Ryobi CSB122 User manual

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Your circular saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using
this product.
Thank you for your purchase.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
7-1/4 in. CIRCULAR SAW
DOUBLE INSULATED
CSB122

2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
General Safety Rules.................................................................................................................................................... 3-4
Specific Safety Rules.................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Symbols........................................................................................................................................................................6-7
Electrical .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Features......................................................................................................................................................................9-10
Assembly .................................................................................................................................................................. 10-12
Operation.................................................................................................................................................................. 12-20
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Parts Ordering / Service ...................................................................................................................................Back Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
This product 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.
WARRANTY
RYOBI®POWER TOOL - LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY AND 30 DAY EXCHANGE POLICY
One World Technologies, Inc., warrants its RYOBI®power tools with the following conditions:
30-DAY EXCHANGE POLICY: During the first 30 days after date of purchase, you may either request service under this
warranty or you may exchange any RYOBI®power tool which does not work properly due to defective workmanship or
materials by returning the power tool to the dealer from which it was purchased. To receive a replacement power tool or re-
quested warranty service, you must present proof of purchase and return all original equipment packaged with the original
product. The replacement power tool will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of the two year period from
the date of the original purchase.
WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS: This warranty covers all defects in workmanship or materials in your RYOBI®power
tool for a period of two years from the date of purchase. With the exception of batteries, power tool accessories are war-
ranted for ninety (90) days. Batteries are warranted for two years.
HOW TO GET SERVICE: Just return the power tool, properly packaged and postage prepaid, to an Authorized Service
Center. You can obtain the location of the Service Center nearest you by contacting a service representative at One World
Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 1207, Anderson, SC 29622-1207, by calling 1-800-525-2579 or by logging on to www.ryobi-
tools.com. When you request warranty service, you must also present proof of purchase documentation, which includes
the date of purchase (for example, a bill of sale). We will repair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace any
defective part, at our option. We will do so without any charge to you. We will complete the work in a reasonable time, but,
in any case, within ninety (90) days or less.
WHAT’S NOT COVERED: This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail and may not be transferred. This
warranty only covers defects arising under normal usage and does not cover any malfunction, failure or defects resulting
from misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, modification or repairs by other than Authorized Service Centers. One World Tech-
nologies, Inc., makes no warranties, representations or promises as to the quality or performance of its power tools other
than those specifically stated in this warranty.
ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS: Any implied warranties granted under state law, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two years from the date of purchase. One World Technologies, Inc. is not
responsible for direct, indirect, or incidental damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow
all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WORK AREA
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and 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 bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will
fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Double insulation eliminates the need for the three
wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Don’t 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 to carry the
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase
the risk of electric shock.
 When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are
rated for outdoor use and reduce 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 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.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
 Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on
the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on
invites accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
TOOL USE AND CARE
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.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your ap-
plication. The correct tool will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any
tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous
and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be
suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used
on another tool.
Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from
oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-
ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control
and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

4
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
DANGER! Keep hands away from cutting area and
blade. Keep your second hand on auxiliary handle or
motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they
cannot be cut by the blade.
Keep your body positioned to either side of the saw
blade, but not in line with the saw blade. KICKBACK
could cause the saw to jump backwards. (See “Causes
And Operator Prevention Of Kickback”.)
Do not reach underneath the work. The guard cannot
protect you from the blade below the work.
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use.
Do not operate saw if lower guard does not movefreely
and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position. If saw is accidentally dropped,
lower guard may be bent. 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 angles
and depths of cut.
Check the operation and condition of the lower guard
spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating
properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower
guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts,
gummy deposits, or a buildup of debris.
Lower guard should be retracted manually only for
special cuts, such as “Pocket Cuts” and “Compound
Cuts.” Raise lower guard by Retracting Handle. As
soon as blade enters the material, lower guard must
be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should
operate automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the
blade before placing saw down on bench or floor. An
unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk
backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware
of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is
released.
NEVER hold piece being cut in your hands or across
your leg. It is important to support the work properly
to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of
control.
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when
performing an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
“live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the tool
“live” and shock the operator.
When ripping always use a rip fence or straight edge
guide. This improves the accuracy of cut and reduces
the chance for blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and shape
(diamond vs. round) 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 bolts. The blade washers and bolts were specially
designed for your saw for optimum performance and
safety of operation.
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 clos-
ing 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 tool misuse and/or incorrect operat-
ing procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking
proper precautions as given below:
Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the saw and
position your body and arm to allow you to resist
KICKBACK forces. KICKBACK forces can be controlled
by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut
for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw
motionless in the material until the blade comes to a
complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from
the work or pull the saw backward while the blade is
in motion or KICKBACK may occur. Investigate and
take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade
binding.
When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the
saw blade in the kerf and check that saw teeth are
not engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding,
it may walk up or KICKBACK from the workpiece as the
saw is restarted.

