Dewalt DWE575 7-1-4-Inch Circular Saw Instruction Manual

DEWALT DWE575 7-1-4-Inch Circular Saw

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Technical Data

The vibration and/or noise emission level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardized test given in EN62841 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure.

WARNING: The declared vibration and/or noise emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However, if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration and/or noise emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period. An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration and/ or noise should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job. This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the
operator from the effects of vibration and/or noise such as: maintain the tool and the accessories,

Definitions: Safety Guidelines
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

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.
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage. Denotes risk of electric shock.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

  • Work Area Safety
    •  Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
    •  Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
    •  Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
  •  Electrical Safety
    •  Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
    •  Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
    •  Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
    •  Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock. e )
    • When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
    •  If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
  • 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 finger 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.
    •  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.

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR CIRCULAR SAW

  •  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 minimize 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 or its own cord. 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 eccentrically, 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.

Further Safety Instructions for All Saws

  • 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 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.
  • Maintain a firm 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.
  •  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 Nand take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade binding.
  •  When restarting a saw in the workpiece, centre 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.
  •  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 cut. If bladeN adjustment shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
  •  Use extra caution when making a “plunge cut” into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade may cut objects that can cause kickback.

Safety Instructions for Saws with a Pendulum Blade Guard

  • 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, lower the 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 should be retracted manually only for special cuts such as “plunge cuts” and “compound cuts.” Raise the lower guard by 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 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.

Additional Safety Instructions for All Saws with Riving Knife

  •  Use the appropriate saw blade for the riving knife. For the riving knife to function, the body of the blade must be thinner than the riving knife and the cutting width of the blade must be wider than the thickness of the riving knife.
  •  Adjust the riving knife as described in this instruction manual. Incorrect spacing, positioning and alignment can make the riving knife ineffective in preventing kickback.
  •  Always use the riving knife except when plunge cutting. Riving knife must be replaced after plunge cutting. Riving knife causes interference during plunge cutting and can create kickback.
  •  For the riving knife to work, it must be engaged in the workpiece. The riving knife is ineffective in preventing kickback during short cuts.
  •  Do not operate the saw if riving knife is bent. Even a light interference can slow the closing rate of a guard.

Additional Safety Instructions for Circular Saws

  •  Do not operate the machine without guards in position, or if guards do not function or are not maintained properly.
  •  Select the correct blade for the material to be cut.
  •  Wear a dust mask.
  •  Do not use blades of larger or smaller diameter than recommended. For the proper blade rating refer to the technical data. Use only the blades specified in this manual, complying with EN847-1.
  •  Never use abrasive cut-off wheels.
  •  When sawing plastic, melting of the material is to be avoided.
  •  Please use only saw blades that are marked with a speed equal or higher than the speed marked on the tool. WARNING: Cutting plastics, sap coated wood, and other materials may cause melted material to accumulate on

Residual Risks
In spite of the application of the relevant safety regulations and the implementation of safety devices, certain residual risks cannot be avoided. These are:

  •  Impairment of hearing.
  •  Risk of personal injury due to flying particles.
  •  Risk of burns due to accessories becoming hot during operation.
  •  Risk of personal injury due to prolonged use.

Electrical Safety
The electric motor has been designed for one voltage only. Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

Using an Extension Cable
An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use an approved extension cable suitable for the power input of your charger (see Technical Data). The minimum conductor size is 1.5 mm2; the maximum length is 30 m. When using a cable reel, always unwind the cable completely.

Package Contents
The package contains:

  • 1 Circular saw
  • 1 Circular saw blade
  • 1 Blade wrench
  • 1 Parallel fence
  • 1 Dust extraction spout
  • 1 Instruction manual

Description (Fig. A)

  1. Trigger switch
  2. Trigger switch lock-off button
  3. Main handle
  4. Blade lock
  5. End cap
  6. Auxiliary handle
  7. Bevel adjustment lever
  8. Bevel angle adjustment mechanism
  9. Base plate
  10. Lower blade guard
  11. Blade clamping screw
  12. Lower guard lever
  13. Upper blade guard

Intended Use

  • These heavy-duty circular saws are designed for professional wood cutting applications.
  • “DO NOT use water feed attachments with this saw.
  • DO NOT use abrasive wheels or blades.
  • DO NOT use under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. These heavy-duty saws are professional power tools.
  • DO NOT let children come into contact with the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.
  •  Young children and the infirm. This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
  •  This product is not intended for use by persons (including children) suffering from diminished physical, sensory or mental abilities; lack of experience, knowledge or skills unless they are supervised by a person responsible for their safety. Children should never be left alone with this product.

