 18 16 16 14 14 12 12
2-3 18 18 16 14 14 12 12 10 10
3-4 18 18 16 14 12 12 10 10 8
4-5 18 18 14 12 12 10 10 8 8
5-6 18 16 14 12 10 10 8 8 6
6-8 18 16 12 10 10 8 6 6 6
8-10 18 14 12 10
8 8 6 6 4
10-12 16 14 10 8 8 6 6 4 4
12-14 16 12 10
8 6 6 6 4 2
14-16 16 12 10 8 6 6 4 4 2
16-18 14 12 8 8 6 4 4 2 2
18-20 14 12 8
6 6 4 4 2 2
Nameplate Ampere Rating
EXTENSION CORD SELECTION
*TIGER SAW®
* Blade
*3/16" hex wrench (745 only)
*5/32" hex wrench (745 only)
CARTON CONTENTS
FOREWORD
The Porter-Cable TIGER SAW®is designed for cutting wood up to 12"
thick, metal up to 3/4" thick and various other materials, such as plastics,
fiberglass, hard rubber, etc.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
NOTE: This tool is shipped completely assembled. No assembly time or
tools are required.
ASSEMBLY

SELECTING THE BLADE
For best performance, longer blade life, and smoother cut, select the
proper blade for the job. A complete line of accessories is available from
your Porter-Cable•Delta Supplier, Porter-Cable•Delta Factory
Service Centers, and Porter-Cable Authorized Service Stations.
When cutting metal always select a blade which will allow at least three teeth
to be engaged in the thickness of material.
BLADE CLAMP FEATURES
1. Model 745 is supplied with a standard hex key blade clamp.
2. Models 746 and 748 are supplied with a keyless Quik-Change™blade
clamp.
Disconnect tool from power source.
1. Use hex wrench (supplied with Model 745), to loosen blade clamp
screw (A) Fig. 1, by turning counterclockwise three to four turns.
2. Insert the blade into the blade clamp until it bottoms, (A) Fig. 2. When
the blade is properly positioned: the hole in the blade shank will align
with the hole (B) Fig. 3, in the backside of blade clamp.
3. Firmly tighten clamp screw.
4. To remove blade, loosen blade clamp screw three to four turns and pull
blade from clamp.
Never touch blade immediately after use, as it may be
extremely hot.
A
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
A
INSTALLING THE BLADE MODEL 745
OPERATION

1. The reciprocating shaft must be fully extended to permit access to the
Quik-Change™blade release collar (A) Fig. 4. If necessary, gently
squeeze the trigger switch to move the reciprocating shaft to its
outermost position (as shown in Fig. 4).
Disconnect tool from power source.
2. Pivot the guide shoe (A) Fig. 6, forward to improve access to the blade
clamp (B) Fig. 6.
3. To open the blade clamp: rotate and hold the blade release collar (A) Fig.
7, counterclockwise (as viewed from the front of the saw).
4. Insert the blade into the clamp until it bottoms. Allow the release collar to
rotate clockwise to lock the blade in place, (A) Fig. 4.
5. To remove blade: repeat steps 1 through 3, and pull blade from blade
clamp (while the release collar is being held in the open position).
Never touch blade immediately after use, as it may be extremely
hot.
NOTES: If the blade clamp collar resists rotation to remove a blade,
work the blade up and down while rotating the clamp (in a counter-
clockwise direction).
If the blade breaks leaving nothing to grasp (to pull it from the
clamp), it may be necessary to use another blade as a tool to aid
in removing the broken piece (see Fig. 5). While holding the release
collar in the open position, use the tip of another blade to “hook” the
broken piece and pull it from the clamp. (A thin, fine-toothed, metal-
cutting blade works best.)
Periodically clean the blade clamp with dry compressed air. DO NOT
lubricate the blade clamp. Lubricant can attract contamination.
Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses while using compressed air.
FLUSH RECESSED
BREAK BREAK
BROKEN
BLADE
BROKEN
BLADE
Fig. 4
A
Fig. 5
INSTALLING THE BLADE MODELS 746 and 748
with Keyless Quik-Change™Blade Clamp
B
Fig. 3

HANDLE FEATURES
1. Model 745 is supplied with a standard handle.
2. Models 746 and 748 are supplied with a soft grip handle.
HOW TO HOLD SAW MODEL 745 and 746
Hold saw as shown in Fig. 8. The gear housing, intermediate plate, blade
and pivoting guide shoe may be made live if the blade cuts into live wiring
within a wall.
To prevent accidental electrical shock the saw must be held
as shown in Fig. 8 and must have the rubber front housing cover properly
installed and not damaged.
Fig. 6
A
BA
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Fig. 9
A
TO START AND STOP SAW
1. Make sure power circuit voltage is the same as shown on the
specification plate on the saw. Connect saw to power circuit.
2. Hold saw firmly. Squeeze trigger switch (A) Fig. 9, to start motor.
Release trigger to stop motor.
VARIABLE SPEED
The saw is equipped with a variable speed control (0 to 2600 SPM). As the
switch trigger is squeezed, the speed of the saw blade increases.
The lower speeds are recommended for most metal cutting, while the higher
speeds are recommended for wood. A few practice cuts at various speeds
(on scrap material), will aid you in choosing the best speed for obtaining the
desired results on your application.
DUAL BLADE MOTION (Model 748 only)
The Model 748 has dual blade motion: you have a choice of straight
reciprocating motion, as shown in Fig. 10, or orbital motion as shown in
Fig. 11. Straight reciprocating motion should be used for all metal cutting
operations, and for wood cutting applications where finish is more important
than speed. Orbital motion is used for fast cutting of wood.