5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade
pinching and KICKBACK. Large panels tend to sag
under their own weight. Supports must be placed under
the panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the
edge of the panel.
Do not use dull or damaged blade. Unsharpened or
improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing
excessive friction, blade binding and KICKBACK.
Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers
must be tight and secure before making cut. If blade
adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and
KICKBACK.
Use extra caution when making a “Pocket Cut” into
existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade
may cut objects that can cause KICKBACK.
Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual care-
fully. Learn its 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 safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety
glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have
repaired at your nearest authorized service center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Check damaged parts. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product
will draw. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is
recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or
less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not
recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage.
The smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in loss of power and overheating.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized
service center to avoid risk.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions
also.

6
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product . Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
V Volts 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
n
o
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,
as necessary, 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

7
SYMBOLS
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to the nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-
ing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this
product until you read thoroughly and understand com-
pletely the operator’s manual. If you do not understand
the warnings and instructions in the operator’s manual,
do not use this product. Call Ryobi customer service for
assistance.
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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, when needed, a full face shield. We recommend 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.
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
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 moderate injury.
CAUTION: (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in property
damage.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING

8
EXTENSION CORDS
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
the capacity to handle the current the product will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a product , use an extension
cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is
designated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.
Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.
**Ampere rating (on product data plate)
0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on
lumber, tools, or other obstructions while you are working
with a power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace immediately. Never use the product with a
damaged cord since touching the damaged area could
cause electrical shock resulting in serious injury.
ELECTRICAL
DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-
wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need
to be grounded.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect
the user from shock resulting from a break in the tool’s
internal insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions
to avoid electrical shock.
NOTE: Servicing of a product with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service, we suggest you return the product to your near-
est authorized service center for repair. Always use original
factory replacement parts when servicing.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
This product has a precision-built electric motor. It should
be connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60 Hz,
AC only (normal household current). Do not operate this
product on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop
will cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If
the product does not operate when plugged into an outlet,
double-check the power supply.

9
FEATURES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Diameter......................................................7-1/4 in.
Blade Arbor .............................................................. 5/8 in.
Cutting Depth at 0º................................................2-3/8 in.
Cutting Depth at 45º..........................................1-13/16 in.
Cutting Depth at 51.5º...........................................1-5/8 in.
No Load Speed ....................................4,600 r/min. (RPM)
Input ................................ 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 12 Amps
Net Weight............................................................ 9.36 lbs.
Fig. 1
DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
WING NUT
LOWER BLADE
GUARD HANDLE
BEVEL CUT
ADJUSTMENT
WING NUT
MOTOR
HOUSING
HANDLE
SPINDLE LOCK
BUTTON
SWITCH
UPPER BLADE
GUARD
BASE
LOWER
BLADE
GUARD
BLADE
BLADE WRENCH
STORAGE AREA
BLADE
WRENCH

10
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the product and in this operator’s manual
as well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting.
Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with all
operating features and safety rules.
BLADE WRENCH STORAGE
Convenient wrench storage for quick blade changes.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
The design of your circular saw provides for maintaining
proper two hand control when cutting. It has been designed
to be comfortable and easy to grasp.
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.
Carefully remove the product and any accessories from
the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list
are included.
Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage
or damage occurred during shipping.
Do not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
Circular Saw
7-1/4 in. Blade
Blade wrench
Operator’s Manual
SPINDLE LOCK
The spindle lock allows you to secure the blade when turn-
ing the blade screw.
NOTE: Do not run circular saw with spindle lock engaged.
SWITCH
Your circular saw is equipped with a pre-travel safety switch
which reduces the possibility of accidental starting. When
you depress the switch, the saw will not start until you reach
the pre-travel position. You must depress the switch fully to
activate the saw.
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate
this product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed
this warning could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create acces-
sories not recommended for use with this product. Any
such alteration or modification is misuse and could result
in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious
personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not connect to power supply until assembly is
complete. Failure to comply could result in accidental
starting and possible serious personal injury.

