WEN 20496 - 20V Max 5-Inch Portable Metal Band Saw Manual

Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN's highest standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings, and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for its intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

For replacement parts and the most up-to-date instruction manuals, visit WENPRODUCTS.COM

INTRODUCTION

We know you are excited to put your tool to work, but first, please take a moment to read through the manual. Safe operation of this tool requires that you read and understand this operator's manual and all the labels affixed to the tool. This manual provides information regarding potential safety concerns, as well as helpful assembly and operating instructions for your tool.

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention and understanding. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury. However, please note that these instructions and warnings are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. WEN reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time without prior notice.

At WEN, we are continuously improving our products. If you find that your tool does not exactly match this manual, please visit wenproducts.com for the most up-to-date manual or contact our customer service at 1-800-232-1195.

Keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the tool and review it frequently to maximize safety for both yourself and others.

SPECIFICATIONS

*NOTE: Some tools may not be compatible with WEN 20V MAX 1.5Ah Batteries, model 49120B. Contact WEN customer service at 1-800-232-1195, M-F with questions.

WEN plans to continue to add more items to our 20V line. For an up-to-date list of the 20V cordless tools compatible with the included battery and charger, visit wenproducts.com and search model number 20202 (2Ah), 20204 (4Ah) or 20205 (5Ah). In the battery's description, there will be a list of current products that this battery can be used with.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a respiratory mask, non-skid safety shoes and hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce the risk of personal injury.
3. 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 energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. 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.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. 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.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack 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.
4. 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.
5. Maintain power tools. 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.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. 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.
8. Use clamps to secure your workpiece to a stable surface. Holding a workpiece by hand or using your body to support it may lead to loss of control.
9. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

SERVICE

1. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities may contain chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. 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 on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area with approved safety equipment such as dust masks specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

PORTABLE BAND SAW SAFETY WARNINGS

Do not operate the power tool until you have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels.

PORTABLE BAND SAW SAFETY

1. Work Environment. Do not operate the tool in wet or damp conditions; doing so significantly increases the risk of electrical shock. Do not operate the tool in the presence of flammable liquids or gases; sparks generated by the grinder could ignite these flammable materials.
2. Preventing Electric Shock. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Cutting accessories contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
3. Personal Safety. Tie back long hair. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they might get drawn in by the tool. Always wear ANSI Z87.1 -approved glasses with side shields, hearing protection and a dust mask when using the tool.
4. Dust Protection. Wear a dust mask and work with a dust extraction device. Dust from material such as paint containing lead, some wood species, minerals and metal may be harmful (contact with or inhalation of the dust may cause allergic reactions and/or respiratory diseases to the operator or bystanders); certain kinds of dust are classified as carcinogenic (such as oak and beech dust) especially in conjunction with additives for wood conditioning.
5. Saw Blade Safety. Use the correct size and style of blade. Inspect blades for cracks and missing teeth before each use. Do not operate with dull, cracked or badly worn blade. When replacing blades, make sure the blade is installed in the correct direction, according to the markings on the blade and on the band saw. Check that the blade is properly tensioned (blade tensioning handle tightened down) before operating.
6. Workpiece Safety. Workpieces should be securely fastened down so they don't twist, rock, or slip while being cut. Small pieces should be secured with clamps or fixtures. Do not hold small pieces with your hand. Work slowly and carefully when cutting corners, sharp edges, ragged welds, and etc. to avoid snagging.
7. Starting The Tool. Hold the tool firmly with both hands to resist starting torque. Turn on the tool and let the blade come to full speed before contacting the workpiece.
8. During Operation. To prevent personal injury, maintain a firm grip on the tool with both hands and keep the tool away from your body. Keep hands, hair and other beloved body parts away from the blade. Do not run the tool while carrying it at your side. Never leave the band saw unattended while it is running.
9. Prevent Burning. Cutting material and the motor housing can get very hot during operation. Do not touch the workpiece, saw blade or motor housing immediately after operation.
10. Turning Off The Tool. Lift the tool from the workpiece before turning the machine off. Do not put the saw down until the blade comes to a complete stop. Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.
11. Maintaining And Making Adjustments. Always turn off and unplug the tool before cleaning, making adjustments or changing attachments. Accidental start-ups may occur if the tool is plugged in during an accessory change or adjustment.