Changing Blades

  • To Install the Blade (Fig. B–E)
  •  Using the lower guard lever 12 , retract the lower blade guard 10 and place blade on saw spindle against the inner clamp washer 14 , making sure that the blade will rotate in the proper direction (the direction of the rotation arrow on the saw blade and the teeth must point in the same direction as the direction of rotation arrow on the saw).
  • Do not assume that the printing on the blade will always be facing you when properly installed. When retracting the lower blade guard to install the blade, check the condition and operation of the lower blade guard to assure that it is working properly. Make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.
  •  Place outer clamp washer 15 on saw spindle with the beveled edge facing out. Make sure the 30 mm diameter on the blade side of the clamp fits into the 30 mm hole in the saw blade to ensure centering of the blade.
  • Thread the blade clamping screw 11 onto the saw spindle by hand (screw has right-hand threads and must be turned clockwise to tighten).
  • Depress the blade lock 4 while turning the saw spindle with the blade wrench 16 stored underneath the main handle 3 (Fig. E), until the blade lock engages and the blade stops rotating.
  • Tighten the blade clamping screw firmly with the blade wrench.
  • NOTICE: Never engage the blade lock while saw is running, or engage in an effort to stop the tool. Never turn the saw on while the blade lock is engaged. Serious damage to your saw will result.

To Replace the blade (Fig. B–E)
1. To loosen the blade clamping screw 11 , depress the blade lock 4 and turn the saw spindle with the blade wrench 16 , stored underneath the main handle 3 , until the blade lock engages and the blade stops rotating. With the blade lock engaged, turn the blade clamping screw counterclockwise with the blade wrench (screw has right-hand threads and be turned counterclockwise to loosen).
2. Remove the blade clamping screw 11 and outer clamp washer 15 . Remove old blade.
3. Clean any sawdust that may have accumulated in the guard or clamp washer area and check the condition and operation of the lower blade guard as previously outlined. Do not lubricate this area.
4. Select the proper blade for the application (refer to Blades). Always use blades that are the correct size (diameter) with the proper size and shape center hole for mounting on the saw spindle. Always assure that the maximum recommended speed (rpm) on the saw blade meets or exceeds the speed (rpm) of the saw.
5. Follow steps 1 through 5 under To Install the Blade, making sure that the blade will rotate in the proper direction

Lower Blade Guard

WARNING:

  • The lower blade guard is a safety feature that reduces the risk of serious personal injury.
  • Never use the saw if the lower guard is missing, damaged, misassembled or not working properly.
  • Do not rely on the lower blade guard to protect you under all circumstances
  • Your safety depends on following all warnings and precautions as well as proper operation of the saw.
  • Check the lower blade guard for proper closing before each use.
  • If the lower blade guard is missing or not working properly, have the saw serviced before using.
  • To assure product safety and reliability, repair, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by an authorized service center or other qualified service organization, always using identical replacement parts.

Checking the Lower Guard (Fig. A)

  • Turn tool off and disconnect from power supply.
  • Rotate the lower guard lever (Fig. A, 12 ) from the fully closed position to the fully open position.
  •  Release the lever and observe the guard 10 return to the fully closed position.
  • The tool should be serviced by a qualified service center if it:   fails to return to the fully closed position,  moves intermittently or slowly, or   contacts the blade or any part of the tool in all angles and depth of cut. Blades

WARNING: To minimize the risk of eye injury, always use eye protection. Carbide is a hard but brittle material. Foreign objects in the workpiece such as wire or nails can cause tips to crack or break. Only operate saw when proper saw blade guard is in place. Mount blade securely in proper rotation before using, and always use a clean, sharp blade.

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 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 material causing the blade to climb out of the kerf and jump back toward the operator. Kickback is more likely to occur when any of the following conditions exists.