11
ASSEMBLY
WARNING:
A 7-1/4 in. blade is the maximum blade capacity of the
saw. Also, never use a blade that is too thick to allow
outer blade washer to engage with the flat on the spindle.
Larger blades will come in contact with the blade guards,
while thicker blades will prevent blade screw from se-
curing blade on spindle. Either of these situations could
result in a serious accident.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always
allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging
spindle lock.
ATTACHING BLADE
See Figures 2 - 3.
Unplug the saw.
Depress spindle lock button.
Remove blade screw by turning it counterclockwise with
the blade wrench, while keeping the spindle lock button
depressed.
Remove spring washer and outer blade washer (“D”
washer).
Wipe a drop of oil onto the inner flange bushing and outer
blade washer (“D” washer) where they contact blade.
WARNING:
If inner flange bushing has been removed, replace it
before placing blade on spindle. Failure to do so will
prevent blade from tightening properly and could result
in serious personal injury.
Retract the lower blade guard into the upper blade guard
using the lower blade guard handle. Make sure the lower
guard spring works properly, allowing the guard to move
freely.
Check to see that the saw teeth and arrow on the saw
blade and the arrow on the lower guard are pointing in
the same direction.
NOTE: The saw teeth point upward at the front of the
saw as shown.
Fit the saw blade inside the lower blade guard and onto
the spindle.
Replace “D” washer.
Replace spring washer with cupped side against “D”
washer.
Depress spindle lock button and replace blade screw.
Tighten blade screw securely by turning it clockwise with
the blade wrench.
NOTE: Never use a blade that is too thick to allow the
“D” washer to engage with the flat on the spindle.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
SPINDLE
BLADE
SCREW
SPRING
WASHER
OUTER
WASHER
(“D”
WASHER)
BLADE
INNER
FLANGE
BUSHING
OUTER WASHER
(“D” WASHER)
CUPPED SIDE OF
SPRING WASHER OUTSIDE OF SPRING
WASHER

12
ASSEMBLY
REMOVING BLADE
See Figure 4.
Unplug the saw.
Depress spindle lock button.
Remove blade screw by turning it counterclockwise with
the blade wrench.
Remove spring washer and outer blade washer (“D”
washer).
Lift lower blade guard.
Remove blade.
Fig. 4
BLADE
WRENCH
BLADE
SCREW
SPINDLE
LOCK
BUTTON
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is
sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes
resulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The
use of attachments or accessories not recommended
can result in serious personal injury.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this product for the purposes listed below:
Cutting all types of wood products (lumber, plywood,
paneling)
Cross cutting/Rip cutting
Bevel cutting
Pocket cutting
OPERATION
KICKBACK
See Figures 5 - 8.
Kickback occurs when the blade stalls rapidly and the saw
is driven back towards you. Blade stalling is caused by any
action which pinches the blade in the wood.
DANGER:
Release switch immediately if blade binds or saw stalls.
Kickback could cause you to lose control of the saw. Loss
of control can lead to serious injury.
To guard against kickback, avoid dangerous practices such
as the following:
Setting blade depth incorrectly
Sawing into knots or nails in workpiece
Twisting the blade while making a cut
Making a cut with a dull, gummed up, or improperly set
blade
Supporting the workpiece incorrectly
Forcing a cut
Cutting warped or wet lumber
Operating the tool incorrectly or misusing the tool

13
OPERATION
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
INCORRECT
SUPPORT
KICKBACK - BLADE SET TOO DEEP
CORRECT BLADE DEPTH SETTING =
BLADE EXPOSED 1/4 in. OR LESS
ON UNDERSIDE OF WORKPIECE
To lessen the chance of kickback:
Keep the blade at the correct depth setting. The depth
setting should not exceed 1/4 in. below the material being
cut.
Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails before cutting.
Never saw into a knot or nail.
Make straight cuts. Always use a straight edge guide
when rip cutting. This helps prevent twisting the blade.
Use clean, sharp, and properly set blades. Never make
cuts with dull blades.
Support the workpiece properly before beginning a cut.
Use steady, even pressure when making a cut. Never
force a cut.
Do not cut warped or wet lumber.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep your body
in a balanced position so as to resist the forces if kickback
should occur.
WARNING:
When using the saw, always stay alert and exercise con-
trol. Do not remove the saw from the workpiece while the
blade is moving.
SAW BLADES
The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they are not
kept clean, sharp, and properly set. Using a dull blade will
place a heavy load on the saw and increase the danger of
kickback. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp blades
are always available.
Gum and wood pitch hardened on blades will slow the saw
down. Remove saw blade from the saw and use gum and
pitch remover, hot water, or kerosene to remove these ac-
cumulations. DO NOT USE GASOLINE.
CORRECT
SUPPORT
No more than 1/4 inch