KICKBACK AND RELATED WARNINGS

Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the blade which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory's rotation at the point of the binding. Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

1. Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque reaction during start-up. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are taken.
2. Never place your hand near the blade. The accessory may kick back over your hand.
3. Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback will propel the tool in the direction opposite to the wheel's movement at the point of snagging.
4. Use special care when working corners, sharp edges etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the accessory. Corners, sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag the blade and cause loss of control or kickback.

VIBRATION SAFETY

This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may cause temporary or permanent physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.

To reduce the risk of vibration-related injuries:

1. First be examined by a doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to ensure medical problems are not being caused or worsened from using this tool. People who are pregnant, have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past hand injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes, or Raynaud's disease should NOT use this tool.
2. If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers), stop working and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
3. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces the blood supply to the hands and fingers, increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
4. Wear suitable work gloves to reduce the effects of vibration.
5. Hold the tool firmly enough to keep safe control of it, but NOT too tightly. The risk associated with vibration is increased when the gripping force is high. Let the tool do the work.
6. Take vibration-free breaks during each day of work.

These safety instructions can't possibly warn of every scenario that may arise with this tool, so always make sure to stay alert and use common sense during operation.

ELECTRICAL INFORMATION (CHARGER)

DOUBLE-INSULATED CHARGER

The charger's electrical system is double-insulated where two systems of insulation are provided. This eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord. Double-insulated tools do not need to be grounded, nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal components with protecting insulation.

Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by qualified service personnel using identical replacement parts. Always use original factory replacement parts when servicing.

1. Polarized Plugs. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet. Do not modify the machine plug or the extension cord in any way.
2. Ground fault circuit interrupter protection (GFCI) should be provided on the circuit or outlet used for this power tool to reduce the risk of electric shock.
3. Service and repair. To avoid danger, electrical appliances must only be repaired by a qualified service technician using original replacement parts.

GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXTENSION CORDS

When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size to be used according to cord length and ampere rating. When in doubt, use a heavier cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

1. Examine extension cord before use. Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
2. Do not abuse extension cord. Do not pull on cord to disconnect from receptacle; always disconnect by pulling on plug. Disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the product from the extension cord. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp/wet areas.
3. Use a separate electrical circuit for your tool. This circuit must not be less than a 12-gauge wire and should be protected with a 15A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line, make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

BATTERY & CHARGER SAFETY WARNINGS

Despite all of the safety precautions, caution must always be taken when handling batteries. The following points must be obeyed at all times to ensure safe use. Safe use can only be guaranteed if undamaged cells are used. Incorrect handling of the battery pack can cause cell damage.

• Avoid dangerous environments - Do not charge the battery pack in rain, snow or in damp or wet locations. Do not use the battery pack or charger in the presence of explosive atmospheres (gaseous fumes, dust or flammable materials) because sparks may be generated when inserting or removing the battery pack, which could lead to a fire.
• Charge in a well-ventilated area - Do not block the charger vents. Keep them clear to allow for proper ventilation. Do not allow smoking or open flames near a charging battery pack. Vented gases may explode.
  NOTE: The safe temperature range for the battery charging is 41ºF to 104ºF. Do not charge the battery outside in freezing weather; charge it at room temperature.
• Maintain charger cord - When unplugging the charger, pull the plug, not the cord, from the receptacle to reduce the risk of damage to the electrical plug and cord. Never carry the charger by its cord or yank it by the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Make sure the cord will not be stepped on, tripped over or subjected to damage or stress when the charger is in use. Do not use the charger with a damaged cord or plug. Replace a damaged charger immediately.
• Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary - Using the wrong, damaged or improperly wired extension cord poses a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, plug the charger into a properly wired 16 gauge or larger extension cord with the female plug matching the male plug on the charger. Make sure that the extension cord is in good electrical condition.
• Charger is rated for 120 volt AC only - The charger must be plugged into an appropriate receptacle.
• Use only recommended attachments - Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by WEN Products may result in risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.
• Unplug charger when not in use - Make sure to remove battery packs from unplugged chargers.
  
