Sears Craftsman 315.11881 User manual

\Sears J
OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
315.11881
CAUTION:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully
CRAFTSMAN
COMMERCIAL
REG TRADEMARK
7-1 /2 INCH CIRCULAR SAW
DOUBLE INSULATED
WITH
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
Introduction
Operation
Maintenance
Repair Parts
~'4o(.NTL
C:,nlrl bv SEARS . ROEBUCK AND CO ., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.

~----------CRAFTSMAN FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY----------
IF THIS CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW FAILS TO GIVE COMPLETE SATISFACTION WITHIN ONE
YEAR FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, RETURN IT TO ANY SEARS STORE THROUGHOUT THE
UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND IT WILL
BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. and SIMPSONS -SEARS LTD.
INTRODUCTION
DOU~LE INSULATION is a concept in safety, in
electric power tools, which eliminates the need for
the usual three wire grounded power cord and
grounded supply system. Wherever there is electric
current in the _ tool there are two complete sets of
insu l ation to protect the user. All exposed metal
parts are isolated from the internal metal motor
components with protecting insulation.
IMPORTANT-Servicing of a tool with double in-
sulation 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 tool to your nearest Sears Store for repair .
Always use original factory replacement parts when
servicing .
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
The electronic braking feature stops the saw blade
almost instantly to protect the operator when the
switch trigger is released. A flash of light will be
visible as the brake engages . This flash is normal
and indicates that the brake is working correctly.
A kick-proof clutch allows blade to slip on the
spindle should binding or jamm ing occur. An ex-
clusive riving knife has been added to assure
maximum safety.
Additional features include a rip guide for making
fast, smooth, consistent rip cuts without penciled
lines; push button arbor lock for f ast, easy blade
changeover; and easy view saw blade port with
directed air flow for keeping line of cut clear.
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL -Read
owner's manual carefully . Learn its applications and limitation s
as
well as the specific potential hazards peculiar to this tool .
2. GROUND ALL TOOLS -UNLESS DOUBLE-INSULATED. If tool is equip ped with thre e -pron g
plug , it should be plugged into a three-hole electrical receptacle . If adapter is used to accomm o date
two-pror,g receptacle , the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. (Usually the screw
securing receptacle cover plate). Never remove third prong .
3. KEEP GUARDS
IN PLACE and in working order.
~ ~
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. ,
5. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don·t use power tool in damp or wet locations or expose to
rain. Keep work area well lit.
6. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. All visitors should be kept safe distance from work area.
7. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools should be stored in dry , high or locked-up place-out of
reach
of children.
8. DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. No loose clothing or jewelry to get caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves
and footwear are recommended when working outdoors .
11 . USE SAFETY GLASSES with most tools . Also face or dust mask if cutting operation is dusty.
12. DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cor d
from heat, oil and sharp edges .
13. SECURE WORK. Use
clamps or a vise to hold work. It's safer than using your hand and it frees both
hands to operate tool.
14. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
15. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp at all times, and clean for best and safest per-
formance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories .
16. DISCONNECT TOOLS.
When not in use, before servicing; when changing attachments , blade s. bits.
cutters , etc.
17. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see that keys and ad-
justing wrenches are removed from tool before turning it on.
18. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING.
Don't carry plugged-in tools with finger on switch. Be sure switch
is off when plugging in.
19. OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS.
When tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords suitable
for use outdoors and so marked.
20. KEEP BLADES SHARP.
21. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.
EXTENSION CORDS Extension Cord Length Wire Size A.W.G. (
The use of any extension cord will cause some loss
of power. To keep the loss . to a minimum and to
prevent tool overheating, follow the recommended
cord sizes on the chart at right. Exte_nsion cords are
available at Sears
Catalog Order or Retail Stores.
25-50 Feet
50-75 Feet
75-100 Feet
Page 2
14
12
10

