Skil CR541801 User manual

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the
Owner’s Manual before using this product. Save these instructions for future reference.
AVERTISSEMENT : Afin de réduire les risques de blessure, l’utilisateur doit lire et
comprendre le guide d’utilisation avant d’utiliser cet article. Conservez le présent guide
afin de pouvoir le consulter ultérieurement.
ADVERTENCIA : Para reducir el riesgo de lesiones, el usuario debe leer y comprender
el Manual del operador antes de utilizar este producto. Guarde estas instrucciones para
consultarlas en caso sea necesario.
Owner’s Manual
Guide d’utilisation
Manual del propietario
For Customer Service
Pour le service à la clientèle
Servicio al cliente
Brushless Circular Saw
Scie Circulaire Sans balai
Sierra circular sin escobillas
1-877-SKIL-999 OR www.skil.com
Model/ Modelo/ Modèle: CR541801

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Power Tool Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Additional Safety Instructions for Cricular Saws....................5-6
Symbols ....................................................7-10
Get to Know Your Circular Saw ...................................11
Specications .................................................12
Operating Instructions .......................................13-21
Maintenance...................................................22
Troubleshooting ...............................................23
Limited Warranty of SKIL Cordless Tool............................24
WARNING
• 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, cement, and other masonry products.
–Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
• Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
–Work in a well-ventilated area.
–Work with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to
lter out microscopic particles.
–Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap
and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote
absorption of harmful chemicals.

3
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specications
provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, re 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.
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
ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control.
Electrical safety
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use
any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodied 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 ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your nger on the switch or energising 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.

4
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 jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving
parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-
related hazards.
Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent
and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction
of a second.
Power tool use and care
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct
power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if
detachable, 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 and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool
in unexpected situations.
Battery tool use and care
Recharge only with the charger specied by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery
packs may create a risk of injury and re.
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
re.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If
contact accidentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modied. Damaged or modied
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in re, explosion or risk of injury.

5
Do not expose a battery pack or tool to re or excessive temperature. Exposure to re or
temperature above 265 °F may cause explosion.
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the
temperature range specied in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures
outside the specied range may damage the battery and increase the risk of re.
Service
Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed
by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR CIRCULAR SAWS
Cutting procedures
DANGER Keep hands away from cutting area and the 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.
Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade
below the workpiece.
Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the
blade teeth should be visible below the workpiece.
Never hold the workpiece in your hands or across your leg while cutting. Secure the
workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimise body
exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation
where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will also make
exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
When ripping, always use a rip fence or straight edge guide. This improves the accuracy
of cut and reduces the chance of blade binding.
Always use blades with correct size and shape (diamond versus round) of arbour holes.
Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run off-centre, causing loss of
control.
Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolt. The blade washers and bolt were
specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.
Kickback causes and related warnings
– kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched, jammed 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 jammed tightly by the kerf closing down, the blade stalls and
the motor reaction drives the unit rapidly back toward the operator;
– if the blade becomes twisted or misaligned in the cut, the teeth at the back edge of the blade
can dig into the top surface of the wood causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump
back toward the operator.
Kickback is the result of saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and
can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.
Maintain a rm grip with both hands on the saw and position your arms to resist
kickback forces. Position your body to either side of the blade, but not in line with
the blade. Kickback could cause the saw to jump backwards, but kickback forces can be
controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.

6
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, centre the saw blade in the kerf so that the saw
teeth are not engaged into the material. If a saw blade binds, it may walk up or kickback
from the workpiece as the saw is restarted.
Support large panels to minimise 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 blades. 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
the cut. If blade adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
Use extra caution when sawing into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding
blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.
Lower guard function
Check the lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if
the lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower
guard into the open position. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the 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 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 build-up of debris.
The lower guard may be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “plunge cuts”
and “compound cuts”. Raise the lower guard by the retracting handle and as soon as
the blade enters the material, the 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 the saw down
on bench or oor. 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.