  To reduce the risk of electric shock, always unplug the charger before performing any cleaning or maintenance. Do not allow water to flow into the charger. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to reduce shock hazards.
• Do not burn or incinerate battery packs - Battery packs may explode, causing personal injury or damage. Toxic fumes and materials are created when battery packs are burned.
• Do not crush, drop or damage battery packs - Do not use the battery pack or charger if they have sustained a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or have been damaged in any way (i.e. pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on, etc.).
• Do not disassemble - Incorrect reassembly may pose a serious risk of electric shock, fire or exposure to toxic battery chemicals. If the battery or charger are damaged, call WEN customer service at 1-800-232-1195 for assistance.
• Battery chemicals cause serious burns - Never let a damaged battery pack contact the skin, eyes or mouth. If a damaged battery pack leaks battery chemicals, use rubber or neoprene gloves to safely dispose of it. If skin is exposed to battery fluids, wash the affected area with soap and water and rinse with vinegar. If eyes are exposed to battery chemicals, immediately flush with water for 20 minutes and seek medical attention. Remove and dispose of contaminated clothing.
• Store your battery pack and charger in a cool, dry place - Do not store the battery pack or charger where temperatures may exceed 104ºF, such as in direct sunlight or inside a vehicle or metal building during the summer.
• Do not short circuit - A battery pack will short circuit if a metal object makes a connection between the positive and negative contacts on the battery pack. Do not place a battery pack near anything that may cause a short circuit, such as paper clips, coins, keys, screws, nails and other metallic objects. A short-circuited battery pack poses a risk of fire and severe personal injury.

ABOUT THE BATTERY

1. The battery pack has to be charged completely before you use the tool for the first time.
2. For optimum battery performance, avoid low discharge cycles by charging the battery pack frequently.
3. Lithium-ion batteries are subject to a natural aging process. The battery pack must be replaced at the latest when its capacity falls to just 80% of its capacity when new. Weakened cells in an aged battery pack are no longer capable of meeting the high power requirements needed for the proper operation of your tool, and therefore pose a safety risk.
4. Do not throw battery packs into an open fire as this poses a risk of explosion. Do not ignite the battery pack or expose it to fire.
5. Do not exhaustively discharge batteries. Exhaustive discharge will damage the battery cells. The most common cause of exhaustive discharge is lengthy storage or non-use of partially discharged batteries. Stop working as soon as the performance of the battery falls noticeably or the electronic protection system triggers. Place the battery pack in storage only after it has been fully charged.
6. Protect batteries and the tool from overloads. Overloads will quickly result in overheating and cell damage inside the battery housing even if this overheating is not apparent externally.
7. Avoid damage and shocks. Immediately replace batteries that have been dropped from a height of more than one meter or those that have been exposed to violent shocks, even if the housing of the battery pack appears to be undamaged. The battery cells inside the battery may have suffered serious damage. In such instances, please read the waste disposal information for proper battery disposal.
8. If the battery pack suffers overloading and overheating, the integrated protective cutoff will switch off the equipment for safety reasons.
9. Use only original battery packs. The use of other batteries poses a fire risk and may result in injuries or an explosion.

ABOUT THE CHARGER

Protect battery charger and cord from damage. Keep the charger and its cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.

Electrical plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded appliances. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce the risk of electric shock.

Keep the battery charger, battery pack(s), and the cordless tool out of the reach of children.

Do not use the supplied battery charger to charge other cordless tools.

During periods of heavy use, the battery pack will become warm. Allow the battery pack to cool to room temperature before inserting it into the charger to recharge.

Do not overcharge batteries. Do not exceed the maximum charging times. These charging times only apply to discharged batteries. Frequent insertion of a charged or partially charged battery pack will result in overcharging and cell damage. Do not leave battery in the charger for days on end.

Never use or charge a battery if you suspect that it has been more than 12 months since last time they were charged. There is a high probability that battery pack has already suffered dangerous damage (exhaustive discharge).