OPERATION
r e
Fig. 1
TO ASSEMBLE BLADE (See Figure 1)
Disconnect saw from power supply.
1. Position saw on end of motor housing.
2. Using wrench provided, turn blade screw (F)
clockwise while depressing lock pin until pin
moves
into lock position.
3. Hold lock pin in lock position and remove blade
screw by
turning counterclockwise .
a 4. Remove washers (E) and (D) from spindle shaft
W, (B).
5. Wipe a drop of oil on flange bushing and un-
dercut
side of blade washer (D) where contact is
made
with saw blade.
6. Place saw blade (A) inside blade guard (C) and on
spindle shaft (B) with teeth pointing upward at
front of saw.
7. Place washer (D) on shaft with undercut side
against saw blade and then put washer (E) on
shaft.
8. Insert blade screw (F), engage lock pin and
tighten screw until spring washer is flattened.
Loosen screw~ /6 turn or one hex to activate kick-
proof clutch . Clutch will not operate with screw
securely
tightened.
TO ASSEMBLE RIVING KNIFE (See Figure 2)
Disconnect saw from power supply.
1. With blade on saw, position holes (A) in riving
knife over holes (B) in upper blade guard.
2. lnse~t screws (C) through holes (A) in riving knife
and into threaded holes (B) in upper blade guard.
~ -
Maintain at least 1/ 16 inch clearance between tip
of blade tooth and inside edge at tip of knife and
tighten screws securely . When properly
ass_embl~d the riving knife prevents blade binding
or Jamming.
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
SAW BLADES
The best of saw blades will not cut efficiently if they
are not kept clean and sharp. Using a dull blade will
do nothing more than place a heavy load on your
saw. Keep extra blades on hand, so that sharp
blades are
always available. Gum and wood pitch
hardened on blade will slow it down. Use hot water
or kerosene to remove these accumulations. DO
NOT USE GASOLINE.
STARTING A CUT
To start a cut, rest front edge of base on supported
portion of work, line up guide (line where base and
outboard base meet or edge of base when outboard
base is removed) with line of cut, hold handles firmly
and squeeze trigger switch. Allow saw blade to
reach full speed, then guide saw into work with
steady, even pressure. DO NOT FORCE. When cut is
completed release switch and allow blade to stop
before lifting saw from work.
DEPTH OF CUT
Correct depth adjustment should permit only one
tooth of the blade to project below the material to be
cut. (For carbide tipped blades, only ½ of a tooth.)
Depth adjustment should allow only the minimum
blade exposure beyond maximum thickness of
material to be cut. More depth will only increase
friction and make for a rough cut. To adjust depth of
cut (See Fig. 3) pull lock lever(A) up to loosen, grasp
handle in
switch area, hold front of base against flat
surface and slide unit until depth index and scale (B)
indicate required depth. Push lock lever down to
lock. Depth scale is marked in 1/16 inch
graduations. A setting approximately 1/ 8 inch
deeper than
thickness of material to be cut is
recommended
for best performance. Depth setting
should be at maximum depth when performing blade
installation or change-over. WHEN LOWERING
UNIT OR INCREASING DEPTH USE CAUTION
IN
KEEPING FINGERS CLEAR OF AREA WHERE
BEVEL
BLOCK NESTS AGAINST HANDLES .
Page 3

C
Fig. 4
TO CROSS CUT AND RIP CUT
The guide (line where base and outboard base meet
or edge
of base when outboard base is removed) is in
line
with saw blade when bevel setting is at O or 45
degrees. At intermediate settings blade will cut
slightly to the left of the guide edge. To compensate
offset your guide line to the right on the board to be
cut.
The rip
guide provided with your saw will assist you
in making rip cuts of up to 5¼ inches. (See Fig. 4)
Outboard base must be removed before assembling
rip guide . IMPORTANT-BE SURE POWER CORD IS
DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY. Loosen
knurled head screws (B)
by turning counterclockwise
and remove outboard base. Insert rip guide (A) into
hole in quadrant (C) and adjust to desired setting
with graduated surface up. Tighten knurled head
screws in quadrant and rear
clamp securely. Out-
board base may
also be removed for closer cutting
parallel to walls etc. Closest cutting will be ac-
complished with bevel setting at O degrees.
Hold
guide face firmly against right edge of work to
obtain a true cut without cramping the blade.
Guiding edge of
work must be straight for desirable
results when
using rip guide. Use caution to prevent
blade from
binding in the kerf at end of a cut.
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
TO BEVEL CUT
True angle of cut may be adjusted to any desired
setting between O and 45 degrees. (See Fig. 5)
IMPORTANT-BE SURE POWER CORD IS
DISCONNECTED FROM POWER SUPPLY. Loosen
knob (A) and elevate motor housing end of unit until
bevel index point is in line with required angle
setting on bevel scale (B}. Tighten knob securely.
After setting at required angle make a trial cut in
scrap material along a
guide line to determine how f
much if any guide line must be offset to produce
desirable
cut .
TO POCKET CUT-(See Fig. 6)
With bevel setting at 0° swing lower blade guard up
and
hold. Rest front of base flat on work-piece. Start
unit and slowly lower blade into work moving unit
steadily forward to allow riving knife to move into
l,erf until base is flat on work. After cut is complete ,
release
switch and allow blade to come to a com-
plete stop before removing from work. Corners may
be cleaned
out with a hand saw or sabre saw.
MAINTENANCE
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.
GENERAL
Only the parts shown on parts list, page seven, are
intended
to be repaired or replaced by the customer.
All other parts represent an important part of the
double
insulation system and should be serviced
only by a
qualified service technician.
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts.
Most plastics are susceptible to various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their
use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt , carbon dust,
etc. Page 4
When electric tools are used on fiberglass boats,
sports cars, etc., it has been found that they are
subject to accelerated wear and possible premature
failure, as the
fiberglass chips and grindings are
highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutator,
etc. Consequently it is not recommended that this
tool be used for continuous production work on any
fiberglass material. During any use on fiberglass it is
extremely
important that the tool is cleaned
frequently by blowing with an air jet.