7
SYMBOLS
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
warnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
WARNING Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this Owner’s
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, re, and/or serious personal injury.
The denitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual
and pay attention to these symbols.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.
Damage Prevention and Information Messages
These inform the user of important information and/or instructions that could lead to equipment
or other property damage if they are not followed. Each message is preceded by the word
“NOTICE”, as in the example below:
NOTICE: Equipment and/or property damage may result if these instructions are not followed.
WARNING The operation of any power tools 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.

8
SYMBOLS (CONTINUED)
IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them
and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the
tool better and more safely.
Symbol Name Designation/Explanation
V Volts Voltage (potential)
AAmperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
WWatt Power
kg Kilograms Weight
min Minutes Time
s Seconds Time
Wh Watt-hours Battery capacity
Ah Ampere-Hours Battery capacity
ØDiameter Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.
n0No load speed Rotational speed, at no load
nRated speed Maximum attainable speed
…/min Revolutions or reciprocation
per minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits, etc. per minute
0Off position Zero speed, zero torque...
1,2,3,…
I,II,III, Selector settings Speed, torque or position settings. Higher
number means greater speed
Innitely variable selector
with off Speed is increasing from 0 setting
Arrow Action in the direction of arrow
Alternating current Type or a characteristic of current
Direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Alternating or direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II tool Designates Double Insulated Construction
tools.
Earthing terminal Grounding terminal
Li-ion RBRC seal Designates Li-ion battery recycling
program
Ni-Cad RBRC seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling
program

9
Symbol Name Designation/Explanation
Read manual symbol Alerts user to read manual
Wear eye protection symbol Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields and a full face
shield when operating this product.

10
SYMBOLS (CERTIFICATION INFORMATION)
IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols for certication information may be used on your
tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will
allow you to operate the tool better and more safely.
Symbol Designation/Explanation
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this tool is recognized by Underwriters
Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters
Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian
Standards Association.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian
Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing
Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican
Standards.

11
GET TO KNOW YOUR CIRCULAR SAW
12V 5-1/2’’ Circular Saw
Fig. 1
Lock-Off Button
Trigger Switch
Upper Guard
Extension for
Vacuum Cleaner
Lower-Guard
Lift Lever
Foot
Lower Guard
Auxiliary Handle
Bevel Gauge
Bevel-Adjust-
ment Knob
Rip-Fence
Locking Knob
Saw-Line Windows
Spindle-Lock Button
Main Handle
Hex Key
Depth-of-cut
adjustment lever
Depth-of-cut Gauge

12
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated voltage 12V d.c.
No-load speed 4200 /min
Blade diameter 5-1/2’’ (140mm)
Blade arbor 3/8’’ (10mm)
Cutting depth at 90° 1-5/8’’ (41mm)
Cutting depth at 45° 1-3/16’’ (30mm)
Bevel range 0°~50°
Recommended working temperature 14~104°F (-10~40°C)
Recommended storage temperature 32~104°F (0~40°C)

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING To reduce the risk of re, personal injury, and product damage due to
a short circuit, never immerse your tool, battery pack, or charger in
uid or allow a uid to ow inside them. Corrosive or conductive uids, such as seawater,
certain industrial chemicals, bleach or bleach-containing products, etc, can cause a short
circuit.
WARNING If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until
the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts
could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recom-
mended for use with this tool. Any such alteration or modication 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 tool when assem-
bling parts.
This cordless circular saw must be used only with the battery packs and chargers list-
ed below:
Battery Pack Charger
2Ah 4Ah
SKIL BY500101
SKIL BY519901 SKIL BY519801 SKIL QC535701
SKIL SC536501
NOTICE: Please refer to the battery and charger manuals for detailed operating information.
To Attach/Detach Battery Pack
(Fig.2)
To attach the battery pack:
Align the raised rib on the battery pack with the
grooves of the tool, and then slide the battery
pack onto the tool.
NOTICE: Make sure that the latch on the bat-
tery pack snaps into place and that the battery
pack is secured to the tool before beginning
operation.
To detach the battery pack:
Depress the battery-release button, located
on the front of the battery pack, to release the
battery pack. Pull the battery pack out and remove it from the tool.
NOTICE: When placing the battery pack on the tool, be sure that the raised rib on the bat-
tery pack aligns with the groove inside the tool and that the latches snap into place properly.
Improper attachment of the battery pack can cause damage to internal components.
WARNING Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, remove
the battery when the tool is not in use or when carrying it at your
side.
Fig. 2
Detach
Attach Battery-
Release
Button