To set saw for straight reciprocating motion: rotate knob (A) Fig. 10,
clockwise so that the bar is vertical (opposing arrow symbol up), as shown
in Fig. 10.
To set saw for orbital motion: rotate knob (A) Fig. 11, counterclockwise so
that the bar is horizontal (oval arrow symbol up), as shown in Fig. 11.
ELECTROCUTION RISK. Do not use the tool if knob (A) Fig. 10
& 11 is broken. Exposed metal parts may be made live if the blade cuts into
live wiring within a wall.
PIVOTING GUIDE SHOE FEATURES
1. Model 745 is supplied with a standard hex key guide shoe.
2. Models 746 and 748 are supplied with a keyless Quik-Change™
guide shoe.
ADJUSTING PIVOTING GUIDE SHOE
Disconnect tool from power source.
Do not operate the Tiger Saw®with the guide shoe removed.
The pivoting guide shoe (A) Fig. 12, serves as a rest while making a cut and
it can be adjusted to accommodate many types of cutting applications.
1. The Model 745 pivoting guide shoe is adjusted by loosening the two
hex screws (with wrench supplied) located on the bottom of the front gear
housing (A) Fig. 12A. Loosen both screws enough to allow the pivoting
→
→
←
←
A
Fig. 10
A
Fig. 11

guide shoe to move freely. Adjust to desired position and securely tighten
both screws.
NOTE: Do not adjust the pivoting guide shoe out so far that it loses contact
with the back screw. Doing so will cause the guide shoe to be unstable.
After adjusting, make sure both screws are securely fastened.
2. The Models 746 and 748 are supplied with a keyless Quik-Change™
pivoting guide shoe. To adjust, rotate lever (A) Fig. 12B. releasing the
pivoting guide shoe (B). Adjust to desired position and close lever (A) Fig.
12C. The keyless Quik-Change™pivoting guide shoe is designed with a
raised lip (C) at the end that prevents the guide shoe from locking in position
if it is extended out too far. After adjusting, make sure the locking lever is
completely closed in the locked position (A) Fig. 12C.
NOTE: DO NOT force the locking lever closed. Adjust shoe enough to allow
the lever to lock in position without force.
BEFORE YOU START TO WORK
Select the blade best suited for the material to be cut. For greatest economy,
use the shortest blade suitable for the thickness of the material to be cut.
Fig. 12
A
Fig. 12A
A

Be sure the material to be cut is rigid. Small work pieces should be securely
clamped in a bench vise or with clamps to the work table. As the work
progresses in scroll or curved cut-out pieces, the material may be readjusted
to accommodate the movement of the saw. The saw cuts freely with only
slight feed pressure. Forcing the saw will not make it cut faster.
SAWING WOOD
The TIGER SAW®is used much the same as a hand saw in that it is moved
toward the operator during the cutting operation. However, since the blade
cuts on the up-stroke instead of the down-stroke as in the case of the hand
saw, the good or finish side of the work should face down during the cutting
operation.
PLUNGE CUTS
The TIGER SAW®can be used for plunge cutting wood, plywood,
wallboard, and plastic materials. DO NOT attempt to plunge cut metal.
Clearly mark line of cut on the work. Grasp front housing with one hand
and rear handle with the other hand. To start cut, rest saw on pivoting guide
shoe bracket, align blade with the marked line of cut, (blade NOT touching
work), as shown in Fig. 13. Start saw. Using guide shoe bracket as a pivot
point, roll saw forward by raising rear handle, as shown in Fig. 14. When
blade has cut through the work, continue raising the rear handle until saw
is perpendicular to the work surface. Keep saw in this position and move
blade along line of cut.
SAWING METAL
When cutting angle, H-beam, I-beam, channel, etc., start the cut on the
surface where the greatest number of teeth will contact the work. To make
a pocket cut, drill a starting hole first. To extend blade life, cutting oil can be
applied to the work surface along the line of the cut.
Fig. 12B
B
A
A
Fig. 12C
C

Fig. 13 Fig. 14
MAINTENANCE
KEEP TOOL CLEAN
Periodically blow out all air passages with dry compressed air. All plastic parts
should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. NEVER use solvents to clean plastic
parts. They could possibly dissolve or otherwise damage the material.
Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses while using compressed air.
FAILURE TO START
Should your tool fail to start, check to make sure the prongs on the cord plug are
making good contact in the outlet. Also, check for blown fuses or open circuit
breakers in the line.
LUBRICATION
This tool has been lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for
the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. No further lubrication is
necessary.
BRUSH INSPECTION (If applicable)
For your continued safety and electrical protection, brush inspection and
replacement on this tool should ONLY be performed by an AUTHORIZED
PORTER-CABLE SERVICE STATION or a PORTER-CABLE•DELTA
FACTORY SERVICE CENTER.
At approximately 100 hours of use, take or send your tool to your nearest
authorized Porter-Cable Service Station to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
Have worn parts replaced and lubricated with fresh lubricant. Have new brushes
installed, and test the tool for performance.
Any loss of power before the above maintenance check may indicate the need
for immediate servicing of your tool. DO NOT CONTINUE TO OPERATE TOOL
UNDER THIS CONDITION. If proper operating voltage is present, return your tool
to the service station for immediate service.