BRUSH REPLACEMENT
Periodically check the brushes for wear and replace
both brushes when either is worn to approximately
¼ inch in length. Replacement of these relatively
inexpensive parts, when necessary, will keep your
saw operating more efficiently and prolong the life
of the motor. Brush replacement is considered
normal maintenance and is not covered by the
warranty.
Disconnect the saw from power supply.
1. Remove brush caps with screwdriver. See Figure
7.
2. Remove brushes.
3. Reassemble brush with spring into tool making
sure that the curvature of the brush matches
curvature of the motor and that the brush moves
freely in the brush holder.
4. Replace brush caps.
5. After brush replacement is completed saw should
be run at no load 3 to 5 minutes to properly seat
brushes for effective operation of electronic
brake.
SWITCH REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the six screws that secure the handle
cover and carefully lift it from the tool. Note the
locations of all wiring in the handle and how each
connection is made to the switch. Connections
and wiring position must be identical when in-
stalling the new switch. See Figure 8.
2. Remove
the screw securing the switch and lift it
away from the handle.
3. Remove the leads from the switch and attach
them to the new switch making sure they are
attached in proper location as shown in Figure 8.
4.
Arrange the wiring in the handle so that it will not
be pinched when the handle cover is replaced and
secure switch in place.
5. Place
the cord and bend relief in their correct
locations.
6. Replace handle cover and tighten all screws
securely.
CORD REPLACEMENT
1. Remove handle cover as described above.
2. Remove
switch from handle and disconnect the
supply cord leads from the switch.
3. Remove the cord clamp and then remove the bend
relief
from old supply cord and place it on the new
cord.
4. Attach each lead of the new supply cord to the
switch in the proper location making sure red lead
from motor is attached at this time. See Figure
8.
5. Arrange the wiring in the handle so that it will not
be pinched when handle cover is replaced and
secure the switch in place.
6. Place
the bend relief and cord in their intended
locations. Replace cord clamp and handle cover.
BLADE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT (See Figure 9).
Disconnect the saw from power supply.
The base is set at a 90 degree angle to the saw blade
at the factory, should it become necessary to
readjust the saw proceed as follows:
1. Loosen knob (B) and using the wrench provided
with the saw adjust screw (A) as required to
obtain 90 degree angle.
2. Check angle between side of saw blade and
bottom of base with a square or 90 degree angle
and make finer adjustment if necessary.
3. Tighten knob (8).
4. Bevel index (C) should be at zero on level scale
(D). Loosen screw in bevel index and readjust if
necessary. Page 5
el.ACK
-----
WHITE
~
~
YELLOW
~
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