14
Attaching the Blade (Fig.3)
WARNING Detach the battery pack from the tool before performing any assem-
bly, adjustments, or changing accessories. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
WARNING This tool is for cutting wood only. Use only the correct saw blades for
wood-cutting operations. Do not use any abrasive wheels.
WARNING Use only 5-1/2’’ saw blades rated 4200/min (RPM) or greater. NEVER
use a blade that is so thick that it prevents the outer blade washer
from engaging with the at side of the spindle. Using a blade not designed for the saw
may result in serious personal injury and property damage.
WARNING Be sure to wear protective work gloves while handling a saw blade.
The blade can injure unprotected hands.
a. Press the spindle-lock button and turn the hex key until the lock button engages. The saw
shaft is now locked. Continue to depress the spindle-lock button, turn the hex key clockwise,
and remove the blade bolt and the outer washer. Always clean the spindle, upper guard and
lower guard to remove any dirt and sawdust.
WARNING Depress the spindle-lock button only when the tool is at a standstill.
b. Make sure that the saw teeth and the arrow on the blade point in the same direction as the
arrow on the lower guard.
c. Retract the lower guard all the way up into the upper guard. While retracting the lower
guard, check the operation and condition of the lower guard system.
d. Slide the blade through the slot in the foot and mount it against the inner washer on the
shaft. Be sure that the clamping surfaces of the inner and outer washers lay ush against
the blade.
WARNING Make sure that the clamping surfaces of inner and outer washers are
perfectly clean and face the blade.
e. Reinstall the outer washer. First tighten the blade bolt nger tight, then tighten the blade bolt
1/8 turn (45°) with the hex key (this ensures slippage of the saw blade when it encounters
excessive resistance, thus reducing motor overload and saw kickback).
Fig. 3
Hex Key
Blade Bolt
Outer Washer
Inner Washer
Blade Shaft
Blade

15
Lock-Off Button (Fig.4)
Your tool is equipped with a lock-off button,
located on the handle above the trigger switch.
It reduces the possibility of accidental starting
for personal safety protection.
The lock-off button must be pushed in before
pulling the trigger switch.
Depth-of-Cut Adjustment (Fig.5)
Your tool is equipped with a depth-of-cut adjustment lever, located beside the depth-of-cut
gauge.
a. Detach the battery pack from the tool.
b. Loosen the depth-of-cut adjustment lever.
c. Hold the foot of the saw at against the edge of the workpiece and then raise or lower the
saw until the indicator mark on the depth-of-cut gauge aligns with the desired depth-of-cut
mark.
d. Securely tighten the depth-of-cut adjustment lever at the desired depth of cut.
NOTICE: Check the depth-of-cut setting. Not more than one tooth length of the blade should
extend below the material to be cut.
Fig. 5
ONE TOOTH LENGTH SHOULD
PENETRATE WOOD FOR MINI-
MUM SPLINTERING
Indicator Mark
Depth-of-cut Ad-
justment Lever
Fig. 4
Trigger Switch
Lock-Off Button