  •  IMPROPER WORKPIECE SUPPORT
    •  Sagging or improper lifting of the cut off piece can cause pinching of the blade and lead to kickback (Fig. X).
    •  Cutting through material supported at the outer ends only can cause kickback. As the material weakens it sags, closing down the kerf and pinching the blade (Fig. X).
    •  Cutting off a cantilevered or overhanging piece of material from the bottom up in a vertical direction can cause kickback. The falling cut off piece can pinch the blade.
    •  Cutting off long narrow strips can cause kickback. The cut off strip can sag or twist closing the kerf and pinching the blade.
    •  Snagging the lower guard on a surface below the material being cut momentarily reduces operator control. The saw can lift partially out of the cut increasing the chance of blade twist.
  •  IMPROPER DEPTH OF CUT SETTING ON SAW
    • To make the most efficient cut, the blade should protrude only far enough to expose a tooth as shown in Figure H. This allows the shoe to support the blade and minimizes twisting and pinching in the material. See the section titled Depth of
    • Cut Adjustment.
  •  BLADE TWISTING (MISALIGNMENT IN CUT)
    •  Pushing harder to cut can cause the blade to twist.
    •  Trying to turn the saw in the cut (trying to get back on the marked line) can cause blade twist.
    •  Overreaching or operating the saw with poor body control (out of balance), can result in twisting the blade.
    •  Changing hand grip or body position while cutting can result in blade twist.
    •  Backing up the saw to clear blade can lead to twist.
  •  USE OF DULL OR DIRTY BLADES
    Dull blades cause increased loading of the saw. To compensate, an operator will usually push harder which further loads the unit and promotes twisting of the blade in the kerf. Worn blades may also have insufficient body clearance which increases the chance of binding and increased loading.
  • RESTARTING A CUT WITH THE BLADE TEETH JAMMED AGAINST THE MATERIAL
    The saw should be brought up to full operating speed before starting a cut or restarting a cut after the unit has been stopped with the blade in the kerf. Failure to do so can cause stalling and kickback. Any other conditions which could result in pinching, binding, twisting, or misalignment of the blade could cause kickback. Refer to the sections Additional Specific Safety Rules for Circular Saws and Blades for procedures and techniques that will minimize the occurrence of kickback.

Depth of Cut Adjustment (Fig. F–H)

  •  Raise the depth adjustment lever 17 to loosen.
  • To obtain the correct depth of cut, align the appropriate mark on the depth adjustment strap 19 with notch 18 on the upper blade guard.
  •  Tighten the depth adjustment lever.
  •  For the most efficient cutting action using a carbide tipped saw blade, set the depth adjustment so that about one half of a tooth projects below the surface of the wood to be cut.
  • A method of checking for the correct cutting depth is shown in Figure H. Lay a piece of the material you plan to cut along the side of the blade, as shown in the figure, and observe how much tooth projects beyond the material.

Adjusting Depth adjustment lever (Fig. G)

  • It may be desirable to adjust the depth adjustment lever 17 . It may loosen in time and hit the base plate before tightening.
  • To Tighten the Lever:
  •  Hold depth adjustment lever 17 and loosen the locknut 20 .
  •  Adjust the depth adjustment lever by rotating it in the desired direction about 1/8 of a revolution.
  •  Retighten nut.

Bevel Angle Adjustment (Fig. I)

  • The bevel angle adjustment mechanism 8 can be adjusted between 0° and 57°. To achieve better accuracy in cutting, use the fine adjustment markings located on the pivot bracket 22 .
  •  Raise the bevel adjustment lever 7 to loosen.
  •  Tilt the base plate to the desired angle by aligning the fine bevel pointer 21 with the desired angle mark on the pivot bracket 22 .
  •  Lower the bevel adjustment lever to retighten.

Bevel Detent (Fig. I)

  • The DWE575 and DWE576 are equipped with a bevel detent feature.
  • As you tilt the base plate you will hear a click and feel the base plate stop at both 22.5 and 45 degrees.
  • If either of these is the desired angle, retighten the lever 7 by lowering it.
  • If you desire another angle, continue tilting the base plate until the coarse bevel pointer 23 or the fine pointer 21 aligns with the desired mark

Cut Length Indicator (Fig. J)

  • The markings on the side of the base plate show the length of the slot being cut into the material at the full depth of the cut.
  • The markings are in increments of 5 mm. Mounting and Adjusting the Parallel Fence

(Fig. K)

  • The parallel fence 24 is used for cutting parallel to the edge of the workpiece. Mounting
  •  Slacken the parallel fence adjustment knob 25 to allow the parallel fence to pass.
  •  Insert the parallel fence 24 in the base plate 9 as shown.
  • Tighten the parallel fence adjustment knob 25 .

Adjusting

  •  Slacken the fence adjustment knob 25 and set the parallel fence 24 to the desired width. The adjustment can be read on the parallel fence scale.
  •  Tighten the fence adjustment knob 25 . Mounting the Dust Extraction Spout

(Fig. A, F, L)

  • Your DWE575/DWE576 circular saw is supplied with a dust extraction spout. To Install Dust Extraction Spout
  •  Fully loosen depth adjustment lever 17 .
  •  Place base plate 9 in the lowest position.
  •  Align the left half of the dust extraction spout 33 over upper blade guard 13 as shown. Be sure to insert the tab into the casting notch on the tool. When installed correctly, it will snap fully over the original depth of cut pointer.
  •  Align the right-hand piece with the left.
  •  Insert screws and tighten securely.

Guide Rail System (DWE576, Fig. M)
Guide rails, available in different lengths as accessories, allow the use of the circular saw for precise, straight clean cuts and simultaneously protect the workpiece surface against damage. In conjunction with additional accessories, exact angled cuts, mitre cuts and fitting work can be completed with the guide rail system. Clamps 30 are available to secure the guide rail 28 to the workpiece (Fig. M). Use of these clamps 30 ensure that the guide rail 28 is securely attached to the workpiece 29 for safe working. Once the guide rail is set to the cut line and securely fixed to the workpiece, there is no movement during cutting. IMPORTANT : The height scale on the unit is set for using the saw without a guide rail. When using the saw on the guide rail the difference in height will be approximately 5.0 mm.

 

Setting the Circular Saw to the Guide Rail (Fig. A, N)

The clearance between the circular saw and the guide rail (Fig. N, 28 ) must be very small to achieve best cutting results. The smaller this clearance the better the straight line finish will be on the workpiece. The clearance can be set with the two rail adjusters (Fig. A, 26 , 27 ) for each channel in the base for 0° cutting 26 and for 1–45° bevel cutting 27 . The rail adjusters are precision cams that allow for the reduction of clearance between the unit and guide rail. Once these adjusters have been set, sideways movement of the saw during cutting is kept to a minimum while allowing a smooth cutting action. NOTE: The adjusters are set to minimum clearance in the factory and may need adjusting and setting before the unit is used. Use the following instructions for setting the circular saw to the guide rail. REMEMBER: Set the rail adjusters on the saw to the guide rail.

  •  Undo the screw inside the rail adjuster to allow for adjustment between the saw and the guide rail.
  • Retract the lower guard and place the unit on the guide rail, ensuring the blade is in the highest position.
  •  Rotate the adjuster until saw locks on guide rail.
  • IMPORTANT: Make sure the saw is securely attached to the rail by trying to push the saw forward. Ensure there is no movement of the saw.
  •  Rotate the adjuster back slightly until saw slides easily along the rail.
  •  Hold the rail adjuster in position and tighten the screw again.

NOTE: ALWAYS adjust the system for use with other rails. The rail adjusters are now set up to minimise sideways deviation when cutting with the saw on the guide rail. Before using the saw, the anti-splinter guard 31 on the guide
rail will need tuning in. Refer to Tuning the Anti-Splinter Guard

Tuning the Anti-Splinter Guard (Fig. N)

The guide rail 28 is equipped with an anti-splinter guard 31 that has to be tuned to the saw before the first use. The anti-splinter guard 31 is situated on each edge of the guide rail (Fig. N). The purpose of this anti-splinter guard is to provide the user with a visible blade cut line while reducing the chipping that occurs along the workpiece cut edge during cutting. IMPORTANT: ALWAYS read and follow the Setting the Circular Saw to the Guide Rail before cutting the splinter guard!

Steps to Tune the Anti-Splinter Guard  (Fig. O–R)

  •  Place the guide rail 28 on a scrap piece of wood 32 with a minimum length of 100 mm overhanging the workpiece. Use a clamp to ensure that the guide rail is securely attached to the workpiece. This will ensure accuracy.
  • Set the unit to a 20 mm depth of cut.
  • Place the front of the saw on the overhang end of the guide rail, making sure that the blade is positioned in front of the rail edge (Fig. P).
  •  Turn the saw on and slowly cut the splinter guard along the full length of the rail in one continuous operation. The edge of the splinter guard now corresponds exactly to the cutting edge of the blade (Fig. Q).  To tune in the anti-splinter guard on the other side of the guide rail, remove the saw from the rail and rotate the rail 180°. Repeat steps 1 through 4.

NOTE: If desired, the splinter guard can be bevelled to 45°, then repeat steps 1 through 4. This allows one side of the rail for cutting parallel cuts and the other side of the rail is tuned in for 45° bevel cuts (Fig. R).
NOTE: If the anti-splinter guard is tuned in for parallel cutting on both sides, then when the unit is bevelled, the blade will not run true to the edge of the anti-splinter guard. This is because the pivot point of the unit bevel is not stationary and the blade moves out over when the unit is bevelled.