.----------CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW-MODEL NUMBER 315.11881 ------
THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ARE CURRENT AND
WERE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME THIS MANUAL WAS PRINTED.
-
Cord Lock (9 2595)
Carrying
Case (2. 1457C)
Aluminum Oxide Wheel (9 64684)
Silicon Carbide Wheel
(9 64662)
Saw Guide (9 1719) -
Saw Blade (232633)
Saw Blade (2 32665)
Saw Blade (9 32449)
Saw Blade (2 32489)
Saw Blade (2 32483)
Saw Blade (9 32507)
Saw Blade @: 32583)
CAUTION: The use of attachments or accessories not
listed above might be hazardous.
3
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98
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SEE NOTE "A" PAGE 7
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Key
No.
-
Part
Number
36 2-617076-01
37 1-617020-01
38 1-940038-43
39 1-615741-01
40 5-617031-03
41 2-617086-01
42 1-616287-01
43 1-931744-10
44 1-703473-32
45 1-930517-72
46 1-617103-01
47 1-622138-11
48 1-617075-01
49 2-617072-01
so 5-617035-03
51 2-613651-01
52 2-617071-01
53 2-709851-00
54 1-617070-03
55 1-795247-06
56 1-617055-03
57 2-617058-01
58 3-617415-03
60 1-617038-03
61 1-617380-01
62 1-622138-17
63 1-617054-02
64 1-709860-01
65 1-623547-02
66 1-606334-01
67 2-616763-02
68 1-703432-58
-
CRAFTSMAN CIRCULAR SAW-MODEL NUMBER 315.11881
The Model Number will be found on a plate attached ta the Motor Housing.
Always mention the Model Number in all correspondence regarding your
CIRCULAR SAW or when ordering repair parts.
SEE BACK PAGE FOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
Description
Brush Assembly
Brush Cap . .
Screw (#8-32 x
2-% Fil. Hd.)
Screw (#8-32 x 9/ 16 Fil. Hd. T.C.)
Handle
Blade Guard Bumper
Cord Clamp
Washer
Lock Washer (¼)
*Screw (¼-20 x % Rd. Hd.)
*Screw
(#6-32 x ¼ Pan Hd.)
*Screw
(#8-32 x 1/a Rd. Hd.)
Lead w/Terminals (Red)
Switch
Handle Cover
Bend Relief
Cord
**Saw Blade-7-½" For %" Arbor
Wrench
Drive Screw
Shoulder Screw
Logoplate
Lower Blade Guard
Bushing
Torsion Spring
*Screw (#10-24 x 3/s Rd. Hd.)
Riving
Knife
Screw (Hex Hd. Special)
Spring Washer
Washer
Rip Guide
Screw (#8-32 x % Fil. Hd.)
PARTS LIST
Quan.
2
2
l
5
l
l
l
l
l
l
6
3
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
8
l
l
l
l
l
2
l
l
l
l
l
2
Key
No.
Part
Number
69 1-617095-01
70 1-617045-01
71 1-617046-04
72 1-617048-02
73 1-617029-05
74 1-617084-03
75 1-622439-03
76 3-617037-03
77 2-617061-01
78 2-617378-01
79 1-617093-02
80 1-703768-803
81 1-617094-02
82 1-703428-09
83 1-606393-04
84 1-617088-01
85 2-617060-01
86 1-620789-08
87 1-606319-02
88 2-617040-04
89 1-703488-07
90 1-606095-01
91 1-703473-42
92 3-617030-03
93 3-617026-05
94 1-703428-26
95 2-617033-01
96 1-607619-01
97 1-623568-01
98 1-606198-01
EN-810
Nut
Roller
Arm
Description
Blade Guard
Rear Clamp
Knurled Head Screw
*Screw (5/16-18 x l Hex Hd.)
Bevel Block
Depth Scale
Dataplate
Depth Index
*Screw (#6-32 x 1/s Rd. Hd.)
Bevel
Index
*Screw (#8-32 x 5/ 16 Flat Hd.)
Strap
*Screw (#10-24 x % Hex. Hd.)
Bevel
Scale
Spring Washer
Lock Bolt
Lock Lever
*Screw (#8-32 x % Oval Hd.l
Knob
Washer
Quadrant
Base
*Screw
(#8-32 x ½ Flat Hd.)
Outboard Base Assembly
Barrier
Lock Washer
Decal
Instruction Sheet
NOTE: "A"-The assembly shown represents an important part of the Double Insulated System. To avoid the possibility
of alteration or damage to the System, service should be performed by your nearest Sears Electric Motor Shop/
Specialty Repair Center. Contact your nearest Cata log Order or Retail Store.
*Standard Hardware Item-May Be Purchased Locally
***Available From Div. 93--Source 980.00
**Comp lete Assortment Available At Your Nearest Catalog Order Or Retail Store
Page 7
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Quan.
l
l
l
l
l
2
l
l
l
l
l
2
l
6
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
4
l
l
4
l
/

Sears
OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO .
315.11881
HOW TO ORDER
REPAIR PARTS
CRAFTSMAN
COMMERCIAL
REG TRADEMARK
7-1/2 INCH
CIRCULAR
SAW
DOUBLE INSULATED
WITH
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
The Model Number wi II be found on the plate attached
to the motor housing . Always mention the Model
Number when requesting serv i ce or repair parts for
your Circular Saw.
All
parts listed herein may be ordered from any SEARS,
ROEBUCK AND CO. or SIMPSONS-SEARS LIMITED
reta iI or cat a log store. If the parts you need a re not
stocked locally, your order will be electronically trans-
mitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center for
expedited handling .
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
1. PART NUMBER
2. PART DESCRIPTION
3. MODEL NUMBER
315. 11881
4. NAME of ITEM-
Circular Saw
Your Sears merchandise takes on added value when
you discover that Sears has over 2000 Service Units
throughout the country.
Sold by SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.
and SIMPSONS-SEARS LIMITED, Toronto, Ontario, Canada