Porter-Cable Model 543 Instruction Manual page 12

One of the distinctive and important features of the Porter-Cable bayonet saw
is the ability to start the cut (in wood only) within an area without making drilled
holes first. This is especially important when making cutouts for electrical
outlets in finished walls, openings in cabinet tops for sinks and openings for
plumbing fixtures.
NOTE: When plunge cutting, it is recommended the orbit knob be set
to position "3".
First, measure the area to be cut out and
mark it clearly with a pencil chalk or
scriber. Choose a convenient starting
point and hold the bayonet saw over the
point and inside the line of waste. Tip the
machine forward until the front edge of
the base rests firmly on the surface of the
material with the tip of the blade clear of
the work surface, as shown in Fig. 8. Turn
motor "on" and slowly lower the back of
the machine until the base is fully seated
on the surface of the work. Now, guide
the cutting along the inside of the marked
area. If sharp corners are desired cut
right up to the corner of the marked edge.
Stop and back up just a bit, start the turn and cut along the side. Do the same
at each corner until you end up where you started. Then, go back and cut into
each corner from the opposite direction. The base of the machine is wide
enough so you will have a solid guiding surface on either side of the cut.
BASE ADJUSTMENT
The base may be adjusted two ways, front to rear and tilted either left or right
for making bevel cuts. The base has a detent at the 0 (90 degree) setting and
at 15, 30 and 45 degree setting both left and right of center.
The base is set at its forward most position at the factory. The base can be
adjusted to the rear for making flush cuts around walls and other similar areas.
To move the base forward or backward, turn the saw on its side, loosen screw
(A), Fig. 9, move the base to the desired position and retighten the screw.
NOTE: When making bevel cuts, the base should be set to the
forward most position, Fig. 9.
Fig. 9
12
Fig. 8
A