Using the Correct Channel (Fig. S–U)The saw base plate consists of two channels. One channel is for making parallel cuts and the other channel is for making bevel cuts. The indicators at the front of the base plate (Fig. S) indicate which channel is for which application. When making cuts make sure that the line on the base plate is in line with the channel on the guide rail. Figure T

shows the saw in the parallel cutting position relative to the guide rail. Figure U shows the saw in the bevel cutting position relative to the guide rail. Prior to Operation

  •  Make sure the guards have been mounted correctly. The saw blade guard must be in closed position.
  •  Make sure the saw blade rotates in the direction of the arrow on the blade.
  •  Do not use excessively worn saw blades.

OPERATION

Instructions for Use

WARNING: Always observe the safety instructions and applicable regulations.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and disconnect tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing/ installing attachments or accessories. Be sure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Proper Hand Position (Fig. V)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction. Proper hand position requires one hand on the main handle 3 , with the other hand on the auxiliary handle 6 .

Switching On and Off (Fig. A)
For safety reasons the trigger switch 1 of your tool is equipped with a lock-off button 2 .m Press the lock-off button to unlock the tool. To run the tool, press the trigger switch  As soon as the trigger switch is released, the lock-off switch is automatically activated to prevent the unintended starting of the machine. NOTICE: Do not switch the tool ON or OFF when the saw blade touches the workpiece or other materials.

Workpiece Support (Fig. W–Z)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, support the work properly and hold the saw firmly to prevent loss of control.
Figures W and Y show proper sawing position. Figures X andn Z show an unsafe condition. Hands should be kept away from cutting area, and power cord is positioned clear of the cutting area so that it will not get caught or hung up on the work. To avoid kickback, ALWAYS support board or panel NEAR the cut, (Fig. W and Y) . DON’T support board or panel away from the cut (Fig. X and Z) . When operating the saw, keep the cord away from the cutting area and prevent it from becoming hung up on the work piece. ALWAYS DISCONNECT SAW BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS! Place the work with its “good” side—the one on which appearance is most important—down. The saw cuts upward, so any splintering will be on the work face that is up when you saw it.

Cutting

WARNING: Never attempt to use this tool by resting it upside down on a work surface and bringing the material to the tool. Always securely clamp the workpiece and bring the tool to the workpiece, securely holding the tool with two hands as shown in Figure Y.
Place the wider portion of the saw base plate on that part of the work piece which is solidly supported, not on the section that will fall off when the cut is made. As examples, Figure Y illustrates the RIGHT way to cut off the end of a board. Always clamp work. Don’t try to hold short pieces by hand! Remember to support cantilevered and overhanging material. Use caution  when sawing material from below. Be sure saw is up to full speed before blade contacts material to be cut. Starting saw with blade against material to be cut or pushed forward into kerf can result in kickback. Push the saw forward at a speed which allows the blade to cut without laboring. Hardness and toughness can vary even in the same piece of material, and knotty or damp sections can put a heavy load on the saw. When this happens, push the saw more slowly, but hard enough to keep working without much decrease in speed. Forcing the saw can cause rough cuts, inaccuracy, kickback, and over-heating of the motor. Should your cut begin to go off the line, don’t try to force it back on. Release the switch and allow blade to come to a complete stop. Then you can withdraw the saw, sight anew, and start a new cut slightly inside the wrong one. In any event, withdraw the saw if you must shift the cut. Forcing a correction inside the cut can stall the saw and lead to kickback. IF SAW STALLS, RELEASE THE TRIGGER AND BACK THE SAW UNTIL IT IS LOOSE. BE SURE BLADE IS STRAIGHT IN THE CUT AND CLEAR OF THE CUTTING EDGE BEFORE RESTARTING. As you finish a cut, release the trigger and allow the blade to stop before lifting the saw from the work. As you lift the saw, the spring-tensioned telescoping guard will automatically close under the blade. Remember the blade is exposed until this occurs. Never reach under the work for any reason. When you have to retract the  telescoping guard manually (as is necessary for starting pocket cuts) always use the retracting lever. NOTE: When cutting thin strips, be careful to ensure that small cutoff pieces don’t hang up on inside of lower guard.

Pocket Cutting (Fig. AA)

WARNING:  Never tie the blade guard in a raised position. Never move the saw backwards when pocket cutting. This may cause the unit to raise up off the work surface which could cause injury. A pocket cut is one that is made in a floor, wall or other flat surface.