16
Bevel Adjustment (Fig.6)
Your tool is equipped with a bevel-adjustment
knob for adjusting the cutting angle.
a. Detach the battery pack from the tool.
b. Loosen the bevel-adjustment knob by
rotating the knob counterclockwise.
c. Tilt the foot until the bevel-indicator mark
reaches the desired setting on the bevel
gauge.
d. Securely tighten the bevel-adjustment knob
by rotating the knob clockwise.
WARNING Attempting to make bevel
cuts without the bevel-ad-
justment knob securely tightened can result
in serious injury.
WARNING Because of the increased amount of blade engagement in the work
and decreased stability of the foot, blade binding may occur during a
bevel cut. Keep the saw steady and the foot rmly on the workpiece.
NOTICE:
• When bevel cutting, the depth of cut will not correspond with value on the depth of cut gauge.
• Since the blade thicknesses vary and different angles require different settings, always make
a trial cut in scrap material along a guideline to determine how much you should offset the
guideline on the workpiece to be cut.
0° Bevel Check and Adjustment (Fig.7)
Your tool has a 0° bevel stop, which has been adjusted before shipment to assure that the
blade is vertical to the foot at 0°bevel cutting.
Fig. 7
0° Bevel Stop
Adjusting
Screw
Carpenter’s Square
Foot
Blade
To check and adjust to 0°Bevel:
a. Detach the battery pack from the tool.
b. Set the foot to the maximum depth-of-cut setting.
c. Loosen the bevel-adjustment knob.
d. Set the saw to 0° bevel on the bevel gauge and retighten the bevel-adjustment knob.
e. Turn the saw upside down and place it on a stable surface. Use a square to check for an
angle of 90° between the blade and the underside of the foot.
Fig. 6
Bevel-Adjust-
ment Knob
Indicator
Mark

17
f. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the bevel-adjustment knob. Place the saw in an upside-
down position on a workbench. Using a Philips-screwdriver, turn the 0° bevel-stop adjusting
screw until the foot is square with the saw blade.
Saw-Line Window (Fig.8)
For a 0° cut, align your line of cut with the left
notch in the foot at the 0° indicator.
For 45° bevel cuts, align your line of cut with
the right notch at the 45° indicator.
The saw-line window will give an approximate
line of cut. Make sample cuts in scrap lumber
to verify the actual line of cut. This will be help-
ful because of the number of different blade
types and thicknesses available. To ensure
minimum splintering on the good side of the
material to be cut, face the good side down.
Extension for Vacuum Cleaner
(Fig.9)
Your tool is equipped with an extension (Φ1-
1/4’’) for connection to a vacuum cleaner.
Choose a suitable vacuum-cleaner hose or use
an adapter, if necessary.
WARNING Never allow a vacu-
um-cleaner hose interfere
with the lower guard or cutting operation.
LED Light (Fig.10)
Your tool is equipped with a LED light, located
behind the upper guard. This provides addition-
al light on the saw blade and the surface of the
workpiece for operation in lower-light areas.
The LED light will automatically turn on with a
slight squeeze on the trigger switch before the
tool starts running. It will turn off 8 to 12 sec-
onds after the trigger switch is released.
When the tool and/or battery pack becomes
overloaded or too hot, the internal sensors will
turn the tool off. If the tool and/or battery pack
are overloaded, the LED light will rapidly ash.
Rest the tool for a while or place the tool and
battery pack separately under air ow for cooling.
Fig. 8
45° Indicator
0° Indicator
Fig. 10
LED Light
Fig. 9

18
The LED light will ash more slowly to indicate that the battery pack is at low-battery capacity.
Recharge the battery pack.
Cutting with the Circular Saw (Fig.11)
Refer to the gures in this section to learn the correct and incorrect ways of handling the saw.
Fig. 11
WARNING
• To make sawing easier and safer, always maintain proper control of the saw. Loss of
control could cause an accident resulting in serious injury.
• Maintain a rm grip and operate the trigger switch with a decisive action. Never force the
saw. Use light and continuous pressure.
• 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 that the lower blade guard is closed
before setting the saw down.
To make the safest and best possible cut, follow these helpful hints:
a. Hold the saw rmly with both hands.
b. Avoid placing your hand on the workpiece while making a cut.
c. Support the workpiece so that the cut is always to the operator’s side and not directly in line
with the operator’s body.
d. Support the workpiece near the cut.
e. Clamp the workpiece securely so that the workpiece will not move during the cut.

19
f. Always place the saw on the portion of the workpiece that is supported, and not on the “cut
off” piece.
g. Place the workpiece with the “good” side down.
h. Draw a guideline along the desired cutting line before beginning the cut.
i. Rest the front edge of the foot on the workpiece without touching the blade to the workpiece
j. Depress the trigger switch to start the saw.
k. Allow the blade to reach full speed, then guide the saw into the workpiece and make the
cut.
l. Release the trigger switch and allow the blade to come to a complete stop.
m. Lift the saw from the workpiece.
NOTICE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
NOTICE: Position your body to left side of the blade to operate the circular saw.
When cutting is interrupted, to resume cutting: squeeze the trigger switch and allow the blade
to reach full speed, re-enter the cut slowly and resume cutting.
When cutting across the grain, the bers of the wood have a tendency to tear and lift.
Advancing the saw slowly minimizes this effect.
Cross-Cutting/Rip Cutting (Fig.12)
When making a cross-cut or a rip cut, align the
guideline with the 0˚ indicator notch on the foot.
The distance from the saw blade to the saw
base is approximately 1-1/2 in. (38mm) on the
left side of the saw and 4 in. (101.6mm) on the
right.
Blade thicknesses vary, so you should always
make a trial cut in scrap material along a
guideline to determine how much the guideline
must be offset from the guide to produce an
accurate cut.
NOTICE: Use a guide when making long or
wide rip cuts.
Rip Cutting Using a Straight Edge
(Fig.13)
a. Secure the workpiece.
b. Clamp a straight edge to the workpiece
using C-clamps (not included).
NOTICE: Position the C-clamps so that they
will not interfere with the saw housing during
the cut.
c. Rest the front edge of the foot on the
workpiece without touching the blade to the
workpiece.
d. Depress the trigger switch to start the saw.
e. Allow the blade to reach full speed, then guide the saw into the workpiece and make the
cut.
f. Saw along the straight edge to achieve a straight rip cut.
Fig. 12
Rip Fence
Fig. 13
Straight Edge
Desired Line
of Cut

20
g. Release the trigger switch and allow the blade to come to a complete stop.
h. Lift the saw from the workpiece.
NOTICE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
CAUTION Always be sure that neither hand interferes with the free movement
of the lower guard.
CAUTION After completing a cut releasing the trigger switch, be aware of the
necessary time it takes for the blade to come to a complete stop
during coast down. Do not allow the saw to brush against your leg or side; the lower
guard is retractable, so it could catch on your clothing and expose the blade. Be aware
of the possible blade exposures that exist in both the upper and lower guard areas.
Bevel Cutting (Fig.14)
To make the best possible cut:
a. Remove the battery from the saw.
b. See Bevel Adjustment to adjust the angle of
cut to any desired setting between 0° and
50°.
WARNING Attempting a bevel cut
without having the bev-
el-adjustment knob securely locked in place
can result in serious injury.
c. Attach the battery pack
d. Align the cutting line with the 45° indicator
notch on the foot when making 45° bevel
cuts.
e. Make a trial cut in scrap material along a guideline to determine the amount to offset the
guideline on the cutting material.
f. Hold the saw rmly with both hands, as shown.
g. Rest the front edge of the foot on the workpiece without touching the blade to the workpiece.
h. Depress the trigger switch to start the saw.
i. Allow the blade to reach full speed, then guide the saw into the workpiece and make the
cut.
j. Release the trigger switch and allow the blade to come to a complete stop.
k. Lift the saw from the workpiece.
NOTICE: Do not bind the blade in the cut.
Fig. 14