Do not use battery that have been exposed to heat during the charging process, as the battery cells may have suffered dangerous damage.

Do not use battery that have suffered curvature or deformation during the charging process or those that exhibit other atypical symptoms (gassing, hissing, cracking, etc.)

UNPACKING & PACKING LIST

UNPACKING

Carefully remove the portable band saw from the packaging and place it on a sturdy, flat surface. Make sure to take out all contents and accessories. Do not discard the packaging until everything is removed. Check the packing list below to make sure you have all of the parts and accessories. If any part is missing or broken, please contact customer service at 1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8-5 CST), or email techsupport@wenproducts.com.

KNOW YOUR PORTABLE BAND SAW

PORTABLE BAND SAW

Refer to the following diagrams to become familiarized with all the parts and controls of your portable band saw. The components will be referred to later in the manual for assembly and operation instructions.

ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS

To avoid injury from accidental startups, be sure that the tool is switched off and disconnected from the power supply before inspecting the unit, making adjustments, or changing accessories.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

The 20V battery pack for this tool is supplied in a low charge condition to prevent possible problems, and must be charged completely before you use the tool for the first time.

1. Connect charger to a 120V, 60Hz AC outlet. The green light on the charger will illuminate, indicating that the charger is powered.
2. Slide the battery all the way into the charger until it clicks. The red light on the charger will illuminate, indicating that the battery is charging.
   Charging Indication:
   • Solid Green: Ready to Charge
   • Solid Red: Charging
   • Solid Green: Charged
3. When the battery is charged, the red light will turn off and the green light will turn on. Remove the battery from the charger and unplug the charger from the power supply.

NOTE: Battery will not reach full charge the first time it is charged. Allow several cycles for the battery to fully charge. The battery pack may become warm while charging; this is normal. If the battery is hot after continuous use in the tool, allow it to cool to room temperature before charging. This will prolong the life of your battery.

The battery pack is equipped with three LED battery life indication lights. Press and hold the power button on the rear of the battery to check the battery's charge status.

Battery Life Indication:

• Three Lights: The battery is fully charged.
• Two Lights: The battery is about 60% charged.
• One Light: The battery is almost out of power and needs to be charged.

INSERTING AND REMOVING THE BATTERY

1. To install the battery, slide the battery pack into the battery port at the top of the band saw. Make sure the release latch on the rear side of the battery pack snaps into place and battery is secure before beginning operation.
2. To remove the battery pack, press the battery release latch on the front of the battery and pull the battery pack out.

ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS

INSTALLING SAW BLADE

Your band saw is designed to fit saw blades 44-7/8" long, 1/2" wide and 0.025" thick. Use the correct blade size suitable for the material being cut. A 10/14 TPI saw blade is included with your saw. Replacement blades can be ordered from wenproducts.com by searching the part number 94396B or BB4550.

Saw blades are sharp. Wear work gloves and safety goggles while handling the blades. Inspect blades for cracks and missing teeth before each use.

1. Turn the blade tensioning handle (Fig. 1 - 1) on the front side of your saw clockwise to release the blade tension.
   
2. Flip the saw over to the back side. Hold the saw blade with the blade teeth facing towards you, and insert it between the two sets of guide bearings (Fig. 2 - 1). Make sure the blade is fully seated between the guide bearings - the spine of the blade should be in contact with the rear thrust bearing.
   
3. Guide the blade around the two guide wheels and press it inwards. Make sure the blade fits evenly around the wheels.
4. Turn the tension handle (Fig. 1 - 1) counterclockwise all the way until the handle is tight. The blade is now properly tensioned.
5. Put on eye and hearing protection, and hold the tool away from your body. Plug in and run the tool with no load for a few minutes to inspect the blade and allow it to seat properly. Make sure the blade runs evenly and steadily around the guide wheels.

REMOVING THE BLADE

1. Make sure the saw is switched off and the battery is removed.
2. Turn tension handle (Fig. 3-1) clockwise to release blade tension.
   