14
OPERATION
BLADE GUARD SYSTEM
See Figure 9.
The lower blade guard attached to the circular saw is there
for your protection and safety. Do not alter it for any reason.
If it becomes damaged, do not operate the saw until you
have the guard repaired or replaced. Always leave guard in
operating position when using the saw.
DANGER:
When sawing through work, lower blade guard does not
cover blade on the underside of work. Since blade is
exposed on underside of work, keep hands and fingers
away from cutting area. Any part of your body coming in
contact with moving blade will result in serious injury.
CAUTION:
Never use saw when guard is not operating correctly.
Check the guard for correct operation before each use.
The guard is operating correctly when it moves freely and
readily returns to the closed position. If you drop the saw,
check the lower blade guard and bumper for damage at
all depth settings before reuse.
STARTING/STOPPING THE SAW
See Figure 10.
To start the saw: Depress the switch trigger.
Always let the blade reach full speed, then guide the saw
into the workpiece.
WARNING:
The blade coming in contact with the workpiece before
it reaches full speed could cause the saw to “kickback”
towards you resulting in serious injury.
To stop the saw: Release the switch trigger.
After you release the switch trigger, allow the blade to come
to a complete stop. DO NOT remove the saw from the
workpiece while the blade is moving.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental start-
ing causing serious injury.
ADJUSTING BLADE DEPTH
See Figure 11.
Always keep correct blade depth setting. The correct blade
depth setting for all cuts should not exceed 1/4 in. below the
material being cut. More blade depth will increase the chance
of kickback and cause the cut to be rough. For more depth of
cut accuracy, a scale is located on the upper blade guard.
Fig. 9
LOWER BLADE GUARD
IS IN UP POSITION
WHEN MAKING A CUT
Fig. 10
SWITCH
WING NUT
DEPTH OF CUT
SCALE
BASE
To adjust the blade depth:
Unplug the saw.
Loosen wing nut on back of saw.
Determine the desired depth of cut.
Locate depth of cut scale on back of upper blade
guard.
Hold base flat against the workpiece and raise or lower
saw until the indicator mark on bracket aligns with notch
on blade guard.
Tighten wing nut securely.
Fig. 11

15
OPERATION
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
OPERATING THE SAW
See Figures 12 - 14.
It is important to understand the correct method for operat-
ing the saw. Refer to the figures in this section to learn the
correct and incorrect ways for handling the saw.
WARNING:
To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain proper
control of the saw. Loss of control could cause an ac-
cident resulting in possible serious injury.
DANGER:
When lifting the saw from the workpiece, the blade is
exposed on the underside of the saw until the lower blade
guard closes. Make sure the lower blade guard is closed
before setting the saw down.
To make the best possible cut:
Hold the saw firmly with both hands.
Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while making
a cut.
Support the workpiece so that the cut is always on your
right.
Support the workpiece near the cut.
Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece will
not move during the cut.
Avoid placing the saw on the part of the workpiece that
will fall off when the cut is made.
Place the workpiece with the “good” side down.
Draw a guideline along the desired line of cut before
beginning your cut.
Keep the cord away from the cutting area. Always place
the cord to prevent it from hanging up on the workpiece
while making a cut.
DANGER:
If the cord hangs up on the workpiece during a cut,
release the switch trigger immediately and allow the blade
to come to a complete stop. Unplug the saw and reposi-
tion the cord to prevent it from hanging up again.
DANGER:
Using a saw with a damaged cord could result in serious
injury or death. If the cord has been damaged, have it
replaced before using the saw again.

16
OPERATION
Fig. 15
TOP VIEW OF SAW
BLADE
GUIDE
NOTCH
GUIDELINE
Fig. 16
STRAIGHT
EDGE
C-CLAMP
WORKPIECE
CROSS CUTTING/RIP CUTTING
See Figures 15 - 16.
When making a cross cut or rip cut, align the line of cut
with the outer blade guide notch on the base as shown in
the figure.
Since blade thicknesses vary, always make a trial cut in scrap
material along a guideline to determine how much, if any, you
must offset the guideline to produce an accurate cut.
NOTE: The distance from the line of cut to the guideline is
the amount you should offset the guide.
TO RIP CUT WITHOUT EDGE GUIDE
See Figure 16.
Use a guide when making long or wide rip cuts with the
saw.
NOTE: You may also use a rip guide to make rip cuts. Refer
to OPTIONAL RIP GUIDE later in this manual.
Secure the workpiece.
Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece using
C-clamps.
Saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip
cut.
NOTE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
GUIDELINE

17
OPERATION
Fig. 17
BLADE GUIDE NOTCH
BEVEL SCALE
WING
NUT
MOTOR
HOUSING
Fig. 18
BEVEL CUTTING
See Figures 17 - 18.
To make the best possible cut, follow these helpful hints.
Align the line of cut with the inner blade guide notch on
the base when making 45° bevel cuts.
Make a trial cut in scrap material along a guideline to
determine how much you should offset the guideline on
the cutting material.
Adjust the angle of the cut to any desired setting between
zero and 51.5°. Refer to TO ADJUST BEVEL SETTING
next.
TO ADJUST BEVEL SETTING
See Figure 17.
Unplug the circular saw.
Loosen wing nut.
Raise motor housing end of saw until you reach desired
angle setting on bevel scale.
Tighten wing nut securely.
WARNING:
Attempting a bevel cut without having the wing nut se-
curely tightened can result in serious injury.
TO BEVEL CUT
See Figure 18.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands as shown.
Rest the front edge of the base on the workpiece.
Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
Guide the saw into the workpiece and make the cut.
Release the switch trigger and allow the blade to come
to a complete stop.
Lift the saw from the workpiece.

18
OPERATION
0° BEVEL STOP
See Figure 19.
The saw has a 0° bevel stop that has been factory adjusted to
assure 0° angle of the saw blade when making 90° cuts.
To check 0° bevel stop:
Unplug the circular saw.
Place the saw in an upside down position on a work-
bench.
Check the squareness of the saw blade plate to the base
of the saw using a combination square.
To adjust 0° bevel stop:
Unplug the circular saw.
Loosen wing nut.
Loosen hex nut securing adjusting screw.
Turn screw and adjust base until square with saw
blade.
Tighten hex nut and wing nut securely.
WARNING:
Attempting a bevel cut without having the wing nut
securely tightened can result in serious injury.
LENGTH OF CUT SCALE
See Figure 20.
The saw is equipped with a length of cut scale on its base.
It is parallel with the saw blade and can be used to measure
the distance into the material the blade cuts.
NOTE: Six inches is the maximum length of cut that you can
measure. Also, it is accurate only when the depth of cut is
set at full maximum depth.
Fig. 20
HEX NUT
WING NUT
CARPENTER’S
SQUARE
LENGTH OF CUT SCALE
Fig. 19

19
POCKET
CUT
LOWER
BLADE
GUARD
LOWER BLADE
GUARD HANDLE
OPERATION
POCKET CUTTING
See Figure 21.
WARNING:
Always adjust bevel setting to zero before making a
pocket cut. Attempting a pocket cut at any other setting
can result in loss of control of the saw possibly causing
serious injury.
Adjust the bevel setting to zero.
Set the blade to the correct blade depth setting.
Swing the lower blade guard up using the lower blade
guard handle.
NOTE: Always raise the lower blade guard with the handle
to avoid serious injury.
Hold the lower blade guard by the handle.
Rest the front of the base flat against the workpiece with
the rear of the handle raised so the blade does not touch
the workpiece.
Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
Guide the saw into the workpiece and make the cut.
WARNING:
Always cut in a forward direction when pocket cutting.
Cutting in the reverse direction could cause the saw to
climb up on the workpiece and back toward you.
Release the trigger and allow the blade to come to a
complete stop.
Lift the saw from the workpiece.
Clear corners out with a hand saw or sabre saw.
WARNING:
Never tie the lower blade guard in a raised position. Leav-
ing the blade exposed could lead to serious injury.
Fig. 21

20
OPERATION
OPTIONAL RIP GUIDE
See Figure 22.
Use the optional rip guide, part no. 969862-009, when mak-
ing long or wide rip cuts with your saw.
To assemble rip guide:
Unplug the circular saw.
Place rip guide through holes in base as shown in the
figure.
Adjust rip guide to the width needed.
Tighten rip guide screw securely.
To use rip guide:
Secure the workpiece.
Position the face of the rip guide firmly against the edge
of workpiece.
Guide the saw along the edge to achieve a straight rip
cut.
NOTE: The guiding edge of the workpiece must be straight
for the cut to be straight. Use caution to prevent the blade
from binding in the cut.
OPTIONAL DUST NOZZLE KIT
See Figure 23.
You may purchase a dust nozzle kit, part no. 982829-001,
for use with the saw. The adaptor fits over the dust chute
which is located on the upper blade guard. The nozzle at-
taches to the adaptor.
NOTE: If you use the nozzle, you should always connect it
to a standard vacuum hose.
To attach dust nozzle:
Unplug the circular saw.
Lift lower blade guard.
Orient adaptor to fit into the dust chute opening on upper
blade guard.
Secure adaptor with screw provided.
Align hole in nozzle with raised lip on adaptor and snap
into place when using a vacuum hose.
Fig. 23
RIP GUIDE
RIP GUIDE
SCREW
ADAPTOR
RAISED
LIP
SCREW
NOZZLE
HOLE
DUST
CHUTE
Fig. 22