  •  Adjust the saw base plate so the blade cuts at desired depth.
  •  Tilt the saw forward and rest front of the base plate on material to be cut.
  •  Using the lower guard lever, retract lower blade guard to an upward position. Lower rear of base plate until blade teeth almost touch cutting line.
  •  Release the blade guard (its contact with the work will keep it in position to open freely as you start the cut). Remove hand from guard lever and firmly grip auxiliary handle 6 , as shown in Figure AA. Position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback if it occurs.
  •  Make sure blade is not in contact with cutting surface before starting saw.
  •  Start the motor and gradually lower the saw until its base plate rests flat on the material to be cut. Advance saw along the cutting line until cut is completed.
  •  Release trigger and allow blade to stop completely before withdrawing the blade from the material.
  •  When starting each new cut, repeat as above.

Dust Extraction (Fig. DD)

WARNING:

  • Risk of dust inhalation.
  • To reduce the risk of personal injury,
  • ALWAYS wear an approved dust mask
  • A dust extraction spout 33 is supplied with your tool.
  • Vacuum hoses of most common vacuum extractors will fit directly into the dust extraction spout.
  • ALWAYS use a vacuum extractor designed in compliance with the applicable directives regarding dust emission when sawing wood.
  • Vacuum hoses of most common vacuum cleaners will fit directly into the dust extraction outlet.

MAINTENANCE

Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance. Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn tool off and disconnect tool from power source before making any adjustments or removing installing attachments or accessories. Be sure the trigger switch is in the OFF position. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Lubrication
Self-lubricating ball and roller bearings are used in the tool and relubrication is not required. However, it is recommended that, once a year, you take or send the tool to a service center for a thorough cleaning, inspection and lubrication of the gear case. Cleaning WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of the main housing with dry air as often as dirt is seen collecting in and around the air vents. Wear approved eye protection and approved dust mask when performing this procedure. WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

Lower Guard
The lower guard should always rotate and close freely from a fully open to fully closed position. Always check for correct operation before cutting by fully opening the guard and letting it close. If the guard closes slowly or not completely, it will need cleaning or servicing. Do not use the saw until it functions correctly. To clean the guard, use dry air or a soft brush to remove all accumulated sawdust or debris from the path of the guard and from around the guard spring. Should this not correct the problem, it will need to be serviced by an authorized service center.

Base Plate Adjustment (Fig. E, BB, CC)
Your base plate has been factory set to assure that the blade is perpendicular to the base plate. If after extended use you need to re-align the blade, follow the directions below: Adjusting For 90 Degree Cuts

  •  Return the saw to 0 degrees bevel.
  •  Place the saw on its side, and retract the lower guard.
  •  Set the depth of cut to 51 mm.
  •  Loosen the bevel adjustment lever (Fig. CC, 7 ).
  • Place a square against the blade and the base plate as shown in Figure BB.
  • Using a wrench 16 , turn the set screw 34 on the underside of the base plate until the blade and the base plate are both in flush contact with the square. Retighten the bevel adjustment lever.

Adjusting Bevel Adjustment Lever (Fig. CC)

  • It may be desirable to adjust the bevel adjustment lever 7 . It may loosen in time and hit the base plate before tightening. To Tighten the Lever:
  •  Hold the bevel adjustment lever 7 and loosen the locknut 35 .
  •  Adjust the bevel adjustment lever by rotating it in the desired direction about 1/8 of a revolution.
  •  Retighten nut.

Blades

A dull blade will cause inefficient cutting, overload on them saw motor, excessive splintering and increase the possibility of kickback. Change blades when it is no longer easy to push the saw through the cut, when the motor is straining, or when excessive heat is built up in the blade. It is a good practice to keep extra blades on hand so that sharp blades are available for immediate use. Dull blades can be sharpened in most areas. Hardened gum on the blade can be removed with kerosene, turpentine, or oven cleaner. Anti-stick-coated blades can be used in applications where excessive build-up is encountered, such as pressure treated and green lumber.

Optional Accessories

WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended accessories should be used with this product.
DO NOT USE WATER-FEED ATTACHMENTS WITH THIS SAW. VISUALLY EXAMINE CARBIDE BLADES BEFORE USE. REPLACE IF DAMAGED.
Consult your dealer for further information on the appropriate accessories.

Protecting the Environment
Separate collection. Products and batteries marked with this symbol must not be disposed of with normal household waste. Products and batteries contain materials that can
be recovered or recycled reducing the demand for raw materials. Please recycle electrical products and batteries according to local provisions. Further information is available at
www.2helpU.com.