3. Wearing work gloves and safety goggles, carefully slide the blade off the top of the guide wheels and remove it from guide bearings.

NOTE: If saw is not being used for a long time, release tension and remove saw blade before storage. This will prolong life of the blade.

WORK AREA & WORKPIECE SET UP

1. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit. Work area must not allow access by children or pets to prevent distraction and injury. Do not operate in wet environment or near flammable materials.
2. Use suitable detectors to find hidden utility lines or call the local utility company for assistance. Contact with electric lines can lead to fire or electrical shock; damaging a gas line can result in an explosion; penetrating a water pipe will cause property damage or an electrical shock.
3. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps (not included) to prevent movement while working. Do not work materials containing asbestos (asbestos is considered carcinogenic). Dust from material such as paint containing lead, some wood species, minerals and metal may be harmful (contact with or inhalation of the dust may cause allergic reactions and/or respiratory diseases to the operator or bystanders). Wear a dust mask and work with a dust extraction device to reduce the risk of personal injuries from saw dust.

OPERATION

OPERATING THE SAW

1. Hold the tool firmly with both hands on the insulated handles. With the workpiece secured, set the guide bar (Fig. 4 - 3) against the workpiece, keeping blade at a 90º angle to the workpiece.
   
2. Press the lock-off button, then the ON / OFF trigger (Fig. 4 - 1) to turn on the band saw. Use the speed dial (Fig. 4 - 2) to set the blade speed to a suitable value. The blade runs between 150 - 400 feet per minute. The LED light will automatically turn on and illuminate the cutting area.
3. Wait a few seconds to allow the blade to reach full speed before starting the cut.
   
   The blade is exposed on the underside of the saw; hold the band saw away from your body.
4. To start a cut, use minimal force to guide the blade into the workpiece to create a groove. Then, allow the rest of the blade to cut into the workpiece. Guide the tool to prevent blade from moving from side-to-side during cutting.
   NOTE: Do not apply too much force on the tool. The weight of the tool itself will create enough force to make the cut; let the tool do the work. Forcing or leaning on the tool may twist or break the blade, damaging the saw and possibly causing injury.
5. As you reach the end of your workpiece, finish off the cut by slowly raising the tool slightly, bringing the blade up and away from the workpiece. Be careful to keep your feet clear of where the cut-off piece will fall.
6. Turn off and wait for the blade to stop. Do not put the tool down until it has come to a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the surface and pull the tool out of your control. Remove the battery, clean, then store the tool indoors out of the reach of children.

ADJUSTING THE GUIDE BAR

The guide bar can be re-positioned as needed, depending on the cut at hand. To re-position the guide bar (Fig. 4 - 3):

1. Use a hex wrench to loosen the two flat-head screws (Fig. 4 - 4) on the face of the guide bar.
2. Slide the guide bar up or down as needed.
3. Tighten the screws using the hex wrench.

GUIDE BEARINGS AND TRACKING

The blade guide bearings, thrust bearings, and blade tracking are not adjustable. If your blade is getting off track, the blade tension may be incorrect, the blade may be dull, or there may be debris on the wheels. Adjust the blade tension using the tension lever, replace the blade if dull, or remove the blade and clean off the saw if there is debris. Contact WEN customer service (1-800-232-1195, M-F 8-5 Central time, or techsupport@wenproducts.com) if trouble persists.

MAINTENANCE

To avoid accidents, make sure the power switch is in the OFF position and remove the battery before cleaning or performing any maintenance. Servicing of the tool must be performed by a qualified technician.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

1. Before each use, inspect the general condition of the tool. Check for loose hardware, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, and any other conditions that may affect its safe operation.
2. After every operation, use a vacuum to remove dust and chips from the tool and work area. Wipe the tool clean with a soft cloth. Make sure water does not get into the tool.
   
   Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents. Do not use any solvents or cleaning products that could damage the plastic parts.
3. Keep the ventilation openings free from dust and debris to prevent the motor from overheating.
4. Store the tool in a clean and dry place away from the reach of children.

NEED HELP? CONTACT US!

Have product questions? Need technical support? Please feel free to contact us:

1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST) | TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM